The Place of Ministry in the Local Church

Deuteronomy 18:6-8

God appointed the son of Levi to a special ministry to connection with the Tabernacle. When the camp moved, under the direction of God, they carried the vessels, the furniture, the coverings, and the pillars. Read Numbers 3-4.

Theirs was a God-given ministry to be performed in the place where the Lord had chosen to place His name. The tribe of Levi was divided into three and each section was given by God a definite task to perform.

The Kohathites were given charge of the most holy things. The Gershonites were set aside by God to serve and to bear burdens. They bore the curtains and door hangings, the skins, and the instruments used in offering sacrifices. The Merarites carried the boards, the pillars, and the sockets.

As the Levite performed his God-appointed tasks he made available to the Israelites the service of the Tabernacle.

Today as God’s servants minister Christ to the saints of God, he is performing the same service as the Levites did so long ago. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that the Holy Spirit has gifted certain men for certain definite work. Ephesians 4 tells us that the Lord has placed these gifted men in the church—evangelists, pastors, teachers—“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The ability to minister is the gift of the Holy Spirit to man—1 Corinthians 12:11. The gifted man is the gift of the risen Lord to His church—Ephesians 4:8-12.

Preparation for Ministry

Gifted men need exercise of soul before they seek to minister the holy things of God to the people. In Deuteronomy 18:6 we read that the Levite came “with all the desire of his mind,” that is, exercise of soul, unto the place which the Lord had chosen.

It is a principle taught in the Word of God, that exercise of soul and preparation for ministry must precede the delivering of the message.

There are three essentials given by Paul to a young preacher named Timothy. 1 Timothy 4:6.

These essentials according to Paul are:

1. Thorough acquaintance with the subject. “Where unto thou hast attained.” Another version puts it “which thou hast fully followed up.” God expects us to search the Word for information regarding any subject. He has revealed Himself and His truth here a little and there a little. It is important then that we should “follow up” a subject before we attempt to minister it in public.

2. The personal application of the truth. “Nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine.” This implies that the man who teaches truth shall first have experienced that truth in his own life. In other words nourished up in the word which he ministers. How disappointing to hear a man minister truth which he does not practice. In the wilderness manna that was gathered but not eaten “bred worms and stank”—Exodus 16:20. It is important that we first appropriate truth to ourselves before we teach it to others. With such exercise of soul, thorough knowledge and personal application of the truth, the appointed vessel is now ready for the third step.

3. Public ministry. “Put the brethren in remembrance of these things.” Lay these things before the brethren. With his subject mastered and lived the servant may rise in the assembly of saints and minister the Word of God.

When should a brother minister the Word? The answer to this question is found in 1 Peter 4:10-11.

There are four conditions that should be met before one ministers the Word of God.

1. He should have a gift. “As every man hath received a gift so let him minister the same.” When God calls a man for any type of work, He fits him for that work. He gives him a gift.

2. He should have a message from God. “If any man speak let him speak as the oracle of God.” The message must be from God, and based on Scripture.

3. He should minister in dependence upon God. “If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth.” The servant who would attempt to express the mind of God must do it in complete dependence upon God and to the best of his ability.

4. Finally the servant should be able to minister to the glory of God. “That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” A man may have a gift, he may have a message, he may have God-given ability, but he must wait for God’s time to give it. This it will be for the glory of God. What are the tests of a God-given ministry? The tests of a preacher’s ministry are threefold. 1 Corinthians 14:3. The three tests are: (1) Edification, building up, a ministry of instruction to the soul; (2) Exhortation, stirring up, a ministry of stimulation for the conscience; (3) Consolation, binding up, a ministry of encouragement for the heart.

The Principles of Christian Giving

In these days of financial crisis, life for many of us in the 20th century is very complex. The complexities of this century have ravaged not only the business world, but the tentacles have reached into the domestic and religious world as well.

Never in the history of the Church have such vast sums of money been poured into so-called Christian work. The annual expenditures by evangelical and fundamental groups are unprecedented in Church history. This raises the following questions:

How should this money be raised?

Where should it come from?

How can we best support the Lord’s work around the world?

What methods should we use?

We must go to the Scriptures for the principles and guidelines that God would have us employ.

