If Present-Day Apostles Exist, How Do They Function?
|
|
- Gillian McCarthy
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 If Present-Day Apostles Exist, How Do They Function? Last week, we started talking about present-day apostles. If you didn t hear that podcast, I d advise you to listen to that first so that the session today makes sense. Our main text is Ephesians chapter four verses eleven through sixteen that tells us what happened after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scripture records that as He ascended he gave gifts to men: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teacher whose sole purpose is to equip Christfollowers to do ministry work. These five gifts are in contrast to the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit illuminated in I Corinthians. These gifts come from Jesus himself with one specific objective: bring the church to full maturity. As I pointed out last week, all five ministry gifts were given to the church after the resurrection. So the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers here clearly are separate from the original twelve. Because centuries of traditions have ignored or rejected the concept of present-day apostles, where do we begin in our quest to recapture God s intent towards His Church? The place to begin I believe is to understand the basic premise of Christian leadership. During the Last Supper, Jesus said something revolutionary. In Luke 22: we read: The apostles got into an argument about which one of them was the greatest. So Jesus told them: Foreign kings order their people around, and powerful rulers call themselves everyone s friends. But don t be like them. The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant. Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn t it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.
2 So what did Jesus tell these future church leaders? Forget about titles, amassing power or gaining respect and recognition. That is how the world leads. If you want to lead, become a slave to serving other believers. Pay attention to the needs of other brothers and sisters and position yourselves to serve them. That is how leadership is done in my Kingdom. I want you to notice that nothing is mentioned here about oratorical skills, adding a title to your name, or getting noticed. In fact, the Pharisees were all about getting noticed, respected and appreciated by the crowds. Jesus warned his apostles not to be like them. Many pastors mistakenly add the title, apostle to their business cards hoping to gain more respect or attention. They believe that their experience in ministry merits adding a new title to their name. This just adds more confusion to the discussion. Paul describes his work as an apostle in I Corinthians 4: 9-13: It seems to me that God has put us apostles in the worst possible place. We are like prisoners on their way to death. Angels and the people of this world just laugh at us. Because of Christ, we are thought of as fools, but Christ has made you wise. We are weak and hated, but you are powerful and respected. Even today we go hungry and thirsty and don t have anything to wear except rags. We are mistreated and don t have a place to live. We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient. When someone curses us, we answer with kind words. Until now we are thought of as nothing more than the trash and garbage of this world. In another reference, he describes himself using the analogy of a slave moving a ship forward by rowing. In ancient times, slaves were chained together below deck. Since there were no engines, slaves powered ships continually rowing with large oars. This back-breaking labor moved the vessel at whatever speed the captain required and if the ship went down in a battle, these slaves they lost their lives. Paul likens himself to this type of slave. Apostles are someone you don t often consider or think about who give their life to move the church forward.
3 In several places, Paul describes apostolic ministry as hard labor, suffering, and persecution. His analogies seem like a far cry from being continually honored at expensive dinners and lauded as a great speaker, doesn t it? Anyone called to apostolic work, if I read this correctly, should expect to suffer. To understand the gift of apostle or prophet or any of the five, I believe it is vital to view the church from God s perspective. Jesus is the Head of the Church. That means he is in charge. When he looks down at his church, he doesn t see First Assembly of God, Buzzards Bay Community Church or Liberty Baptist. He sees his body. If we could see his church as He does, we would not see all the fanfare, programs, buildings and potluck suppers. We would see people at various stages of spiritual development. Christ laid out a plan to bring his people to full maturity by sending forth 5 gifted ministries. All of us are familiar with pastors, evangelists, and teachers to some degree, but even then I do not believe we fully grasp the purpose for these vital ministries. All five gifted ministries were designed to complement each other and work in unison to equip Christ-followers to do ministry work. Practically speaking, how does that occur and where do we start? To borrow from the business community, I think the place to start is to write a job description. If someone goes to work for a company, it is vital that they receive a job description so that both the worker and the company know what to expect from their contribution. In most cases, people are either fired or promoted based on how faithfully they fulfill the expectations outlined in their job description. Part of the confusion about apostles and prophets is that we don t really have a working job description. Who are these people? What do they do? What should they do in the local church or not do?
