The 3 Elements / Types of Ministries found in Luke 10 by Gary Gravert

Team Ox Strong,
Pastor Anthony Nieuwsema did an amazing job coordinating with Gary and putting together this video and YouTube link. Much thanks and appreciation to both of them for providing us with this content. Below is the link and the notes from Gary’s challenge.
Our guest speaker this month is Gary Gravert https://my.fca.org/donation?name=garygravert.
You can find his 20 minute video challenge to us on our Home Page link to our “OX Strong on YouTube” site https://www.oxstrongmen.org/.
Gary took the time to break down the 3 elements, or types of ministries that can be found in Luke chapter 10.
The 3 Elements / Types of Ministries.

1. They were sent out in pairs…missions work. The need for someone to come alongside you for encouragement and sharpening.
   1. Let others know you’re praying for them. Better yet, ask if they mind if you pray with and for them right in that moment. This might take some getting out of your comfort zone, but practice makes for improvement.  
      Ephesians 1:16;  Philippians 1:3;  2 Thessalonians 1:11.
   2. The need for Jesus in the hallways…FCA provides opportunities that schools legally cannot.
   3. Intentionally get involved with disciples making disciples.
2. The Good Samaritan. Look for ways to minister and be prepared for when those moments arise 1 Peter 3:15.
   1. Unintentionally tending to those along His path.
      1. Pray that God will show you who you can reach out to today.
      2. Sometimes He’ll send them your way as well. Be willing to be interruptible, intentional, and also
   2. Be prepared.
      1. First impressions are very important.
      2. Plan and practice your “45 second elevator talk.” Can you fit the gospel into that timeframe? Do you have a plan of what you’d say? Here’s Gary’s 45 second gospel message.
         1. There is a God. Just look around at the creation. The complexity of our bodies DNA, etc. Sin broke that relationship with the Creator. Man can’t cure his own brokenness. God sent His Son to show us how to live and to prove to us that He wants that relationship cured, and wants us to know that He loves us. Christ died for His creation, was buried and then conquered death and that we too can conquer death and live an eternal life with Him.
         2. Stick to the truth.
            1. Jesus loves us.
            2. He longs for us to change our lives so that we can come closer and closer to Him. When we do that it just makes life better.
      3. God’s given each of us a platform. Your audience just wants a nice logical reason as to why you believe what you believe…see 1 Peter 3:15 above, along with Matthew 28:18-20 and Philippians 1:15-18.
3. Martha and Mary. Sit at His feet.
   1. Martha was busy working and complaining.
   2. Mary was doing what was most important…taking the time to just sit at Jesus’ feet and soak in everything about Him and His words.
      1. Are you spending time reflecting on who God is and what He’s done for you?
      2. What do you fill your time with? Does God have a timeslot on your crazy busy calendar? Do you spend time in His word? Reading spiritual articles? What steps do you have in place that are drawing you closer to the Lord? This quality time with Him will prepare you for those 45 second elevator talks.
         1. Teachers are learners as well.
            1. Your time learning and preparing will grow you spiritually whether or not someone comes to know Christ through your ministry, witness and testimony.
            2. Learn about God and yourself during your time alone with Him. Ask for a correct perspective of Him as you read about Him.
            3. Developing an intimate relationship with Christ in the reading of His word. Philippians 3:10 (ESV) “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”
   3. Consider what happened to their brother Lazarus.
      1. He died, but God raised him from the dead John 11:38-44.
      2. Compare that historical event with our present time in self-isolation/quarantine.
         1. How will you come out of it? Changed? Different? What’ll you find most important and desire to leave as a legacy? How will you take what you’ve been changed by and desire to share that with the life of another so they too can experience what you’ve experienced in Christ.

Gary’s closing prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I just want to thank You for Ox Strong. I want to thank You for strong men. Men who want to lead their families, and lead their businesses, and lead their lives for You. Lord, I pray that they have a strong effect on their children. I pray that they have a strong effect on their communities, and especially on their athletes…that sports stops being the idol that it has been for some, but starts being a vehicle for us to spread the word of the Good News – The Gospel…where Jesus Christ has come to this earth to love us, to die for us, and to set us free. Lord, I pray sincerely that all the men that are listening to this can feel your presence in their lives. And that that presence grows. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.
Advertisements/Resources:

• FCA’s virtual banquet…more information to come.
• Every Wednesday at 2 PM professional athletes are sharing their faith / some words of encouragement.
  • The Four is a recent example by Ben Watson…it really is the Gospel Message / his 45 second elevator talk with each of us https://www.facebook.com/fcafans/posts/10157021438838655.

Practicing His Presence,
Nate