Ministry Gifts
Last month we explored the spiritual gifts manifested by the Holy Spirit in those who have been baptized into one body. These spiritual gifts are needed by the body of Christ so that every need of the body is supplied. No one gift is better or more needed than any other. We need to recognize the gift(s) in us and in the body of believers in Christ. If we think we are of no value or worth, we are deceived.
We now have to see how these gifts work within the body of Christ. God is not a god of disorder (confusion) but of peace. (1 Cor 14:33) Believers, when they go to church, take their gifts, but the gifts must be manifested under the order of the church organization. This is why Paul takes so much time and effort in explaining the work of the Holy Spirit in uniting the body into one strong church and kingdom.
In the church God appoints, not man. What does this mean? God puts the call of position in man/woman’s heart. As men or women search to find how God means to use them in the body of Christ, they follow the Spirit’s direction in reading the word, in humbly submitting to spiritual authorities and recognition of heart felt desires until the positional calling is made clear.
We now have to see how these gifts work within the body of Christ. God is not a god of disorder (confusion) but of peace. (1 Cor 14:33) Believers, when they go to church, take their gifts, but the gifts must be manifested under the order of the church organization. This is why Paul takes so much time and effort in explaining the work of the Holy Spirit in uniting the body into one strong church and kingdom.
In the church God appoints, not man. What does this mean? God puts the call of position in man/woman’s heart. As men or women search to find how God means to use them in the body of Christ, they follow the Spirit’s direction in reading the word, in humbly submitting to spiritual authorities and recognition of heart felt desires until the positional calling is made clear.
Last month we explored the spiritual gifts manifested by the Holy Spirit in those who have been baptized into one body. These spiritual gifts are needed by the body of Christ so that every need of the body is supplied. No one gift is better or more needed than any other. We need to recognize the gift(s) in us and in the body of believers in Christ. If we think we are of no value or worth, we are deceived.
We now have to see how these gifts work within the body of Christ. God is not a god of disorder (confusion) but of peace. (1 Cor 14:33) Believers, when they go to church, take their gifts, but the gifts must be manifested under the order of the church organization. This is why Paul takes so much time and effort in explaining the work of the Holy Spirit in uniting the body into one strong church and kingdom. |
In the church God appoints, not man. What does this mean? God puts the call of position in man/woman’s heart. As men or women search to find how God means to use them in the body of Christ, they follow the Spirit’s direction in reading the word, in humbly submitting to spiritual authorities and recognition of heart felt desires until the positional calling is made clear.
The first position appointed is an apostle. There is much controversy over this position. Some believe that you had to have physically witnessed Jesus to be an apostle. Some believe that the time for apostles is past, but the definition of apostle seems to validate that an apostle is simply a delegate or messenger sent forth with orders and plan for establishing a body of believers in a certain geographical location and the gifting to bring them into maturity and unity with other believers. |
Secondly, there is the position of prophet. The Hebrew word for prophet is nabi, from a root word meaning “to bubble forth as from a fountain”. I find that very appropriate because prophets do “bubble forth” words from God to encourage, admonish and inspire. There are also times where they warn of future issues, but remember, they are not fortune tellers. They are supposed to give direction from God. They are not prophesying for money or recognition. Prophets should be humble and submitted to other prophets. There is a warning, however, regarding prophets. The Bible warns of false prophets in the end days. So, you definitely need discernment and a close relationship with the Holy Spirit to tell the good from bad. |
The last ministry gift is the one that churches want to “throw out with the bath water,” because the body doesn’t understand or is fearful of the gift. This gift, as well as any other, can be misused. Speaking in tongues was given at Pentecost and accompanied the infilling of the Holy Spirit for power to minister. Speaking in tongues in church is supposed to be followed by the interpretation of tongues so that people understand what is being said. If there is no one to interpret, then the one speaking must interpret their message. I personally feel, that if the rest of the ministry gifts are working correctly, you rarely will experience a message in tongues. Once again put on discernment to determine the truth.
These are the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit as written in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. They are all needed and are all important. So, as you go to church ask yourself, “What is my part of ministry?” We are not just called to set in a pew and call it done. You have spiritual gifts and a ministry calling.
Next month, Why isn’t pastor mentioned in the Bible?
KLN
These are the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit as written in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. They are all needed and are all important. So, as you go to church ask yourself, “What is my part of ministry?” We are not just called to set in a pew and call it done. You have spiritual gifts and a ministry calling.
Next month, Why isn’t pastor mentioned in the Bible?
KLN
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1;17
who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1;17