4 Part of the reason for the confusion is the lack of job descriptions offered in the New Testament. In fact, not one of the five gifts highlighted in Ephesians 4 comes with a job description. I also was fascinated to discover that this is the only time pastor is mentioned in the entire New Testament. Our entire church system is built squarely on the shoulders of pastors, yet this is the only time their gift is mentioned. Please understand, I am a pastor myself and I personally feel that pastors are some of the greatest people on earth. I am not undermining this important ministry. I just find it curious that we have built the church through the centuries centralizing the pastor while largely ignoring the other four giftings. Part of this may be due to the work itself. Pastors care for the specific and local congregation of people. Arguably, the other four in many cases are trans-local, meaning that their influence is designed for many congregations at one time. While all may serve one local church, it is hard to imagine someone who is called to be an evangelist just preaching to the same congregation year in and year out. To get back on track, what is that apostles do? What is their job description and how can they benefit a local church? How can apostles make a pastor s job easier? According to Ephesians 2:20, apostles and prophets are primarily foundation-oriented ministries. Their focus and strength are making sure that the church locally or regionally is built on the solid foundation of Christ. In I Corinthians 3:10, Paul tells the church that he laid the foundation of their assembly and that each successive leader ought to pay attention to what he adds to the building. Because of these and other references, many believe that apostles are church planters. They are congregation starters. They come into a region and have the innate ability to gather people together into a viable church.
5 I tend to agree with this assessment, but I would also add that planting new churches is not the only thing apostles do. Remember that God views the church from a heavenly angel. Pastors tend a specific flock of people. Their responsibility before God is to feed, nurture and protect the sheep Christ has put into their hands. Pastors tend to be myopic in their vision. What do I mean by that? Pastors tend to be focused on their own congregations. The care for the church consumes most if not all their time. I don t fault them for this. Pastoral work is vital. However, God views the church on a larger scale and that is where the other gifts come into play. If pastors are left to themselves, the church will never function as one. I am not saying that to be critical, just practical. If I am focused on my church 24/7, I have no time to see the larger picture of what God is doing in a city, state or country. Apostles, prophets, evangelists and some teachers are trans-local and see the church as a whole, rather than individual churches. Their focus is to unite churches for a common purpose. Apostles, prophets, evangelists and what I will call regional teachers have a larger vision than pastors, but here is the key: they serve local pastors. When any of these four ministries view themselves as superior or indifferent to the local church, they invalidate their ministry and are essentially worthless to the cause of Christ. If an evangelist comes into town and makes no effort to meet with local pastors and just holds meetings to win the lost, they are wasting everyone s time. Any ministry that ultimately does not support and help local churches has no value to the Kingdom. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers are called by Christ to work alongside pastors to equip Christ followers in practical ways. During my life, I have seen various movements try to set up a governmental hierarchy over cities or regions. These hierarchies attempt to identify apostolic and prophetic ministries and coordinate their influence in the area.
