A proof is defined as follows: A convincing or persuasive demonstration. With this definition understood I wanted to bring about the discussion regarding Ministry proofs..., The question becomes how is a ministry proven . I find this to be a great topic because a proof can be used to separate truth from error and false from what is real and the counterfeit from what is genuine.
1 John 4:1
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
There are literally thousands of ministries that claim to be servants of GOD. It is big business, the world has seen the church as a cash cow. The Christian's good hearted giving nature is often the merchandise that is coveted after and sold through manipulative schemes from one so-called ministry to another..
Herein lies the necessity to prove these organizations legitimacy through what I might describe as a spiritual litmus test. We must validate or prove those ministries that come into our sphere of influence.
Let us get an example of a Spiritual proof:
John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].
Jesus gave a convincing or persuasive demonstration of who He was by the miracles He performed among the people.. Jesus did not have a Theology degree or any worldly credentials.. His proof, His Credentials for ministry stood up and became evident in His deeds.
John 7:14
But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach.
John 7:15
The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?"
Very little has changed today, most people rely on degrees rather than proofs. In many cases a church will not even consider you for a ministry position without a college degree no matter how much evidence is available to them that you have been indeed called by GOD.
No I am not against education. I am against educated men or women who overlook the proof and instead trust in a piece of paper .
Did you realize that based on these standards Jesus Himself would not be able to preach in many churches in America... this indeed is a very disheartening fact.
When we ignore proof , we ignore knowledge and when we ignore knowledge we become vulnerable to deception and error .. Our error can mean separation from GOD.
Mark 3:29
but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--
Let me say this , listen if you witness a miracle performed by GOD and you say that is NOT GOD... Ahhh, you have just committed blaspheme..!!!! GOD paid you a visit and you said you are not GOD. ... where else do you go when you do not recognize your only hope for salvation. He came personally to show Himself to you, I am not going to suger coat it for you ...there is nothing else He can do for you now.
Jesus performed His proofs through the agency of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit today is the only true credential for ministry , Without the Holy Spirit men's hearts are not convicted, without the Holy Spirit no miracles are performed.
That's why Jesus declared signs will follow those who believe, Jesus was saying proofs that they have been sent by me will follow those who believe:
Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Deny this and you have denied GOD HIMSELF!!!
Rom 8:9
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].
Because the church has been so corrupted and defiled, through the adoption of a wordily value system, appearances have often taken precedent over genuine service to GOD. That is primarily why we see little demonstration of both GOD's power and Authority in church meetings or services. Often we seeor witness a show of Godliness but a denial or absence of the power of GOD in ministry. Let me make it plain its all show and fancy talk with NO PROOF.
2 Tim 3:5
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
A true minister coming from GOD will be clear because of what is presented before you in thierservice to GOD. And their presentation will be the Word accompanied by both power and authority.
1 Thess 1:5
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."
Yes servants of GOD come with proof...!!!!
