Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 2:7,3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 4/2002 Apostle,Prophet,Evangelist,Pastor,Teacher,Preacher,Bishop,Deacon,Elder
Apostle (19x) Greek APOSTOOS messenger, he that is sent, officially a commissioner of Christ (with miraculous powers) Hebrews 3:1Jesus called an Apostle I Peter 1:1; II Peter 1:1,3:2; Peter calls himself an Apostle. Romans 1:1,11:13; I Corinthians 1:1,9:1,2,15:9; II Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; I Timothy 1:1,2:7; II Thessalonians 1:1,11; Titus 1:1; Paul calls himself an Apostle. Acts 4:32-33,5:12; II Corinthians 12:12;Works, Signs of an Apostle. Apostleship (4x) Greek APOSTOLE Apostle (1x) Greek PSEUDAPOSTOLOS False Apostle 2 Corinthians 11:13 Apostles (56x) (see below) Prophet(s) (66x) Greek PROFAYTACEForeteller, inspired speaker Prophets’ (1x) Greek PROFAYTIKOS Pertaining to foretelling Prophet (4x) Greek PSEUDOPROFAYTACEFalse Foreteller Acts 21:8; Philip the Evangelist Ephesians 4:11; and some Evangelists II Timothy 4:5; do the work of the Evangelist
Suggested definitions of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. While not meant to be dogmatic or final, these definitions and supporting Scriptures do correspond to characteristics of the gifts as expressed in the “Modified Houts Questionnaire”.
ROMANS 12:6-8 Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance. Ministry (Service). The gift of service is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and to help accomplish the desired results. Teacheth. The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn Exhorteth. The gift of exhortation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Giveth. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. Ruleth. The gift of administration (Ruling) is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals Mercy. The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian & non – Christian) who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Word of Wisdom. The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ. Word of Knowledge. The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well being of the body. Faith. The gift of faith is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work. Gifts of Healings. The gift of healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means. Workings of Miracles. The gift of miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform such powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance. Discerning of Spirits. The gift of discerning of spirits is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or satanic. Kinds of Tongues. The gift of tongues is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ (a) to speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or (b) to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely – anointed utterance in a language they have never learned Interpretation of Tongues. The gift of interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to make known in a vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues.
Everything we know about Eli is found in 1 Samuel 1-4.
Eli was a
priest, a descendent of Aaron and a Godly man.
1 Samuel1:9 He was a priest in the Temple of Shiloh
1 Samuel1:12-13 He condemned sin
1 Samuel1:17 He spoke for God (prophesied)
1 Samuel3:18 He accepted God’s will for his life
He was a believer and a Godly man
Eli was a Judge of Israel for 40 years (1 Samuel 4:18) Eli was a husband and a father (all thought his wife is never mentioned) His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests (1 Samuel1:3)
ELI – Priest, Judge, Husband, Father and FAILURE
Eli the Failure, failed to see his sons get saved.
1 Samuel2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
And the sons became:
Irreverent and Sacrilegious (1 Samuel 2:13-16)
Stumbling Blocks to Israel (1 Samuel 2:17)
Fornicators and Adulterers (1 Samuel 2:22)
Surely Eli wasn’t responsible for his sons actions.
YES, he was! He failed to restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13) Deuteronomy 17:9-12, Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go. TRAIN = to form by instruction, discipline, drill.
Train a child Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13-14 A BEATING? – that’s sadistic A SPANKING? – that’s love
“But I love my child too much
to spank them”.
Proverbs 13:24 says different! DAD, it’s your job, you are responsible. ELI Failed. Eli loved his sons —- more than he loved the Lord (1 Samuel 2:29)
Eli’s position with God: his salvation became common place.
He was chosen by God to serve (1 Samuel 2:28) But he took it for granted (1 Samuel 2:29) ELI – Priest, Judge, Husband, Father and FAILURE He’s in Heaven by the Grace of God, but his sons are in Hell.
Matthew 12:32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Mark 3:28-29Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
The above text is often called the unpardonable sin. But a study of the scripture shows that the ONLY sin that is unforgivable SIN is the unbelief of Jesus Christ as Lord. For when we believe 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
and then act on Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
We will be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast, It becomes real in our lives and we can rejoice invs 10-13. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
The only SIN UNFORGIVEN is rejection of Christ Jesus as Saviour
1. Exodus 3:11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
2. 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
3. 2 Samuel 7:18 Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
4. 1 Chronicles 17:16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
5. 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
6. 2 Chronicles 2:6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
PAUL SAID
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole World, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Luke 9:25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
John 12:25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John warned about losing rewards:
2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Believer’s Works are judged:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Losers (unsaved) are judged for their works:
Revelation 20:11-15And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
1-2 ETERNITY OF GOD God is the Creator – vs 2 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Colossians 1:16 3-6 FRAILITY OF MAN Man’s life is short … Carried away as with a flood… vs 5 …because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. James 1:10-11 7-8 MAN’S SIN Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. – Vs 8 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12 9-12 SHORTNESS OF LIFE The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. – vs 10 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12 13-17 PRAYER FOR GOD’S GRACE. A Prayer for every Believer And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. … Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.Revelation 22:12,13,20
Remember the TV Program or the Movie MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
The agent would receive a secret tape, which would outline his assignment, should he accept it. The tape would tell him the responsibility he was undertaking and give him some instructions for the task .
