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The Church is called to demonstrate the Love of God in the world. Every church on corners across the world is a physical representative of the presence and work of Jesus Christ in the world. Many unbelievers view the church building and the Christian faith as one and the same.
The challenge we face in this age of unbelief is, “How do we share the compelling truth about Jesus Christ?” More to the point, What is the compelling truth distilled into a compelling message? What do we need to minimize and what do we need to maximize to present the Gospel of
Jesus Christ in its raw power and brilliant beauty?
Luke 10:1-20 Jesus was a strategic planner.
Let love be your Highest Goal! 1 Corinthians 14:1a
The Diversity of Gifts = Diversity of Ministries
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11&12
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul shares the following Gifts of the Spirit:
first are apostles,
second, are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
These Helping Gifts should be grouped with other important gifts found in Romans 12:6-8, which outlines the following gifts:
The Gift of Encouragement
- The Gift of Giving/Generosity,
- The Gift of Wise Counsel
- The Gift of Leadership/Organization and
- The Gift of Mercy/Kindness.
God writes through Paul, the following words in 1 Corinthians 12:29-31
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.
But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
Expanding the reach of ministry through activating the gifts of the Spirit in the Church. How can we who represent Jesus Christ in the World, demonstrate the life and power of Jesus Christ to the World? Ministry
A Modest Proposal – Ordain disciples who demonstrate 1.) a Love for God and 2.) a commitment to the Lordship of Christ, 3.) a life guided by the Holy Spirit, 4.) a gift and a heart to do that work.
Create another path to a life committed to Christ’s ministry that does not require a trip through the pulpit.