THE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GIFTS FOR THE CHURCH. CHAPTER 4)

PASTORS:

Pastors are those individuals whose calling and ministry gifts cause them to devote themselves to shepherd,oversee and care for the spiritual needs of a local congregation.In the NT they are also called "elders"(Ac20:17;Tit1:5)and "overseers"(1Ti3:1;Tit1:7).

PASTOR PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD.

1) The task of pastors is to help believers grow up in to Christ the head(Eph4:15-16) by teaching god's word and exercising spiritual leadership in the local church(1Th5:12;1Ti3:1-3); be an example of purity and sound doctrine(Tit2:7-8);and see to it that all  believers remain in god's grace(Heb12:15;13:17;1Pe5:2).Their task described in Ac20:28-31 as safeguarding apostolic truth god's flock by watching out for false doctrine and false teachers within the church.Pastor function as shepherd of which JESUS as the good shepherd is a model(Jn10:11-16;1Pe2:25;5:2-4).

2) The NT pattern shows a plurality of pastors directing the spiritual life of a local church(Ac20:28;php1:1).Pastors were chosen,not through politics,but through the spirit's wisdom given to the body as it examined the candidate's spiritual 
qualifications.

PASTOR PRAYING FOR THE CONGREGATION.

3) Pastor are essential to god's purpose fro his church.The church that fails to select godly and faithful pastors will cease to be governed according  to the mind of the spirit(1Ti3:1-7).It will be a church left open to the destructive  forces of Satan and the world(Ac20:28-31).The preaching of the word will be distorted and the standards of the gospel lost(2Ti1:13-14).Members and families of the church will not be cared for according to god's purpose(1Ti4:6,12-16;6:20-21).Many will turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths(2Ti4:4).On the other hand,if godly Pastors are appointed,believers  will be nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine and disciplined for the purpose of godliness(1Ti4:6-7),the church will be taught to persevere in the teaching of Christ and the apostles and thus ensure salvation for itself and those who hear(1Ti4:16;2Ti2:2).

JESUS  ONE AND UNIQUE SHEPHERD OF THE CHRISTIAN KINGDOM.

Dear Readers:

Please do share your knowledge with me in the work of a  pastor.Thank you,and GOD bless.

THE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GIFTS FOR THE CHURCH. CHAPTER 3)

EVANGELISTS:

In the  NT , Evangelist were those GOD-called individuals who like Philip in Acts8,were especially gifted,anointed and commissioned to proclaim the gospel(GOOD NEWS) of Christ and his kingdom to cities and unsaved individuals so as to awaken faith(Ac8:4-40).When proclaimed,the gospel always carries with it the offer and power of salvation(Ro1:16-17).

I)The ministry of   Philip "the Evangelist"(Ac21:8) gives a clear picture of the work of an Evangelist according to the NT pattern.

• Philip preached the gospel of Christ(Ac8:4-5,35).
• Many were saved and baptized with water(Ac8:6,12).
• Singes,miracles,healings and deliverances from evil spirits accompanied his preaching(Ac8:6-7,13).
• He wanted new convert to be filled with  the Holy Spirit(Ac8:12-17;2:38;19:1-6).

II) The evangelist is essential to God's purpose for the church.The church that fails to support the ministry of the evangelist and maintains an earnest love for the lost will proclaim the message of salvation with convicting and saving power(Ac2:14-41).

EVANGELISTS

THE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GIFTS FOR THE CHURCH. CHAPTER 2)

PROPHETS:

Prophets in the NT were those Spiritual leaders who were uniquely gifted in receiving and communicating direct revelation from GOD by the holy spirit.One of their main concerns was  the spiritual life and  purity of the church under the new covenant they were raised up and empowered by the Holy spirit to bring a message from GOD to his people(Ac2:17).

APOSTLES PETER AND JOHN HEALS A LAME MAN.

I)  OT prophets are foundational for understanding the prophetic ministry in the early church.Their primary task was to speak a word of GOD by the spirit in order to encourage God's people to remain faithful to their covenant relationship.They also, at times,predicted the future as the spirit revealed it to them.Christ and the apostles serve as examples of the OT ideal(Ac3:22-23;13:1-2)

II) Prophets functioned within the NT church in the following ways:

1.  They are spirit filled proclaimers of the word of GOD, called by GOD to warn, exhort, comfort and edify(Ac2:14-36;3:12-26;1Co12:10;14:3)
2.  They are to exercise the gift of prophecy(see post on 'SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR BELIEVERS').
3.  They were at times seers(1Ch29:29)who foretold the future(Ac11:28;21:10-11).
4. Like the OT prophets,the NT prophets were called to expose sin,proclaim righteousness, warn of judgement to come,and combat worldliness and lukewarmness among God's people(Lk1:14-17).Because of their message of righteousness,prophets and their ministry can expect rejection by many in the churches during times of lukewarmness and apostasy.

