Today, I would like to discuss the topic of ministry gifts. It is important to remember that everything we do for the Lord is a gift, bestowed upon us by His grace and mercy.
If we approach our service to God as a mere business or a task, we miss the true essence of our calling.
In Christianity, we have different structures within the church, such as the Lutheran and Catholic Church, which have bishops and archbishops.
On the other hand, we have other churches where pastors and elders are the main leaders.
The fivefold ministry
However, many leaders in churches today reject the concept of the fivefold ministry, which is based on the apostles, prophets, teachers, shepherds, and evangelists as mentioned in the Bible.
The Springs to Revival ministry, to which we belong, is built upon the foundation of the fivefold ministry, as outlined by the apostle Paul.
Additionally, Paul also speaks of overseers, who are similar to apostles in their role of overseeing and nurturing the churches they have established.
Apostles or prophets
Unfortunately, in today's world, we often witness a chaotic situation where individuals claim titles such as apostle or prophet without a true calling from God.
This creates confusion and dilutes the authenticity of these roles.
To truly fulfill our ministry gifts, we must first undergo a testing period and demonstrate our willingness to be under authority.
It is essential to distinguish between genuine apostles and prophets who selflessly serve God, just as Paul and Peter did, and those who merely pursue personal gain.
The early apostles endured immense suffering and ministered tirelessly, exemplifying true dedication to their calling.
Let us not forget about the lesser-known apostles like Thomas, who carried the Gospel to India and gave his life for the cause.
Prophets
Sadly, we also encounter false prophets who prophesy without discretion.
They make grand promises of multiplication and deliverance without genuine evidence of their prophecies coming to pass.
They often manipulate people into giving offerings under the guise of receiving blessings.
However, God does not depend on the quantity of people gathered or the amount of money given.
He works according to His divine plan, not our human efforts.
As for teachers, it is crucial to have anointed individuals who diligently study the Bible, pray, and seek deep revelation from the Holy Spirit.
They should not rely solely on copying sermons or delivering empty messages.
When teaching, it is essential to speak with power by imparting seeds of faith through revelation from God's Word.
Pastors
The role of a shepherd, often fulfilled by pastors, is to guide and protect the flock.
They lead believers to spiritual nourishment and safeguard them against the enemy's attacks. However, some pastors become overly protective, hindering the growth of their congregation.
It is important to strike a balance and allow people to mature in their faith, while still providing necessary guidance and protection.
Evangelists
Lastly, we have evangelists, who are like fishermen, capturing souls for Christ.
They operate outside the confines of the church, reaching out to people in the world.
While there may be a temptation for evangelists to become pastors, it is crucial for them to remain focused on their primary mission of bringing people to Jesus.
Working together
We believe that the church is like a fleet of boats working together to bring people closer to Jesus.
Just as a main fishing boat in Norway is supported by smaller boats that help gather the fish, Jesus is the main boat and the churches are the smaller boats working together to bring people into heaven.
Each church has its own unique way of doing things and different tools to accomplish this mission.
We understand that unity in Christ is essential for the churches to effectively work together.
Real prophets
Apostle Paul's writings in 2 Corinthians shed light on this topic, but before we dive into that, let's talk about the importance of real prophets in the church.
Real prophets have a unique ability to see beyond the present and discern both the good and the challenges that lie ahead.
Some may argue that the role of prophets has changed, but it's worth noting that prophets and apostles often work hand in hand.
The church planters
Apostles, who are like church planters, listen to and speak from God, sometimes operating in the prophetic office.
They lay down the foundation of Christ in new areas, demolishing spiritual strongholds before the church can be established.
The teacher and shepherd roles also play a crucial part in building up the body of Christ, with Jesus as the cornerstone.
The solid foundation of Christ
It's essential for the church to build on the solid foundation of Christ, following the instructions provided in the Bible.
Unfortunately, some churches have deviated from these teachings, such as practicing child baptism, which can lead to incorrect doctrines.
