Letter 15: The Service Gifts

The Letters of Faith
Letter 15: The Service Gifts

“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Elohim, unto mature sons and daughters, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah” (Ephesians 4:11-13 ENB).

Dear Disciple;

It is often said that a teacher learns more in the preparation, than any student does in the learning of a lesson, and I was stunned – and grieved – in the realization of what we have been given, and what we have been missing.  Seeing that you are “Impressed” with the Support Gifts as well, relieves my heart, because you have confirmed my reactions.

About The Questionnaire:

In all honesty, the questionnaire that I supply with Letter 13, was constructed after completing my full study of the gifts, because everything else I have ever seen regarding the gifts focused on puny gifts.  But the Gifts we are actually being given by The Holy Spirit are marvelously Powerful Gifts.  The questionnaire was designed in light of the marvel I felt following my studies!

And you also need to know that you have excited and motivated me even more with your zeal for your new-found talents.  Your encouragement bolsters me, and I truly appreciate your sincerity.  I hope you find these Service Gifts, detailed in this letter, and the Sign Gifts, following in our next note, to be equally exciting.  Like the Support Gifts, they too have all been diluted and/or ignored over the years.

Prayerfully though, the fullness of Yehoshua, in His Ekklesia, shall be known once again to His children (and the world) in these latter days, and in that knowledge of Him, may the fullness of the gifts that He has given us be part of that revelation.

The Service Gifts, once again, are: rd_dot Apostle  rd_dot Evangelist  rd_dot  Pastor  rd_dot  Prophet and
rd_dot  Teacher.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Saving this Gift of Prophecy for Letter 16:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Saving this Gift of Prophecy for Letter 16:

We will discuss the Gift of Prophecy – this Service Gift – in Letter 16, because there is a near-parallel link between this Gift of Prophecy, and the Sign Gift of – the Office of a Prophet.  Comparing them side-by-side will eliminate any confusion.

Please do not forget though, beloved, as we discuss any Gift, to leave room for The Holy Spirit, because He gives as He wills, and He moves as are the needs.  And do not judge – or limit any Gift in any of the brethren – but wait humbly upon Him.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Gift of Apostle:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Gift of APOSTLE:

Apostleship is one of the gifts declared “dead” by the religious institutions, but in the Ekklesia, the gift remains amazingly alive.  Perhaps many feel unworthy to wear the title of apostle, but any sense of ‘unworthiness’ in any spiritual arena, comes solely from Satan.  Our Elohim has declared us PERFECT thru Yehoshua, and any denial of that truth is Satanic, and must be rebuked!

Nevertheless, a large aspect of the gift of Apostleship has been diluted and renamed within the institutions of Babylon.  But we must discover the truth of this matter again, because functioning apostles, working in the fullness of the Gift, are essential in these latter days.

In order for the Ekklesia to all perform our assigned tasks, however, we need apostles on the front line, because their work is vital to the harvest.  And so you know, the Greek word used throughout the New Covenant for apostle, APOSTOLOS, means:

One Sent; An Ambassador; A Testifier.

But False Teachings Exist:

It is currently taught in many of the institutions, however, that to be an apostle, one had to personally see Yehoshua.  This teaching though, is only partly true, which makes this deception such an easy sell.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: False Teachings  Certainly there were the original twelve apostles, who in fact did walk with the Master throughout His time of ministry, persecution, death, resurrection and ascension.  And, when one of those original twelve fell (Judas), the other eleven, “LED” by The Holy Spirit, drew lots to determine his replacement.  Drawing lots, they presented The Holy Spirit with two of those who had walked with them, from the baptism of Messiah to His resurrection, and then, “The lot fell to Matthias” (Acts 1:15-26 ENB).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: False Teachings  Further compounding the false teachings about apostleship, is the fact that there are detractors who would have you believe that the selection of Matthias was an error, and that Paul was Elohim’s true choice.

Deceptions  Anyone teaching this fallacy, however, is not looking at the fullness of Scripture, because in Acts 1, Peter clearly delineates the requirements necessary to fulfill the vacated position of “Witness” along with the other eleven; requirements that Paul was unable to meet.
Deceptions  Matthias became a “Witnessing Apostle”, which spiritually, for whatever reason, was limited to twelve.

While we may not understand the spiritual reasoning for this, it is important that we acknowledge not only the Apostleship of Matthias, but recognize that others were, and still are, being sent out as Ambassadors and Testifiers, today.

Deceptions  Additionally, the twelve “Witnessing” apostles were devoted, “to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4 ENB).
Deceptions  Paul, however, was called to minister to the gentiles (Ephesians 3).

While their purpose and manner of ministry was totally different, Paul was as much an apostle as the twelve “witnesses”.  And so were others, as you will see.

More Apostles?

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: False Teachings  In Romans 16:7, Junias and Andronicus are named as apostles, and in Philippians 2:25, Epaphroditus is called an “Apostle” as well.

Please note that these were not Jews, nor were they eyewitnesses of the walk, death or resurrection of Yehoshua.  Nevertheless, they are rightly and fittingly called Apostles.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts: False Teachings  In Acts 13:1-3, Barnabas is included amongst a group acknowledged to be prophets and teachers, but after he and Paul had been set apart and sent out by The Holy Spirit, his official ministry was changed, and he was called an Apostle (Acts 14:14).

  Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Uniquely Distributed:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Uniquely Distributed:

Please begin to notice how the gifts are distributed within each of these individuals, because this is fundamental to comprehending the Gifts in total, and how The Holy Spirit works within the lives of Yehoshua’s Disciples.

  Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Uniquely Distributed:  Barnabas, for example, was gifted as a prophet and teacher, and then as an apostle.  He had other gifts as well.
  Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Uniquely Distributed:  And consider Paul, because as you learn about him, you will see incredible diversity and authority with regard to his gifts.

Additional Distractions:

Furthermore, we have allowed the false teachers to bottle our abilities for so long, that we no longer believe Elohim will do these things through us.  But Elohim has not changed – we have!  We must repent of our faithlessness, and allow The Holy Spirit to move in our midst once again.

Apostleship is non-restrictive:

  Letter 15: The Service Gifts: Uniquely Distributed:  The designation of all these Disciples as Apostles (and this gift is not restrictive by gender) should cause us to reconsider the Gift, and ask, “Who and what is an apostle today?”

