THE WORKERS OF THE REFORMATION:THE CALLING

It is good for us to truly understand the character of our God, for it is the measure by which we judge our own. We will start with the nature of our calling.

1 Corinthians 1:23

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the

Greeks foolishness;

The oracles of God were committed to the Jews. They were the keepers of God's holy Word and His plan for man. Their prophets from Moses to Malachi spoke of the coming Messiah. They spoke of His attributes and His deeds. They proclaimed Him to be the Son of the Most High. He was to be Emmanuel (God with us). They also spoke of His forerunner, John the Baptist, who would go before Him as “the voice crying in the wilderness.” All these things were manifest in their sight and hearing. But they refused to accept Him as their Lord. Thus this man Jesus became a stumbling block to their nation.

The Lord explained to me that He had brought Bible Teachers International into a revelation of Himself which has caused the hearts of His people to seek after Him. The Word He has taught us is contrary to the doctrines of men. Many church leaders have led the people of God into lust, greed and wantonness for the things of this world. Leaders have made merchandise of the congregations of the most high God. Nevertheless, the Lord chose these men and women, and even though His leaders have turned from the truth to walk after the course of this world, He still loves them. Therefore, He is reaching out one last time, by presenting to them Truth that will destroy the lust in them. This is the mercy and grace of God in their lives.

MINISTERIAL INTEGRITY

The most important lesson a minister can learn is one of ministerial integrity. Without integrity, there can be no manifestation of agape love. However, in order to possess this character trait, one must count the cost of obtaining such a prize. The Apostle Paul has given us a living example of such ministerial integrity in operation. The Lord has entrusted His leaders with the revelation of His Word. It is given to them to know the hidden mysteries of the Word of God. Therefore, it is also required that the revelation of such Word be found operational in the life of the minister of God. To be faithful is to be trustworthy and reliable. This is a requirement of all ministers of the gospel. One must submit to the standard of the Word of God. Those who received the ministry of a leader should keep the character, mind and heart of God on display at all times. He must lead by example. The Father must also be able to trust a leader with the revelation of His purpose. It is through such a revelation lived out in the life of His leaders, that God will move His church into the unity of the faith.

THE MINDSET OF CHRIST IS THE STANDARD FOR MINISTRY.

It is an all self-sacrificing mentality. Paul displayed this mind. We too, must count the gain of all things but dung for the excellency of the knowledge and power of Christ (Philippians 3:8).

Leaders are stewards or guardians and managers of the household of faith. If they are to encourage the people of God to embrace the walk of faith, then they must be willing to deny themselves at all times, for the sake of winning, restoring or delivering a soul.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Everyone who serves in the faith must purge himself of all dishonesty found in things seen and unseen. The word dishonest refers to "things that are shameful and void of “the truth.” Oftentimes, those who are crafty in the handling of the Word and the people of God are able to achieve their hidden or personal agendas while seemingly doing the righteous thing. The root of such behavior is wantonness. This lust may be for things, authority, position or money. Nevertheless, it is a driving force that will lead a minister in the deceitful works of cunning craftiness. Lust is blinding. Some leaders are driven into doing things they never thought would be a part of their character just to achieve, secure or maintain the things they want.

LUST DESTROYS ALL SENSE OF LOYALTY, COMMITMENT AND RIGHTEOUS REASONING.

It causes the love of many to wax cold; thus, making its captive, cold, cunning and calculating. Lust destroys relationships with both God and man.

DISHONESTY IS A MANIFESTATION OF FEAR

Fear is a result of facing the possibility of either not obtaining or losing something.

FEAR, FEARFUL, FEARFULNESS; (a) intimidation by the adversaries; (b) "reverential fear," of God, as a controlling motive of one's life, in matters spiritual and moral, not a mere "fear" of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a "fear" which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence, and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling Spirit of God,

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Not of the outward man, but the power is inward. This is the power of God. God bless you.

Mary Banks, Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