The late Kenneth E. Hagin of Rhema Bible Training Center prophesied in 2003 that the last-days Church would not only be a Word (Bible) Church but also a Holy Ghost Church. That we would see greater manifestations of the Holy Spirit. An increase in signs, wonders, miracles, and healing. How exciting that is. Of course, we will see many come to Christ. God is moving in a mighty way. We are seeing signs of revival and a fresh outpouring. People are getting involved, desiring to be used by God. The Holy Spirit was poured out two thousand years ago to equip and empower the body of Christ to be witnesses for Christ ( Acts 1:8).
There are no unused people in the Body of Christ. Every believer has a ministry. It may not be a five-fold ministry as we see in Ephesians. Ephesians 4:11 (NKJV)-11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. Yet there are other support ministries, as we see in 1 Cor. 12:4-11 and in Romans 12:4-8. (Some call these “Motivational gifts.) Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV)-4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;7 or ministry,( diakonia-Greek Word for deacon) let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy with cheerfulness. Let me also mention other ministries that we can see in the body of Christ: music ministry, media ministry, deacons, deaconesses, Elders, Bishops, and missionaries (Luke 2:36-37, 1 Chron. 15:16, Acts 6:3, 1 Tim.3: 8-13, Acts 14:23, 1 Tim. 3:1-(Bishop, elder, pastor can be used interchangeably), God has also called us to make disciples (teach) as well (Matt. 28:19-20). Many of these are support ministries or classified as “Helps” ministries. We can include youth and children’s ministry.
In Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gives an example of what a Church can look like. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 (NKJV)-28 And God has appointed (Set in) these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, ( Ministry of) helps, administrations (governments-could refer to pastoral office), varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues ( diverse kinds of tongues-1 Cor. 12:10-not a reference to speaking in tongues as initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit-Acts 19:6)? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. The excellent way is the way of love ( 1 Cor. 14:1). Of course, you don’t have to have all five-fold ministries in a local Church to be a New Testament Church. Yet it is good and proper to have these ministry gifts (Five-Fold) ministering from time to time in a local church. Also, the five-fold ministries’ gifts are not a hierarchy. With the Apostle at the top. It is not about position or ruling but purpose. Notice that Apostle Paul says that God sets them in the Church, not man. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. It is a work of the grace of God. (Romans 12:6). All these grace gifts: five-fold ministry gifts, motivational gifts, and the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Cor. 12:1-11, are to mature the body of Christ, to equip them for the work of ministry or service. To establish them in the faith (Rom. 1:11), to minister to the Body of Christ and in the marketplace. The motivation to operate in these gifts and callings is always the love of God. (1 Cor 13:1-3). Without love, any ministry or gifting will not profit us or anybody else. Let everything be done for the edification and the building up of the Church that all may profit thereby(1 Cor. 14:3, 1 Cor. 14:12, 1 Cor. 12:7). It is never for personal gain or glory! It is never to draw attention to ourselves or appear more spiritual than someone else. That would be pride. ( 1 Peter 5:5 )All the glory goes to Jesus, the head of the Church ( Col. 1:18).
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV)-10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Church is not a spectator sport. We are all called to be involved in some way. The manifold grace of God is the diversities of gifts and operations in the body of Christ. It is the character of Christ expressed through God’s people. We are stewards of this grace, not owners. The word gifts in Greek is Charisma. The word Charis means grace. It takes love, faith, and the grace of God to operate in these gifts. Too many Christians are just receiving and not giving. There is a time to learn and grow, but eventually we need to get out of the boat and do something for God. It is all for the glory of God. Here is Apostle Paul’s encouragement: Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV)-1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We must walk in humility and be teachable! Keeping Jesus in the forefront! (Col. 1:18). We will see the Body of Christ blessed, built up, and edified, doing great exploits for God with humility.
There are many purposes of God for our lives. When it comes to these various ministries, we need to seek God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. To see how God wants to use us for his glory. God wants us to walk in our calling as believers. Here is our main purpose or calling. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV)9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Everything flows out of our daily fellowship with God, our Father. We are the branches abiding in the vine (Jesus), bearing much fruit (John 15:5). Even a unique calling or ministry flows out of foundational purposes. Like walking in love, being conformed to the image of Christ ( Rom 8:29), loving our spouses and children, and grandchildren. Learning to serve where needed. The ministry of helps is greatly needed in the Body of Christ and is just as important as the five-fold ministry gifts. It means being the best employee or employer representing Christ. We are called to be salt and light in a world full of corruption. Apostle Paul tells young Timothy what is important. 1 Timothy 4:12-14 (NKJV)-12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. (2Tim 1:6). How many are neglecting what God has put in them? Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gift of God. Flame it into flames. We are all called to be believers in Christ (Mark 16:15:20). We are called to make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20).
How do I know my purpose and calling? Well, we named a bunch of them! It doesn’t have to be mysterious. Start seeking God, praying, and asking God to show you what to do. It may start as something simple and easy. Just be a blessing to someone else. A car can only change direction when it’s moving. As you serve God faithfully, He will lead you and guide you so that you can fulfill your God-designed purpose. It is a lifelong journey. It is being faithful in the little things. It is having a servant’s heart. A key thing I would say is to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, as we see when Saul (Paul) got saved (Acts 9:17, Acts 19:1-6). Apostle Paul, upon his conversion, started as a believer, fellowshipping with God. Receiving revelation from Christ, Preached Christ, was a teacher, a missionary, and eventually planted Churches as an Apostle and a writer of many of the books of the New Testament. (Acts 9:1-20, Gal. 1:11-12, Gal. 1:15-18, Acts 11:25-26, Acts 20:16-21, Acts 26:13-18, 2 Tim. 1:11). Paul’s journey happened over many years. He didn’t start as an Apostle. I believe the seed was there to be one eventually ( Jer 1:4-5, Gal. 1:15-16). Paul had to grow and mature spiritually, to grow in his character and faithfulness. He learned how to obey, endure hardship, and persecution. He even felt unworthy to be an Apostle (1 Cor. 15:9). Paul finished his race and was found faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)-7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
In closing, realize that when it comes to grace giftings, it is more than what type of personality you may have. What your strengths or weaknesses may be. How you were raised. What education you may have had or didn’t have? I say this because God’s grace and the anointing of the Holy Spirit will equip you for whatever He has called you to do. He can take an introvert who fears public speaking and turn him or her into a preaching machine. Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)-6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. No one has ever been fully qualified and perfected to be used by God. Listen to what Paul said to the Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (NKJV)-25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. You are important to God. As long as you are still breathing, he will use you to glorify his name. Several last things: Don’t compare yourself to others; you are unique in your God-given purpose. Don’t stress out and strive about what God wants you to do. Just breathe and put one foot in front of the other as you walk with Jesus and hear his voice. He is the good Shepherd! Faithful to lead and guide you. God hasn’t changed his mind about your purpose ( Rom. 11:29), even if you have messed up and gotten off track. God can put you back on course. Hallelujah, Amen!
- Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NKJV)-11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV)-10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
In Christ’s love;
Brent and Linda Bushen
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