Ephesians 4:11-16 " And HE gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of CHRIST: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the SON of GOD, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the Head, even CHRIST: from WHOM the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
It really does matter what you believe about the purpose and ministry of the church. An improper view of the purpose and ministry of the church has led to much of the mess in which the church now finds itself today. Are we supposed to be changing the culture ? Are we supposed to be bringing in the Kingdom ? Are we supposed to be "winning souls" during every Sunday morning service ? Are we supposed to be feeding the hungry and clothing the naked ? The Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus makes it clear that the local church exists to equip believers to be ministers of JESUS CHRIST for the glory of GOD. When we understand that the church is CHRIST's body and that the local church exists for the purpose of equipping, admonishing, and edifying the saints as they serve as ambassadors for the LORD JESUS out in the world, then we will focus our energy on being faithful children of GOD who meet together on a regular basis so that we can better comprehend HIS message and will for our lives.
It really does matter what you believe about the rapture. Read Titus 2:11-13. An improper view of the any-moment return of JESUS CHRIST for HIS church has led believers to become fearful of the world around them. Because they have confused the rapture and the second coming of CHRIST (prior to the establishment of HIS Kingdom), they are looking for "signs" and fearing the tribulation that will come upon the world. Their focus has shifted away from certainty and comfort to worry and fear. But GOD wants HIS children to await HIS imminent return and find comfort in the fact that we will NOT have to endure the seven-year tribulation that will absolutely devastate this sin-cursed world. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
No comments:
Post a Comment