Apostolic Authority Laid The Foundation.

The apostle Paul spoke of that apostolic authority as "the grace of God that is given unto me." 1 Cor.3:10. To the Ephesians he further stated that this was built upon the "the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets" Ehp.2:20. Of course, Christ is in his rightful place as the "head cornerstone".

We Are The Living Stones That Make Up The Building.

We are the "living stones" individually that makes up the collective wall of this great building of God. 1 Peter 2:5. Each stone is important. Each has its own shape and individuality. The scriptures refer to us as "members in particular." 1 Cor.12:27-28. The wise pastor and church member celebrates the individual giftings of each member of Christ body, seeing it as a divine plus in the building of Gods church on the earth, rather than something to be feared and shunned.

The Five Fold Ministries Role

The equipping ministries or gifts are the "outfitters" of this church that God is building. Eph. 4:11-12. They put the tools in the hands of the Christian as well as teaching them the skills to use these tools in the building of Gods house. Here again we see the progressive nature of the work of building of God house. 1 Cor. 12:28 tell us that "God has set some in the church, firstly apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…" "First" and "secondarily" and "thirdly" does not signify the order of importance, but the order of function. Paul later adds as the church is in its progressive building stages that "evangelists" and "pastors" were to round out these most important equipping ministries. Eph.4:11-12. The apostles break the new ground, the prophets add what God is saying to the church in order of revelation and vision, the evangelist proclaims the continuing salvation message, the teachers teach the principles of the kingdom, and the pastor shepherds the growing flock. Thus Christ body, his building is moved further to the complete end time church.

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