Apostleship  If the Gift of Apostle is different than the original twelve “witnessing” apostles, and if the Gift extends beyond the lines of Judaism, including Gentile Disciples, then what is the true definition and function of an Apostle today, and why haven’t we seen any lately?

For the most part, apostles today are what the institutions want to refer to as “missionaries”.  Sadly though, the manner in which a missionary functions in our era is entirely unrelated to the authoritative Apostles sent out by The Holy Spirit throughout the first century.

Don’t misunderstand, beloved, the calling and this Gift of The Holy Spirit has not changed – we have.  The Holy Spirit is not puny – we are.

Just like any other gift, it is either exercised to the fullest or it is diluted.  Apostleship is not taught properly, therefore it is not understood properly, and therefore it is not exercised properly.  If we send the brethren out into the world believing them to be missionaries, then that is what they will be.

On the other hand, if we fully understand the call, mission and responsibility of the ones being sent out, and we fully acknowledge this Gift of The Holy Spirit, then we send out Apostles to glorify and magnify the Name of Yehoshua.

May The Holy Spirit of Elohim shed light!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - How False Teachings Work

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – How False Teachings Work:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - How False Teachings Work:  Have you ever heard how they train elephants, to remain tethered to a small stake pounded into the ground; how they train them, stopping them from walking away? Considering the size and strength of an elephant, haven’t you ever wondered why they don’t just pull out the stake and go wherever they want?

I did, so I investigated.  This is what I learned:

Indoctrination  When an elephant is young, the trainers clamp a large steel bracelet around one of its hind legs and, connected by a large steel chain, secure the baby elephant to a steel stake driven deeply into the ground.  Try as it might, the baby elephant cannot break loose from this bondage.

Indoctrination  For days it will pull and pull, but with decreasing frequency.  Eventually, the baby elephant will surrender in defeat.  The baby elephant KNOWS that it cannot break free, so it stops trying.  From that point onward, a simple leather strap replaces the steel bracelet.

Indoctrination  Thereafter, whenever the elephant is to be tethered, the leather strap, connected by a rope, is secured to a wooden peg driven a foot or so into the soil.   The elephant will not pull the peg out of the ground though, because as soon as it feels the slightest tug on its rear leg, it surrenders.

Indoctrination  Although the elephant is capable of pulling down the circus tent if it desired, it will not pull a puny wooden peg out of the ground.  It has been conditioned; it has been “Indoctrinated”.

Thus have people been conditioned regarding political/governmental issues, matters of life and perseverance, and especially spiritual matters – particularly with regard to the Gifts of The Holy Spirit!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - We Have Been Deceived:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – We Have Been Deceived:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - We Have Been Deceived:  United in Yehoshua, we are capable of pulling down the Babylonian circus tent, but we have been told that the gifts are dead for so long, we actually believe it.  Satan has deceived the Ekklesia into accepting that we cannot be workers for Elohim any longer, and in this belief we have surrendered our capacity to be used by The Holy Spirit to glorify our Father in Heaven, thru His Son.

Satan has deceived the Ekklesia into believing we are mere spectators of events in the world, instead of our being the active participants – for whom the whole creation anxiously awaits revealing (Romans 8:22).  I grieve over this deceit,  and I sincerely pray for the needed revival to come – that will awaken our hearts with a desire to fulfill that work which our Master, Messiah and King seeks and desires from His body!

Satan’s power is like the little wooden peg tapped into the ground, but we have been indoctrinated into believing that Elohim’s Gifts and Power, as dispensed by The Holy Spirit, either no longer exist, or are no longer capable of defeating the prince of this world.

Where Scripture says that faith the size of a mustard seed will set us free from all bondage (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6), the evil one has deceived us into believing that we are helpless…  Pray for faith, beloved; Pray for faith, conviction and courage!

Please Do Not Misunderstand:

I do not want to give the impression through this discourse that all missionaries always fall short of the mark, because that is not true.  The point I hope to make, however, is that we are all falling short in the exercise and utilization of our gifts.  We simply must stop denying the Gifts of The Holy Spirit, though, and proclaim Yehoshua, in power, to the world!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Signs of an Apostle:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  A thorough inspection of the New Covenant provides the signs which should accompany an Apostle (Luke 9:1-5, 10:1-24; 2 Corinthians 12:12 for example).  These same three passages also show where we are failing in our comprehension of the gift today.

Utilization   Clearly, the need to preach & touch hearts and souls; the need to make Disciples; the need to encourage and appoint true elders (as anointed by The Holy Spirit, not by mankind), in order to bring about the fullness and obedience of faith, has never left us.

These matters simply are not taught today, because they are no longer believed.  And in our disbelief, they do not happen.  That is why we fall short!

Utilization  Bluntly, the religious institutions do not want to see Apostles functioning with authority – especially in our homeland.  If authority is being rejected around the world, and probably nowhere more than in the industrialized nations, what makes us think this rejection will not overflow into the ranks of a faithless church?

How can we be so naïve to believe the Ekklesia would not be attacked, while the rest of the world (especially Babylon) is rotting and decaying? Satan went right into the Garden of Eden before the fall, when the world was in perfect order, and deceived Eve.  What makes us think he will not come into the Ekklesia of the fallen creation and attempt to deceive us today? Elohim told us he would!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  An Apostle, therefore, is one who is set apart and sent out by The Holy Spirit, to:

Utilization  Preach the Gospel, make Disciples, encourage the brethren and appoint elders (Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-23).
Utilization  And the purpose of these activities is in order to bring about, “The obedience to the faith among all the nations, for His name” (ENB) (Romans 1:1-7; Galatians 2:8).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  Apostles are evangelists, and/or prophets, and/or teachers, and/or anything else Elohim wants them to be, who are also set apart and sent out as ambassadors.
Utilization  And today’s Apostles are miracle workers – even today – because the message today is the same as it was two thousand years ago, and our Elohim does not change.

People are just as lost today as they were when Yehoshua walked among us, so why do we suppose He would favor the Ekklesia of that era with powerful and dynamic gifts, in order to convince and convict the lost of that age, and not show the same mercy to the lost of our age?

Elohim cannot change, beloved, but we can.  And our change has come in the loss of faith!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - The Great Harvest:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – The Great Harvest:

We are rapidly approaching the end of the Ekklesiastic (Church) age, and a primary event prophesied to occur before the return of our Messiah, is the greatest harvest of souls ever.  The crop is ripening before our eyes today, beloved, and knowing that this is so, how can we possibly think that Elohim will treat the greatest harvest of all time, with less zeal and significance than the original harvest following the resurrection of Yehoshua?

