These are the notes taken live during services as captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing. This is not a word for word transcript. For the exact wording, please consult the audio recording.

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The office of those responsible for teaching God’s people has morphed over the years. Consider Abraham. He had an office that was prophetic. He was told his descendants would be as numerous as the sand of the shore. There were judges. There were priests. The priests worked on the sacrifices. There was the period of the prophets, where God would under inspiration communicate His thoughts through a prophet. There were good kings and bad kings. Synagogues were established in most cities. They were run by the elders. There were three offices in the synagogue: The priests, the scribes, and ? It is interesting that Christ did not use the priesthood as the model for teaching his disciples. Jesus saw a need for a ministry, not a priesthood. I want to review where the NT ministry came from. Why are we here? Acts 1:15 He goes on and speaks to them about how Judas had betrayed. How they had to fill that office. Acts 1:23 It is interesting that is was “they”. It wasn’t just Peter. We don’t know how they got down from the 120 to 2. But they whittled it down. Matthias was chosen. This is the last time casting lots was used. They recognized the need for structure. Acts 2:41 Three thousand in one day. Talk about rapid growth for a new young church. The apostles realized they couldn’t keep up. Twelve of them, 120 others, 3000 more; they couldn’t keep up. Acts 6:1-7 The apostles didn’t discount the fact that needs were being overlooked. Vs. 1 – We don’t have time to go through why this was such an issue. It is a fascinating Bible study for you. Vs. 2 – The apostles validated their concern. They didn’t blow them off. But they also said they couldn’t stop preaching to take care of this need. Both were important in their own right. Vs. 5 – Here is the beginning of the office of deacon. Vs. 6 – The ordination is done through the laying on of hands. It is through prayer in that ceremony.

Acts 8:4-15 Vs. 5 – Phillip was one of the deacons ordained in chapter 6. Vs. 9 – Simon, through sorcery, was able to accomplish miracles. Vs. 14 – They had to go because they had just been baptized. Vs. 15 – One of the functions of the ministry is after baptism, to lay hands, and ask that the spirit be about that person. Each office in the church is an honor to serve in. It is not about pride. Acts 9:10-17 At the beginning of this chapter, Saul thought he was doing the Lord’s work. And he was struck down. He went forth with gusto and was killing off God’s people. Ananias was told to go see Saul. No doubt he knew very well who Saul was and what he had been doing. Vs. 17 – Another instance of the hands being laid on someone. Back in Acts 8:17, hands were laid on to receive the Holy Spirit. Here in Acts 9:17, it is for healing. 1 Peter 5:1 Peter referred to himself as an elder. But we also know he was a great apostle. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Good News - Paul elaborated on these concepts to the congregations under his care. He wrote to the members in Thessalonica. The term over you is the same Greek word Paul used in writing to Timothy to describe the roles of elders and deacons. Paul was very aware that there would need to be some form of oversight in the Church. This oversight would not be controlling, but would function to care for, to protect, to act as a guardian of those within the Church.” The role of the ministry is to care and serve and protect those God is calling and has chosen.

Ephesians 1:22-23 Here Jesus is described as the living Head of the Church. Our current structure is very temporary. Whether we have a collaborative structure or one man. If anyone says this is my church, send up the flags and sound the alarm. This Jesus Christ’s church. Ephesians 4:4-13 These are things we all share. Why do we have to be divided? UCG here, another organization there? Who knows where all of God’s people are, but God Himself? We all share God. I was discussing the place of safety this week with someone. What will happen in the place of safety? UCG over here; this group over there; there are ropes separating them. Oh, no, I can’t talk to them. They are not part of the called ones. Vs. 7 – Those that are baptized are recipients of God’s grace. As we acknowledge our sins and battle to follow Him, He forgives us. He longs to bring us into His family. With every inch of His being, He wants us to stay strong. Vs. 11 – “Apostle” means a delegate. One sent forth with orders. G652 ἀπόστολος apostolos ap-os'-tol-os From G649; a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers): - apostle, messenger, he that is sent.

