02.16. CHAPTER 16: THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST
CHAPTER 16: THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST The dynamics of our spirituality are designed for our function in ministry! To minister is to serve. A minister is fundamentally a servant. The ministry of JESUS CHRIST flows through every member of HIS Body. The Church being the Body of CHRIST is defined in Ephesians 1:23, as being: the fullness of HIM (JESUS CHRIST) WHO fills all in all. Ephesians 4:10 declares: … that HE (JESUS CHRIST) might fill all things. As the Body of CHRIST, the Church is built in and of the fullness of JESUS CHRIST. The Church has been given the fullness of JESUS CHRIST (see John 1:16-17) so that we can be built out of HIS Fullness and be enable to actually minister HIS Fullness into all in all. So that HE might fill all things! The dynamics of our spirituality find expression out of the fullness of CHRIST JESUS. And, the dynamics of our spirituality are perfected and completed in ministering HIS Fullness.
Given that the Church is the Body of CHRIST, the fullness of HIM that fills all in all, we are each called to receive and to develop – by the HOLY SPIRIT (see John 16:14) - the spiritual capacity to stand in HIS Fullness and, have the spiritual capacity to minister HIS Fullness. And, this is to ensure that HE fills all in all, with HIS Fullness being uniquely communicated through every member of the Body of CHRIST (see John 1:16-17, KJV+NKJV+NASB; Ephesians 4:12-13, NKJV).
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) tells us that we need to minister the gift that we have received as an expression of the manifold grace of GOD. John 1:16, KJV+NKJV+NASB, declares that the manifold grace of GOD – described as grace upon grace – involves the fullness of JESUS CHRIST. The gift therefore necessarily involves some composite expression of the fullness of JESUS CHRIST (see Isaiah 9:6-7; John 1:16-17, KJV+NKJV+NASB) uniquely manifested in each believer who is addressed as an Epistle of CHRIST in 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NKJV). The unique epistle of CHRIST written into our inward parts describes and gives expression to the dynamics of our spirituality – with our heart unveiling a co-mingled functional expression of spirit and soul. And, our maturity in the dynamics of our spirituality necessarily involves ministering the gift of CHRIST in us – expressed through our heart from both our soul and spirit! This gift of the manifold grace of GOD is an expression of the functional Covenant unction (or, the enabling) that GOD has the will to perfect and complete in us – in the fullness of CHRIST JESUS - by the HOLY SPIRIT (see 2 Corinthians 3:6, NKJV). In the actuality of a growing functional Covenant in our inward parts, we are each to be developed as a Minister (or, Servant) of the New Covenant (see 2 Corinthians 3:6, NKJV). Our ministry capacity (or, our capacity to serve) is defined by the measure of HIS Fullness we actually possess (see Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 44:28; John 1:16-17, KJV+NKJV+NASB) and our actual ability to give true functional expression to HIS Fullness.
It is the HOLY SPIRIT WHO – exclusively - develops and expresses this capacity to minister HIS Fullness so that HIS Fullness fills all things. Please be reminded that the measure of MASHIAH YESHUA’s Fullness in us is expressed in both substance (Greek: hupostasis – Hebrews 11:1, NKJV) and witness (in Spirit, Water and Blood – 1 John 5:8; 1 John 5:10 a). From Ephesians 4:7 we see that grace is an expression of the measure of CHRIST’s gift. How do we understand CHRIST’s gift? Before we look at the gift, we have to understand the position of CHRIST HIMSELF. Colossians 1:17 declares that HE is before all things and in HIM all things hold together. Colossians 1:19 declares that it was the FATHER’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in CHRIST JESUS!
Given the preeminent position of CHRIST JESUS (see Colossians 1:18) and the FATHER’s will for all the fullness to dwell in HIM – so that HIS Fullness fills all in all (see Ephesians 1:23 c) - we can clearly understand that CHRIST’s gift has to do with the actual expression of HIS Fullness. And, the intent and purpose and design of CHRIST’s gift is so that HE fills all things (see Ephesians 4:10 c). The LORD JESUS CHRIST declares in John 16:15 that: All things that the FATHER has [which means everything that can be given or communicated from the FATHER] are Mine; therefore I said, that HE [the HOLY SPIRIT] takes of Mine, and will disclose it to you.