Elohim HAS NOT CHANGED!  HIS DESIRE IS FOR ALL TO BE SAVED!  Satan has deceived the Ekklesia, though, and through that deception we appear weak to the world.  Praise be though, because in Him; in The Holy Spirit, WE ARE NOT WEAK!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  Fortunately, the function of an apostle is clearly taught to us through Paul and Barnabas, and by their witness we know that apostleship is an itinerant lifestyle.  Search Elohim’s Word, and see if this is not so.

Utilization  Although Peter and James, and many other apostles abided in Jerusalem, they performed fieldwork as well (Acts 10; Galatians 2:11).  Today, however, missionaries move to an area and never leave.

Missionaries today move to an area, convert some souls and preach on Sunday mornings – just like their hireling counterparts in the institutions.  And, compounding this mistake is the fact that many missionaries deny the Gifts of The Holy Spirit as well, and refuse to make true Disciples.

Utilization  Sadly, in the process of their labors, these ‘missionaries’ actually destroy the spiritual life they seemingly appear to work so hard to save.  This is wrong, and this must stop!

And this is also why souls are not being touched for Yehoshua the way Paul, Barnabas and the other apostles were able to touch.  If we do not use the full gift, we are not using the gift at all.  If we deny the working of The Holy Spirit in any area, how can we expect our work to produce Holy Spirit filled results?

Utilization  I suggest that if an individual is called to work and remain in a foreign area, the individual is a pastor, prophet or teacher, or any combination of those gifts, who is then moved by The Holy Spirit to serve in a foreign area.  They, however, are not apostles.

And, and surprisingly enough, there is no such thing as a “missionary” in the Word of Elohim!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  My heart is with all who sincerely desire to go out and preach the Gospel of Yehoshua – and many do.  Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  My heart is with all who humbly walk in the power and authority of Elohim – and some do.  Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  My heart and prayers are for all who understand their calling, imitate the apostles of the first century, and truly raise up Disciples, allowing those Disciples to assemble and worship as intended.  Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  Thank Elohim, a few do.

Utilization  But there are also false apostles, and we are to be aware of their presence as well (2 Corinthians 11:13; Revelation 2:2).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  An Apostle, like Paul, Barnabas, John, Peter, Andronicus, Junias and Epaphroditus, therefore, is someone willing to surrender everything in their quest to administer the mysteries of Elohim; someone willing to go wherever and whenever the Master directs, and willing to leave again – when their work is complete.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Signs of an Apostle:  An apostle desires to utilize every tool and every gift at their disposal, in order to promote the Gospel of Yehoshua.  The gift of an Apostle has never died, beloved, and it will be witnessed around the world once again, thru faithful Servants and Disciples of Yehoshua, our Master, Messiah and King!

Utilization  We need to pray that the children of Elohim, who have been deceived, will repent and humble themselves before their King.
Utilization  We need to pray that Elohim will anoint His children with power again, so we can all fulfill our life purpose, and bring home the abundant harvest of Elohim.
Utilization  And we need to pray that the children born to the family of Elohim, through the work of His Apostles, will themselves also be Anointed, Discipled, Empowered and Permitted to Worship and Work appropriately as well.

This Gift of an Apostle is not dead, beloved, Praise Be unto our Father in Heaven!

rd_rule

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Gift of an EVANGELIST:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  In the sequential placement of the Books within the New Covenant, we find the first person referred to as an Evangelist in Acts 21:8, where Paul and Luke spent time with, “Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven” (ENB).

I am particularly thankful to our Father for His inclusion of this verse, because Philip is a perfect example of an evangelist, and from Philips life we are going to learn a great deal.  Sadly, we are also going to learn just how diluted this gift has become over the centuries.

Example  In the Greek, the word used in Acts 21:8 for evangelist is, EUAGGELIZO, and it means: An announcer of glad tidings; a proclaimer of good news. The plural form of the word is in Ephesians 4:11 where Paul tells us that Elohim gave some “as Evangelists”, and it means the same thing.

So then, by definition, Evangelists are: “Announcers of glad tidings; Proclaimers of good news.”  Let’s take a look at Philip, therefore, and understand what the potential for an announcer of glad tidings could really like.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Philip, Our Example

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Philip, Our Evangelist Example:

We first find Philip mentioned in Acts 6 as, “One of the Seven”, and here’s the set-up:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  The apostles were being distracted from prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:2, 4), because the Greek speaking Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food (Acts 6:1).  The Twelve summoned the congregation, and issued a charge that they select from among themselves, seven brethren, “Men of good report, full of The Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this task” (Acts 6:2-3 ENB).

Example  Stephen, who became the first Martyr, and Philip, who is recognized by Paul as an Evangelist, are among the seven chosen.  [Philip the evangelist was also an administrator and a server – a Deacon]. He certainly was a Disciple (Acts 6:1).  Do you see how the gifts are assorted and varied?

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  After Stephen’s martyrdom, we again pick-up Philip in Acts 8, where we are told, “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Messiah to them” (v 8:5 ENB).

An interesting twist is added to this evangelism stuff in the following verses though, (v 8:6-7), because there we are told, “The multitudes with one accord were giving heed to what was said by Philip; hearing and seeing the signs which he did.  For unclean spirits were coming out of them with a loud voice; and many who had been taken with palsies, and who were lame, were healed” (ENB).

Example  Remember the battle cry, “Power and Proclamation?” Here it is again!  Philip the evangelist, the administrator-server, is also anointed with “effecting of miracles”.  WOW!

Acts 8:14-16 are interesting verses also, beloved, because even though Philip was proclaiming the Word, and people were believing and being baptized, the apostles Peter and John had to come to Samaria in order to pray, “That they might receive The Holy Spirit” (ENB).

A good lesson to take from this, is that the entire body must function properly; each member doing their individual part, in order for the anointing of The Holy Spirit to be complete.  This passage offers evidence to this fact.

Example  I have often wondered though, why Philip, obviously “full of The Holy Spirit”, did not lay hands upon these newborn converts, so that they might receive The Holy Spirit.

My simple conclusion is that because this was happening in Samaria, the land of the dreaded outcasts, and home to the ones whom the Jews would not even speak, that Peter and Yehochanan (John) had to go to Samaria, in order to be convinced that the Samaritans were to be included in the plan for salvation.

