Unity of the Faith

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Unity of the Faith

By Larry R. Lasiter

© 2010

"And He gave some as Apostles, and some as Prophets, and some as Evangelists, and some as Pastors and Teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the Body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God. . .As a result, we are no longer to be children. . .carried about by every wind of doctrine. . .but speaking the truth in love we are to grow up." Ephesians 4:11-16

Notice that it is through these Offices of Leadership that God "equips" the saints for the Work of service, "builds up the Body of Christ" and brings "knowledge of the Son of God" and"truth" into the Church. It is through these Gifts that the Church "grows up" and reaches"maturity." And it is through the proper working of these leaders that the Church is protected from "winds of doctrine" sent to deceive brethren. This is how the Church is to work.

The Church of God needs faithful devoted leaders more than ever before. Men and women who will take their stand squarely on the absolute Word of God without wavering. Strong Christians who seek the interests of God first and who are not afraid to stand against popular opinion are vital to finish the Great Commission.

 One of the most important roles entrusted to a Church Leader is to train and prepare others to lead. All faithful Leaders were once mentored by others. God will never anoint a person for leadership who has not proven to be a faithful follower. If a person cannot follow faithful Leadership, he cannot exercise faithful Leadership.

As we read in Ephesians, the gifts of Leadership are placed in the Church so that "we all attain to the unity of the faith." Unity of the faith comes only through the proper working of the administrative gifts that God has placed in the Church and our submission to them. God’s mission to build and unify His Church can only be accomplished His way. "Submission" means "subject" to the "mission."

God purchased the Church with the precious Blood of His only begotten Son. The Church belongs to Him. With "Living Stones" (1 Pet.2) whom the Father chose, Jesus began building His Church and is still in the process of putting every stone in its proper place. The Psalmist wrote,- "Unless the Lord builds the House, they labor in vain who build it." (Psalm 127:1)

One cannot build nor "remodel" the Church of God to suit his own liking. If one cannot appreciate and value the way God has built His Church then certainly that person needs to question his own attitude and commitment to Christ.

 Every gift given to the Church should be seen as a precious and valuable resource and deeply appreciated. The Church of God is a living community. There is always a clear division between brethren who are community-minded from those who are independent-minded. From those who always take part in the workings of the Church and those who stand aloof.

There are so many Christians who do not belong to a congregation and many more who do nothing more than attend services. This is simply not how Christ built His Church. It is God’s will that those whom He has placed in Ministerial positions recognize, honor and utilize the Spiritual gifts in the Church. And it is God’s will that the members of the Body recognize, honor and utilize the Ministerial gifts in the Church.

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

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