Spirit-Living Devotional
Apostle Osborn
YOUR MINISTRY AND THE CHURCH
[[Act 21:19]] KJV And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
When Paul returned to Jerusalem from his missionary trips, he went to James (the Pastor of the main church) and the apostles and told them all that God has done through his ministry. This verse of scripture teaches us some very important lessons.
- Paul was not an independent minister. Though he went into the Gentiles and planted churches, he was submitted to the apostles in Jerusalem (the headquarters of the church). He was accountable and loyal, regardless of the many great things God used him to do.
- His ministry was an addition to the church and not a separate entity. God gives us gifts and ministries for His church. God’s plan is not to have isolated ministries, but all ministries working together under the apostolic authority of the local church.
Everyone must belong to a local church assembly and use their gifts and ministry to build and serve the church in the same local assembly, remaining loyal as stewards of God’s gift and ministry. Like Paul, you must use all your expertise and gift to serve God in the church, submitting yourself to your pastor, in order to build the church. Glory to God!
Prayer:
Father I thank you for calling me and counting me worthy of your gift and putting me into the ministry. I receive the wisdom and humility to be submissive to the pastor you have place over me, and make my gift and ministry useful for the building up of the church in Jesus’ name.