III) The prophets' character,burden,desire and ability include:

1.  A zeal for church purity(Jn17:15-17;1Co6:9-11;Gal5:22-25).
2. A deep sensitivity to evil and the capacity to identify unrighteousness(Ro12:9;Heb1:9).
3. A keen understanding of the danger of false teachings(Mt7:15,24;Gal1:9;2Co11:12-15).
4. An inherent dependence on God's word to validate the prophet's message(Lk4:17-19;1Co15:3-4;2Ti3:16).
5. A concern for the spiritual success of GOD 's feelings(Mt21:11-13;23:37;Lk13:34;Jn2:14-17;Ac20:27-31).

IV) The NT prophets' messages and prophecy were not to be regarded as infallible.Their prophecy  was subject to the evaluation of the church,other prophets and God's word.The congregation was required to discern and test whether their witness is from GOD(1Co14:29-33;1Jn4:1).

V) Prophets continue to be essential to God's purpose for the  church.A church that rejects God's prophets will decline in spiritual discernment and drift towards worldliness and the  compromise of Biblical truth(1Co14/3;Mt23:31-32;Lk11:49;Ac7:51-52).If  prophets are not allowed to bring words of rebuke and warning,as well as encouragement,words prompted by the spirit,words exposing sin and unrighteousness(Jn16:8-11), as well as comfort,then the church will become a place of  where the voice of the spirit is stifled or muted.Ecclesiastical politics and worldly power Will replace the spirit(2Ti3:1-9;4:3-5;2Pe2:1-3,12-22).On the other hand,if the church, with its leaders,hears the voice of the prophets, it will be moved to renewed life and fellowship with Christ,sin will be forsaken,and the spirits presence will be evident among the faithful(1Co14:3;1Th5:19-21;Rev3:20-22). 
 

Prophet AMOS.

THE SLAUGHTER  OF BAALS PROPHETS BY PROPHET ELIJAH.

DEAR READERS:

Please do share your spiritual knowledge with me about  the offfice of a prophet of GOD.

THE MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GIFTS FOR THE CHURCH. CHAPTER 1)

Eph4: 8This is why itsays:“When he ascended on high,

he took many captives

and gave gifts to his people.”.....

11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ...

THE  GIVER:
list  the ascension gifts of Christ ( Eph 4:8,10).Which are the  gifted ministers of GOD(called"Spiritual leaders") whom Christ has given to his church subsequent to his ascension.Paul states that Christ gave those gifts.
1) For preparing God's people for works of service (Eph4:12).
2)For the spiritual growth of the body of Christ as GOD intended (Eph4:13-16).

THE 12  APOSTLES of JESUS.

THE APOSTLE:  The word "Apostle"  is applied to certain leaders in the NT.The  noun apostolos, derived from the verb "Apostello " "to send" generally refers to individuals specifically "called commissioned" and  given authority by the lord JESUS Christ to be his representatives in proclaiming the gospel and establishing the church.

• The title is used of JESUS himself(Heb 3:1).
• The twelve disciples(Mt10:2).
• Paul(Ro1:1;2Co1:1;Gal1:1).
• And others(Ac14:4,14;Ro16:7;Gal1:19;2:8-9;1Th2:6-7). 

I) APOSTLE IN A UNIQUE SENSE:
a) The term "Apostle" is used in a very special  sense to .identify those qualified to bear spirit- inspired witness to Christ.These are the men JESUS personally called and commissioned to be leaders for the sake of his church.The twelve are a unique company  whose names will be inscribed to the twelve foundation stones of the new Jerusalem(Rev21:14).

b) Still other apostles are mentioned in the NT who possessed special authority within the church,such as: 

• Paul(Gal1:19;2:7-8;1Co15:9).
• Barnabas(Ac 14:4,14).
• James the half brother of JESUS(Gal1:19;2:9;1Co15:7).
• It is not clear whether Silas(1Th1:1;2:1,6-7),Andronicus and Junias(Ro16:7) or others belonged  in this  level of apostleship.

Apostle in the first century were mentored by JESUS, were closely associated with eye witness(Ac1:21-22) or had a personal post resurrection encounter with JESUS(1Co15:7-9).The uniqueness of some first century apostle lay in their calling to write Scriptures, the NT Scriptures being recognized as the same authority as the OT Scriptures (2Pe3:16).