Tithing in the Patriarchal Age

Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, “priest of the most high.” Genesis 14:20.

This was more than 400 years before the giving of the Law. Later in history Jacob promised God a tenth of all he received. Genesis 28:22.

Apparently there were laws and statutes given to the Patriarchs which have not been incorporated into the Scriptures.

Conditions in the Mosaic Economy

Israel was instructed that the tithe belonged to God. Leviticus 27:30-32.

These tithes were to be used for the support of the Levites who served in connection with the tabernacle. The welfare of the priests, the buildings (tabernacle and temple) were financed through the free-will offerings of the children of Israel. The upkeep and renovation of the tabernacle and temple was provided for through the half-shekel tax taken from every adult over 20 years of age. Exodus 30:12-16.

The financial principles that seem to emerge from these facts are:

1. The Lord’s work was supported by the Lord’s people.

2. Those who served the Lord were supported by certain obligatory tithes and free-will offerings.

3. Faithfulness in connection with the giving of the tithe brought the blessing of God. Malachi 3:8-10.

Consider Paul’s Teaching on Christian Giving

Paul deals with this question in only 3 chapters out of the hundred he wrote: 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.

Despite the scarcity of information regarding financing the Lord’s work, certain principles evolve which are unique:

1. Paul never made reference to his own immediate or future needs.

2. He never made appeals for funds for the Lord’s work.

3. His eyes were on the Master, and he knew that “omnipotence has servants everywhere.”

4. Interestingly enough while he never asked anything for himself, he reminds believers of their stewardship of material possessions, and exhorted them to use their substance for the Lord.

5. His exhortations were not directed to the Lord’s servants to rely on the Lord, but rather to the Lord’s people to render to the Lord that which is rightly His.

Paul’s exhortations may be classified in the following ways:

1. Exhortation to industry—Titus 3:14.

2. Exhortation to liberality—Romans 12:8; Hebrews 13:16.

3. Exhortation to regularity—1 Corinthians 16:1-3.

4. Exhortation to love—Romans 15:25-27; Ephesians 4:28.

5. Exhortation to hospitality—Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2.

6. Exhortation to responsibility—Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:3.

A careful study of 1 Corinthians 8 and 9 reveals some Scriptural principles which should characterize our giving.

1. The Lord’s work and workers are to e supported by the Lord’s people.

2. Their offerings were to be given:

a. Regularly—1 Corinthians 16:2.

b. Liberally—2 Corinthians 9:6.

c. Cheerfully—2 Corinthians 9:7.

d. Proportionately—1 Corinthians 16:2.

e. Voluntarily—2 Corinthians 9:7.

f. Unobtrusively—Matthew 6:1-4.

g. Worshipfully—Philippians 4:8.

3. Those who are the recipients of spiritual ministry have a definite responsibility to materially support the:

a. Evangelist—1 Corinthians 9:11, 14.

b. Pastor—1 Timothy 5:17-18.

c. Teacher—Galatians 6:6.

Finally in 2 Corinthians 8 Paul tells us how we should give:

1. Sacrificially

2. Willingly

3. Eagerly

4. Spiritually

Paul was surprised at the intensity and generosity of their giving. “But they first gave themselves to the Lord.”

Principles of Spiritual Giving

1 Corinthians 9:14.

One of the clichés which is overworked today is, “If a man is the Lord’s servant, the Lord will provide for him.” While this is true, the only way God can provide for His servants is through His people. The giving of the tithe was not an act of charity, but a sacred responsibility.

All unpaid debts of this sort will come up for settlement at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Clearly there are degrees of obligation as to the gifts we make:

1. In one sense everything belongs to God. David prayed, “Of Thine own have we given Thee.”

2. In another sense everything belongs to us. Peter said to Annanias, “Whilst it remained was it not thine own, and when it was sold was it not in thine own power?”

The question now is how can we best use that which God has entrusted us with?

1. There are the home responsibilities. “If a man provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” Love and care begin at home and end abroad.

2. Then each believer has obligations to the local church. We owe something for the maintenance of the local work and buildings.

3. Then in his stewardship the believer must support the Lord’s servants. To NT believers Paul writes, “As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10.

a. As to the evangelists we are left in no doubt. We must support them in their work. 1 Corinthians 9:14.

b. Instruction in our care of the teacher is just as emphatic. Galatians 6:6.

c. To the maintenance of the pastor we may apple the principle of 1 Corinthians 9:7.

