This year, our fellowship set out on a mission: to grow past being just members to being ministers —based on Paul’s charge in Ephesians 4:11–12: “ 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… ” It’s a verse I’ve read and taught with excitement for years. But recently, something about it has been stirring me, bothering me even. Not because it’s wrong—God forbid—but because maybe… we’ve read it with assumptions(Assumpta šš¤¦). And if we’re going to contend for the faith once delivered, I must confront mine. Let's keenly look into that line... Paul says: “Christ himself GAVE...” That’s past tense. Not “is giving” or “will give.” He gave —once. (You'll see why I use the word once when we get to Judas.) That tense raises a question: Was this appointment of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers a one-time act by Jesus while He walked...
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