"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12) The list could be longer, of those in the body of Christ, who have spiritual gifts, that are to be used to accomplish a two-fold purpose. First-
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry." That is the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sharing the "good news" that Jesus is Savior, and Lord, and when one comes to Him for salvation, they will have it. It also involves ministering to the special needs, that people have in this world. Second-
"To edify the body of Christ" To build up the church, so that it can boldly and effectively be involved in ministry to the world. It bothers me that churches today do not have a sold grip on what the Lord's purpose is for them. They get so distracted and preoccupied with other things, that they lose site of what Jesus told us to do in His great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) And a lot of churches are closing, because of inner turmoil, and lack of interest. My challenge to us as Christians, is to really look at what we are about, and what we are to do, to further the kingdom of God here on earth. Right where we are, in our corner of this upside down world. GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 May 2014
Stock photo - Image ID: 100259349
www.freedigitalphotos.net