If the shepherd has the moral right to live on the produce of the flock, can we withhold material support from those who feed us spiritually?

The Scriptural Pattern of Planting Churches

The church in Jerusalem had leaders who were raised up by God. After the fourth persecution many were scattered abroad, and they went everywhere preaching the Gospel. These were probably the first missionaries. Among them were Philip, a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These are two of the basic essentials and credentials of a true servant of God.

No one should launch out into the Lords work without them.

The first Samaritan church was probably established in the city of Samaria.

The exodus of believers from Jerusalem leads us to believe that many Jewish and Samaritan churches were established.

See Acts 9:31—“Then had the churches rest throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.”

The first Gentile church was established in Antioch. Please note that this thriving church was ruled by men of God. Acts 13.

I believe that it is imperative that local churches should be governed by spiritual men, God-appointed elders. An assembly cannot function scripturally apart from elders, neither can it rise above the spirituality of its elders.

Acts 13 and 14 show us how Paul went about establishing local churches. He preached the Gospel and the converts were taught and formed into a church.

Of necessity these newborn churches were then left for a short period. When Paul reached the limits of his missionary exercise, he retraced his steps. He visited the young churches, appointed elders with much prayer and fasting, and then he committed them to the Lord.

The elders were appointed as an expedient in the first instance, but some later abused the office. This necessitated the issuing of explicit instruction regarding the qualification of future elders.

Important Factors in Starting a New Work

The birth of the church at Pentecost was the result of Christ’s suffering and death. The birth of any new local church should be the outcome of the agonizing and deep spiritual exercise of godly men before the Lord.

Brethren, whatever you do, you must have God’s mind on any matter before you can have God’s approval. Your movements must be controlled by the Holy Spirit. They must be for the glory of Christ. They should have the support and prayerful and financial interest of the State Assemblies.

You cannot build a fruitful local church with a few new believers, or with carnal men at the helm. For the spiritual welfare and the expansion of the local church there has to be spiritual leadership, either in the form of a qualified full-time worker or spiritual elders. The ideal is to have both.

Choosing a Full Time Worker

He must be raised and led by the Spirit.

Qualifications:

1. He must be a man of God.

2. He must have a heart for the work.

3. He must be a pastor as well as a teacher.

4. He must know how to counsel with people.

5. He must know how to handle and relate to people.

6. He must know how to involve people in the work.

7. He has to be active and yet stay in the background.

He must be a visitor. Personal visitation is a must. Give some experiences here.

The bringing of a full time worker into the area is probably one of the most effective ways of reaching the community but it is fraught with difficulties and pitfalls.

The Birth of a Church

Before considering this very important event, let me remind you that when God wanted an ark to save His own from the flood, He gave Noah implicit instructions and the exact measurements. When God wanted a house in which to dwell on earth He gave Moses the exact details. They were not to be questioned nor altered.

This was God’s work. Man had only to follow His instructions.

Note the unity of these followers as they waited in the upper room. “They were together.” “They continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Acts 1:13.

v. 14—Note the phrase “with the women.”

When the church was born, note the conditions in which the birth took place.

“They were with one accord in one place”—2:1.

In these circumstances the Holy Spirit was free to move.

There were 120 people in the upper room united in purpose. They were baptized with the Holy Spirit and made one in Christ. This was a miracle—120 isolated individuals who had been living separate lives, are now, by one mighty act, by the Spirit baptized into one body.

Note now the three symbols associated with this event:

1. The Wind—a symbol of invisible power. It is sovereign, mighty, powerful, irresistible, invincible, but it is invisible. These people were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they were endued with power. This is God’s concept of the local church.

2. The Fire—passion and purity. Fire in the OT depicts at least two things: (1) it is a purifier, burning up the dross and waste; (2) it is a symbol for enthusiasm, passion and purpose. If these two elements are present in any local church there will be a hunger for God that will purify the lives of those in fellowship.

3. Tongues which speak of Proclamation. Those baptized into one body, filled with the Holy Spirit, lost no time in proclaiming the Good News. The first proclamation of the Gospel was presented miraculously in 15 different languages.

