Ephesians 4:7- "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 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 fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
Refreshing Outreach Ministries encourages every Believer to walk using the gifts God has given you.
1. Every believer, including you, is gifted;
2. Every believer's gift has cost the greatest price (Christ died for our sins, and rose again)
3. Every believer's gift is Christ centered;
4. Every believer's gift has a three-fold purpose:
(a) an immediate purpose to equip others;
(b) an eternal purpose to become a perfect man or woman... to become like Christ.
(c) a personal purpose to no longer be immature to grow up in all things to be
mature and do his or her part in building up of the church.
Christ has given every believer a spiritual gift, a highly specialized gift and we have the measure of grace whatever measure is needed to use our gifts.
The Five-Fold Ministry (otherwise known as "the Ascension Gifts")
Apostle - means to send out, represent or ambassador of the person who sent him out; from one country to another country (in the beginning of Christianity, there were only a few apostles, Paul being the last who met the main requirements for being an apostle and that was you had to have seen the risen Lord.) Today, the word apostle refers more to other men and women who preach the gospel. Matthew 28:19-20 (the Great Commission).
Prophet - the gift to speak under the inspiration of God's Spirit, it includes written prophecy and proclamation I Cor. 14:3.
Evangelist - is one who carries the gospel all over the world, a gift that specializes in proclaiming the gospel to the lost world. (includes evangelist and the missionary II Timothy 4:5
Pastor - the word pastor means shepherd.
Teacher - the function of the teacher's gift is to instruct believers in the trust of God. It is the gift to root and ground people in doctrine, reproof, correction and righteous. Teaching is a high calling ranked 2nd only to the gifts of prophet (preacher) and apostle. Acts 13:1, I Cor. 12:28 and Eph 4:1. Teaching is the gift of understanding and communicating the word of God, to edify believers in the truths of God's word.
Every believer should be as a prophet in that you are daily proclaiming God's Word.
Every believer should be as an evangelist in that you are bearing witness to Grace and Mercy
Every believer should be should be a pastor in that you are caring and shepherding people all the time.
Every believer should be as a teacher in that you are teaching the truth's of God's word to all you know.