The weight of responsibility
Apostles bear the weight of responsibility for the churches they have planted and oversee.
They carry burdens and have a deep sense of accountability before God.
As an apostle myself, I understand the importance of standing before Jesus one day and answering for everything I have done or failed to do in serving His people.
Apostles are not self-proclaimed; they humbly serve God and His people with love and care.
They are called to uplift and raise others higher than themselves.
Young leaders need guidance and training, and apostles have the privilege of equipping and empowering them.
A true prophet
The role of a real prophet is also vital in today's society.
They serve as a trumpet, delivering God's messages and warnings to the people.
However, it's crucial to distinguish between genuine prophets and those who misuse their gift for personal gain.
Fake prophets abound, spreading false prophecies on social media.
We must be discerning and rely on the true prophets of the Lord.
The world needs prophets now more than ever, as we navigate through troubled times.
Prophets bring warnings and encouragement to the church and society as a whole.
Warning to the queen of Baderah
I recall an incident years ago in Uganda when the Lord sent me to warn the queen of Baderah that her life was in danger.
The warning came true as a battle erupted, causing harm to many, but the queen had already escaped.
This story illustrates the importance of genuine prophets who speak directly from God.
Encounters with Jesus
While some argue that encounters with Jesus are necessary to be called as a prophet, Jesus continues to reveal Himself in miraculous ways.
Recently, He appeared to over 200 men in one night in Gaza, leading them to surrender their lives to Him.
We long to witness similar encounters in places like Pakistan and India, where leaders can experience a transformation through encountering Jesus.
The words of Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians hold great significance.
The qualities described by Paul
As we serve the Lord, whether as apostles, prophets, pastors, or in any other capacity, we must align ourselves with the qualities described by Paul.
Our love and devotion should be solely for Christ, just as a pure maiden saves her love for her future husband.
We strive to provide teachings and guidance rooted in the simplicity and truth of God's Word, delivered with love and sincerity.
I understand that you may have concerns about being led astray from your devotion to God.
It can be intimidating when we encounter teachings or messages that seem different from what we know.
It's important to be discerning and stay grounded in the truth.
Jesus is the only way to the Father
When it comes to understanding the way of salvation, it's essential to stick to what is clearly written in the Bible.
While some may try to present a different way or twist the words, we must hold fast to the truth that Jesus is the only way to the Father.
As you navigate through different teachings, remember that the Lord confirms His calling and anoints those who are truly serving Him.
False apostles, prophets, and pastors may boast about their work, but their deeds will ultimately reveal their true nature.
Stay focused on the genuine servants of God.
In your own journey as a servant of Jesus, don't be discouraged by challenges and hardships.
God is faithful
The path of a true servant is not always easy, but God is faithful to take care of us in every situation.
He has chosen us and promised to fulfill what He has started in our lives.
As you serve, be mindful of the importance of integrity and honesty. Don't be tempted to manipulate or take advantage of others for personal gain.
Trust in the Lord to provide and guide you in your ministry.
Remember, being a true servant of Jesus means following His example of selflessness and sacrificial love.
It's not about seeking personal gain or recognition, but about faithfully serving and building up the church.
In these uncertain times, it's crucial for apostles, prophets, and other ministry leaders to take responsibility and stand in the gap.
The church needs the full five-fold ministry to equip and support believers. Let us embrace our roles and fulfill our callings with humility and compassion.
Lastly, we are encouraged to share the message of God's love and truth with others.
Let us be diligent in spreading the good news and inviting others to experience the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.
In conclusion, ministry gifts are not to be taken lightly.
They are divine callings that require dedication, obedience, and a genuine heart to serve God and His people.
Let us strive to fulfill our ministry gifts with integrity and humility, following the example set by the early apostles and leaders in the Bible.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to our teaching. We pray that God blesses you and that you will help us share this message with your friends.