The Work of the Ministry

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Mary Banks Ministries & Bible Teachers International PO Box 11563, Spring, TX 77391

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Mary Banks, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ is the founder of Bible Teachers International Worship Centers, Lifesavers International, Sons.Training, Bible Teachers Global Training Centers, the Mary Banks Faith Library, and Bible Theater International now located throughout the U.S., Canada, The Caribbean Islands, India, Africa, and Europe. Recognized as “The Bible Teacher” to the Body of Christ, as well as an international speaker, Mary has authored many books and courses that have brought a sure word to the world and the Church. Mary has also penned, produced and directed outstanding stage productions, such as “Amazing Grace,” which received eight academy award nominations in the Caribbean.

Mary has touched the hearts of thousands held captive by crack cocaine, depression, alcoholism, unforgiveness, perversion, and lives without purpose’. She is anointed with wisdom and understanding to answer the simplest and most difficult questions of life, by applying the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our everyday situations, circumstances, and relationships.

Apostle Banks has been recognized for outstanding evangelistic work and is valued by her community and peers, business community, as well as government officials.

The persecution of the early church while they dwelt in Jerusalem caused the disciples to scatter across the world. By this, the word of God was being spread outside of the Jewish walls now to the hearing of the Gentiles. The Samaritans were one of the first Gentile recipients of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:5-7

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. The first thing we need to do is settle the controversy as to which Philip went down to Samaria, the apostle or the deacon. To do so, we must place the above scripture back into the context of the chapter.

Acts 8:1

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

From the first verse of the chapter we are able to see that many members of the church were scattered throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria. However, the script is very specific concerning the apostles. They did not leave Jerusalem. Therefore, it can only be concluded that the Philip who went into Samaria to preach the gospel was the evangelist who worked with Stephen on the Deacon Board. But after the death of Stephen, Philip was one of the many who fled the city and found himself in Samaria, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.

Philip’s ministry in Samaria was that of evangelism. The ministry of evangelism is the foundational beginning of ministry in areas where Christ is first-handedly being introduced.

EVANGELISTS Apostlesand Starting a New Work

The same is true when the Holy Spirit is leading a ministry into new territory (territory that is new to that ministry). Philip worked many signs and wonders. However, these signs were to serve as confirmation of the word that he taught. The manifestation of the power of God was that convincing factor that compelled the witnesses to believe his doctrine.

Acts 8:12, 14-16

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

…

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Take note of the principle that the scripture is explaining here. We have often made the term “believer” blanketly synonymous with the term “son of God”. However, we are learning here that one can believe and receive the gospel but not yet have the Holy Spirit. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) gives us insight into this operation. When the Word is sown in evangelism, it will fall upon different hearts. As we see with the thorny soil, there are some who will anon with joy at hearing the Word. However, their hearts can still be at a place of wantonness. This wantonness is the impurity that prevents them from receiving the Holy Spirit.

Likewise, there are many in our churches today that anon with joy at the preaching and teaching of the gospel. They believe the words of the Gospel and they even love attending church. They know the word they hear is God, but, the truth is, they lack the ability to walk in the Spirit, because they do not have the Spirit to begin with.

This was the case with Simon the sorcerer.

Acts 8:9&13

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: …

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Not only did Simon believe the gospel, but he continued with the minister of the gospel. Likewise, there are those who will follow a ministry for years, and are blessed and amazed at the power of God at work, however, this does not mean they have the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:18-20

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Not all Believers will be filled with the Holy Ghost Though he was a believer, his heart was not right. He was wanton for power and this want prevented him from qualifying to receive the Holy Spirit. Thus, we see in this that motivation is a key factor in seeking the Holy Spirit.

Simon’s motivation was evil in the sight of God, just as many today who seek after the Spirit of God are not seeking with the right motives. The condition of the heart never meets the criteria for the new birth. Therefore, the Spirit is withheld from them.

Likewise, spirituality should not be judged merely by a person’s emotional response to the Word, but by their power to perform it.

The Samaritans believed the word ministered by Philip so they responded by being baptized, however, they needed to go all the way to the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Though a person may believe and receive the gospel, if they are not yet born of the Spirit, they are not a part of the Body of Christ.