What is the HOLY SPIRIT going to disclose to us? Every aspect of the fullness of MASHIAH YESHUA mandated for expression in us and through us in the FATHER’s will! Every facet of all that was configured in the SON of MAN - in HIS Life, Ministry, Death and Resurrection – which, is and will increasingly become the basis (or, blueprint) of a new man in each of us (see Ephesians 2:10).
Also, every facet of the SON of GOD [HIS Fullness which is communicable excluding all that is inherent and essential to HIM being GOD] that will make us actual functioning sons of GOD, in HIS Image and HIS Fullness, is also being communicated into us.
CHRIST’s gift consists of the several and many-faceted aspects of CHRIST’s Fullness that the HOLY SPIRIT brings to life in us in the FATHER’s will (see John 16:14; Galatians 4:19; Galatians 2:20, KJV).
CHRIST’s gift includes the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT which is the functional expression of the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST that the HOLY SPIRIT is perfecting and completing into us – in our soul. In this reality the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST will be reflected in every expression of our mind, will and emotions. HIS Nature and Character is the essential functional ingredient to the proper functioning of our gifts, and the associated anointings that enable the operation of each gift in us. Without HIS Nature and Character we will never use our gifts, and the anointings that define the operation of each gifting, in the Way that aligns with GOD’s purposes. Without the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST we will never build the Church as the Body of CHRIST. It is HIS Nature and Character that gives credence to HIS Body functioning in the Way HE did before the FATHER, by the SPIRIT.
CHRIST’s gift also includes the gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT that are an expression of the functional ministry of JESUS CHRIST that the HOLY SPIRIT brings to life in us – in our spirits - so that we will have the ability to minister in the way JESUS CHRIST did. The ability to minister is inscribed in the Spirit of CHRIST alive in our spirit man. In developing CHRIST’s gift through functional ministry inscribed in CHRIST’s Spirit, we are being perfected and completed in HIS ministry potentials (see John 14:12-14) so that the FATHER’s Will, will be achieved through the revealed expressions of the Mystery of CHRIST – manifested through the Church for expression in the heavenly places (see Ephesians 3:3-4; Ephesians 3:8 c-11; Ephesians 1:9-12).
CHRIST’s gift also includes the 5-fold offices of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor and Evangelist that are designed to manifest the mantles of the anointing of JESUS CHRIST (perfected and completed in these offices in which HE stood and continues to stand in), to be released for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (see Ephesians 4:11-13, NKJV). The nature and character needed to stand in these offices is perfected – from MASHIAH YESHUA - into our soul. The capacity to function in these offices is perfected – from MASHIAH YESHUA - into our spirits in the Spirit of CHRIST. The resulting mantle over each 5-fold minister is the covering under which believers are nurtured for the work of the ministry. As 5-fold ministers learn to network and become clusters in the context of like-spirited assemblies (united in the Spirit of MASHIAH) there will be a co-mingled release of anointings that will enhance ministry abilities, and the gift-mix that each member of the Body of CHRIST carries. The potentials of one Body functioning in oneness and being multiplied in the love of YESHUA is astonishing! This is why the enemy focuses his assault so pointedly against our abilities to come together and work in willing partnerships.
CHRIST’s gift also includes the many types of believer’s ministries alluded to in Romans 12:6-13 and 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. All of these ministry streams are similarly built into each believer’s soul and spirit so that CHRIST is uniquely expressed through each of us! We become functional epistles of CHRIST, ministers of the New Covenant (see 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6, NKJV) in the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
John 1:16 (KJV+NKJV+NASB) declares that JESUS CHRIST’s Fullness is the eternal and abiding expression of GOD’s grace upon grace. Ephesians 4:8 tells us that CHRIST gave gifts in HIS ascension.
