Book of the Week: He Gave Gifts Unto Men: God's Plan For Ministry In The Kingdom (Abundant Truth Leadership)

 

Ministry is a valuable part of the Kingdom. God anoints individuals in the Church with ministries and gifts to glorify Him. However, as the day of the Lord hastens, we find many believers entering into ministry with wrong motives. In addition, others are pursuing gifts for their own personal gain. This publication will give believers a pure perspective for ministry. 

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Excerpt:

God chose Israel to be a special people unto Himself. This was done so that all nations would accept Israel’s God as their own. They were to participate in the salvation of the world. 

Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. (Isaiah 43:10-12)

God told them that they were His witnesses that He was God. Israel was supposed to display God to the world, and thus turn the nations unto Him. 

When Israel disobeyed God, He anointed men to aid in their salvation. God anointed men and women that would help them remain in right standing with Him. The priests were anointed by God to make sacrifices for the sins of the people. 

The judges were anointed by God to deliver the people. In addition, the prophets were anointed by God to cause the people to return to God rather than face His judgment. God anoints us today for the same purposes:

1) We are anointed to intercede and pray for one another as priests.

2) We are anointed to help restore and deliver one another as judges.

3) We are anointed to encourage one another to serve the Lord as prophets.

God anointed individuals in the Old Testament for Israel’s benefit. All in the Body of Christ are responsible to fulfill the charge given to Israel; we are to be witnesses to the world. In addition, believers are instructed to encourage and exhort one another in their salvation. However, we find that Israel failed and God promised that He would send a Messiah. This Christ would not only come for Israel, but for the world. 

Book of the Week: I Will Give You Pastors: Examining the Pastoral Office in the New Testament Church

Excerpt:

The Facts of Pastoral Ministry

Pastors help the people of God to grow/prosper through their ministry. They do this through their ministry of the Word. Their congregants should be able to feed and mature. 

And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:4) 

Pastors lead by instruction and example. We must follow. Along with the ministry of the Word, pastors must be examples. 

A natural shepherd does more leading than talking. Even if the pastor has not said one word, the people of God should see the Word demonstrated in his lifestyle. 

Remember them, which have the rule over you, who have spoken the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of the conversation. (Hebrews 13:7) 

Pastors are to represent the heart of God and care for the Church. Pastors should take on the nature of the Good Shepherd. They are protectors over the flock of God as watchmen. 

And I will give you pastors after mine own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15) 

Pastors must guard against the Pharisaic spirit: preaching and teaching only for the praise of men. They have to remember they are privileged to lead. 

They must not look upon the people of God as their servants, but rather be ready to serve. In doing so, they and the people of God will grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ.

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Book of the Week: The Apostolic Ministry: Exploring the Apostolic Office and Gift (Kingdom Stewards Series)

  

The focus of this book is to bring clarity and understanding to the apostolic office, the apostolic anointing. This information will help individuals to recognize the operations of this anointing in their lives and in the lives of others. It is our hope that believers will develop a greater respect and appreciation for the apostolic office and gift. Available Here and Amazon.com.

Excerpt:

There are individuals in the Church who are not apostles, but there is a definite apostolic touch on their lives and ministries. These individuals are said to possess an apostolic anointing. This is the next level of apostleship. How does this differ from someone who has an apostolic gift? In simple terms, the person who has an apostolic gift will demonstrate apostolic grace and ability occasionally.

However, an individual with an apostolic anointing will demonstrate apostolic power, grace, and authority regularly as they minister to the Body of Christ. Possessing an apostolic anointing does not place one in the office of the apostle, but it does make them a part of the emerging apostolic company of believers.

The apostolic anointing is seen oftentimes in believers who are called to the five-fold ministry. They will operate in their respective offices while exercising apostolic power and authority. The apostolic anointing adds a depth and dimension to their ministries. In addition, one does not have to be called to a ministry office to possess an apostolic anointing (discussed earlier). These individuals are strategically placed in the Body of Christ that all may be partakers of the apostolic ministry.

Individuals who possess an apostolic anointing will manifest the revelation and power of the Spirit consistently. They will have encounters with the Lord frequently. This may be in dreams and visions or in visitations of the Holy Spirit. In addition, they will be able to help others grow in their relationship with the Lord. Some will function like missionaries (sent ones) between churches. They will travel from assembly to assembly, strengthening pastors and leadership through their service.