If you recall, Peter had to go to Cornelius (Acts 10) in order for Elohim to show that the “Gentile nations” were to be among Elohim’s children. And Samaria is just another example used by Elohim to show that the door of deliverance was opened very wide, for all the world.

I do not believe that Philip was unable to impart The Holy Spirit, I think he was restricted, for Peter and John’s sake, as well as for the sake of the Ekklesia as a whole.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  Nevertheless, we pick up with Philip again in Acts 8:26-40, where, “An angel of the Master spoke to Philip saying, ‘Rise up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza,’ which is a desert road.  And he rose up and went” (ENB).

Then, as Philip went along the road, he came upon an Ethiopian eunuch reading from the Book of Isaiyeh the Prophet, and after a short discourse, Philip convinced the Ethiopian that Yehoshua was the Messiah, of whom Isaiyeh had prophesied.  The Ethiopian was converted and Philip baptized him.

Example  In this accounting of Philip in Acts 8, Elohim has given us a snapshot of an Evangelist, and what an accounting it is.  Whether proclaiming Yehoshua to cities or to individuals, the evangelist wins souls.  It did not matter how large or how small the crowd, the evangelist followed the guidance given him, and in the proper use and application of this gift, he sought after lost souls.

Similarly, regardless of ‘audience size’, the evangelist followed the law of Power and Proclamation, and used every gift The Holy Spirit had given him, to convince and convict an otherwise dying world.

Example  Philip was an evangelist, but he used his other gifts to enhance his primary calling. Acknowledged as one being “Full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom”, Philip wisely learned and wisely applied.

The Ekklesia needs to follow his example in the proper utilization of ALL the gifts provided by The Holy Spirit – today!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  The gift of the evangelist though, while exceptionally burdened for the unsaved, is actually a gift of communication to the children of Elohim.

Example  The evangelist will proclaim and announce the good news, the Gospel of Yehoshua, in such a way that the listeners will be convicted of their sin – and their spiritual need for Elohim.  (The children will hear!)
Example   The evangelist will preach Yehoshua in such a way that all of the doubt, confusion and deceit that has been cast regarding the Messiah, will be removed.
Example   Through the words of an evangelist, many people will see Yehoshua in His glory.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  Interestingly, evangelists are more itinerant than apostles, because an apostle will remain long enough to train and Disciple, whereas the evangelist proclaims and departs – leaving the Discipleship process to other brethren who are gifted for such things.

Example  Peter and John came alongside Philip to aid in the training and development of the newly reborn souls in Samaria, and others so gifted will work with an evangelist in the discipleship process today.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Evangelical work to do:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Evangelical Work Needed:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:While humanity remains mentally unaware, myriad souls are spiritually panting for Elohim throughout the world (Psalms 42), and there is a famine for hearing the Full and True Gospel of Yehoshua (Amos 8:11).

Example  The faithful Evangelical envoys of Yehoshua will bring restoration and healing to these souls though (Proverbs 13:17)
Example  But just like the prophets who do not proclaim the message given to them, the evangelist who does not proclaim the message of the Gospel will be burdened in sorrow (Psalms 39), and they will be held accountable for the blood of the lost (Ezekiel 3:17-21).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  While many evangelists, around the world, have done some tremendous work, there remains the fact that the Gift of an Evangelist has been severely diluted.

Example  The massive rallies taking place today are touching lives, to be certain, but the example given to us by Yehoshua, through the apostles and the evangelists of the first century, present a panorama of both large and small gatherings, where the Power of Elohim accompanies the Proclamation of His Word.
Example  If you consider Yehoshua, (Mark 2:15-17 for instance), you can recognize His evangelistic efforts in intimate settings, while The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and the two occasions where he fed the masses (Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39), are wonderful pictures of His larger endeavors.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  The large evangelistic associations that have propagated throughout the world today, have distracted the Ekklesia from the smaller gatherings, and from the independent evangelist standing on the street corner – proclaiming the message of deliverance through Yehoshua ha Mashiach.

Example  We tend to think in the hundreds of thousands, where, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of Elohim over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10 ENB).
Example  And, because so much attention and money, is focused on the large organizations, many of the individual evangelists are impoverished.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  The Body of Yehoshua must move past the “Bigger is Better” mentality though, and focus on the individual again.

Example  The truth to this is where Yehoshua directed the Disciples to “Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost” (John 6:12 ENB).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  Personally, I believe Yehoshua was speaking literally and spiritually here; speaking of stewardship, but also speaking of the importance of each soul.

Abiding in these latter days, the Ekklesia must seek for every fragment; each and every lost soul.  And to accomplish our task, I believe The Holy Spirit is about to awaken every evangelist in the Ekklesia, as well as every other worker, in order to bring about the harvest at hand.

Be prepared, dear disciple, because those called to teach, heal, pastor, disciple, serve, work miracles – and every other gift – are to awaken soon, and will be given opportunity to serve, as the world is touched by the grace of Elohim, through His Evangelists.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Special WORD for All The Gifts:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – A Special WORD Regarding All The Gifts:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace; who announce good tidings of good,
who announce deliverance;
who say unto Zion,
‘Your Elohim reigns'” (Isaiyeh 52:7 ENB).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Special WORD for ALL the Gifted  I offer this passage from Isaiyeh for consideration at this point, because just as Philip was an evangelist – Scripture shows that he also possessed other gifts, which were used in conjunction with his primary gift.

Example  Similarly, there will be many within the Ekklesia who are anointed with other primary gifts, but who will also be blessed with the gift of an evangelist – in support of those primary gifts.

Example  So, while this passage speaks to evangelism, it also speaks to each and every child of Elohim, who in their own walk, proclaim Yehoshua as Master , Messiah and King to a dying world.

Example  Elohim determines who hears (Acts 16:13-14), our responsibility is to, “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15-16 ENB).

We do not peddle the Word of Elohim.  We proclaim Yehoshua in love, peace, gentleness and mercy.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of an EVANGELIST:  The verse from Isaiyeh 52 declares the loveliness, in Elohim’s sight, of every child who proclaims Him, and the passage from 1 Peter 3 tells us that we are all to be prepared to give an account.

Example  The difference between an Evangelist and those with other primary gifts, is that an evangelist will proclaim their message with tremendous determination, and therefore, will have the capacity to convict souls which otherwise might take years to touch.

