HE HIMSELF GAVE

zoe ministries
GL Garden 01-21-02, Solok Paya Terubong 8, 11060 Penang, Malaysia
House Phone: 604-8277554 Hand Phone: 60165318276.
Email: cvs3zoe@yahoo.com
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Dear Friends,
If Jesus were to write letters to our local churches, what would He say? Usually He writes to the Church Elders / Messengers. What would He commend, condemn, correct, or challenge?
Before that happens
May I take the liberty that I have received from above to challenge the local church leadership?
If we want to grow healthy and strong [off course with all the challenges involved in growing] we need to receive the leadership of Jesus. First of all the Church belongs to Jesus, the Christ. The local church does not belong to the pioneering pastor, church planter or the church committee. If we accept Jesus leadership than we will receive His leaders that He has given to His Church.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Until today the local churches are being tossed to and fro. Why?
One reason is that the forth mention in the list above [the pastor] rules his flock with an iron fist. Because of fear of losing his position, and his control over his flock, he keeps his flock from other ministers and other meetings [in the name of protecting his flock]. He or she guard their pulpit from others [and ends up protecting their pulpit from God and His Servants].
The local church leaders need to receive the leadership of Jesus and receive ALL the five ministries given by Jesus [apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers]. Then the local churches will be equipped and edified and will be found doing the ministry of God. We will see the local churches united in the faith.
Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
The leadership we have from above is a team leadership [Father, Son and Holy Spirit]. God desires to see that in His Church. A Team of leaders [with a set person (a visionary / spiritual father) leading the team] leading the local church. A team of leaders who are yielded to the leading of God.
Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

Pride keeps us blind and keeps away from God’s leadership. In the end the people of God suffer. Today I ask local church leadership to be accountable for God’s flock because ONE DAY you have to give an account for the flock that has been entrusted to you.

Proverbs 27:23 (NKJV) Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds;

These leaders who are sent by Jesus might not be in the local church staff. This might be a requirement of men but not from God.
It is the responsibility of the local church to take care of God’s ministers [5 fold ministers mentioned in Eph 4:11]. Local church pastors might not highlight this because they need the finances for their welfare and their projects. BUT it is the responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ. If the church neglects this responsibility what do you think Jesus Christ will do when He returns.

Matthew 24:48-51 (NKJV) 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The servant’s assignment was to be faithful in caring for the household of God and distributing food. Similarly, the priests and teachers had been given the assignment of caring for the people of Israel [including the prophets who were not staff of the temple (for example Jesus and His apostles)]. When they failed in their assignment and abused the members of God’s household, their punishment was severe.

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to seeing the Kingdom of God come fully among His People first.
In His Majesty’s Service
Christopher.K
9/7/2011