It was not until the Apostles came and laid their hands that the people received the Holy Spirit. It was not the case that Philip could not do the same, rather, their coming served as confirmation that he was indeed doing the right thing by ministering to them. The ministry in Samaria had begun with Jesus as he ministered to the woman at the well. She furthered that ministry spreading it across Samaria.

But Philip was not with Jesus nor the apostles to bear witness of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritans. But the apostles were very much aware of Jesus’ heart concerning them. Therefore, it was only fitting for the evangelist to consult with his leadership on this matter.

It is important to note that Philip was in submission to the Order. He was led by the Spirit as an evangelist. He moved from place to place and from people to people. However, he was still in submission to his apostles in gaining direction and wisdom from them.

Once an individual is filled with the Holy Spirit, they are now in need of a shepherd. It is the responsibility of the pastor to oversee the spiritual development of the people of God. The fruit of evangelism will produce a variegated fold. People from all different walks of life are gathered into one Spirit and find themselves in one Church home. It is then the pastor’s responsibility to discern God’s plan and purpose not just for the sheep collectively, but individually as well.

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;

Every born-again believer has received the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry makes the believer a designated witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his power as the Savior of the world.

Discernment will allow the pastor to see the many spiritual dispositions of the people. It then takes great skill to design a plan for each of these lives.

The method that the Holy Spirit has given this ministry is Growth Paths. The individuals who come to the ministry are placed on different auxiliary boards where they will begin to serve. Their serving is not only to assist the ministry, but it is a platform that develops and reveals where they are spiritually.

Making of Ministera

The spirit in which they serve as well as their response to the word will begin to make apparent those who are spiritual and those who are carnal. Those that walk in the Spirit will begin to stand out by a manifestation of the anointing. This anointing was not engendered by training, rather it is their submission to the Holy Spirit and godly obedience in their trials that has qualified them to be workers of the vineyard. When these individuals are identified it is the pastor’s responsibility to place them on a path that will now cater to their ministerial development. The pastor is to guide such ones in the anointing that is placed upon them. His or her responsibility is to bring that gift to its full potential according to the believer’s measure in Christ. How is this done? They must be given a safeguarded platform of ministry. The safeguards refer to the supervision and guidance that the pastor will provide.

2 Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

When an individual enters into ministry they will begin to experience new trials and temptations. Self-Exaltation, preeminence, wantonness, as well as heretic doctrines are some of the things that the enemy would like to lead them into. This is why supervision is so important. It gives the sons a safe place to minister while simultaneously training them and addressing other mindsets that may present themselves. Eventually they will learn the ways of God and will be able to minister on any platform while resisting all forms of temptation.

Hebrews 1:1

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Before the coming of Christ, the prophets were the chosen vessels whom God used to speak to His people. The prophets would render the oracles of God to whomever God would lead them. They also were set in place as intercessors for the people of God. This calling was one of high regard because of its exclusivity. Many times God would not speak to His people until a prophet came on the scene. As a result, it was a known fact that the prophets carried the words of God. The people trusted their words even above that of the king. It was the prophet’s office that continually guided the nation of Israel into the will of God.

The prophets of old not only spoke the words of God, but they were often led into situations that served as types or shadows of things to come. As a result, their lives were totally dictated by God. The sacrifices their calling demanded, resulted in lives that would be considered undesirable by today’s standards. They suffered many things at the hands of the rebellious; and were not privy to many luxuries. However, these experiences were the price they were willing to pay for the sake of righteousness. It was the necessary cost of the anointing upon their lives.

The prophets were set forth as an example unto us. They could neither be bought nor manipulated. Are we willing to suffer that the anointing may rest upon us? When we compare our walk in the faith with that which the prophets gave, are we satisfied with what we give? Are we willing to be humiliated for the gospel sake? Well, these patriarchs were. Though they experienced many terrible things they were still acknowledged as holy men of God for generations.

The prophet’s gift is a seer’s ministry. It receives vision or insight into the mysteries of God.

APOSTLES Prophetsand

Luke 1:68-70

68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

Since the beginning of the world every prophet on the face of the earth saw and spoke things concerning Christ and the church. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ saying; “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The word Immanuel means “God with us”. Therefore, Isaiah’s prophecy was foreshadowing the coming of the son of God into the earth.

When we compare this operation with what we see as “prophecy” in the church today we see a vast difference. The Old Testament contains many prophecies concerning Christ and events to come.

