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NASB | Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], |
Bible Question:
Dear RayV.H., I agree that a body without division is God's desire, and that the foundation for ministry in the church is already laid in the Bible. But, if I am reading your replies correctly, you are saying that there are no longer any ministries at all? All are priests, so ministers and ministries are unnecessary? Is it not true, then, that the local church would have no 'members' chosen by God to perform specific tasks? Frankly, it sounds like chaos, with no commitment and responsibility to one another, and no 'talents' used for His glory. "For the body is not one member, but many. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1Corinthians 12:14, 18, 27 NASB. I think you answered my question, but I am not sure. If you are saying what I think you are saying, then every believer is a 'one-man-show,' and the 'many-membered body' is invalid. Every person has his Bible, and acts as he feels the Bible tells him. Though I see little scriptural argument for denominational hierarchy over the local church, I am quite certain that there must be some orderly separation of responsibility within the local church. Thank you for your comments, and bless your path in Christ Jesus. charis |
Bible Answer: Just a quick thought here, I've got to go to bed. I believe one of the reasons we have so much trouble in our churchs today is because we have done away with the first gifts mentioned in Eph. 4. Just one example, a church I was a member had a great evangelist for a pastor, we baptised people and families nearly every week. Our church tripled in size in less than two years. But there was one major problem, the people were not being fed. Our pastor did not no how, because he was an evangelist. He also was very jealous of his pulpit, so the people never heard anything but John 3:16. Very soon division sprang up, and in a matter of months, the church split. I do not put all the blame on the pastor, but he surely could prevented this by seeing his weakness and using others to fill the void. We need people that God has gifted as apostles and prophets to keep the church moving forward and to keep a balance in teaching the Word. I believe the Bible is very clear on the use of these offices today. In the church were I now pastor, I use the people God's sends us to meet the needs that I am not gifted to meet, I think that is the way God meant for it to be. I would feel very sorry for the people in the congregation if I didn't see my lack and try to supply that for them. I am sleepy, later...wdc |