UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

 

Ephesians 4:11-16

The church of God is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). It is the desire of God that the church matures into the fullness of Christ. In other words, God wants to see in us, the image of Christ Jesus.

Through the impartation of spiritual gifts, we operate in the fullness of the power of God, commanding the supernatural... It's quite good for us to note that, in order to fulfill our God-given purpose in life, we must operate in the supernatural. One of the ways we can achieve this is through spiritual gifts.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on His ascension to heaven, gave the church the five-fold ministry gifts, for the advancement of His Kingdom. These gifts had been given, but would only be activated by the Holy Spirit, on the day of Pentecost. Likewise, the gifts of God had been deposited within you, long before now. However, it will take the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to activate and to reveal to you, such spiritual endowment that you have been blessed with (1 Cor. 2:12).

THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY GIFTS ARE:

1. APOSTLES.

An apostle is a special messenger, one who has been sent specifically on a special assignment. Jesus is the Sent of the Father (Heb. 3:1). He sent us just as the Father had sent Him (John 17:18; 20:21). Apostles are called, commissioned and equipped thoroughly by the Lord, with power to heal the sick, to cast out devils and to bring down the kingdom of God into the hearts of men (Matt. 10:1-4). Apostles also lay spiritual foundations for others to build upon (1 Cor. 3:10; Eph. 2:20).

2. PROPHETS.

A prophet is one who proclaims the message of God (as revealed to him) to others. God will not do a thing without revealing His secrets to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). A prophet speaks the mind of God, he is God's spokesman, a voice for God in his generation. God uses His prophets to bring edification, exhortation and comfort to the church. (1Corinthians. 14: 3-4).

3. EVANGELISTS.

An evangelist is a publisher of glad tidings (Psalm 68:11; Isaiah 52:7). He is an itinerant preacher, with a God-given mandate to take the Gospel of salvation to different cities and parts of the world (Mark 16:15). They are missionaries, extending the frontiers of God's Kingdom to places yet unknown.

4.PASTORS.

 

A pastor is a shepherd, unto whom God commits flocks, that he might take care of them, guide them, feed them and nurture them (Matt. 24:45-46; Luke 12:42-43). Teed heed to yourself and to the flock over whom the Holy Spirit has made you overseer, to feed the church of God... (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Jesus said to Peter, '...feed My sheep'.

5. TEACHERS.

Teachers are like salt in the church of God. They serve the purpose of revealing to people and instructing them in the core values of the Kingdom of God (2 Chro. 3:15). Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a teacher receives understanding of the Scripture, and lays it bare before the people of God. A teacher is absolutely given to the study of the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).

The common responsibility of these ministers in the church, is to equip (perfect) the people of God for the work of the ministry and to build up (edify) the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).

THE PURPOSE:

That the church may come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of Christ.

That we may attain perfection whereby the fullness of Christ is revealed in us.

That we may speak the truth always, being entrenched in love, which is the nature of God (Eph. 4:13-15).

PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA

        Resident  Pastor

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