6 These hierarchies always fall apart because they keep falling into the error of exalting apostles and prophets into positions God never met for them to occupy. Remember, Ephesians 4:11-16 is written from God s vantage point. We don t need a new governmental structure. We need servants who strengthen local churches. Well, here we ve run out of time again with so much more to say about the ministry and role of apostles. I am going to finish up next week on more of the practical ways these five ministries are designed to serve the church. For now, I put together and download for you with some of the scriptures in the New Testament pertaining to apostles with a few of my observations. If you d like it, just go to ministerstoolbox.com and click the download on the show notes page. You can follow me on or catch my blog at freshteaching.org. Thank you again for listening. As always, I end with a quote especially for you. This one is from John Maxwell who said: A leader is one who knows the ways, goes the way and shows the way. `
The Equipping Gifts Ephesians 4:11-13
1 The Equipping Gifts Ephesians 4:11-13 Turn with me to the book of Ephesians 4:11-13, I want to continue on in our study of the book of Ephesians particularly as we have come to a section in this letter
More information5 Graces. Given by Jesus for us to become the fullness of Christ
5 Graces Given by Jesus for us to become the fullness of Christ Ephesians 4:11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works
More informationMessage Notes Pressure Points Part Six
Loving God! Loving People! Loving Life! Message Notes Pressure Points Part Six Life Church Smyrna Wednesday, May 18, 2016 7:00pm Pastor Shell Osbon James 1:1-4 1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus
More informationCollege of Baptist Ministers Monthly Newsletter March Ignite: Investing in Leaders Some reflections from Paul Beasley-Murray
College of Baptist Ministers Monthly Newsletter March 2016 Ignite: Investing in Leaders Some reflections from Paul Beasley-Murray The Board of the College of Baptist Ministers (CBM) read with great interest
More informationPre-Project Devotions
Pre-Project Devotions We are thrilled to embark on this journey of preparation for your mission trip at Impact! Thank you so much for your willingness to respond to God s call and your willingness to serve
More informationAre Present Day Apostles False Teachers?
Are Present Day Apostles False Teachers? One designation that is used more and more in the church today is the term, apostle. I ve noticed in the past ten years or so a dramatic increase in labels like
More informationEphesians 4:1-6 NIV humble gentle patient allowance effort peace
Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other,
More informationDiscover the New Testament Ephesians 3 June 27, 2012 mediaatvictory.com/series/discoverthent
Discover the New Testament Ephesians 3 June 27, 2012 mediaatvictory.com/series/discoverthent Ephesians 4 (NLT) I. Unity in the Church A. Exhort to Unity in the Body 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving
More informationMatthew 25: I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
Matthew 25: 31-46 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people
More informationTRAINING UNIT 20 (35.45 MINUTES)... The 10 th commandment of sending:... Make disciples of all ethnic groups I: The Jesus Model...
1 2 TRAINING UNIT 20 (35.45 MINUTES)... The 10 th commandment of sending:... Make disciples of all ethnic groups I: The Jesus Model... Summary... What is discipleship?... The training model of Jesus for
More informationThe Hebrews Initiative: A Great Challenge from a Challenging Text Hebrews 5:11-6:20. October 11, Dr. Steve Horn
The Hebrews Initiative: A Great Challenge from a Challenging Text Hebrews 5:11-6:20 October 11, 2015 Dr. Steve Horn Text Introduction: We are in a series that we are calling the Hebrews Initiative. It
More information1 Corinthians Lesson 3 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 Written about late 56 or early 57 AD
1 Corinthians Lesson 3 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 Written about late 56 or early 57 AD In the previous lesson, we saw how Paul recounted becoming determined to just present the simple gospel of Jesus Christ
More informationSister Phoebe Romans 16:1-2 4/14/2013 Copyright by Mark Vaughan 4/2013 Keywords membership, fellowship, serving, deacons, woman s role
Sister Phoebe Romans 16:1-2 4/14/2013 Copyright by Mark Vaughan 4/2013 Keywords membership, fellowship, serving, deacons, woman s role Today in our study of Romans we enter the final chapter so turn with
More information11 Steps to becoming a Living Sacrafice
11 Steps to becoming a Living Sacrafice A Living Sacrifice to God 12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living
More informationBeing lazy in our Christian walk can cause us to be separated from Jesus for eternity.