Each time we read of the apostles or the church being filled with the Holy Spirit they always spoke or proclaimed the Gospel with boldness, clarity and power. This is a picture of what every local church should be today. The epitome of power, passion and proclamation.

Against the picture of the biblical birth of the church there are many new things springing up. My considered judgment of these is that although they were launched with the best of intentions they have gotten out of hand, they are not of God. They are simply gratifying to the flesh.

Having said that, let me hasten to say that many assemblies are not remiss in adding confession to the chaotic religious scene. We lag behind other evangelistic groups where once we were leaders. Our evangelical zeal has waned and in many cases is non-existent. We seem to be sinking into an introverted exclusivism.

The Birth of a Church

Silver Spring – September 1975

Before considering this incredibly important event, let me remind you that when God wanted an Ark to save His own from the flood, He gave Noah implicit instructions with exact measurements. Then when God wanted a house in which to dwell on Earth, He gave Moses the exact details, which were not to be questioned nor altered. Both of these events show that it was God’s work, and man had only to follow His instructions.

Let us take note of the unity of those early church followers of Jesus as they waited in the upper room in Acts 1:13-14. Luke reports that they were together, continuing “with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Also note that here Luke makes sure to mention they were “with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus…” When the early church was born shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, we should also take heed and note the conditions in which this birth of the church took place. Because they “were with one accord in one place” during Pentecost, these circumstances allowed the Holy Spirit to be free to move among them. (Acts 2:1) There were one hundred and twenty people in the upper room united in purpose, baptized by the Spirit, and made one in Christ. This was quite a miracle that one hundred and twenty isolated individuals who had been living separate lives, were now, by one mighty act, baptized by the Spirit into one body.

Let us examine the three symbols associated with this event. First, the wind is evident as a symbol of invisible power. It is identified as sovereign, mighty, powerful, irresistible, and invincible, but it is altogether invisible, just like the wind. These people present at Pentecost were filled with the Holy Spirit and endowed with power; this is ultimately God’s concept of the local church. Secondly, we see the symbol of the fire, which represents passion and purity. In the Old Testament, fire depicts at least two things: either a purifier, which burns up the dross, garbage and waste, or a symbol of enthusiasm, passion and purpose. If these two elements are present in any local church, there will be a hunger for God that will purify the lives of those in fellowship. Thirdly, there is the symbol of tongues, which speaks of proclamation. This meant that those baptized into one body and filled with the Holy Spirit wasted no time in proclaiming the good news. The first proclamation of the gospel was presented miraculously in fifteen different known languages. Each time we read of the apostles or the church being filled with the Holy Spirit, they always spoke or proclaimed the gospel with boldness, clarity and power. This is also an illustration of what every local church should be today: the epitome of power, passion, and proclamation.

Against the picture of the biblical birth of the church, there are currently many new things springing up. In my humble opinion, although these were launched with the best of intentions, they have gotten out of hand and are not of God, rather are simply gratifying to the flesh. Having said that, let me hasten to say that many assemblies are not remiss in adding confusion to the chaotic religious scene. We lag behind other evangelistic groups, where once we were leaders. Our evangelical zeal has waned and in many areas is non-existent. We seem to be sinking into an introverted exclusivism.

The Scriptural Pattern of Planting Churches

The church in Jerusalem had leaders who were raised up by God. After the fourth period of persecution in the Roman Empire, many early Christians were scattered abroad since they had to leave Jerusalem, so they traveled and settled in many places preaching the gospel. These ordinary Christians were probably the first missionaries. Among these men was Philip, a man who possessed two of the basic essentials and credentials of a true servant of God: wisdom and fullness of the Holy Spirit. No one should pursue or launch into the Lord’s work without these two vital aspects of Christian service.

The first Samaritan church was probably established in the city of Samaria. The diaspora of believers from Jerusalem leads us to believe that many Jewish and Samaritan churches were established. In Acts 9:31, Luke reports, “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” We also know that the first Gentile church was established in Antioch. This thriving church was ruled by men of God, as we can see from Acts 13:1-3. Luke reports, “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” I believe it is imperative that local churches should be governed by spiritual men which are God-appointed elders, because an assembly cannot function scripturally apart from elders, neither can it rise above the spirituality of its elders.