Thayer Definition: 1) a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders 1a) specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ 1b) in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers 1b1) of Barnabas 1b2) of Timothy and Silvanus Part of Speech: noun masculine An evangelist is a preacher of the gospel. Someone that speaks of salvation through Christ. G2099 εὐαγγελιστής euaggelistēs yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace' From G2097; a preacher of the gospel: - evangelist. Thayer Definition: 1) a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist 2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles Part of Speech: noun masculine Pastors and teachers are from the Greek meaning shepherds and instructors. G4166 ποιμήν poimēn poy-mane' Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively): - shepherd, pastor. Thayer Definition: 1) a herdsman, especially a shepherd 1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow 2) metaphorically 2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the Head of the church 2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies 2a2) of kings and princes Part of Speech: noun masculine G1320 διδάσκαλος didaskalos did-as'-kal-os From G1321; an instructor (generally or specifically): - doctor, master, teacher.

T hayer Definition: 1) a teacher 2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man 1a) one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so 1b) the teachers of the Jewish religion 1c) of those who by their great power as teachers draw crowds around them, i.e. John the Baptist, Jesus 1d) by preeminence used of Jesus by himself, as one who showed men the way of salvation 1e) of the apostles, and of Paul 1f) of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit 1g) of false teachers among Christians Part of Speech: noun masculine So why did God create all these roles? Vs. 12 – For the equipping of the saints. The Greek means complete furnishing. Imagine renting a condo at the feast. You asked if it is fully furnished. Yes. Great. As opposed to: We have one bed. Bring your own mattress. Jameson Faucet Brown on Eph 4:12: “The Greek implies correcting in all that is deficient, instructing and completing in number and all parts.” God gave these different offices and ministerial roles so we could be completely furnished. We could have our deficiencies corrected. “Ministry” is a way of growth. As a minister, I’m to edify you and promote your growth. As members, you are edify each other. How long as we, as elders, to do these things? Vs. 13 – “Unity of the faith” means oneness of the conviction of the truth.

New Living Translation on Eph 4:12: “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” Jamison Faucet Brown on Eph 4:13– “Not “perfect men”; for the many members constitute but one Church joined to the one Christ.” Philippians 3:12-15 Not even Paul thought he had obtained the unity of faith. Fully knowing Christ and how He acts. Ephesians 4:13 This is full acknowledgement of who Christ was and why He came. “Perfect man” – “to a full man.” Matthew 5:48 “Perfect” means requiring nothing for completeness. Adam Clark on Eph 4:13 – “The full measure of knowledge, love, and holiness, which the Gospel of Christ requires.” JFB says not perfect man but perfect men. It is not that we are to be individually perfect. Then we wouldn’t have one body. There would be many bodies and many hopes. We are to come to a perfect man; unified, together.

New Living Translation Eph 4:13: “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Brethren, this is the job of the ministry. To teach. To build up. To encourage us to overcome our sins. To work to the point that we require nothing to be complete. Bible Study Correspondence Course: “These serving responsibilities were given for the benefit of the whole Church, to help equip, edify and unify the Body. A person ordained to such responsibilities is generally called a "minister," a word that means “servant.” I don’t stand here as the greatest among you. I stand as a servant. I want to help. I want to serve. GN in 2003 (Wilbur Berg) “God placed in His Church biblical qualifications for elders and deacons. They are given so appropriate leaders can be chosen to take care of the Church. The rest of the membership will then benefit from their talents and abilities, further strengthening the Body of Christ (1Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-16). Within the Church, each member is encouraged to contribute and do his share in showing godly love for the growth and spiritual development of all (Ephesians 4:16).” Paul gives specific qualifications. The selection process is not haphazard. It is not done on favoritism or family name. Ordination should be done with God in the lead. He is the only one who knows truly where our hearts are.