These gifts are necessarily some composite expression of HIS Fullness that the HOLY SPIRIT will bring to life from our inward parts (see John 16:14-15; 1 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:11) in the FATHER’s will. 1 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV) declares: And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same GOD which worketh (see also Ephesians 3:20) all in all.
GOD works CHRIST’s Fullness into us so that our gift mix – and the complex of anointings associated with this gift mix - will become a living and growing functional expression of HIS Fullness perfected and completed into our being. In CHRIST JESUS alone do all things hold together (see Colossians 1:17). And, this applies to our ministry as well.
It is a fallacy to think that gifts and anointings operate in a vacuum in the Body of CHRIST according to what each one of us chooses to desire and want to express. Every gift mix is tied to the Church being an actual functional Body tied to the Head WHO is CHRIST the LORD! There can be no other form of operation in the ministry. Our ministry must be a living expression of the ministry of JESUS CHRIST.
All things in us are necessarily of HIM and, are necessarily an expression of HIM. HE must fill all in all. This applies to our inward parts. And, it applies to all that flows out from us – individually and collectively. Such a reality only the HOLY SPIRIT can develop and bring to functional fulfillment. As Ephesians 2:10 declares: we are each the workmanship of GOD created in CHRIST JESUS for the good works that GOD has ordained.
Composite expressions of MASHIAH YESHUA’s Fullness give expression to a mix of gifts. MASHIAH YESHUA’s Fullness gives specific and varied expressions to the gifts – prophetically and collectively called CHRIST’s gift - expressed in or as or through the following:
Leadership positions and functions in the Body of CHRIST: These are expressed by the 5-fold offices of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor and Evangelist called to lead the Body of CHRIST and, who are from this position of ministry leadership, called to equip the saints for the work of ministry (see Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV) through the Covenant mantles of the anointing in CHRIST that the HOLY SPIRIT has raised them into. Believers in turn receive a composite of the anointings in CHRIST (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-6) that flow from their 5-fold leadership team as the HOLY SPIRIT makes such impartations “as HE wills” (see 1 Corinthians 12:11). An assembly of believers can grow in the diversity of their gifts when there is a cross-pollination of leadership anointings across the Church.
[And, we need to “test the spirits” to guard against wolves in sheep’s clothing. Hence, the importance of the gift of the discerning of spirits in the Church. Hence, the importance of understanding that true unity can only come through the Testimony of JESUS alive in our inward parts through the Spirit of CHRIST perfected in us.]
The Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT: The fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT is concerned with the fulfillment of the Law (see Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:17-18) and, the actual destruction of the yoke of lawlessness - as the HOLY SPIRIT perfects and completes the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST into our soul. This is necessary for us to arise functionally in the image of the SON (see Romans 8:29; Romans 8:28-30). Without this reality of the Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT we will become a lawless people whom JESUS CHRIST will disown (see Matthew 7:21-23). We must understand that it is only the Fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT that will guard us from opening the doors of the occult by falling victim to the Mystery of Lawlessness (see 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) and falling victim to the judgment of GOD (see 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31). Without the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST forming within us there is no meaning to salvation, no meaning to ministry, no meaning to blessings and giftings and callings. Without the Nature and Character of JESUS CHRIST there is no basis for anything on a sustainable basis in our lives.
The Gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT: The gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT operate in three modes: (i) The Vocal Gifts – the gift of tongues, the gift of the interpretation of tongues and, the gift of prophecy; (ii) The Revelatory Gifts – the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom and the discerning of spirits; and, (iii) The Power Gifts – the gifts of healing, the gift of faith and, the gift of miracles. The vocal gifts are designed to develop the Witness that enables us to operate in the Mystery of CHRIST (see Colossians 1:26-28; Ephesians 3:3-4; Ephesians 3:8 c-12; Hebrews 6:19; 1 John 3:3), so that we can each become unique stewards of the Mysteries of GOD (see 1 Corinthians 4:1); operating out of the secret place of the MOST HIGH, from under the shadow of the ALMIGHTY (see Psalms 91:1; Psalms 24:3-4; Psalms 15:1-2; Genesis 22:14; Isaiah 2:2-3; Matthew 5:13-16) in the Witness that GOD has given us, and is building in us and amongst us as the Body of MASHIAH – both Jew and Gentile (see 1 John 5:10 a, 7-8, NKJV; Revelation 3:14 b). The revelatory gifts enable us to know, to discern and to apply all that GOD is manifesting in the Witness of Spirit, Water and Blood alive in us. The revelatory gifts operate in the reality of the abiding as knowledge, understanding and wisdom that is built into our state of being. The revelatory gifts also operate in the reality of the spontaneous message that is relevant to an appointed time – by vision or by specific word for the appointed time. The power gifts enable us to operate in the resurrection power of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and this power works within us in a Witness – true and faithful – that operates in Spirit, Water and Blood in the Rhema reality of the Word of the Cross (see 1 Corinthians 1:18). There is a reality of power that is abiding that works and grows within us to accomplish the long term purposes of GOD in us and through us (see Ephesians 3:20). And, there is a reality of spontaneous power that comes upon us that accomplishes specific acts of healing or miracles or impartations or expressions of the prophetic Word at an appointed time under the jurisdiction of the HOLY SPIRIT.
The Ministry Expressions / Streams of the Believer: The ministry streams of the saints in ministry are described in Romans 12:6-13 and 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. What is listed in these passages is not an exhaustive list but an introduction to the salient features of the saints in ministry that can be applied in the context of family, the workplace, government, “the Church”, in society etc. Some salient features or facets to the saints being in ministry are as follows:
We all have gifts (Romans 12:6) according to the grace given to us. Since grace is not a static spiritual reality, there is potential for our gifts to expand, grow and develop! And, there is always the potential of new gifts as we mature in the LORD! We are to exercise our gifts by faith. Since faith has the potential to grow through the hearing of the Word (see Romans 10:17) - JESUS CHRIST being the Author and Finisher (or, Perfecter) of our faith - we see that our ability to exercise our gift is actually open ended as we put on CHRIST and as CHRIST is formed in us! 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 speaks of gifts such as miracles, healings, tongues which are examples of the Gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT operated by believers. Tongues include prayer tongues in spiritual warfare, tongues that energize other gifts into operation. Tongues that open the believer to the potentials of the Mysteries in/of GOD (see 1 Corinthians 14:2; 1 Corinthians 4:1). Tongues also open us to teaching by revelation and knowledge and, tongues also enable the spontaneous release of the prophetic word (see 1 Corinthians 14:6).
We all can prophesy (Romans 12:6) since the Word of GOD is in our mouth and in our heart (see Deuteronomy 30:14-15). And, this reality is part and parcel of the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (see Matthew 5:17-18; Jeremiah 31:31-34). In the case of the believer who does not stand in the office of Prophet, the ability to prophesy is confined to edification (building the inward spiritual state of someone), exhortation (or, encouragement) and consolation (to heal the inward parts of heart and soul).
We all have the capacity to serve (Romans 12:7) – exploring the opportunities for service (or, ministry) in our homes, workplaces, in churches, in society at large – in the universe GOD has called us to occupy in the Testimony of JESUS. Helps and Administrations are two areas of service that are highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:28-29. Helps involves the ministry of good works in orphanages, half way houses, rehabilitation work, charities, special schools for the disabled and the disadvantaged, residential ministry places to the aged, the rejected, those under the influence of alcohol, drugs, etc. Administration involves the actual management of the many activities that are important to the proper operation of churches and their affiliated agencies and ministries. Areas include financial management, control systems to ensure accountability, checks and balances, procedures, management of resources, staff administration and policy etc. – administered by the SPIRIT and, not by the letter of the Law. We are not to bring the systems of the world into the Kingdom of GOD. Kingdom Administration flows out of the inward parts of the believer and administers through the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT rather than the carnal methods of the world system.
