Intro: There are many misconceptions about the nature of ministry in the culture and in the church. For instance, some people believe that a pastor a just opens up the Bible on Sunday and gives a message. Let me ask a question, how many hours of preparation does it take for a pastor to prepare a message? Another misconception is that the pastor is the professional and is paid to do all the ministry. Because of this misconception, the rate of pastoral burnout and dropout remains alarmingly high. There is another serious misconception in the modern evangelical church in America. Somehow we think that when a Christ follower enters in a ministry, it will be without challenges. The result of this misconception is, again, disappointment, disillusionment, burnout, and dropout. So, this morning, I want to ask are we ready for the challenges of ministry? In this passage today, Dr. Like give us realistic insights into some of the challenges of ministry as faced by the Apostle Paul.  Can This Change of Heart Be Real? v.19-22; 26-28People who know us know what we were like before we trusted ChristSome people may be suspicious if this change is realSome other Christ followers might be suspiciousSelf-righteous people will be suspiciousGod will send affirmations of a new heart, new life, and new purposeBarnabas, the encourager, vouched for PaulGod will send encouragers into our lives as we are faithful and obedient to His callingThe Gospel is a Threat to Pride, Power, and Position v. 23-25; v.29The Gospel demands the breaking of pride and self-righteousnessWe all have a choice to make when we are confronted with the gospel of Jesus ChristThe gospel is good news for those who humble themselves and repent of sin and put their trust in ChristFor those who refuse to repent, it becomes a repugnant message they will either ignore or try to suppress.Discredit the messageDiscredit the messengerKill the messengerWe Need to Stay True to the gospel of Jesus Christ No Matter What v. 25;29-31Stay the course, no matter what!What do we do when we feel discouraged and want to give up ministry?Keep prayingKeep worshipingKeep being part of a churchKeep participating in biblical discipleship groupsKeep on ministering to people and trust the results to GodWe need to continue to encourage one another because ministry will have its challengesA phone callA noteA blessingA prayerA brother/sister in the Lord to walk along side Closing: