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NASB | Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:12 [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God's people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; |
Bible Question:
Hi Brad, I was just trying to distinguish or contrast when using 'educator' and 'entertainer.' It is like we have in the school system where some careless teachers (burned out teachers that do not care) are seen as 'baby sitters' rather than instructors. A teacher needs zeal and purpose; an entertainer just needs to amuse. So, Heb 5:12-13 KJVR (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers... I agree we need to look at the members. We should also look at the proportion of time spent on the Word 'in' church vrs other interests. What is their example? Is the service filled with expository preaching and study? Do you think that maybe there is a relationship between the kind of church/preacher one choses and how much daily study is done? Thank you for your reply |
Bible Answer: "Do you think that maybe there is a relationship between the kind of church/preacher one choses and how much daily study is done?" YES! People that want to go to church just to be 'entertained' will search until they find a church that meets that desire. I think many people forget that the church isn't all about them. The church is meeting place for believers to come together, build up one another, and worship/praise God. All these involve you putting other things in front of yourself with the primary focus being on God. It is hard concept in today's society when we live in a 'me' world. The only 'me' in a Christian relationship is the willingness of 'me' to submit to God's divine will and purpose for 'me'. I'm not sure how I got off on the 'me' thing, but if a person doesn't study the Word of God, how can he/she know if what is being taught in church is correct? Don't misunderstand me; I think churches with different ministries are vital. I don't want to give the impression that every church should be sitting around 24/7 doing nothing but in depth Bible studies. The teaching/preaching at churches need to be in accordance with the level the congregation is at and include additional activities/ministries that will help the body grow. An example would be a Saturday car wash put on by the Youth group to help raise funds for missions or to send kids to camp. Directly, this activity isn't a Bible study, but indirectly you are teaching the kids about concepts and principals from the Word. I think 1 Peter 4:11 sums this up: 1PE 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. We need to as a church, as a member, and as a teacher/pastor make sure that we are to doing all things so God may be glorified. Don't see nothing in that scripture about making little old Brad happy or entertained. Yet as we do as the Word states, we will have joy. GAL 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GAL 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Brad |