Example  Additionally, an evangelist will go to great lengths to reach-out with the Gospel message, frequently traveling great distances, for the specific purpose of presenting that Gospel message.  Those with other primary gifts, however, will evangelize “casually in comparison to an evangelist”, in the course of utilizing their primary gift.

Example  Where those who do not possess this gift, as their primary anointing, may use a lifetime of testimony to touch another soul, an Evangelist can sit with a person for a very short period, and by the grace of Elohim, know exactly what that person needs to hear.

What a wonder and joy it will be to see the children of Elohim working in accordance with the law of Power and Proclamation.  One gifted thus, and another gifted differently – all for His Praise, Honor and Glory.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of Pastor

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Gift of PASTOR:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of a Pastor  Significant error exists within the institutions of Babylon today, and the children of Elohim must “Come Out” of those religious enclaves.  Fundamental to this calling-out of the Ekklesia, however, is the need for faithful, Spirit filled and Spirit led Pastors; faithful under-shepherds who will tend the flock of Yehoshua.

In all honesty though, when I began these writings, I did not know how The Holy Spirit was going to lead me in teaching this Gift.  You see, until recently, I had never met a Holy Spirit anointed Pastor!  NEVER!  I realize how horrible that sounds, but it is true.  I sincerely doubt if many others have met one either.  Clearly, NOT in the halls of Babylon!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - No Coincidences

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – No Coincidences in The Kingdom of Heaven:

There are no coincidences in The Kingdom of Heaven, beloved, and what I am about to tell you is an amazing story of how our Master works within His Body:

Charlie, our daughter and I had just moved to North Idaho, leaving California behind – prayerfully, forever.  An attempt at starting a business had just run into a horrible wall, and I found myself seeking work, in what would ultimately be our second, three-year period of unemployment and searching.  This was all taking place in the Spring of 1987.

Thru much prayer, we decided that as I sought work, I would continue my studies of Scripture, which had begun in 1979,  and with some leading from The Holy Spirit, I envisioned an online outreach ministry. Not for financial gain, mind you.  It was NEVER for financial gain.  But instead, for spiritual edification and instruction.

Charlie and my spiritual gifts were known, and we sincerely desired to use those gifts for His glory.  Primarily, Charlie is a Helper, and I am a Teacher…

I had been exchanging notes, letters and email with family and friends for years, talking about this walk of Faith that we were on, and thru those queries I saw a need for Scriptural answers to ‘worldly’ problems and issues, and a need for Scriptural answers to spiritual questions as well.

My work experiences, and my faith walk, had led me to a point in life where I had the knowledge to accomplish this online task, even though the “Internet” was extremely young – and very new.  My computer in those days had a 40MB Hard Drive, and a very basic Word Processing program.  And with all my study notes and letters, I began assembling and writing our envisioned online ministry.

My “Office”, in our rental house, was in a cavernous basement, that had NO grounded electrical outlets, a wood burning stove, my desk, chair and a lamp.  Period!  I wired a grounded outlet, plugged in the computer and began writing.

Ultimately, I burned three cords of wood in that stove in the winter to come…  And the owners of the house, still living in California, determined that a gas furnace was needed, for when they moved into the house the following year.  And yes, it is now wintertime, 1987.

During the install of the new furnace, the carpet in the basement became horribly soiled, and required cleaning.  A cleaning was scheduled, and my work continued.

My desk was “L” shaped, with the computer and keyboard on the wing, while the desk itself was covered with open Bibles, Concordances, other Reference Books and materials, along with my files containing letters, notes and printed emails, and my work went on.

Carpet cleaning day arrived, I met the man at the front door, and showed him to the area needed cleaning.  He brought in his equipment and commenced work.  And I returned to my labors…

A fire was blazing in the stove, the carpet was getting cleaned, and I brewed a pot of coffee, asking the man if he would like a cup.  We both took a break, sat by my desk, and he – looking at my desk, asked what I was doing.  His query seemed sincere, so I took the opportunity to explain my work, and “Witness” to an inquisitive mind.  We talked for five hours, before the carpet cleaning was complete – and he left for home…  Planning to return the next day, with a couple of friends…

Father brought a Pastor to my basement, to clean my carpet!

Over the course of the next Ten Years, this Pastor and I labored together, side-by-side with other members of our Ekklesia, anointing and ministering throughout Northern Idaho, and thru my association with this man, I witnessed the working of an anointed under-shepherd.  And it was amazing.  Yes, beloved, they really do exist!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - About My Friend:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – About My Friend, A Great Example:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - About My Friend:  My friend had pastored in an “institution” for over twenty years before he was “Fired”.

The reason for his dismissal is a perfect example of spiritual warfare within those institutions that are being induced by a spirit of growth, and populism, and entertainment, and happy, peppy, perky messaging.

This Pastor wished to retain the intimacy and involvement from, and with, the flock entrusted to him.  The “elders” and “church board members”, on the other hand, desired an intolerable (to him) level of aloofness and apostasy.

I did not know this man when we attended his ex-church one Sunday, in our search for a new place for fellowship and ministry, and it did not surprise me when he explained his departure from this institution.  Under “New Management”, Charlie and I left that assembly feeling as if we had just met the unfriendliest group of people with whom we had ever assembled!

They cast him aside, just like Yehseph’s (Joseph’s) brothers cast him aside.  But just like Yehseph, Elohim had a greater plan.  Although my friend struggled with his situation, he never lost faith.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Pastor at Work:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Pastor at Work:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work   A group of men and I used to meet at this man’s house weekly for Bible study and fellowship.  At the same time, he was meeting with an elderly ladies’ group on Tuesdays, and with another family group on Thursday evenings.  Over the years, this brother came to realize that his twenty-year tenure at the institution was served mainly in the role of a hireling, and he cherished the change that The Holy Spirit had provided.

That institution objected to his spiritual leading, and fired him.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work  Now though, because of his release, he is free to serve Elohim as a Pastor; as a true under shepherd to Yehoshua.  The flock that my friend now oversees is smaller than at the institution, but in heart and productivity, they exceed anything he had ever imagined. They meet in homes and gather in small groups, but they are having an impact upon the community; an impact upon lives. And they truly do love one another.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Under-Shepherds Required

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Under-Shepherds Required:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work  As I have given thought to the Gift of a Pastor, and as I have been taught the fullness of this Gift, everything began to make tremendous sense.