BEWARE OF LAZINESS LUKE 12:35-48 Being lazy in our Christian walk can cause us to be separated from Jesus for eternity. I. AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY IS A LOVE RELATIONSHIP (VS 35-38) The authenticity of our
More informationWE VS. ME EPHESIANS 4:7-16
WE VS. ME EPHESIANS 4:7-16 EPHESIANS 4:7-16 7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah s gift. EPHESIANS 4:7-16 8 For it says: When He ascended on high, He took prisoners
More informationGIVE it up! Serving and Standing With One Another
GIVE it up! Serving and Standing With One Another This morning I want to take a look at our theme for 2006 Give It Up! I sense that there are three area in which God wants us to focus on and that is in
More informationEphesians 4:11 Structure of the universal church
In 1 Corinthians 12:28 1 the apostle Paul gives a rough sketch for the structure of the local church. The local church is actually a part of the universal church, the whole body van Jesus Christ. Paul
More information1 Corinthians 4 Being an Under-Rower
Overview of 1 Corinthians This summer, we are studying the book of 1 Corinthians. This is a letter that Paul wrote to the church of Corinth. In those days, the Roman city of Corinth sat on the isthmus,
More informationS H A P E. Spiritual Gifts Heart and Passion Abilities and Skills Personality Experiences Your Heart and Passion o Five C s
How does God SHAPE us for ministry S H A P E Spiritual Gifts Heart and Passion Abilities and Skills Personality Experiences 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Your Heart and Passion o Five C s Your Abilities Cash Calendar
More informationJames 2: If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, YOU SHALL LOVE
Galatians Lesson 7 Restore [katartizo] 1 to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete. 1A to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair. 1A1 to complete. 1B to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust.
More informationTeaching Resource Items for
Teaching Resource Items for Letters to the Ephesians and Timothy: Guidance for the Church and Its Leaders These items are selected from Teaching Plans in Letters to the Ephesians and Timothy Adult Bible
More informationPaul s Letter to the Colossians Week 2 Colossians 1:21-2:12. Day One
Paul s Letter to the Colossians Week 2 Colossians 1:21-2:12 Day One 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by
More informationCharacteristics of True Christianity Part 3 Characteristics That Define Our Actions Ken Birks, Pastor/Teacher
Characteristics of True Christianity Part 3 Characteristics That Define Our Actions I. Introductory Remarks. James 2:17-18 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
More informationHere are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song.
Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Open Up the Heavens Meredith Andrews Worth it All Lion and the Lamb
More informationWE VS. ME EPHESIANS 4:7-16
WE VS. ME EPHESIANS 4:7-16 How do we grow into spiritual maturity? MYTH: Spiritual maturity is a product of time. Example: a. Christian for 30 years = spiritual maturity. Example: a. Christian for 30 years
More information40 DAYS OF PRAYER. One step closer to Jesus everyday
40 DAYS OF ER One step closer to Jesus everyday I am feeling incredibly blessed to be on this journey with you as Cornerstone s new Lead Pastor. My wife, Julie and I are looking forward to serving alongside
More informationHOW TO CARRY A CROSS. by Andy Manning
H o w T o C a r r y A C r o s s 1 HOW TO CARRY A CROSS What Christ requires of His followers is much different than what most people think Christianity is all about. Most people think Christianity means
More informationSERVICE AND GOOD WORKS THE POOR WIDOW WHO CONTRIBUTED TWO SMALL COPPER COINS
Message No: Series: Appearance and Reality Section: People, Situations, Conduct, Service, Action Subsection: Conduct, Service, Action Date preached: 25 Mar 90 Date edited: 3 Sep 18 SERVICE AND GOOD WORKS
More informationAccumulative Scripture Memory
Accumulative Scripture Memory CYCLE A Bible Verses Week One 1 Corinthians 10:31 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Week Two Jerimiah 32:17 17 Ah, Lord GOD!
More informationKeep a running tab as we go through these, yes, maybe, no, and at the end see if any stand out.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS: SERVING GIFTS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church July 27, 2014, 10:30AM Scripture Text: I Peter 4:7-11; Romans 12:6-8 Introduction. Using Peter s summary outline,
More informationTHE BREAD OF LIFE INTRODUCTION
THE BREAD OF LIFE INTRODUCTION I once was very sick from food poisoning, and was in a wretched state all through the night. Not being able to sleep, I prayed and asked if there was any spiritual lesson
More informationThis pamphlet was produced by New Church Starts/Path 1.
