Issue 23 - Day 1

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:11-15
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 fulness 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:

I think everyone would agree that we all want to be strong, no more children. We want to speak the truth in love. we would also love to be perfect, and live in unity together. Sometimes it seems a real challenge to get anywhere close. So how do we get there. God in his wisdom has given the church pastors, teachers, evangelists and so on. These are given to help you grow in faith, in love, in knowledge and understanding.

The primary ways for pastors etc. to help you grow are through teaching in meetings. Sunday mornings, midweek studies and so on. The secondary ways include encouraging you to get involved in one-on-one discipleship, active participation in ministry, and so on. If we want to grow, and we know pastors are given for this purpose, why then do so many fail to come to bible studies, and decline to get involved in active ministry? I think it because we forget that God has appointed these men. I sometimes forget it as a pastor myself. Time to get growing, so listen to sound doctrine, and put it into practice in your life.