|
He Gave Gifts to Men, and Women
|
|
And 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 equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body is fitted and held together by every supporting ligament. And as each individual part does its work, the body grows and builds itself up in love.
(Ephesians 4: 11-16 BSB)
|
|
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Many years ago I wrote in a church magazine that churches should be run like businesses. I was wrong, and this caused outrage among the church members and pastors. Today, we see many churches run like businesses. In fact many churches are run as businesses, where pastoral staff have become quite rich, not in the word of God but in money and worldly wealth. Do these people have a right, or a mandate from God, to build up their bank balances and live lives of luxury and power? What is Paul telling us here?
Paul tells us that God gives us pastoral staff in our churches for a reason, and it not to spruik a “health and wealth” gospel. He gives us helpers, as in Paul’s list above, to build up the church in unity and love, to help novice Christians become mature, and to prepare them for service. Pastors are the shepherds caring for the flock, called and appointed by God.
I have been to some churches where the pastor disappeared quickly after the sermon, or who only mingled with a select group of close followers. The “sheep” were left to look after themselves. I also went to a church where the pastor stood at the church’s rear exit greeting everyone leaving. He introduced visitors and newcomers to established church members. He remembered people’s names and took an interest in their welfare, and made everyone feel welcome. This may be only a small part of a shepherd’s vocation but it is well on the way to fulfilling the requirements that Paul outlines above.
Pastoral staff called by God are dedicated people who have a heart for all those in their care. They don’t use them or abuse them; and they live their lives as an example for others to follow. Paul was a mighty apostle appointed by God to preach to the gentiles. He was also a humble man and did not parade around like a peacock displaying his status and credentials for all to see. Paul’s zeal for his flock’s welfare was paramount. Even in prison his concern was for his churches, not on the money stored in his bank account.
|
|
PeterF
|
|
Total Views: 174
|
All submitted comments will be read, but may only be displayed at my discretion. Please keep
comments brief. Large comments, that are displayed, will be shortened to around
100 words. Your email address will not be displayed, only the senders' name will be shown.
|
|
|
MORE INSIGHTS
Read Other Reflections on the Bible
1 Cor 13: 8 - 13
Chapter 13 is the well known Scripture reading often read at wedding ceremonies. It is very meaningful in the new relationship between husband and wife. However, for the Christian love, true love, is the basis for eternal existence together now . . .
1 Cor 15: 50 - 57
At the end of time when Jesus returns we who are still here will be changed. Our new bodies will last forever and not grow old and die. Those who have died will be raised to life again with new bodies. This only applies to Christians whose names . . .
Mark 12: 1 - 12
We learn in the Bible that many of the Scribes and Pharisees hated Jesus because He didn't mince words exposing their hipocricy and evil. The message of this passage was directed at them but Jesus also spoke of His death and resurrection to His . . .
1 Cor 9: 9 - 14
Most of us have heard about the "money preachers". Watch late night television in the wee hours before dawn and you find any number of televangelists spruiking their "name-it-and-claim-it" gospel. They may agree with the verses shown above about . . .
1 Cor 2:12-14
In Paul's letter to the Corinthian church we read how the Holy Spirit given to Christians reveals God's truths and wisdom. These were decreed by God even before the creation of the world.
The truth about salvation, about His plan for a coming . . .
Joel 2: 28 - 32
The passage above is a favourite among prophecy teachers. There are two schools of thought on the interpretation of the text. The popular view is that it applies to all Christians in the days prior to Christ’s return. Some disagree and claim it . . .
Revelation 1: 10 – 11
These letters to the seven churches, in chapters 1 to 3, are written in a different style to the rest of the prophetic text of Revelation. We are not told why these particular towns were selected but perhaps the apostle John who wrote down the . . .
Hebrews 10: 26 - 39
Many Christians believe that once saved you are always saved. But the Bible tells us otherwise as we read here in chapter 10. What they fail to realise is this: God gave us a free will to choose our own destiny. God’s long-term plan was to create . . .
Luke 17: 23 - 36
Firstly, although we understand God to be a God of love, wanting all people to be saved, why did He bring destruction on those living at the time of Noah and Lot? How can that be love? Universalists think because God is Love He will relent . . .
1 Corinthians 12: 4 - 11
St Paul wrote to the Corinthian church so they would not be ignorant of the gifts of the Spirit. It was God’s plan for His people to live and work in unity with one purpose and have an overwhelming love for one another. These spiritual gifts were . . .
|
|