We all can teach (Romans 12:7) in some capacity that arises in our life as we mature in the Word of GOD. Given the fact that we are all being taught by GOD (see John 6:44-45; Isaiah 54:13) we all have the capacity to teach in the testimony of our growth in GOD – sharing the Word of GOD that has been performed in our lives (see 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6, NKJV; Jeremiah 31:31-34).
We all have the capacity to exhort (Romans 12:8) or to encourage in the realities in which we have overcome in the strength and grace that the SPIRIT of CHRIST has supplied to us in the growing dynamics of our spirituality. The situations and avenues open to us to exhort are varied and multi-faceted. Wherever we find people we have the opportunity to exhort (or, to encourage and build). When we build people we have the opportunity to invest in eternity! And, always remember that it is the fullness of CHRIST – that we have as an inheritance and possession (see Ezekiel 44:28) - that we are called to invest into others through the ministry of the spoken word and prayer!
We all have the capacity to give (Romans 12:8) in the actuality of all that we have received from GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, by the HOLY SPIRIT. The liberality of our giving is expressed in the love of YESHUA that we have actualized by the HOLY SPIRIT. The opportunities to give of ourselves, our talents, our possessions (including our finances), our giftings and anointings – in natural and spiritual terms – are many-faceted and vast. Giving with liberality is a skill that gives us – in the “shalom” of peace and well-being alive in our inward parts - meaningful satisfaction to our gifts and possessions in GOD! When we give we open the doors of increase – in both spiritual and natural terms - into our lives. Continued giving causes the multiplication!
We all have the capacity to lead (Romans 12:8) in the many facets of our life. The capacity to lead grows as we take diligent responsibility to do what is right, what is necessary and, to take hold of the opportunities that life presents to express the servant heart of JESUS CHRIST through our being. In the Kingdom of GOD leaders choose to develop the servant-heart of JESUS CHRIST in their inward parts. Hence we see in Php 1:8 (KJV) Paul declare that he has “the bowels of JESUS CHRIST”. In Galatians 2:20 (KJV) Paul talks about having the faith of JESUS CHRIST. Leadership flows out of the characteristics of the servant heart of JESUS CHRIST.
We all have the capacity to show mercy (Romans 12:9). To be able to be merciful in the joy of the LORD is a demonstration of our strength and maturity in GOD. So many lives can be touched in this reality of mercy willingly exercised – not in terms of legalistic obligation – but as a willing expression of the love of MASHIAH YESHUA alive in our inward parts.
We all have the capacity to love (Romans 12:9). The capacity to love flows out of the actualization of the love of JESUS CHRIST in our own lives. The willingness to exercise the capacity to love – in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth – positions us in an intimacy with GOD. The opportunities to love - when exercised - mature the development of the many specifics of the ministry of JESUS CHRIST in us and through us. Love is an expression of the Key of David that manifests the higher dimensions of GOD’s power and authority (see Revelation 3:7-8).
We all have the capacity to abhor evil (Romans 12:9). To abhor evil opens opportunities to redress wrongs, to press into doing what is right, to develop our capacity to pray, to exercise our faith, to see the opportunities to help or to heal or to give new live etc.
We all have the capacity to cling to good (Romans 12:9). This develops our willingness to persevere in the things of GOD – personally or, in the lives of those whom we minister to. In this actuality we become overcomers (see Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:26-28; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 3:21), crushing satan under our feet (see Romans 16:20) as we actualize and give expression to the “Shabbat Shalom” of the LORD in the peculiar situations and circumstances we are faced with.
We all have the capacity to be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10) in brotherly love. This is the perseverance to build the unity of the Body in our spheres of influence. It involves all forms of ministry, prayer and the building of relationships that will enable the Church to explore and develop the dynamics of our anointings and gift-mixes in the collective. The opportunities are akin to a geometric progression having the potentials of an expansive progression and growth form. In this reality the bread is broken and multiplied and the capacity to feed and minister to multitudes will open to the church in ministry – from a position of actual ministry unity flowing from our inward parts. Commingled flows of rivers of living water from our innermost beings!