Richard Pinelli – “Being a minister is not a noble profession. We’re dealing with humans and their eternal life.” Being a minister is a very serious job. I take mine very seriously. I take my service to you very seriously. Let’s read about the qualities of the ministry. 1 Timothy 3:2-7 From God’s perspective, we should all develop these character traits. This applies to the elders, but this is not just for the elders. You can’t say this is for the elders; as for me, I’ll be greedy for money. Vs. 2 – “Blameless” – This doesn’t mean they don’t sin. Romans 3:23 I’ll be the first to admit that I sin on a daily basis. But I repent daily. The man must be in tune with the conduct God expects in the Bible. “Husband of one wife.” Not dabbling in pornography. “Temperance” – Showing moderation and self restraint. Such a man constantly looks for and prepares for the kingdom. He lives a balanced spiritual life. “Soberminded” – sensible. Sharp in one’s thinking. Makes sound decisions. “Good behavior, hospitable” – A man’s inclination to show kindness to others, without partiality. “Able to teach” – must be able to teach about the Christian life without showing arrogance. He must be teachable himself, so he can continue to grow. Even Paul had not fully obtained. Human elders are still growing. Vs 3 – “Not given to wine” – He doesn’t abuse alcohol. He realizes that violence in action and thoughts don’t please God. “Gentle” – Kind and considerate. Proverbs warns against those that are quick to stir up trouble.

Proverbs 29:22 “Not greedy” – To acquire wealth is not wrong. Abraham and Job were incredibly wealthy. But it should not be an obsessive priority. Proverbs 22:1 We should always choose a great reputation over great wealth. Vs. 4 – An elder must be sure that his relationship with his wife and children is great. The kids should grow up respecting this way. “Under submission” – This doesn’t mean to force things on his kids, but to live so they grow up wanting to live this way. Proverbs 20:7 Vs. 6 – “Novice” – Not a new convert. Not someone who was just baptized. Who is this Jesus Christ anyway? Not the person to ordain. Vs. 7 – His conduct should exemplify the character of Christ Himself. These are the qualifications that all of us as elders should live up to. These are great qualification for all of you as well. But this is God’s standard for the ministry. Titus 1:6-9 These are the qualifications of an elder. This is what is expected of us. I take this next scripture very seriously. James 3:1 “Teachers” is the same Greek as in Ephesians (didaskalos.) “Judgment” here means condemnation. It is not some light thing like, “No dessert tonight.” This is condemnation. As elders who help you, we receive a stricter judgment. The ministry is responsible to see that you have the tools you need. If I slouch, I’m in big trouble. It is my responsibility to teach, to encourage. I will give you the tools and reminders to put Christ first. That is God’s expectation of me.

Hebrews 13:17 “Rule” means to be a leader or someone who goes before. This is not rule with the thumb down. I’ll bear hug you and make sure you don’t do it wrong. This means to help and serve. Heb 13:17 / Good News 1997 – “It involves being a leader-not in the sense of control, but as someone who has concern and care for those for whom he has responsibility.” GN 1997 Continuing – “This describes a different relationship from that condemned by Jesus Christ: of rulers lording it over those they rule. This describes a relationship of voluntarily submitting to those placed in authority, recognizing that they are in their positions for the benefit of others, "for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account." My job is to watch out for your soul. For your eternal life. To help point you back to the Bible. Do I care for your salvation? Do I feel sick when I see some behave in a way that is not Biblical? Absolutely. I want all of you to be in the kingdom. Korah’s direction was not right. 2 Timothy 3:16 Next week, I’ll speak about this. Next month, I’ll speak about this. “Inspiration” literally means God breathed. What are my next 5000 sermons going to be about? About gaining entrance to the kingdom of God. It will come in form of how to overcome our sins and have the right relationship with God. With all that pressure, how do I sleep at night?

Philippians 2:12 We’ve read this many time and mulled it over; what does this mean to me? I will teach you and exhort you. I will at times correct. I will be happy to counsel until I’m blue in the face. But the choice to follow Biblical principles resides with you. You have to work out your salvation. You can’t get to the kingdom with my study habits. We have to work on our individual relationship with God. Philippians 2:17 The drink offering was interesting. It provided that sweet aroma to God. But it was poured on the sacrifice. It wasn’t a slab of meat that was eaten or burned. A drink offering was poured out. I pray that you will all choose life and that we can serve side by side in the kingdom. I make myself available to chat. Because of the potential to be God beings, I am glad for that and rejoice with all of you.