THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The new pastor wasn't at all like the former pastor. He didn't do the repairs and mowing around the church. Instead, he hired someone to do those things, giving him more time for study and visitation.
However, the additional cost concerned the deacons. The chairman approached the pastor and said, "Our previous pastor mowed the lawn himself. Have you considered that approach?"
The pastor answered, "Yes. And I asked him. But he said he didn't want to do it anymore."
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Col 1:25-29
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour , striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
KJV
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We Americans are so ingenious. We invent a holiday so we can celebrate labor by doing without it!
Paul felt that his "dispensation" (assignment or stewardship) from God was to make the "mystery" of Christ known "among the Gentiles." This "mystery" had been hidden in times past, but now was Divinely revealed through Christ our Lord. That "mystery" is "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Paul's "labour" was to "preach." The word "labour" means to intensely work, even to the point of fatigue. He went into cities and preached Jesus, as incarnate God, Who died on the cross for sinners, was resurrected and ascended, and is one day coming again. The word for preach is a word which means proclaim, call out, or invite.
The idea is that Jesus wants EVERYONE to come by repentance to salvation. Salvation is God's plan for ALL mankind. He does not offer an exclusive salvation meant only for a selected few. It is an all-inclusive salvation, meant for ANYONE who will repent and turn to Christ.
Paul attended his "labour" diligently "warning EVERY man" in order to present them "perfect in Christ Jesus."
This should be the "dispensation" (assignment or stewardship) of every Christian.
We are "witnesses" of His glorious salvation. And we are "disciples" - committed students of His Word. Therefore, we should be laboring to help others know this wonderful "mystery" that is revealed in Christ.
Without Christ, there is hope only of the grave.
But with Christ, there is "hope of glory!"
I'm afraid too many Christians are inventing holidays everyday, to do without the labor of Christ.
Let me encourage you to make this "dispensation" a part of your daily labor.
And may I encourage you to intensify your efforts, even to the point of fatigue.
Love ya,
Bruce