Having A Continual Ministry
by Dr. John Tetsola

As Christians we are the spiritual temple of the Lord. We are the “naos,” meaning “the dwelling of God.” As a priestly generation of believers who house the Spirit of God, praise and worship should be established and set in order in our temples. Just as the Old Testament priests burned incense morning and evening according to the Law of Moses, as New Testament priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God, we also must have a continual ministry of worship and praise to God.

Setting the Worship of God in Order

So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required:

And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,

To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening…

1 Chronicles 16:37, 39-40a

David was committed to continual praise and worship. He set the worship of God in order as he appointed singers (Asaph and his brethren) to minister before the Tabernacle of David continually with songs of praise. And to ensure that ministry continued and never ceased, David appointed the priests to offer burnt offerings to the Lord continually, morning and evening. Sacrifice, worship, and praise was the around-the-clock service of David's attendants, and as New Testament priests, a continual ministry of praise and worship to God ought to be our constant and continual sacrifice.

When the LORD shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory.

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David…

Psalm 102:16; Acts 15:16a

Zion was the place where the Tabernacle of David was pitched, and it was also the place where the king’s palace was established. While Zion symbolizes the church as well as those who have the presence and glory of God upon them, it also refers to the pattern of worship, praise, and service that was established in the Tabernacle of David. Prophetically speaking, God is once again building the Tabernacle of David—the place of continual ministry and service to the Lord (Acts 15:16a). As believers of the new covenant of faith and grace, recognize the importance of being responsible and mature priests who maintain an ongoing and continual ministry before the Lord. See your calling not only as a privilege, but also as an awesome responsibility. And no matter what your ministry, cultivate a continual ministry of sacrifice, praise, and worship to the Lord.
 

by Dr. John A. Tetsola