Walking - Spirit & Truth Fellowship International

changes was in regard to the gift of holyspirit. 2 Before Pentecost, God chose whowould receive it, gave it conditionallyand temporarily, and to only a fewbelievers. As of Pentecost, everyonewho chooses to confess Jesus as Lordand believe that God raised him fromthe dead (Rom. 10:9) receives the giftof holy spirit, the absolute guarantee ofsalvation. 3 Each is thus equipped to “represent”the Lord Jesus, the Head of theBody of which each of us is a vital part. Assuch, every Christian is a full time ministerof the Good News of Jesus Christ.Ephesians 4:7, 11 and 12(7) But to each one of us gracehas been given as Christapportioned it.(11) It was he who gavesome to be apostles, someto be prophets, some to beevangelists, and some to bepastors and teachers,(12) to prepare God’s peoplefor works of service, so that thebody of Christ may be built up.Yes, there are what we might call“leadership ministries” — apostles,prophets, evangelists, pastors, andteachers, but they are not to be the onlyones doing the work of the ministry(serving). Each member of the Body is todo his part, and each one can because,via the gift of holy spirit, each is directlyconnected to the Head. As per thefollowing verse, you can utilize all ninemanifestations (abilities) of that gift towalk in this dark world and be a shininglight for the Lord.1 Corinthians 12:7Now to each one themanifestation of the Spirit isgiven for the common good.In the Old Testament, God instituteda priestly hierarchy among His people,Israel, and the leaders were easilyrecognizable by their special clothingand their titles. In the Body of Christ,however, there is no such “peckingorder.” Each Christian has direct accessto the throne of grace, as well as theright (and responsibility) to speak theWord to any other member of the Body.There is authority in the Church, but itis earned by loving service, is voluntarilyacknowledged, and is always relativeto the overall authority and lordship ofJesus Christ.The Christian Church is a body ofbelievers, and Scripture equates itsfunctioning with how the human bodyfunctions:Romans 12:4-8(4) Just as each of us has onebody with many members, andthese members do not all havethe same function,(5) so in Christ we who aremany form one body, and eachmember belongs to all theothers.(6) We have different gifts,according to the grace given us.If a man’s gift is prophesying, lethim use it in proportion to hisfaith.(7) If it is serving, let him serve; ifit is teaching, let him teach;(8) if it is encouraging, let himencourage; if it is contributing tothe needs of others, let him givegenerously; if it is leadership,let him govern diligently; if itis showing mercy, let him do itcheerfully.What’s your gift?So what is your gift, your longsuit,your part? If you are not sure, the wayto find out is to press into your personalrelationship with the Lord Jesus, getinvolved in a part of his Body (a group ofChristians) and take advantage of everyopportunity to pray, teach, sing, write,give, cook, counsel, share your heart,or help someone in any godly way. Seewhat comes naturally to you, what youlike to do, what you are good at. Knowthat your Father and your Lord valueyou and have a personal curriculum ofThey made choices to do what they could forthe Lord. So can you.Each Christian has direct access to the throne ofgrace, as well as the right (and responsibility) tospeak the Word to any other member of the Body.learning and growth for you. They areeager to energize you and help youpresent their heart to the world.1 Peter 4:10 and 11(10) Each one should usewhatever gift he has receivedto serve others, faithfullyadministering God’s grace in itsvarious forms.(11) If anyone speaks, he shoulddo it as one speaking thevery words of God. If anyoneserves, he should do it with thestrength God provides, so thatin all things God may be praisedthrough Jesus Christ. To him bethe glory and the power for everand ever. Amen.Romans 16 is a unique chapter in theChurch Epistles, and if you’ve not read itlately, take a look at it and consider thefact that 35 of your fellow Christians arementioned by name, along with quite afew others less specifically. Take time tothink about what is said about variousones, for no doubt some of thosedescriptions could be said about you.Ponder the fact that each one of themwas unique, like you, a man or womanplagued by a sin nature yet filled withthe divine nature of Christ. They madechoices to do what they could for theLord. So can you. 4Whether or not you are ever paid asan employee of a ministry, you are a fulltime minister of the Good News of yourLord Jesus Christ, so go forth each dayand serve the Bread of Life to those inyour world.Notes:1. For further study visitTruthOrTradition.com/pentecost2. For further study on the changesthat took place on the Day ofPentecost, visit TruthOrTradition.com/changes3. For further study on thepermanence of our salvation, visitTruthOrTradition.com/permanent4. You are the only you God has - visitTruthOrTradition.com/youMay/June 2008 | STFonline.org/sower 5