We all have the capacity to give preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:10). This breaks the yoke of carnality and selfishness that inhibits the maturity and growth of the Church and its many-faceted ministry capacities. This is the key to leadership maturity in the Church. Too many of us cling to positional authority as if it belongs to us. This results in us being territorial rather than apostolic in our thinking and our actions. This restricts and even undermines the growth and maturity of the Body.
We all have the capacity to be diligent (Romans 12:11). We need to persevere in GOD and the things of GOD – with great patience (see Colossians 1:11; Colossians 1:9-11) – to actualize the fruit and the fruitfulness that remains. We need to be diligent in faith and works which are two sides of the same coin – the works giving testimony to our faith and being the basis for us to evaluate our faith expressions as being true or false. True faith perseveres and is diligent in the evidence of the unseen. GOD will come through and perform HIS Word in its appointed time!
We all have the capacity to be fervent in spirit, serving the LORD (Romans 12:11). The dynamics of spirituality – arising from our spirit in the Spirit and Life of MASHIAH YESHUA – needs to be entirely developed with a view to serving GOD with fervency. Fervency is an attribute of the passion of CHRIST that derives from the zeal of the LORD of Hosts (see Isaiah 9:7). This fervency takes delight in the fear of the LORD (see Isaiah 11:3 a). In all things – in word and deed – the Name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST must necessarily be glorified. We need to do all things in word and deed in the leading and inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT. And, our spirit and soul need to be aligned with the will of the FATHER. GOD must reign in the Church – not man.
We all have the capacity to be rejoicing in hope (Romans 12:12). Hope in CHRIST JESUS anchors our soul behind the veil so that we can operate in the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven (see Hebrews 6:19). Hope in CHRIST JESUS purifies us even as HE is pure (see 1 John 3:3). Persevering hope establishes us in the strength of the LORD (see Romans 5:3-5; Romans 5:1-5). And because the love of GOD is poured our in our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT we have a rejoicing that gives us a capacity to express a greater hope that will in turn manifest the substance of YESHUA that will give rise to the greater things. Indeed the joy of the LORD is our strength (see Nehemiah 8:9-12) to actualize all things as CHRIST strengthens us. Persevering hope enables every member of the Body to actualize the treasures of CHRIST. This is Kingdom prosperity that is unlike the carnal prosperity of the world that some parts of the church have been pursuing.
We all have the capacity to persevere in tribulation (Romans 12:12). Being over comers open us to the eternal rewards of GOD as noted in Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22 (2:7; 2:11; 2:26-28; 3:5; 3:12; 3:21). We will eat of the Tree of Life. We will not be hurt by the second death. We will receive of the Hidden Manna, which will result in us each receiving a white stone with a new name personal to us. We will be given authority over nations. We will be given the Morning Star in living actualities of the prophetic Word manifested in our inward parts (see Revelation 22:16; 2 Peter 1:19). We will be clothed in white garments (pure Light) that are the garments of salvation. We will have our names in the LAMB’s Book of Life. JESUS CHRIST will confess our names before the FATHER and HIS angels – thus giving us a functional status before GOD and HIS angels. We will stand as pillars in the temple of GOD and the Name of GOD, the name of the City of GOD, the new Jerusalem and the new Name of JESUS CHRIST will be upon us. We will be seated with JESUS CHRIST on HIS Throne in a position far above every principality, power, might and dominion (see Ephesians 1:20-21; Ephesians 2:4-6). AMEN!
