Being equipped…

 Being equipped…

Yesterday, I spent all day in the local urgent care and emergency rooms…finding out why I was in soooo much pain…I saw nurses, technicians, PA.s,, cleaners, repairmen….but never any doctors…

Oh , I knew they were there, they gave their reports to others to hand down…but they had equipped all of the  others to carry out their work effectively…and I probably would have have seen a doctor if I needed to… but I felt well cared for by those around me…

As I thought about all of this, it reminded me of the body of believers…we have pastors, elders, deaconesses, deacons, repairmen, various ministry directors, Bible study leaders and a multitude in the general congregation….all who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit to carry out their function in the body….

We can’t all have the pastor’s attention as there just isn’t enough of him to go around…he is there,  but he trusts and equips so many to serve…we are the body…we can serve, build up,encourage, bear with one another, study….as the pastor over sees….

 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Acts.20.28

 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

1Tim.3.1

 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Eph.4.2

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1Thess.5.11

 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Phlm.1.7

 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Rom.12.6-8

 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Eph.4.11-12

 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Acts.6.1-4

Thank YOU…