Acts 13:16 also teaches us valuable lessons in church planting by seeing how Paul went about establishing local churches. First, he preached the gospel, and then the converts were taught and formed into a church. Of necessity, these newborn churches were then usually left for a short period of time so Paul or his workers could travel on to other locations. When Paul reached the limits of his missionary exercise of traveling to new places and establishing churches, he then retraced his steps, visiting the young churches, appointing elders with much prayer and fasting, then committing them to the Lord. The elders were appointed as an expedient in the first instance, but because later some began to abuse their office, an issuing of explicit instructions regarding the qualifications of future elders was necessary.

Important Factors in Starting a New Work

The birth of the church at Pentecost was the result of Christ’s suffering and death. In much the same way, the birth of any local church should be the outcome of agonizing, deep, and spiritual exercise of godly men before the Lord. Brothers, whatever you do, you must be seeking God’s mind and His wisdom over any matter before you can have God’s approval. In addition, your movements must be for the glory of Christ and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Your work should always have the supportive, prayerful and financial interest of the state assemblies. After all, you cannot build a fruitful local church with a few new believers or with carnal men at the helm. For the spiritual welfare and the expansion of the local church, spiritual leadership is absolutely necessary, either in the form of a qualified full-time worker or spiritual elders, but the ideal is to have both. If you are indeed in the process of choosing a full time worker, let us look at the qualifications for such a person. First and foremost, this person must be raised and led by the Spirit. He should be a man of God, have a heart for the weak, and a Pastor as well as a teacher who knows how to counsel, handle, and relate to people well. He must also know how to involve other people in the work of the church, yet he should be active while still staying somewhat in the background. Personal visitation is also very important with a full-time worker. We should also always remember that while the bringing of a full time worker into the ministry is probably one of the most effective ways of reaching a community, it is sometimes fraught with difficulty and pitfalls.

The Truth of Godly Separation

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”

Note this separation is from unbelievers. This principle would apply to marriage, business, lodges or secret societies.

In the following verses Paul enumerates several more areas of our lives in which separation must be practiced.

No fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness.

No communion between light and darkness.

No concord between Christ and Belial.

No part between believer and unbeliever.

No agreement between the temple of God and idols.

When we function as the temple of God—pure, clean, holy—then God dwells with us in His glory, majesty and power. He walks with us and walks in our midst. He reveals Himself to us as our God. V. 16.

v. 17-18—These verses are a further exhortation and revelation. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.”

This separation here is from what is contrary to the mind of God, and unto God Himself.

There must be no compromise or complicity with evil.

This separation also includes separation from the evil world system. Separation from false teachers who are vessels of dishonor. The reward for such a separation is the enjoyment of the Fatherhood of God. This includes unhindered communion and worship and fruitful service. Conformity to the world and compromise with the world involves the loss of these.

Jeremiah 6:16—The Old Gate—“Thus saith the Lord, stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and walk in it, and ye shall find rest to your souls.

What Do We Mean By The Church?

The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word, “ekklesia”, which means a gathering, or an assembly. The most common use of this particular word is to describe a group of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. This group of people or assembly is a “called out company.”

This company is unique and precious to God. Paul speaks of them as “the church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28. The Lord Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself for it.” Ephesians 5:25.

It is God’s desire that this purchased company should meet in the place of His choosing and around the Person in whom is all His delight.

Where is this place? And this Person? Hebrews 13:13 says, “Let us go forth, therefore unto Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

This separation has always been God’s plan and purpose for His children. Consider the Prophecy of Shiloh in Genesis 49:10. Jacob lay dying in Egypt. He called his sons to bestow a father’s blessing. God enabled him to look into the future and tell what would befall the descendants of his sons.

Two things should be noted in this Scripture:

1. There was to be a place where God’s people should gather—Shiloh. 200 years later, as the people were about to enter the Promised Land, God decreed that they should separate themselves from the places where the heathen worshipped their gods. Deuteronomy 12:5. God made a promise to Israel: (1) That He would choose a place in the land; (2) Where He would put His name; (3) Wherein He would dwell; (4) To which His people should come. Seven years later we read, “The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle there”—Joshua 18:1

2. The second thing we notice in the verse is that they were not only to gather in an appointed place, but they were to gather around a person. “Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” Who was this One whom the Patriarch named Shiloh? Shiloh means “peace-bringer.” There is only one who brings real peace to any heart—the Prince of Peace. On that occasion Jacob received a great vision of future things. Not only did he see Israel gathered unto God, but figuratively he saw the Christian Assembly gathered unto the Lord. Matthew 18:20.