This pamphlet was produced by New Church Starts/Path 1. If you would like to learn more about the resources that New Church Starts/Path 1 offers, visit us at: www.umcdiscipleship.org/new-church-starts
More informationPaul s Letter to the Colossians Week 1 Colossians 1:1-20. Day One
Paul s Letter to the Colossians Week 1 Colossians 1:1-20 Day One 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:
More informationDeveloping Team Leadership
Developing Team Leadership Growing Christian Leaders Series Manual 10 by Duane L. Anderson Developing Team Leadership Growing Christian Leaders Series Manual 10 Scripture taken from the New King James
More informationValues: We Love o We love God and we love people and we want more people love God.
MISSION Mission: The Roots Community Church exists to glorify God by: Reaching ALL Lost, Discipling ALL Found, Equipping ALL Disciples and Sending ALL Equipped. Values: We Love o We love God and we love
More informationCursive COPYWORK. Genesis Curriculum The Book of Matthew
Cursive COPYWORK Genesis Curriculum The Book of Matthew First Edition This workbook belongs to Copyright 2017 Lee Giles ISBN-13: 978-1544821962 ISBN-10: 1544821964 Scripture quotations taken from the New
More informationCultivating People Skills in Your Leadership
Cultivating People Skills in Your Leadership (The Vital Role of Relationships in Leadership) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15) N N O O T E E S S BIBLICAL
More information1 Corinthians. 1Greetings from Paul. I was called (chosen)
1330 1 Corinthians 1Greetings from Paul. I was called (chosen) to be an apostle * of Christ Jesus. I was called because that is what God wanted. Greetings also from Sosthenes, our brother {in Christ}.
More informationTusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor
Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor Sermon title: Moving Toward a Deeper Spiritual Understanding, Ephesians 1:15-23 Date Preached: June 11, 2017 For public use: See non-copyright comments at
More informationDISCIPLESHIP MAP. Transforming Discipleship. disciplers. equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca
DISCIPLESHIP MAP Transforming Discipleship disciplers Discipleship Map for Disciplers I m not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I m writing as a father to you, my children.
More informationServanthood. Introduction. Jesus, The Servant. The Character of a Disciple
3 The Character of a Disciple Introduction Everyone likes to be served. Not many people want to serve. Being a servant involves doing work that someone else could do. Being a servant involves giving up
More informationLearning about the Church
Learning about the Church 1. INTRODUCTION The church of the New Testament was not a building at the corner of the road, but a group of God's people gathered together, properly taught and shepherded, loving
More informationWho Ordains Elders and Leader?
Who Ordains Elders and Leader? The scriptures reveal that there is a time for decisions made with the whole Church involved and times were just one leader or a number of leaders can make a decision. I'll
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
GALATIANS 1:1-24 Today we begin a new study. For the next six months we re going to be in different books of the New Testament. Today we begin in the book of Galatians. I love the Old Testament but it
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 15:1-20
International Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 15:1-20 International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 18, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday,
More informationB. The Purpose of the Local Assembly
The Church -page 31 NAME: B. The Purpose of the Local Assembly 1. The following chart by George Zeller might be of help in comparing two dominant concepts within the camp of those who claim to follow Scriptural
More informationFinding our fit in the Body of Christ
Finding our fit in the Body of Christ Every believer has a unique God given plan for their life As we flow in God s plan for our life, we help others to fulfil God s plan for their lives and help to see
More informationWhat Does God Say About Money And Giving Adapted in part from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
What Does God Say About Money And Giving Adapted in part from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn God Owns Everything, and I Am His Money Manager Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord s, and everything in
More informationSermon 6 Ephesians 4:1-16 Growing up
Sermon 6 Ephesians 4:1-16 Growing up 1. You re at the art gallery, standing in front of a landscape or impressionist piece from your favourite artist. Explain the difference between standing back and being
More informationJames Loving God, Loving Others October 23, 2011
James Loving God, Loving Others October 23, 2011 I. Introduction A. In our study of James, we came to James 2:8 which speaks of the Royal Law, and defines the Royal Law as being Love your neighbor as yourself.
