The Bible is clearly the Christian’s absolute, and our road map in life. It tells us that God has provided gifts of men (plural) to the church (Eph 4:8). These gifts of men are for the church’s perfection (spiritual maturity). Eph 4:11 “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:”
They are placed in the church by the Holy Spirit and remain until we reach that place of perfection in this last day, then God will take us home. Therefore, there is no Pope, Bishop, Prophet, or denomination of man that can remove those offices and their purpose from the scripture or the church.
The Apostle Peter knew from the LORD himself the purpose of the ministry, as given to him by the LORD at the time of Christ resurrection. 1 Peter 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth.”
Speaking “as the oracles of God,” is to speak the very words of God or as inspired by the Holy Ghost. The Apostle Peter is directing those that speak in the office of a minister, to speak as God speaks, according to the truth which God has revealed, delivering a message from God, and as uttered by God.
It is because the LORD sent a message by a Messenger, ordain to restore back all truth found in the Holy Scriptures. This has given great scriptural truths to preach to those who God has given the ministry to bring to spiritual maturity.
Thank God for every apostle, prophet, evangelists, pastor, and teacher who faithfully performs HIS duty. We need them, more than ever before.
William Branham in answering a question regarding others preaching besides himself, said this; “…who told you that nobody's to preach but me, I'd sure be a poor subject to God with all that. No. Every man or that feels a call of God upon his life, get into the ministry and start preaching; we need them.” - QUESTIONS.AND.ANSWERS.3_ 64-0830M
Pastor Bill Ivy – Living Word Tabernacle – Campbell Missouri USA – visit our church website – and view our services www.livingwordtabernacle.com