Beloved, our gathering center must ever be the place of the Lord’s choosing, where He has placed His name and where His presence is. This place should be a place of separation. Deuteronomy 12:10-14, 29-32.

Israel was commanded to separate themselves from the world’s religion. Their offerings, sacrifices and tithes were to be brought o the place which God had chosen. They were commanded to separate themselves from the world’s ways.

One purpose for which Christ died on the cross is found in Galatians 1:4. Being thus delivered, we are exhorted to “present our bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” Romans 12:1.

To have no fellowship with unbelievers, unrighteousness, darkness, Satan, with everything which is unclean, that God and Christ may be all in all.

The local assembly should also be a place of commemoration. Israel was instructed by God to keep the Passover, to remember their deliverance from Egypt. In perfect harmony with this divine picture we see the early assemblies meeting on the first day of the week to break bread in memory of Christ. As the Passover was held on the Sabbath, a holy day, it is fitting that the Lord’s Supper should be held on the “first day of the week”, a special day, the day of our Lord’s resurrection.

Who Are Qualified to Serve God

Numbers 4:3—30 to 50 years of age. Kohathites, Gershonites, Herarites.

Leviticus 21:16-21—The physical disqualifications of a priest.

The consecration of the priests—Exodus 29.

They were washed with water, clean, clothed, anointed with blood, and anointed with oil.

Leviticus 10:1-3—Strange fire. See 9:24; 16:12-13.

Numbers 12—Miriam’s sin. She was shut out of the camp seven days “and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in.”

Let us now see how this works in the NT church.

God prepares His servants.

Acts 2—The church is filled, baptized, sealed, anointed at one and the same time. The result is a pure and active church that is blessed.

Acts 4—The Christians were again filled. They spoke the word with power, they were of one heart, of one soul. They were endued with great power, and great favor rested upon them.

Strange fire—Acts 5. This chapter introduces a note of tragedy. Into that pure church came the sin of insincerity, hypocrisy, and lying in its most grievous form. Describe this incident. The result was the removal of the guilty ones.

Sin in any church is a hindrance to blessing. Nothing will sap the power of a church more than pews filled with sinning Christians. Nothing will evoke the displeasure of God more than unqualified servants offering strange fire.

A pure church is always a powerful church.

If God worked today as He did then our churches would be turned into cemeteries.

Let us consider for a moment the hindrances that a sinning believer can be to a local church.

1. He can impede its spiritual progress—Miriam.

2. He can stumble others in the way—Romans 14.

3. He can stop the power—Joshua 6.

For this reason it is important that every brother and sister should be clean and should know that the present service engaged in has the approval and commendation of God.

According to Paul the church is like a human body. Some members are seen, some are not. Some occupy a more prominent place than others, but all are important and necessary to the ideal condition of the body. Think of the situation that would arise if the hand suddenly decided to be a foot, or if a leg decided that it could serve better as an arm. The situation would be comical but it would also be tragic because: (1) the physical from would be spoiled, and (2) its efficiency would be negated. (3) It could not perform the function expected of it. (4) Think of the pain and discomfort that would ensue from such a monstrosity.

Did it ever occur to you that such a condition can and does happen in a local church because:

1. Believers have never bothered to ascertain their proper spiritual gift and place in the assembly.

2. Like Nadab and Abihu sometimes believers take upon themselves self-appointed tasks for which they are not qualified and which are not approved by God nor appreciated by the local company.

The result is a spiritual monstrosity.

Now let us have a look at what one would term “the ideal Church.” Acts 11.

The church at Antioch was characterized by:

1. The preaching of Jesus Christ crucified, risen, exalted, and coming again.

2. The hand of God was with them.

3. A great number were saved.

4. God both raised up and sent teachers among them to teach them more perfectly the mind of the Lord.

5. They were a liberal church. They gave each one according to his ability.

In conclusion let me sum up the main points of our discussion: “Who are qualified to serve God?”

