Equipping the Saints
Posted on March 17, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11,12)
Because a huge part of my life was spent in life dominating sin and rejection, I was lost in my identity and hope. God rescued me, and we began to work through the transformation and in the process I have learned the importance of discerning through choices and various understandings. Through those experiences I found out who I am in Christ. Identity is huge for me; to appropriate Godliness or to direct me towards His will in my life.
Though I began to live in this new identity in Christ, I didn’t always know what my calling was or even why I was called? I seemed to be serving God but it wasn’t with a sense of direction or goals or purpose. This verse reminds me of the values for serving of God in the local church, and who is the Church; People!
Pastors and other clergy are very overtly in their various ministrations, in dispensing the word, administering the ordinances, maintaining Christian discipline, and performing all other ministerial duties.
These weren’t my gifts, but I did know that I could give kind word or an admonishment. And I could see what a person could be, passed their issues, to equip them for life and Godliness. It was revolutionary for me to see my little contributions be of some help to edifying the body and gave me a purpose. In turn, this help me find out my calling in life; exhortation.
God is so great that he doesn’t leave us to our own devises after salvation. He builds a team called the church. Are you still looking for your calling? Is your service for the Lord directing, edifying, and the perfecting of the saints? God is could be calling you a deeper meaningful service Him. Reckon Yourself!
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 77; Proverbs 17
Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan
Daily Quote: Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” ~Alexander MacLaren
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
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