Example  Without a shepherd, the flock scatters (Matthew 26:31) and becomes distressed and downcast (Matthew 9:36).
Example  The prophesies of Isaiyeh, Yeremiyeh and Ezekiel, regarding faithless Israel and deceiving Jacob, all come together here under the gift of the pastor, because it is the pastor who is entrusted with leading the flock.
Example  It is the pastor who is entrusted with determining the stripes of deception and faithlessness, or the purity and faithfulness of the flock (Genesis 30:25-43).  And this truth has been ignored for too long!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work  The Greek word used by Paul in Ephesians 4:11, where the Gift of Pastor is introduced, is POIMEN, and POIMEN speaks of: A shepherd; one who generally cares for the flock.
Some other Greek words of interest are: POIMAINO, which means, to shepherd or tend; and POIMNE and POIMNION which refer to a flock, and the flock.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work  There is an interesting note about POIMNE and POIMNION in the New Covenant though, because the word FLOCK is only used in the singular.

Example  In the Old Covenant, there were flocks everywhere (Check out Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13, for example, because they both had ‘flocks’)
Example  The New Covenant, however, speaks only about “a flock”, or “the flock”, and the reference is typically directed toward Yehoshua’s flock; directed toward the Ekklesia.
Example  Regardless of how many shepherds there are, there is only one flock, and that flock belongs to Yehoshua.

This is fundamental to understanding the role of a faithful Pastor, however, because the pastor so gifted by The Holy Spirit will always be faithful unto Yehoshua (John 10:1-3), and will always direct the sheep back to the Great Shepherd, Yehoshua Himself.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Pastor at Work  Faithful, Anointed pastors, therefore, know that they are actually
“Under-Shepherds”.  Yehoshua IS THE SHEPHERD; Pastors, labor on HIS behalf, caring for HIS flock…

Let me explain, though, how I see the John 10:1-3 passage applying to pastors:
nugget Yehoshua said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, those that enter not by the door into the sheepfold, but climb up some other way, they are thieves and a robbers.  But He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  To Him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out” (ENB). Then, in John 10:7, Yehoshua said, “I am the door.”

rd_dot First He said, “He who does not enter by the door…Is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).  Then He added, “I am the door” (John 10:7).

nuggetParaphrased: “He who does not come, in Me, is a thief and a robber.”
rd_dot He said, “He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 10:2).  Then He added, “I am the door” (John 10:7).

nugget Paraphrased: “He who enters, in Me, (if they know Me, love Me, follow the example I gave as the Great Shepherd; if they pass the test, because we are always testing the spirits, then they are sent by Me, and are “under shepherds” of MY sheep.”

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Shepherd -vs- A Hireling:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – A Shepherd -vs- A Hireling:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Shepherd's Duties and Responsibilities:  Let’s look further at a Shepherd’s Duties and Responsibilities:

Example  In Luke 2:8-20 we find a photograph of what a true shepherd really is, because here we are told:  Example  Shepherds constantly keep watch over their flock (v 2:8)  Example  They seek and follow the Master (v 2:15-16)  Example  They proclaim the good news (v 2:17-18) Example  They glorify and praise Elohim (v 2:20)  Example  If they see or hear any revelation, of or from the Master, they teach it and proclaim it (v 2:20).

The true under shepherd, anointed by The Holy Spirit with this Gift, has immense responsibilities, and the accompanying gifts that support this primary calling are magnificent.

Example  The under shepherd’s responsibility to the flock includes:  Example  Feeding (Exodus 3:1)  Example  Leading (Numbers 27:17; 1 Chronicles 11:2)  Example  And guarding (1 Peter 2:25), which all necessitate that a pastor be gifted, at least to some degree, as a teacher, administrator, leader, and discerner of spirits.

Example  Furthermore, an under shepherd, called by Elohim, must be able to teach about Elohim (Mark 6:34; 2 Timothy 4:1-4), but Elohim never said that every pastor would be a great expositor.

What Elohim did say though, is that an under shepherd in the Ekklesia, must be able to teach Yehoshua to the lost sheep, because lost sheep are the wayward children of Elohim.  The lost sheep are wandering souls who are lost in sin and error, and the true under shepherd seeks for the lost, in order to bring them back to Elohim’s fold.

Therefore, a pastor must have the ability to reach the prodigal children of Elohim, and also have a desire to teach the fullness of Yehoshua to these children.
Example  Where hirelings seek to make converts, under shepherds makes Disciples.
Example  Where a hireling seeks the tithe of the convert, an under shepherd seeks gain to the Lamb’s account.

A faithful pastor is able to lead the flock under the Headship of Yehoshua, but there is not very much true leading happening today within the institutions.  The support gifts provide ample understanding for true spiritual leadership and authority. This Pastoring thing, though, provides ample room for the hirelings overseeing the religious institutions, to be
Example  More interested in lording their position over the flock, than in truly leading and feeding the flock.

An anointed leader makes certain that each lamb is fed and protected, and this is not happening within Babylon today.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  Applied spiritually, feeding and protecting the flock means that:
Example  A true leader will impart knowledge, in order to prepare the flock for spiritual battle.
Example  A true leader does not perform every function, but delegates authority to those so gifted.
Example  A true leader teaches those under him in such a way that they grow and excel.

Example  A hireling, on the other hand, is more interested in programs and preaching.
Example  A hireling wants the dirty work to be done by servers, so he is free to do “more important tasks”.
Example  Where the under shepherd goes down into the pits to find a lost sheep, the hireling neglects the feeding and leading of the sheep already in his charge, and seeks only for the monetary or status gains to be realized through growth…

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  The individual called to tend the flock guards over his flock, and is even prepared to die for those entrusted to him.  A hireling will run away at the first signs of danger (John 10:11-13).
Example  Spiritually, this guarding of the flock is an amazing role, too.  In Matthew 25:32, Yehoshua said the shepherd separates the sheep (PROBOTON), from the goats.

PROBOTON is the Greek word from which we get, probation, and probation means, “to be under the care of”.  The flock is supposed to be under the care of the under shepherd.  On the other hand, a goat represents the wicked.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  What Yehoshua was telling us in Matthew 25, was that His under shepherds must be able to distinguish between the spirits in order to separate the chosen ones from the wicked.
Example  A hireling in today’s institutions will promote mass mailings and telemarketing schemes, in order to grow his congregation (part of manipulation – which I will discuss momentarily), without regard to sheep or goats.
Example  The true under shepherd, however, will carefully watch over the flock, to make certain that no evil, no wicked, get in.  They will watchfully and swiftly remove the goats from the flock.