1. Only those who are called of God should serve Him publicly.

2. There is a dignity in the service of God.

3. A servant must be a clean vessel.

4. One who determines his own course and place in the assembly will sooner or later evoke the judgment of God.

5. The ideal Church is one where every member is fitly joined together and in their God appointed place. Anything less than this will draw forth God’s disapproval. It will impede the spiritual progress and stop the spiritual power of the whole assembly.

The Scripture says, “Let a man examine himself.”

The Worship and Service of a Local Church

“A scriptural assembly is a company of believers gathered together by the Holy Spirit, around Christ, to worship and serve God.”

The composition of a local church is made up of elders, deacons, and saints or believers. This model is evident in Philippians 1:1, where Paul addressed his letter to the Philippian church saying, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus, who are at Philippi, with the bishops, overseers, elders, and deacons.” In addition to this pattern, every believer in the body of Christ has also been given a spiritual gift and the sufficient grace to use it. In Ephesians 4:7 Paul said, “But unto everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of Christ’s rich and bounteous gift.” Here, the word grace can be understood as strength and wisdom for believers to aptly use the gifts given to them.

In this section of Ephesians, Paul mentions five kinds of spiritual gifts: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. The spiritual gifts given to the first century apostles and prophets had supernatural qualities, because they were given by and attributed to the ascended Lord. (See Ephesians 4:8) Certain men and women received these gifts for the advancement and maintenance of the local churches. Three of these five spiritual gifts should be evident in the ideal local church.

First, Evangelists are those who have a burning passion for the lost and share the news of the Gospel with others, as we see Paul praising in Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” Secondly, Teachers are those who can explain and expound the Word for others to hear and learn. The Teacher has an unbridled desire to teach the pure, uncluttered, and unadulterated principles of the Word. Thirdly, Pastors are identified as Shepherds who have a deep compassion for the saints and are responsible for taking care of the needs of the flock. It is significant to note the distinguishing features of a pastor described in the Scriptures. As an example, Timothy was a pastor or shepherd of the flock. If we look at Paul’s letters to Timothy, he exhorted and advised Timothy, serving in the church in Ephesus, to “neglect not the gift that is in you” and “stir up the gift of God which is in you.” (1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6) Timothy’s gift was feeding and nurturing the sheep and lambs. He also cared for the needy of the flock in the way a shepherd would feed and protect the flock, by gathering the lambs in his arm, carrying them in his bosom, and gently leading those who have their young, just as Isaiah 40:11 describes.

Another useful illustration for the pastor in Scripture is that of the Good Shepherd from John 10:11-27. Jesus proclaims, “The sheep hear and recognize My voice.” Jesus is intimately acquainted with each sheep in His flock and calls them by name. Jesus also leads them and goes before them so that the sheep follow Him because they know and trust His voice! Let us consider an example of the Great Shepherd, the Lord, in more detail. In Psalm 23, David wrote, “The Pastor is my Shepherd, he feeds, guides, and shields me. He makes me to lie down in fresh, tender green pastures. He leads me besides still and restful waters. He restores and refreshes me. He leads me in paths of righteousness. Though I walk through the deep, sunless valley of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me. His rod protects me. His staff guides and comforts me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil. My cup runs over. Goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” When we review the preceding and following psalms of David’s, Psalm 22-24, we see the same Great Shepherd, but portraying other qualities in His great character. In Psalm 22, we see how David considers him as a Good Shepherd, who “took me out of the womb; you made me trust while on my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon you from birth. From my mother’s womb you have been my God.” And in Psalm 24, warrior images characterize the Lord, the Chief Shepherd, who is “strong and mighty,” “mighty in battle,” “the King of glory” and “Lord of hosts.” The Lord is indeed the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd supreme over all the body, the ultimate Pastor shepherding his flock.

Reigning over all of these roles and spiritual gifts stands the risen Head who gave these gifted Christian men to the church. Paul also reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts to all believers for service, not just the first century Christians. The permanent spiritual gifts given by the Spirit are: ministering or helps, administration or ruling, exhortation, giving, showing mercy, and faith. These six gifts of the Spirit, combined with the three given by the risen Lord, are necessary for the well being of the church. So let each believer ask himself, “What is my gift?”