Prophecies that went forth to individuals were few and for specific reasons or situations. Despite this, “personal prophecy” is what we chiefly see operating in our churches today. However, a true prophet’s ministry receives a revelation of Jesus Christ, the Church, and of events concerning the Church.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

We must discern the spirits (ministers) that stand before us. If a true prophet stands before us they will not only come forth with a revelation of Christ, but they will also follow the same lifestyle of holiness that the prophets have always been called to live. They will not make merchandise of God’s people, neither will they be wanton. They will be selfless for the anointing’s sake.

APOSTLES AND PROPHETS

A prophet must be consecrated for the will of God. This is why they cannot solely give personal prophecies, rather, they are those whom God trusts with His word. For years, and even after his death, many studied and looked for Isaiah’s prophecy to come to pass - it came to pass exactly as it was foretold.

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. The prophets of old were called singly. They did not have under shepherds or other witnesses of their word. They had to speak on God’s behalf and deal with the consequences by themselves. They were God’s chosen vessels, sent forth first as it pertained to the earth. However, when God established the church they were not set first, instead, it was the apostle who was set first. The prophets of old were never called to disciple. There were very few examples wherein a prophet would reproduce himself in another. That was not their responsibility. However, as it pertains to the church, their chief responsibility is to produce fruit. God used the prophet where there was no spiritual government established to make sure His people still had a word to steer, lead or guide them. However, in the dispensation of Christ, God established spiritual government. It was no longer God’s intent to speak through one individual at a time, but rather a Body of people. Neither was His desire to only overshadow the prophets compelling them to speak; but rather, He desires to speak through all the temples of God – the bodies of the Saints.

By establishing a government, God was creating order. The enemy loves confusion and hates order. God, on the other hand, is not the author of confusion. Here is a hypothetical situation to think about.

What if Elijah was from our time – He told the king it would not rain, but then another “prophet” goes on Facebook says it will indeed rain and that Elijah does not know God. This is confusion

– however this is the very thing running rampant in the church today. However, the confusion disappears when it does not rain.

1 Corinthians 14:29

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

Prophecy should be judged by the Word of God. If the people are all trained in the Word of God and walking in the Spirit, they will be able to identify the truth from a lie. However, the true intent of the scriptures was not revealed until God set apostles in place. It was the prophets who wrote the scriptures that the apostles taught from. However, they had not fully perceived the very things they wrote, saw, and experienced.

1 Peter 1:10

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

The prophets prophesied of the salvation to come. But when they sought after for full understanding it was withheld from them. However, that same understanding is given unto the apostles. Thus, as it pertains to the church God needed to set the apostles first because they were chosen to know the full understanding of the mysteries of Christ as they are put forth in both the Old and New Testament.

Because they receive the knowledge of the scriptures, it is the apostle’s responsibility to reveal the Word to others in the Body. By doing so, they set the boundaries of the faith. They will expose what is the truth concerning the scriptures and what are false interpretations of the same. Thus, this gift is foundational because it defines the faith. The apostle’s anointing allows the other gifts to know and understand the meaning of “faith and truth.” Thus, setting the apostle first, is not a ranking system or hierarchy, but rather refers to the sequence of responsibility. He set them first so that they can lay the foundation that the other gifts can build upon.

Matthew 5:17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

There are some things that actually increase in value as they get older. The same is true regarding the Word of God. His Word increases in value as time progresses. I say this to illustrate that it was never God’s intent to do away the prophets. It is still a gift of value. The apostle needs the prophet. They work together bearing witness of one another.

There is a government in the Church. Do not allow the enemy to pull you away from the concept of Church government. There is safety in the government of God. It is not a man or woman’s control over the people of God, as Satan has conveniently defined it. Nevertheless, it is the order we are to serve under. Furthermore, the apostle and prophet are not in competition with one another; but rather they are simply fulfilling different roles.

A pastor is a shepherd; one who tends to, feeds, and guides the flock: According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words. He or she is the third gift in the ministerial order. However, it is also the teacher in the local church who is to aid the pastor in feeding the sheep.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

The revelation of the mystery of Christ is passed down from the apostles to the other gifts in the Body. Therefore, pastors and teachers are also stewards of the mysteries of God. In this life, all who are called and taught in the faith are charged as stewards and governors of God’s Word. A steward is defined as someone who is given charge, management over; head of, or an overseer. A steward is someone who takes care of the things given to him or her. In the scripture above, Paul describes the apostles as “managers” of the mysteries of God. It has now become our job or profession to manage the dispensing of the Word of God. If a minister of the gospel follows the leading of the Spirit of God, then he or she will know what it is the people of God need to feast on. In this chapter I want to show you how this stewardship of the Word rests upon the pastors of the flocks of God.