More informationDifferent Forms of Church Government Dr. Tom Peters Founding Pastor of Trinity Church International, Lake Worth, Florida, USA
Different Forms of Church Government Dr. Tom Peters Founding Pastor of Trinity Church International, Lake Worth, Florida, USA This is a study of the differences between the governmental forms of traditional
More informationIf you have your Bibles turn to:
Almost In the book of Acts we read how Apostle Paul after having preached this Gospel of Jesus Christ through out Asia desired to go to Jerusalem to visit the other Apostles and to testify of all the mighty
More informationGOD WANTS A RELATIONSHIP Not a Performance
Bible Teaching Resources by Don Anderson Ministries PO Box 6611 Tyler, TX 75711-6611 903.939.1201 Phone 903.939.1204 Fax 1.877.326.7729 Toll Free www.bibleteachingresources.org www.oneplace.com/ministries/persevering_and_pressing_on
More informationIn the post earlier by Nina Allison about keeping the Sabbath, there were some interesting comments.
Commands by Jesus In the post earlier by Nina Allison about keeping the Sabbath, there were some interesting comments. I mentioned that the pastor from my Catholic parish put together a document outlining
More informationDISCIPLESHIP AND SHARING STORIES
1 DISCIPLESHIP AND SHARING STORIES This paper formed the basis of the teaching which was delivered to joint community groups by Andrew Sampson, Matt Leach and Ben Sewell on 5 th February 2015. Aims To
More informationSPIRITUAL GIFTS. Discovering which Part of Christ s Body God made You
SPIRITUAL GIFTS Discovering which Part of Christ s Body God made You SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE: Traits of Jesus, which the Bible describes to us & other Christians see in us. 7 BUT GRACE WAS GIVEN TO EACH ONE
More informationDo We Need Organized Religion?
Do We Need Organized Religion? Do We Need Organized Religion? Learn that God has created organized religion and why you should be part of it Watch the free video or listen to the audio of this study @
More informationWhat is Union with Christ
What is Union with Christ a sermon in the series Saved by His Life: Union with Christ A sermon delivered Sunday Morning, November 24, 2013 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Paducah, Ky. by S. Michael Durham
More informationWhat is the purpose of my involvement in the Local Church
The Local Church Lesson 8 Return page 4, 5 & 6 1 What is the purpose of my involvement in the Local Church God has established three major institutions on this earth: the family, civil government, and
More informationWorship Plan for Sunday, November 26, 2017 Introduction to the day PRAYER OF THE DAY Amen. FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Worship Plan for Sunday, November 26, 2017 Christ the King Christ the King / Proper 29 25th Sunday after Pentecost ELW Holy Communion Setting One Sunday, November 26, 2017 Introduction to the day On this
More informationSession 15 PASTORS AND TEACHERS
Session 15 PASTORS AND TEACHERS LIVING LIGHT It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God s people for works
More informationWHEELERSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH. Life Application Sunday School Class. Philippians - Session 9. June 24, 2001
WHEELERSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH Life Application Sunday School Class Philippians - Session 9 June 24, 2001 READ Philippians 2:1-4 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort
More informationA N O I N T I N G W I T H O I L
1 A N O I N T I N G W I T H O I L Perhaps no one with an understanding of Scripture would deny the application of James 5:14-15 during the days of inspiration. Unique in giving instructions regarding anointing
More informationThe five fold ministry: a short bible study of 5 sessions. Ephesians 4: 1 16
The five fold ministry: a short bible study of 5 sessions. Ephesians 4: 1 16 Kings Church Uckfield 2015 The five fold ministry: a short bible study of 5 sessions. When I first attended church as a child,
More informationWednesday with the Word Wheat Street Baptist Church
Wednesday with the Word Wheat Street Baptist Church Rev. Ralph Basui Watkins, MFA, DMin, PhD Teacher / Pastor There is Power in Praise: Praise & Worship Makes the Difference We were created to praise God.