He would then lay out his equipment and pick his team members. His success depended solely on his judgements. His accountability (if caught) would be denied.
And the only reward he would get was the fact that he had served well.
Well, God has a Mission for you BUT its: MISSION POSSIBLE
Mark 4:13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Mark 4:12-14 (in Context) Mark 4 (Whole Chapter) The Apostle Paul wants Believers to KNOW Bible Truth: Romans 6:3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:2-4 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter) Romans 6:16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:15-17 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter) Romans 7:1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Romans 7:1-3 (in Context) Romans 7 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:15-17 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 3 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5:5-7 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 5 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-4 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Corinthians 6:8-10 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 1 Corinthians 6:14-16 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 6 (Whole Chapter) 1 Corinthians 9:24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 9 (Whole Chapter) 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:4-6 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 13 (Whole Chapter) And James warns fellow Jews: James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:3-5 (in Context) James 4 (Whole Chapter)
During one’s life
time there are many events that alter or change one’s way of living. Not every
day decisions (which are many) but life changing events that might be
categorized as catastrophic. These might include a very serious accident,
getting mugged, getting robbed, losing a pet, losing a loved one, a serious
life threatening sickness, a heart attack, a stroke, cancer. All of these
and many more could be, would be catastrophic in one’s life. But no one
experiences every one of them and some experience none of them.
Physiologists have said that in a normal person’s life there are 4
catastrophic events that almost everyone experiences. Let’s take a look at
them.
The first is Birth.
Life begins at conception and for the next 9 months the baby in a warm secure place, with all of its need’s being meet. Research has shown that a baby in the womb experiences sound, movement, in fact, probably 3 of the five senses; Touch, hearing and tasting. And depending on the surroundings LOVE by a mother (and father) who truly want their child. Then this baby is thrust from this very secure place into the world Naked and helpless and two more senses are added to the baby’s world: light (sight) and smell. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The second is graduation.
Graduation from (or completion of) school (High School). All of your life has been under the control of someone else. First your parent(s), they provided food, shelter, clothing and they expected you to obey them, do their bidding. Second your teachers for at least 12 years (sometimes longer) you have had a teacher directing your life, assigning you work, projects, homework and testing you along the way. Always demanding more, always expecting more always setting the bar a little higher. You have made friends along the way some best friends forever (BFF). But that is ending, for some it’s off to college, others it’s the military, and others into the work force. Again thrust out into the world. Now you are responsible for yourself. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The third is Marriage.
This is the only one of the 4 major events (catastrophic events) that you have a choice. Birth, not your choice, Graduation had to come to that conclusion if you stayed in school for the required number of years. Now you have met someone, someone who will mean more to you than your parents and you have a choice to make. Do I continue my life as it is or do I chose to share it with someone else? Living together is not marriage and does not have the same obligations that you take on when you marry. Living together (or shacking up) has very little commitment, after all when you tire of it you can just leave. Sickness, Health, Richer, Poorer, Better, Worse, you hit one of these roadblocks you can just pack up and move on. But and if you chose marriage, WOW! What a commitment! Be sure to read those vows you make before your family, your friends, your chosen one, the minister, and GOD. After the “I DO’s” you are responsible for and to a stranger. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The forth is Death.
To review, BIRTH was out of your control, this was brought about by your parents, you just had to experience it. GRADUATION was just a course of fulfilling events that came to a conclusion (which altered your life), again which you had little control. You can be prepared or not, the choice is partly yours to make. MARRIAGE, you could choose to avoid it or chose to enter into it, Not only if but when and to whom. And it is up to you (and your partner) to make it work. But DEATH, all of us face it. It’s been said there are two things unavoidable in life, Death and Taxes. Well, you can avoid taxes, but not death. As the scripture says”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). Again “For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23). Yes, all of us face death. Separation of the soul (life) from the body, now we all know what happens to the body. It is buried or cremated. But the soul (life), what about it? Does it cease to exist? There are many who would hope that is true. Does it reincarnate? Again many would hope that to be true. But the Scripture teach that you will be removed from the world you know and thrust into eternity, a world nobody knows about outside of the Scriptures.
Four life altering events, catastrophic events that most all of us will face. BIRTH, out of your control. GRADUATION, very little control. MARRIAGE, your choice, definitely a choice. Not only if but when and to whom. Still it is a life changing action. The forth, DEATH, is appointed unto you. You do face death. It will happen to you. But you can prepare for it.
”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). The answers lay in the scriptures; “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of is eternal life …” (Romans 6:23).
Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