II)  APOSTLE IN A GENERAL SENSE:

a) The term "Apostle" was used in the NT in a non-technical general sense to identify commissioned representatives of a church,such as a messenger appointed and sent as a missionary or for some other special responsibility(Ro16:7;2Co8:23;Php2:25).
Apostle in this general sense remain essential to fulfilling God's purpose in the church.If the church ceases to have spirit-filled apostolic leaders who point the way in spreading the gospel to the world,it's spiritual and numerical growth will be stunted.On the other hand as long as the church recognizes Christ's gifts and callings by releasing such leaders as church planters at home and for the nations,the church will fulfill it's mission and remain faithful to the lord's Great Commission.

commissioned representatives of a church.

III) A very important distinction in the use of the term "APOSTLES":
a) Some of the original first century Apostles were uniquely commissioned to write Scripture,and therefore must be carefully distinguished from all Christian leaders who have  followed them.The 27 books of  the NT called the "APOSTOLIC DEPOSIT" stand apart from all other christian literature.It safeguards the integrity of christian teaching in all subsequent ages.To reject the inspired revelation of NT apostolic truth is to cease being a church according to the biblical pattern and is to reject  the LORD him self(Jn16:12-15;1Co14,36-38;Gal1:9-11).And on the other hand,to believe the NT Apostolic message,obey it and guard it against all distortion is to remain true to the Holy Spirit(Ac20:28;2Ti1:14)and to guarantee God's continued blessing and presence within the church(see Eph2:20).All theology  experience and practice,and all spiritual manifestation must  be  evaluated in the light of Scripture.

APOSTOLIC DEPOSIT

b) At the same time,it is clear that certain aspects of the NT Apostolic leadership were intended to continue throughout the  history of the church(see Eph4:11-13). To insure that the uniqueness of the first century Apostles and their authority to write scripture are safeguarded,and at the same time encourage the  recognition of the Apostolic ministries in the church today, it may be helpful to use terminology like "Apostolic" leaders or functions rather than "The office of Apostle" at this point in history.In effect, this discourages a misuse of the title of Apostle that often times opens the door to serious abuses,on the other hand, it recognizes the place and importance of apostolic functions and Biblical services associated with pioneer ministries.

c) In connection with( Eph4:11-13), the conjunction "until"  (Eph4 :13) indicates that all  the five fold leadership ministry gifts(including the apostolic ministry) continue to be essential for bringing the corporate body of Christ worldwide to the level of mature fullness in  and for Christ as is described in (Eph4:13). 
                                                                  
                                                       Eph4: 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.





Dear Readers
Do you have any other knowledge about the work of the Apostolic ministry? Pls share your knowledge with me.

THE ANCIENT CITY OF GALATIA (Days of apostle paul).

THE ANCIENT CITY OF GALATIA:

Before  i began my writing, i suppose to make this 6th post my 4th after "the fruit of the spirit", taken from the NT "Books of Galatians".Beloved readers, i hope you do follow me up as we take a journey into the ancient city of the Galatians called Galatia.

The  book of  Galatians was actually an epistle written by Apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia (Gal 1:2).The Galatians were the Gauls in northern Galatia ,it is more likely that Paul wrote this letter to cities in the southern region of the province of Galatia (pisdian Antioch,Iconium,Lystra,Derbe), where he and Barnabas evangelized and established churches during their first missionary journey(Ac 13-14).The most satisfactory date for writing is shortly after Paul returned to his sending church in Antioch of Syria and just prior to the Jerusalem council (Ac 15).

The main issue in Galatians is the same one debated and resolved at Jerusalem (c.A.D 49) (Ac 15);the main issue involves a twofold question:

1. Is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as savior and lord the only prerequisite for salvation?
2. Or is obedience to certain OT Jewish practices and laws required in order to gain salvation in Christ?

book of Galatians

It appears that Paul wrote Galatians before the law controversy was formally debated at Jerusalem and the official church position was pronounced.This would mean that Galatians was the first letter that Paul wrote to his new convert in Galatia.

Ancient Hoodoo -houses  Galatia.

Ancient Ruins - Pisidain  Antioch.

Dear Readers:

What else do you know about the ancient city of Galatia?

What else can you write you about the spiritual life of the Galatians in the ancient city?

Pls  share your knowledge with me. thanks

THE CITY OF CORINTH (Days of apostle paul & the 1st letter to the Corinthians)

Corinth, an ancient city of Greece, was in many ways the most prominent Greek metropolis of Paul's time, like many of today's prosperous city, Corinth was intellectually arrogant,materially affluent and morally corrupt,sin of every kind  flourished in this notoriously sensual city.