More informationFour C's for Evangelism
Four C's for Evangelism Copyright 1994 Duane L. Anderson American Indian Bible Institute Box 511 Norwalk, California 90651-0511 www.aibi.org Four C's for Evangelism Introduction: The Preparation of Disciples
More informationLesson 4: How May People Have Peace with God?
STANDARD A: WHO IS JESUS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW HIM? Lesson 4: How May People Have Peace with God? Introduction We have looked at what the Kingdom of God is like. But how does one become a citizen
More information1 12: , 2015 L.G.
International Bible Lessons Commentary 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, May 17, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday
More informationGOSPEL READINGS please choose one
GOSPEL READINGS please choose one G-1 + A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to
More informationTHE LORD IS BUILDING HIS HOUSE!: A CHURCH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE Ephesians 2:19-22
Sermon Outline I. Introduction THE LORD IS BUILDING HIS HOUSE!: A CHURCH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE Ephesians 2:19-22 II. A Theme Verse A. Most of us have heard sermons on Ephesians 2:19-22 more than once. B.
More informationEphesians 4:11 "The Apostles Of Jesus Christ"
Ephesians 4:11 "The Apostles Of Jesus Christ" EPH 4:11 "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,..." This morning we come
More informationJudge Not. Those words are so clear, right? Don t judge others or you ll be judged. Pretty simple.
The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation
More informationWelcome to the Ministry
Welcome to the Ministry If you are born again, you are called to the Ministry. You may or may not be called to the five fold ministry of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher, but as a child
More information#1 Christlike Conversations: Introduction
#1 Christlike Conversations: Introduction Course Goals 1. Deepen understanding of how Jesus shared the Gospel in specific situations (Mt. 4:19) 2. Develop better perception of needs of people and how to
More informationSpiritual inventory part 2
Lesson 11 Spiritual inventory part 2 Principle 4: Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. Happy are the pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8) Step 4: We made a searching
More informationTHE MOBILE MINISTRY WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN
THE MOBILE MINISTRY WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN Ephesians 4: 8-16. Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Psalm 68:18. He gave
More informationMatthew 28:18. Matthew 28:18. Matthew 28:18. Matthew 28:18
Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven
More informationSectarianism is not of Christ
Sectarianism is not of Christ Session 3 - Chapter 3-4:13 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not
More information23C 2016 SML PHLM 9-10,12-17 LK 14:25-33 Confusion. Despair. Depression. There is no one word I could use to describe my state of mind then.
23C 2016 SML PHLM 9-10,12-17 LK 14:25-33 Confusion. Despair. Depression. There is no one word I could use to describe my state of mind then. I hated being a slave. I hated knowing Philemon had the right
More informationThe Means of Grace. Bible Study by Ken Puls Taught at Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Florida December 27, 2006
The Means of Grace Bible Study by Ken Puls Taught at Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, Florida December 27, 2006 This evening, as we prepare to pray together, I want to speak briefly on what we often call
More informationLAST PENTECOST (PROPER 29) RCL YEAR A NOVEMBER The First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
The First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Reader: A Reading from the Book of Ezekiel Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks
More informationHEAVENLY WORSHIP BY ANTONIO BALDOVINOS
BY I. WHY WORSHIP AND PRAY? 1. We pray & worship to an uncreated God that you cannot see. We interact deeply with God s heart in prayer. God speaks and moves our heart. Then we speak and move His heart.
More informationTHE PROMISE OF HOME THE PRAYER GUIDE. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.
