The Struggle Is Real
Maturing In Life And Ministry
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
STUCK
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” (John 5:8)
Some of us have learned to live with a bad situation. It is in these stagnant circumstances we become immune to true spiritual freedom, deliverance and protection. Stuck at the gate; stuck at the pool; stuck in an ungodly relationship; in an abusive relationship; stuck in sexual sin, etc. Stuck while in effect waiting for someone else to show up and do something to help us. To be stuck is to be trapped, having difficulty, without remedy or answers. Believers must understand that trials are inevitable and temptations are common but all work for our ultimate good and God’s glory. We are going to go through: either with God or without Him.
Stuck at the gate: Acts 3:1-11
Stuck at the pool: John 5:1-15
Stuck because of a satanic attack: Luke 13:10-13
Our best bet is to always put our trust in the Lord and not in mankind. People will let us down because they are not perfect and need divine help, just like you and me. If you are stuck in any area of your life – God desires to bring you out! He wants to move us past this place of repetitive cycling: doing the same things and getting the same unfruitful results.
The good news is you don’t have to remain stuck! It’s time for us to get delivered – and let the Holy Ghost cast your scapegoat down the hill (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). God teaches us that we are responsible for our words, actions and are held accountable for them. It’s time out for excuses and shifting the blame. Accept responsibility for your own actions and confess them to the Lord. Jesus took care of our sin on the cross of Calvary and gave us the power of a new life through the resurrection. John 5:24… “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Stuck in sin and condemned by others: John 8:3-11
Consider this, if we believe that a good performance reflects one’s value and failure makes someone unacceptable and undeserving of love- then we usually feel justified in condemning ourselves, and others who fail. Self-justification, self-condemnation, self-righteousness and selfishness fall under the category of “excuses.”
John 5:8… “Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”
• To “rise” symbolizes spiritual healing (salvation- by faith in Jesus).
• To “take up” symbolizes a break with the past (pick up your bed). Remember we cannot see Jesus clearly when we continue looking back (John 18:4-11; 20:11-18).
• To “walk” symbolizes Christian growth (in all areas of your life; live in the Spirit and not according to the flesh).
Maturing in life and ministry.
The choice is either to stay stuck, or believe and obey God’s Word! We need patience to endure in this life and the discernment to avoid the snares bondage. It’s the kind of patience that grows through trial, and perfects Christian character (James 1:3-4; Romans 12:12). Remember you are not going through hardships for yourself; it’s also for someone else’s consolation. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The Struggle Is Real: Maturing in Life and Ministry, Bishop Anthony Clark’s compilation of spiritually provocative, biblically-sound sermons provide a wealth of encouragement and spiritual insight into the issues facing the Body of Christ and our society in general. This book is an excellent study guide for ministers and laymen alike. Each sermon offers practical and revelatory teaching in a manner that is methodical yet passionate. Bishop Clark’s book brings to life the Scripture in 2 Peter 3:1–2: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.”
—Dr. Tara Phelps-Jones, associate pastor, O’Fallon Apostolic Assembly, O’Fallon, Illinois
About the Author
Anthony Clark is a president/founder of a leadership ministry and has been involved in Bible teaching, planting churches, training, and ordaining ministry leaders. His education and life experience awarded him a degree in practical ministry and biblical counseling. Anthony has a background in television and live radio evangelism, faith-based film acting, and community service. He is also the author of the book entitled, "Chronicles of Hope: Wounded In Action."