God was Manifest in the Flesh- PART 88

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: God has set some in His body, which has now been made known to believers as the body of the Christ. Here, Christ being the only begotten son of the Holy Spirit. Christ being also the Word of God. The very same Word that was with God in the beginning, which Word is God Himself, now appearing as a son veiled in flesh. The same God in whom all the fullness of the spiritual Godhead did dwell bodily (God in Christ). Without controversy, God was manifest in the flesh .

God has set in His body, an array of members that appear to have more prominent positions than others. This is evident in how gifts are distributed. For example, (1) apostles (2) prophets (3) teachers (4) miracles (5) healing (6) help and supports (7) organisers (8) diversities of tongues and (9) interpretation of tongues. However all of the aforementioned with the designated numbers are not meant to be delegated positions of rank, as if these specific positions were demanding more acknowledgement than others. This is not the intent of the scriptures.

Still, there are those who will ask the question - where are you on the scale. The question will be asked even thought the scriptures are very clear on this point. That is, the church - body of Christ - does not adopt that scale or any other hierarchical scale.  Peter was one of twelve "equals". Paul in Galatians notes that when he went up to visit the apostles at Jerusalem, he went to see Peter, James, and John. Referring to the three, Paul said, they appeared to be pillars in the church (body), adding that whatever title they had acquired by others made little impression on him.

At the conclusion of their discussion, Paul along with Barnabas were given the right hand of fellowship. Like the songwriter penned we are "One in hope and doctrine - One in charity." Why? Because God was in Christ Jesus, reconciling me and you. How? For the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man that he or she may use in their called ministry. Believers are enabled by the imparted gift of the holy Spirit of Jesus.

Paul, in encouraging Timothy writes that he should stir up the Holy Spirit Gift that is within him. We ought to do likewise. Each one of us must endeavour to fulfill our function in the body of Christ. If you have received your ordained gifted ministry, then we need to apply our functions in the body of Christ in order to allow other members to function. Without your participation, the body of Christ is a sort of handicapped body. It is forced to either rely or tax some other member of the body whilst we sit in the comfortable pew.

Look at Paul’s recognition of Epathroditus as recorded in Phillipians 2:25-30. Quoting only verse 30, it states, “for the work of Christ, he was nigh unto death. Not regarding his life to supply your lack of service toward me.” While many people today have never heard the gospel once, others work labourously spreading the good news gospel message. Shame on us. If we have been so equipped, we need to act on our calling. As the scriptures say, let us put in the sickle and reap ...  for the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. In this context, we should pray therefore the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth labourers into His harvest fields.

We also need to consider re-offering ourselves today. Let us all begin to stand in the offering plate. Lord, take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee. Take my moments and my days and let them flow in ceaseless praise! God bless you all.