THE PROMISE OF HOME THE ER GUIDE Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you. Genesis 13:17 W E L C O M E Hey illuminate, Thanks for joining us in studying the Bible
More informationVillage Church of Wheaton Romans 15:1-7 June 5, Oneness
Oneness Have you ever been involved in a church split? It can be a pretty ugly thing as church members take sides against each other over some matter. Often it is not a matter of essential doctrine, such
More informationMatthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew:
Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: G-A When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach
More informationCALLING FAITHFUL ELDERS 1 Peter 5:1-4
CALLING FAITHFUL ELDERS 1 Peter 5:1-4 In Everyday Discipleship for Ordinary People, STUART BRISCOE writes about a young colleague who officiated a veteran s funeral. The deceased man s military friends
More informationDiscovering My SHAPE For Ministry CLASS 301
Discovering My SHAPE For Ministry CLASS 301 WELCOME TO DISCOVERING MY SHAPE (CLASS 301) THE PURPOSE FOR THIS CLASS: "(God) has given... pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of ministry,
More information4 - EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP
4 - EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP Becoming a leader who empowers and releases others into Kingdom work. SUGGESTED READING 1. Developing the Leaders Around You and Mentoring 101 by John Maxwell 2. The 21 Irrefutable
More informationA. It is the Measure of in Churches. 1. How do you measure success? Attendance, offerings, conversions, baptisms?
1 III. Discipleship is the Heart of the Measure Discipleship is the measure of our success in this dispensation. By discipleship you can measure the two goals of conformity to Christ and glory to God in
More informationIMPLEMENTING GOD S WORD... YEAR FOUR WINTER QUARTER NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY II SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SSY04W
IMPLEMENTING GOD S WORD... YEAR FOUR WINTER QUARTER NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY II SSY04W SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IMPLEMENTING GOD S WORD... YEAR FOUR WINTER QUARTER NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
More informationRomans 15:14-16:27 Paul s Heart Part Two 8/15/12 Introduction The Book of Romans The Great Theological City #1 The Courthouse Romans 1-5
Romans 15:14-16:27 Paul s Heart Part Two 8/15/12 Introduction The Content of Romans is not hard to understand o As long as you remember it is helpful to compare the content of Romans to a great theological
More informationLoving Strangers. By Bill Scheidler. Xenophobia or Xenophilia?
Loving Strangers By Bill Scheidler Xenophobia or Xenophilia? Xenophobia is a word that is in the news a lot lately. It is a word that comes from the Greek language and is made up of two words, xenos and
More informationPHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY
PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY A FOUNDATION FOR PLANTING AND GROWING A CHURCH The Rev. Dennis Whalen Lighthouse Lutheran Church Freedom, PA 15042 I have been asked the question, How can I proceed in planting and
More informationSeries: The Wisdom, Wonder, and Witness of the Gospel The Impartation of Truth # 5 1 Corinthians 2: 10-13
Series: The Wisdom, Wonder, and Witness of the Gospel The Impartation of Truth # 5 1 Corinthians 2: 10-13 Today I plan to conclude our series on the significance of the Gospel. Paul has been very clear
More informationJohn 18: The Fall and Restoration of Peter
John Page 1 John 18:15-18 - The Fall and Restoration of Peter Saturday, March 24, 2012 9:09 PM Introduction Passages to Read 1. Psalm 51 Sermon Introduction 2. I John 1 i. If any of you are like me, the
More informationChurches Preach the Word
Lesson 3 Churches Preach the Word The Word of God is given a place of preeminence or honor in churches that recognize its authority. Pastors of these churches faithfully preach the message of God s Word
More informationDAY 4 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
DAY 4 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1 The Dream Builder stood before his daughter and smiled broadly at his beautiful creation. My daughter, you were built to
More informationObjectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them before starting the lesson.
Christian Training Center of Branch of the Lord Presenting a vast study of the Bible and Christianity through the course materials provided in partnership with: HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE This
More informationLesson 8: Approach Memory Verse:
Subject: Evangelism Date: Lecturer: Charlie Haddad Module 2: The Presentation of the Soul-Winner Lesson 8: Approach Memory Verse: A. The Methods 1. Romans Road 2. John 3:16-18, 36 3. Gospel Tracts 4. The
More information