Example  Additionally, the hireling will count, register and dominate, while the true under shepherd will have no claim of ownership, and will display genuine concern for those entrusted to his care.
Example  Where the under shepherd of Elohim knows his sheep, and his sheep know him (John 10:14), the hireling knows those who tithe, recognizes those who surrender their time unto him, and acknowledges everybody else on Sunday mornings with a perfunctory handshake.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  Where the hireling does not encourage use of the gifts, because their full use would distract from “his show”, the true under shepherd knows his sheep personally, cares about them and for them, and knows which gifts are possessed by each member of the flock.
Example  A responsible under shepherd treasures and cares for those under his watch, knowing and appreciating their value, and in that knowledge wisely directs those in need, to those so blessed.

Example  The under shepherds of Elohim’s flock will, “feed the flock of Elohim among you, taking oversight not under compulsion, but willfully; and not for sordid gain, but willingly; and not as lording it over His inheritance, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3 ENB).  The hireling does the opposite.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Jacob, an Example:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Jacob, an Example:

Jacob, in part, represents the deceiving church, because he was a hireling.  The entire accounting of Jacob in Genesis 29-31, is one of a hireling, albeit sanctioned and supported by Elohim.  Jacob worked a total of fourteen years for possession of his wives, and another six years for the possession of his flocks (Genesis 31:41).  The last six years are the focus of our attention at this time:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  In Genesis 30:25-43, we are given an accounting of how Jacob manipulated the flocks for his own advantage.  While some say this proved Jacob to be a shrewd administrator, I propose we view the entire passage spiritually, and recognize this all, instead, for the self-serving device it was.

The New Covenant teaching regarding the lord and slave, or employer and employee relationship, all dictate honesty, integrity and sincerity – even when the slaves are treated harshly (Colossians 3:22-4:1).

Example  Jacob did not work, “as unto YEHOWAH” in his dealings with Laban, and whether Laban changed the wages ten times or a hundred times, Jacob worked, “as unto self”.
Example  Jude 12-16 speaks to the hireling as well, and pointedly implies that the rebellious ones are, “walking after their own lusts; whose mouths speak insolently; admiring people for the sake of gaining an advantage” (ENB).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  While Isaiyeh 48 and 58 speak directly to Jacob, Ezekiel 34 is a prophecy against the deceiving shepherds of Israel; against the false shepherds who have crept in to destroy. Listen to the Word of Elohim:

Example  “Woe, shepherds of Israel that feed themselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the flock” (Ezekiel 34:2 ENB)?
Example  “The diseased you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for that which was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them” (Ezekiel 34:4 ENB).
Example  “‘As I live,’ says Master YEHOWAH, ‘Surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became meat to all the beasts of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not My flock; therefore, O you shepherds, hear the word of YEHOWAH, thus says Master YEHOWAH,
Example  “Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require My flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock.  Neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore; for I will deliver My flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them”‘” (Ezekiel 34:8-10 ENB).

The prophecies of Ezekiel speak to the Nicolaitans of Revelation 2, who suppress, neglect and dominate the flock of Yehoshua.  And these prophecies address those hirelings who are more concerned with their personal well-being, gain and satisfaction, than with the well-being of the flock of Yehoshua.  The prophecies of Isaiyeh, Yeremiyeh and Ezekiel speak directly to “treacherous Yehudah”, “faithless Israel” (Yeremiyeh 3) and “deceptive, lying and manipulative Jacob” (Genesis 27,28 and 30).

We must heed the messages and warnings of Elohim!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Pastor / Overseer:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Pastor / Overseer:

In Acts 20:17-35, the role of an under shepherd is tied directly to the office of an overseer, and in Titus 1:5-9 we learn that an overseer must be an elder.

Example  The word elder, PRESBUTEROS, as presented throughout the New Covenant, and acknowledged in both Jewish and ‘Christian’ tradition, is a title of dignity and respect.
Example   PRESBUTEROS itself means, an old man, a senior.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  It is important that you remember though, that spiritually, an elder is one who is mature in faith, and has nothing to do with age (Timothy is a perfect example).

Example  The overseer, EPISKOPOS, therefore, is an officer in the local assembly, with authority and duties.
Example  The presbyter, elder, denotes dignity; the EPISKOPOS, overseer, denotes the authority, duties and responsibilities of the office.

The words speak about the same person – one referring to the title, the other speaking of performance.

Duties of an Overseer:

The duties of an overseer then, as we have already seen, include administrations, leading, authority, evangelism, discernment and teaching, to varying degrees, and in light of what we have been told about overseers, the position is restricted to men (1 Timothy 2:12-15, 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  If the under shepherd / pastor gift is tied directly to the office of an overseer, which it is, and an overseer must be a man, then this teaching about an overseer adds to the already proven fact that pastors must be men!

The series of letters on reconciliation covered much ground in the area of gender.  But Please understand this:
Example  My sisters in the Ekklesia, and women in general, must recognize that many restrictions are in place because we chose to submit to Satan’s kingdom. We chose to sin!
Example  The duties of the helpmate are monumental, but pastor, teacher and overseer, with authority over adult men, are not among those duties (1 Timothy 2:12).
Example  In Acts 20:29 the Ekklesia is warned about the wolves that will, “come in among you,” and the false teachings in the religious institutions.  The ordination of female pastors, therefore, are a direct link to those wolves, and to the warnings of Elohim.

Spiritual laws exist, and we must faithfully bow to the authority of Elohim as we follow His Law.  And the key word to a submissive, understanding and a faithful walk with Yehoshua is humility…

I wholeheartedly pray that The Letters on reconciliation will shed light upon the magnificent call given to women in the Ekklesia.  I also pray though, that the whole Flock will comprehend Elohim’s Word, and abide in that comprehension – for His glory, honor and praise.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  The Ekklesia needs under shepherds who will be faithful to the commands of Elohim, and the flock must provide for their under shepherd (1 Corinthians 9:7).