THE CORINTH RUIN.

In   conjunction with Deaconess Priscilla and Aquila (1Co16:19) and his own apostolic team (Ac18:5),Paul founded the Corinthian church during his eighteen month ministry at Corinth,during his second missionary journey (Ac18:1-17).The church was made up of some Jews but mostly of ex-pagan Gentiles.After Paul left the church at Corinth, a variety of problems arose in the young church, requiring his  apostolic authority and teaching.

The  first letter to the Corinthians was written during his 3 yrs ministry at Ephesus(Ac20:31).On his third missionary journey(Ac18:23;21:16)  report reached Paul at Ephesus about the problems at Corinth (1Co1:11);afterward a delegation from the Corinthian Congregation(1 Co16:17) delivered a letter to Paul, requesting  his instruction on a variety of issues (1Co7:1;8:1;12:1;16:1).In response to the report and the letter from Corinth, Paul  wrote this letter.

APOSTLE  PAUL Addressing  the issues of the Corinthians .


THE ANCIENT CORINTH:

WALL  ANCIENT FORTRESS OLD CITY WALL

RUIN TEMPLE OF APOLLOS CORINTH.

DEAR READERS/ VIEWERS 

DO   you   know any other spiritual knowledge about the ancient city of Corinth?

Do  you have any understanding about  the Spiritual moral and climate of the Corinthians during that period of apostle Paul? 

Please do share your knowledge with me.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR BELIEVERS

What is Spiritual gifts?

The Spiritual gifts in 1Co12:7-11 are supernatural manifestation of the holy spirit given directly to believers.

The purpose of Spiritual Gifts:Spiritual Gifts are main to strenghten the church and the individual (Strengthening Gk Oikodomeo means to promote Spiritual life,maturity in the Spirit and Godly character in believer).It is a work of the Holy Spirit put in action through believers,by which believers are increasingly Spiritually transformed in order that they not be conformed to this world(Ro12:2-8).But may built up in sanctification,love for GOD,concern for others,purity of heart,a good conscience and a sincere faith.The manifestation of Spiritual gifts:

• These Spiritual gifts are not the same as the gifts and ministries mentioned in (Ro12:6-8) and (Eph4:11) whereby a believer receives the power and ability to minister in a more permanent manner in the church.

• The list in (1Co12:8-10) is not necessarily exhaustive,and the gifts may occur in various combinations& situations.

• The manifestations of the spirit are given according to the Spirit's will (1Co12:11)when need arises and according to the believers eager desire.

• Some gifts or manifestation of the Spirit occur through some individuals on a regular bases,and a believer may have more than one gifts to minister to others.The believer ought to desire "Gifts" not just one gift (1Co 12:31,14:1).

What we must know about "Spiritual Gifts":

1. It is unscriptuaral and unwise to assume that because someone exercise a spectacular gift,that person is more spiritual than one who characteristically operates in less spectacular gifts.
2. Furthermore,possessing a gift does not mean that GOD approves of all a person does or teaches.
3. Spiritual gifts must not be confused with the fruit of the spirit,which relates more to christian character and sanctification(Gal5:22-23).
4. The Spirit manifestation through gifts maybe counterfeited by Satan or false worker disguising themselves as servants of Christ(Mt7:21-23,24:11&24;2Co11:13-15;2Th2:8-10).The believers must not believe every spiritual manifestation,but ought to "test the Spirit manifestation  to see  whether they are from GOD,because many false prophet have gone out into the world"(1Jn4:11;1Th5:20-21).

1Co12:7-11
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,and to still another the interpretation of tongues.11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

 These are the lists of Spiritual gifts, that the holy spirit gives to believers:

1) Message of wisdom:This is a wise utterance spoken through the operation of the Holy spirit.It applies the revelation of GOD's word or the Holy spirit's wisdom to a specific situation or problem(Act6:10,15:13-22).It is not , however the same as having  the wisdom of GOD for daily living.The later is obtained by diligent study and meditation on GOD's word,and by prayer.

Message of Wisdom

 2) Message of Knowledge:  This is an utterance inspired by the holy spirit that reveals knowledge about people,circumstances or biblical truth.His often connected closely   with prophecy.(Ac5:1-10,10:47-48,15:7-11;1Co14:24-25).

Message of knowledge

3) Faith: This is not saving faith, but a special supernatural faith imparted by the holy spirit that enables the christian to believe GOD for the extraordinary and miraculous.It is a faith that moves mountain(1Co13:2) and is often found in combination with other manifestation such as healing and miracles(see Mt 17:20;Mk11:22-24;Lk17:6).

