Ministry To The Body

You must understand the mind of the Lord concerning the Reformation.

Ephesians 3:8-11

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

We have no less a responsibility than the Apostle Paul. We are to preach the gospel and the riches of Christ through whatever means the Lord makes available to us. All may not be called to the five-fold ministry gift, but all are called to the ministry of reconciliation. I am going to cite some scriptures, and I want you to find your place of fellowship and servitude in the reformation.

Acts 6:4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

This is a statement made by Peter concerning the apostles. It is also the instructions given to my son, Michael and I, who are the apostles for this ministry. We are to rid ourselves of all that hinders prayer and study of the Word. This prayer and study must be consistent, as God desires to use us in the same manner as He used the early apostles. But in order to accomplish this, we must submit to the mandate of prayer, fasting and study. We can no longer waste time with the vanities of television. The days are evil and time is winding up. If we do not submit completely, God will raise up others to lead His people. Prayer, study and fasting must be our lifestyle.

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Those with the gift of prophecy should only say those things that God has allowed them to see or hear. The prophet does not speak according to a gut feeling. Prophecy is a gift of sight that looks into the future. This is why the prophets of old were called seers.

I Corinthians 14:29-30

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

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

Prophecy: is the foretelling of things the Lord has declared will transpire. It is done by revelation and under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

I think that the above verse is pretty clear. Be careful to allow the Lord to speak to you. Do not become anxious. He will show you what He wants His people to know.

Romans 12:7

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

If you are the teacher, then study to make yourself available in the school or in the training of others in the church. Submit to the pastorate and make them aware of your calling.

Your leaders will know how to evaluate your spiritual location and place on the 'growth path.' If you have some other ministry to the Body (such as helps), let your leader know that also.

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

To exhort:is to comfort the Body; to bring consolation or to edify and encourage. That might be the thing God has gifted you to do.

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Successful ministry requires good administration. There are those who are called to work in the business side of the ministry. They must be people who are not slothful but fervent in their spirit and servitude.

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

There are those called to pray. They are the intercessors who constantly pray for the ministry and those who work in it. This is a ministry that must be functional if we are to move the reformation. Those who are called to pray should contact your local prayer council and become a part of it.

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Some of you are called to meet the needs of others. Ask God to make you a channel of blessing for the household of faith, but be sure to address the needs the Lord identifies. The widow woman of old had her husband to build an extra room to meet the needs of the Prophets’ ministry. Do not ignore the things the Lord reveals to you as needs or lack in the ministry or in the lives of His people. Sometimes it is simply your time that is needed.