SAINTS AT WORK – Pastor Chris
Thursday, July 22, 2021
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry… (Ephesians 4:11-12).
God’s idea and expectation isn’t just for some of us to be effective in the work of the ministry, while some others in the Church are spectators. The work of the ministry is for every Christian. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:18, _“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and HATH GIVEN TO US the ministry of reconciliation.”
Notice the underlined: God gave US—not just the apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors—the ministry of reconciliation! No one is left out in this. His purpose in teaching us His Word is for us to be raised to live the Kingdom life; to subdue this world and establish His righteousness in the earth and in the hearts of men.
As we carry out the work of the ministry, the world will wonder at the life of glory, success, victory and prosperity exuding from us. This is because we’re His ambassadors; the light in the midst of darkness. This is the time for those around you who don’t have the divine life to wonder whether you’re an angel, as you minister the Gospel to them in such power and demonstration of the supernatural. They said the same of Stephen in Bible days (Read Acts 6:15).
The preceding verse 5 says Stephen was a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost; he was neither an apostle nor a prophet. He was made a Deacon in the early Church, being full of faith and power and the wisdom of God.
This is your time to shine ever so brightly with the light of the Gospel, bringing men and women into the Kingdom. Everywhere you are, let men see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven. As the Bible says, “…the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3). In other words, as you manifest Christ everywhere, bearing the truth of His glorious Gospel, they’ll turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Hallelujah!
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CONFESSION:
I’m Christ’s ambassador, the bearer of His truth and conveyor of eternal life. Through me, the light of His glorious Gospel is manifest, and His glory is revealed and men are turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
1 Peter 2:9 AMPC But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 27:27-44 & Psalms 23-25
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:10-24 & Joshua 19
