As we pointed out in the "The Fading Five – Fold" the ministry gifts of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are on a diminishing time-line. Notice the underlined portion indicates how long these gifts will be needed.
Eph. 4:11-13: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
Jesus called the twelve disciples together made and named them Apostles and sent them out (Matt. 10:1-5). He taught and equipped them to function in their new role. Jesus completed His work on the cross and subsequently went to heaven. He paved the way for the Holy Spirit to come. When the Holy Spirit came the Church or the Body of Christ was born. The Body of Christ was an infant that needed care. God appointed the Apostles to be nannies to the newborn Body of Christ. Jesus was the Firstborn among many brethren and in becoming so He made it possible for there to be many more people born again. If you have made Jesus your Lord, you are now one of the many brethren.
The Body of Christ experienced growing pains. Paul was instructed to list additional gifts to help the Apostles accomplish their assignment. Referring again to Eph. 4:11-13 it is important to point out that God added ministry gifts to the Church bringing the total to five. There purpose of these gifts was to perfect or mature the believers. These gifts are to be in place until we all come to the unity of the faith, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. At that point the five – fold gifts will no longer be needed.
God’s desire is for the modern church to follow the same plan. Acts 2:41-42: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." This is how the early church began.
Acts 2:44-47: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
The contemporary church has missed the mark both in the current way in which it is operates and in plans for the future. The calling of God to the five – fold has been prostituted and bought for a price. The five – fold leaders, primarily pastors, have made advancing their kingdoms (churches) the primary goal, while the followers are caught up in the deception. It is obvious that the church today does not walk in the Agape love even to the degree it did in the infant stage 2,000 years ago. There are thousands of churches and ministries that have a very large following. Are we any closer to that unity of the faith and walking in the fullness of Christ? No! What must we do? Repent! We must change our thinking to include what the Bible makes so clear.
One of the foundational components of the Church is found in Eph. 4:11. The five – fold ministry has been almost entirely ignored or watered down so much that it is useless. It is time that all five – fold ministry people heed their directive and start equipping the saints and getting them plugged in to the Body in the place God has ordained them to be.
The Lord spoke this to my heart: "Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers beware! If you are not fully devoted to bringing those over whom you have influence to maturity and getting them plugged in to the Body and becoming vital functional members, you are working against My Word...and will be removed!"
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal the truth to you. He has a specific ministry gift designed for you. Ask Him to reveal His divine destiny to you.
The Lord spoke this to my heart: "Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers beware! If you are not fully devoted to bringing those over whom you have influence to maturity and getting them plugged in to the Body and becoming vital functional members, you are working against My Word...and will be removed!"
Take these things to the Father and ask Him to reveal the truth to you. He has a specific ministry gift designed for you. Ask Him to reveal His divine destiny to you.