This Ministry 2 of 3

Brother Sparks emphasizes that our ministry, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:1, is rooted in the spiritual dispensation brought by Christ, contrasting it with the old covenant of the letter. He explains that the letter, represented by the law given to Moses, was glorious but temporary, fading away, and symbolized man’s inability to truly see or understand God's purpose. In contrast, the Spirit gives life, revealing the true glory of God through inward revelation and spiritual understanding. This new dispensation is characterized by the inward work of the Holy Spirit, which writes God's laws on our hearts, making us truly born from above, unlike the outward rituals of the old covenant. Brother Sparks highlights that the kingdom of God is now spiritual, not earthly or political, and the church is a living people in Christ, not an institution or denomination. The contrast between the two economies is vividly illustrated through Moses and the veil, symbolizing man’s spiritual blindness and the fading reflected glory. When the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is liberty and unveiled understanding, revealing the true meaning of God's Word. Our ministry, therefore, involves the inward work of the Spirit, leading to spiritual life, understanding, and the glory of Christ, which surpasses the fading glory of the old covenant.

Outline of Main Points

• Ministry is rooted in the new covenant of the Spirit, not the letter.

• The letter (law) was glorious but temporary; the Spirit gives life and eternal glory.

• Old dispensation: outward rituals, man’s inability to see spiritual truth, reflected glory fading.

• New dispensation: inward work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual birth, and inward revelation.

• The kingdom of God is spiritual, not earthly or political.

• The church is a people in Christ, not an institution or denomination.

• Moses and the veil symbolize man’s spiritual blindness; the Spirit removes the veil, revealing Christ’s glory.

• Our ministry involves the inward work of the Spirit, leading to spiritual understanding and divine life.