We all have the capacity to be devoted in prayer (Romans 12:12). The ministry of prayer has limitless potential in GOD. Prayer brings us into communion with GOD so that we become vessels for the performance of HIS Word in HIS appointed times. The Government of Heaven responds to the prayer of the saints (see Revelation 8:3-5) with angels being assigned according to the Voice of GOD’s Word that our witness in prayer (see 1 John 5:10 a, 7-8; Revelation 3:13 b) expresses (see Psalms 103:20; Psalms 103:19-22; Hebrews 1:14). The power of the Church - as the Body of CHRIST – in every aspect of its ministry potential and capacities, rise out of prayer, both personal and corporate. A personal prayer position is given us in the Name of JESUS CHRIST – in the rock of the revelation of HIS Name by Testimony (see Matthew 16:18; Matthew 16:15-17; Revelation 19:10 c). In the reality of the Rock that is higher than I (see Psalms 61:2 c) the LORD JESUS gives us a position of authority that derives from HIS Name (see Matthew 16:19): I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. The Amplified Bible tells us that to bind is to declare to be improper and unlawful and to loose is to declare lawful . Hence a revealed reality of the Word in the Testimony of JESUS, alive in the Witness of Spirit, Water and Blood within us (see 1 John 5:8; 1 John 5:10 a) by the HOLY SPIRIT, in CHRIST JESUS (see Romans 8:2) is the basis for binding and loosing in our personal prayer capacity. Our corporate position in prayer is expressed in the Words of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (in Matthew 18:16; Matthew 18:18-20) : …. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. …… Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask it, it shall be done for them by MY FATHER WHO is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in MY Name, there I AM in their midst. In the Witness, true and faithful (see Revelation 3:14 b) alive within us in Spirit, Water and Blood (see 1 John 5:10 a, 8) we can come into agreement through the Word alive within us and become vessels for the destruction of the works of the evil one - in his every sphere of influence. It is crucial to understand that coming into agreement is a SPIRIT-enabled reality defined in the Spirit and Life of MASHIAH YESHUA in HIS Words (see Revelation 19:13 b; John 6:63). Remember that HIS Words stand forever (see Luke 21:33)!
We all have the capacity to contribute to the needs of the saints (Romans 12:13). Paul talks of the Macedonian Church that gave in spite of its “deep poverty” (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-4). The capacity to give and the benefits that flow into the Body are best expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 : … He who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. The actual ability to give cheerfully – in both natural and spiritual terms – is an appropriation of GOD’s grace. Ultimately, grace is designed to build us up and to give us the inheritance that GOD has designed for those sanctified (see Acts 20:32) in HIS will (see Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 1:9-10).
We all have the capacity to be hospitable (Romans 12:13). We can be hospitable in the capacity of an individual, as a family, as a group of believers, as a group of churches etc. Our hospitality creates an atmosphere for the “Shabbat-Shalom” of YHWH to become operational in all facets of the Body in ministry! Hospitality facilitates the growth of the territories and boundaries of the Kingdom amongst mankind.
We all have the capacity to operate under the mantles that are in operation in our 5-fold leadership. Every office will manifest a mantle that brings about certain gift inclinations. Believers influenced by a strongly anointed Pastor will have some aspect of the shepherd’s heart, and some aspect of a pastoral ministry, that will flow inline with the Pastor as well as expand the Pastors’ shepherding mantle. Similarly, believers influenced by the Prophets office will have very strong revelatory and prophetic gift inclinations. Those impacted by the ministry of the Teacher will in turn have strong inclinations to teach in some capacity. Those who are impacted by the office of Evangelist will have strong inclinations toward evangelism as well as a strong inclination towards the power gifts that operate in the office of the evangelist. The apostolic mantle will give believers (and other 5-fold ministers) a strong body ministry orientation – an inclination and even a passion to build the Body of CHRIST, proclaiming the glory of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
We have in this chapter outlined the several facets of the ministry of JESUS CHRIST through HIS Body the Church. We have done this in the understanding that the Church is the Body of CHRIST, the fullness of HIM WHO fills all in all. We have described ministry as being a unique communication and expression of HIS Fullness through individual members of the Body of CHRIST under the leadership of a 5-fold ministry. In the next chapter we will discuss the importance of developing the capacity to minister given the fact that ministry is one of the key functional expressions of Biblical Spirituality.