PASTORS Teachersand

John 6:45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

I need you to remember that the people must be taught of God. This is a principle that will make or break a ministry. If the principle is upheld, then many will come to the Lord and mature into manifested sons of God. However, if pastors neglect this truth, then it will be impossible to produce true manifested sons of God. though born again, they will be weak in the faith and given over to divers lusts and temptations.

God’s plan for man is that he becomes a holy habitation for the Father to dwell in. If you shy away from teaching this mystery, then the hope of building this holy place is nil.

FAITHFULNESS

With a natural job, there are certain standards that must be met in order to be found suitable to keep our positions. The same rule applies with our positions in God. As sons, our faithfulness is not measured by man’s standards, but our faithfulness is measured by the Lord. God’s concern is that His people might know His heart and His mind toward them. Those who serve in ministry are charged with teaching and demonstrating that mind and heart. These are the factors that define our faithfulness and also promote the building of a holy people. All pastors and teachers should consider very carefully the passages below.

Romans 16:25-26

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

PASTORS AND TEACHERS

Let us look at the takeaways from the passages above:

The church was established or built on the foundation laid by the apostles. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,...Acts 2:42. Therefore, why are we to assume that some other methods or teachings will yield the same fruit as that which was mandated by the Father.

The gospel, the preaching and teaching of Jesus Christ, must be according to the mystery of godliness.

Colossians 1:26-28

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles, and all who serve in the ministry of Christ, must truly embrace the teaching of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is mandatory that we, the apostles make certain that all who serve as ministers in this ministry be thoroughly equipped in the knowledge of this mystery that was kept secret until the forming of the Church.

Pastors and teachers, nor any others, cannot ignore this commandment. The apostle’s doctrine is nothing more than their revelation of the mystery of Christ. If you open your heart, you too, will see how every error in church development trickles back to either a rejection or ignorance of the mystery of Christ. Without the knowledge of this teaching, it is impossible for all to speak the same thing.

Now turn your focus to verse 28: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

The goal of preaching and teaching is to perfect every believer in Christ. If that is not the goal of your messages to the Body, then you are in gross error.

God is not trying to produce academia, or charisma in the church; but a Body of believers who have received the knowledge of God that enables them to walk in the power of the resurrected Christ.

I Peter 5:1

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: I really like the way Peter states his assuredness that he is and will be a partaker of the high calling in Christ Jesus, when he returns. This asserted steadfastness is encouraging to the congregations of the Lord.

There was more than one elder ordained in the churches in which Paul and Peter had the oversight. However, the pastor is the primary shepherd of them all. He is the set-man of the house. Those who assist him in feeding the flock have come to be known as under-shepherds; even as all who serve in the five-fold ministry are the under-shepherds of our Lord Jesus Christ. But I must say that in the local church, a heavy weight of responsibility in this area is placed on the teachers. They are also given the oversight of the spiritual development of the flock. Nevertheless, if there is to be order in the individual churches, then these under-shepherds must respect the appointed pastor and serve with vigor the flock of God.

I Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

To feed means to teach the Word of God. The sheep will live according to the words that proceed out of the mouth of God. When Jesus prepared to pass the oversight of the flock into the hands of the apostles, He said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” It is impossible for one to be a real pastor of the flock, and not feed them the Word of God.

Though there are others who work as under-shepherds, the sheep will look to the Pastor for a revelation of the Word of God. Thus it becomes most important for the pastors to firmly affix themselves to the flow of knowledge and revelation that is poured out to the apostles. Without this union the pastors, teachers, and the flock will become stagnated and eventually die spiritually.

Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the willingness of our Father to minister these truths and to give us an opportunity to glorify Him as we execute is mandates. If we all stay true to the vision of apostolic order, we will produce the fruits of righteousness in the people of God.

I love you all with the love of our Saviour Mary, the apostle of Jesus Christ

THE PAPERBACK