Supernatural Faith

4) Gifts of  healing: These  gifts are given to the  church to restore  physical health by supernatural means(Mt4:23-25,10:1;Ac3:6-8,4:30).The  plural (gifts) indicates healing of various illness and  suggest that every act of it is a special gift of GOD.Although gifts of healing are not given to every member of the body in a special way(1Co12:11,30),all member may pray for the sick.When faith is present, the sick will be healed.Healing may also come as a results of obedience to the instruction of (jas5:14-16).

Gifts of Healing

5) Miraculous powers: These are deeds of supernatural power that alter the normal course of nature.they include divine acts in which GOD's kingdom is  manifested against Satan and evil spirits.

Miraculous Powers

6) Prophecy: We must  distinguish between  prophecy  as  a temporary  manifestation of the spirit (1Co 12:10) and  prophecy as a  ministry gift of the church (Eph4:11).
As a ministry gift:Prophecy is given only  to some  believers, who must function as a prophet within the church.
As a  Spiritual manifestation: Prophecy is potentially available to every spirit  filled christian (Ac2:17-18).
What we must know about prophecy as a spiritual manifestation:

Prophecy

a)Prophecy is  a  special gift that enables a believer to bring a word of revelation directly  from GOD under the impulse of the Holy spirit (1Co14:24-25,29-31),it is not the delivery of a previously prepared sermon.

b)In both the OT and the NT, prophecy is not primarily foretelling the future, but proclaiming GOD's will and extorting,but encouraging GOD's people to righteousness, faithfulness and endurance(1Co14:3).

c)The message may expose the condition of a person's heart (1Co14:25) or offer strenghten, encouragement,comfort, warning and judgement(1Co14:3,25-26,31).

d)The Church must not assume that prophecy is an infallible message, as there can be a sincere mixture of the human messenger in the message,or there can be an insincere false prophecy meant to impress others or deceive(1Jn4:1).Therefore,all prophecy  must be tested for genuineness and truth (1Co 14:29,32;1Th5:20-21),by asking whether it conforms  to GOD's word (1Jn4:1), whether it promotes Godly living(1Ti6:3),and whether it is uttered  by one who is sincerely living under Christ's lordship(1Co12:3).

e)Prophecy operates under GOD's will and not the will of human.The NT does not explicitly describe the church actively seeking revelation  or direction from those claiming to be prophet.Prophecy  was given to the church when GOD  initiated  the message(1Co12:11;2Pe1:21).

7) Distinguishing between Spirits: This gift is a special spirit-given ability to properly discern evil spirits and to distinguish whether or not an utterance is from the Holy Spirit(1Co14:29;Jn4:1).Towards the end of the  age when false teachers(Mt24:5)."the spirit of falsehood"(1Jn4:6) and deceiving spirits will greatly increase(1Ti14:1),this gift will be extremely  important for the church.

Distinguishing between Spirit.

8) Speaking in different kinds of tongues:  Concerning "tongues"(Gk glossa,meaning language)as a  supernatural manifestation of the spirit,the following must be noted:
a)Tongues may be an existing spoken language(Ac2:4-6),a language unknown on earth,ex "Tongues... of angels"(1Co13:1) such speech has not been learned and is often unintelligible both to the  speaker(1Co12:14:14) and to the hearers (1 Co12:14:6). 

Different kinds of Tongues.

b)Speaking in tongues involves the human  spirit and the spirit of GOD intermingling so that the believer communicates directly to GOD ( That is in prayer, praise,blessing, or Thanksgiving),giving  expression or utterance at the level of one's spirit rather than the mind(1Co14:2,14) and praying for oneself or others under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit  apart from the activity of the mind(1Co14:2,4,15,28;jude20).

c)Tongues in the congregation must be accompanied by the spirit-given interpretation,n that communicates the content and meaning of the utterance to the community of the believers(1Co14:3,27-28).It may contain a revelation,knowledge,prophecy or teaching for the assembly(1Co14:6).

d)Speaking in tongues within the congregation must be regulated.the speaker may never be in "Ecstasy"  or "Out of control"  (1Co14:27-28).

9) Interpretation of tongues: This is the spirit -given ability to understand and communicate the meaning of an utterance spoken in tongues.When interpreted for  the congregation,tongues function either as a directive to worship and prayer or as prophecy.The body of believer,can then participate in this spirit inspired revelation.Interpreted tongues can thus be a means of edification as the whole congregation responds to the utterance(1Co12:14,6,13).The gift may be given  to the one  who speaks in tongues or to someone else.Those who speaks in tongues should pray also for the gift of interpretation(1Co14:13).

Interpretation of tongues.