I personally know of pastors of large congregations, who earn salaries that are many, many times greater than the average salaries of their flock.  I do not believe that this is proper!
Example  The worker is worthy of his wage, but fleecing the flock for personal gain is oppressive and self-serving.
Example  In our letter about the Assembly of the Ekklesia, I spoke of multimillion dollar pastoral staff budgets.  The under shepherd of Elohim’s flock will earn a fair and reasonable wage, but the excesses evidenced within Babylon today cannot be tolerated within the Ekklesia.
Example  IF an under shepherd earns wages outside of his pastoral responsibilities and duties, such as receiving royalties for published works, or income earned as a Speaker, outside of the Ekklesia, then those monies certainly DO belong to those individuals.
Example  Nevertheless, we are responsible for the care of the shepherd, as well as the care of the apostles, evangelists, and any others, whom we determine, in The Holy Spirit, are to be set apart and sent out.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - True Shepherd  The pastor of the flock who is dedicated unto Yehoshua, will always prepare, promote and protect the lambs of Elohim.
Example  He will teach the fullness of the good news in Yehoshua, and make certain every lamb is spiritually prepared for the battle that is raging about us.
Example  He will teach every lamb in the proper use of their spiritual gifts, so the entire flock; the entire body, is growing and fruitful.
Example  He will make certain the wicked stay outside, bringing only the faithful into the fold; protecting each lamb from being attacked – even at the expense of his own life.

The pastor of the flock who comes “In Yehoshua” will represent The Master, as Yehoshua represented the Father.  He will disciple, and send them out two by two.  Elohim bless the faithful under shepherds!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Gift of Teacher:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Gift of TEACHER:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  “Be not many teachers, knowing that as such we will receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1 ENB).
Example  While the truth of Psalm 39 speaks to the sorrow of misuse and non-use of every gift, no other gift carries a warning like the one issued to teachers in James 3.
Example  The prophet, evangelist and apostle will certainly have increased sorrow if they do not speak, and the false prophet certainly is doomed, but James 3:1 speaks specifically to the teachers – both good and evil.

For this reason, I advise anyone who believes they are gifted as a teacher, to solemnly pray and fast over their calling.  I also suggest that they confirm this gift with their pastor and other teachers, and then, if they are convinced that Elohim has anointed their calling, I advise them to TEACH!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  In the Greek, the word for teach is DIDASKO, and a DIDASKALOS, a teacher, is a mind bender; a mind shaper.

Imagine being so gifted that one can shape the mind of another!  Imagine the responsibility! Imagine the opportunity for abuse!
Example  This is an exciting gift, but this gift, above all the spirits, should be tested most by every Disciple.
Example  While failings in some of the other gifts are obvious, especially after a short period of exposure, the teacher is different. A mind shaper can become a mind manipulator in subtle, insidious, shifts.
Example  One word or phrase can change the entire meaning of a teaching, and the Disciples must be alert, testing every spirit.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - A Teacher & A Controversy:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – A Teacher & A Controversy:

I recently had occasion to write yet another letter to a pastor regarding his teaching on, of all things, “The Lord’s Supper”.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  Some time ago, we were attending a Thanksgiving Eve worship service, where “The Lord’s Supper” was to be served.  Everything moved along smoothly until the pastor began to pray over the bread, the symbolic body of Yehoshua.
Example  As he prayed, this man quoted Isaiyeh 53:5, which says, “By His stripes we are healed”, and then he said, “As you partake of this bread, claim whatever physical healing is needed for your bodies today, because, ‘By His stripes we are healed,’ and this is for us to claim today.”

I was livid!

Example  For the first time in my walk with the Master I was unable to partake of the Body and the Blood of Yehoshua our Messiah, because a false teaching had been introduced.
Example  My spiritually driven – instinctive reaction to this ‘teaching’, was that this is like eating meat sacrificed to idols.

Sadly, the logic of this man’s teaching is permeating the institutions, and the promise of Isaiyeh 53:12 that, “He will divide the spoil with the strong” falls right in line with these false concepts.  Elohim is denouncing these false teachings, beloved, and the teachers shall indeed incur a stricter judgment.

Here is my issue:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - TeacherThe partaking of the Body and the Blood of Yehoshua our Messiah is just that –
Example  A remembrance partaking of the symbols of His Body and His Blood
Example  A remembrance of His extreme suffering and ultimate sacrifice on our behalf!
Example  As we partake of the Body and Blood of Yehoshua our Messiah, our hearts, minds, bodies and souls should be focused upon offering the highest act of thanks for the greatest gift received.
Example  Partaking of “The Lord’s Supper” is nourishment for our souls, beloved, and to imply that physical healing and prosperity are to be appropriated by the “believing partaker”, is a horrible distraction from the simple and earnest act of Thanksgiving!
Example  Instead of joyful, repentant thankfulness, the partaker is left petitioning for a healing – questioning their faith when no healing happens.

What garbage!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  The man I wrote was, “Astonished by such an astute theological presentation”, but he never recanted his teaching.  What is astonishing to me though, is that hundreds of thousands of professing ‘christians’ are listening to teachings like this, and sucking-up the hype, without batting an eye, or cracking open a Bible.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - The Anointed Teacher:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – The Anointed Teacher:

The teacher anointed by Elohim, will follow the instructions and leading of The Holy Spirit:
Example  Regarding what they teach (1 Timothy 6:1-2, 17-19; Titus 2:1-15).
Example  Everything taught will be based upon Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), making it verifiable by the brethren.

My first letter to you stressed the verification process, and I have repeatedly pointed you back to that teaching.  And, I sincerely pray you are abiding by our agreement.

When I have offered you a speculative thought, I have given you the passages which support the thought.
Example  Following my instructions, I have not only insisted that you check me out, but have provided everything I could to show you how I arrived at my conclusions – so you can check me out.
Example  The false teachers will manipulate the Word of Elohim to their advantage, such as was done in using the Isaiyeh 53:5 verse.
Example  The false teachers will deny every passages that refutes their conclusions.
Example  Whether in reproving or exhortation, therefore, the anointed teacher will truthfully speak forth the Word of Elohim with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  The teacher gifted by Elohim is to be appreciated, esteemed (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13), and upheld financially by the Ekklesia.

The financial support of a teacher, however, usually occurs when the gift is such that a full-time ministry is developed or developing.  The Ekklesia can do whatever it is led to do, within the boundaries of faithful stewardship, and we should not restrict the moving of The Holy Spirit.  Elders and overseers can often be blessed with this gift, but this is not meant to restrict other brethren from teaching as well.

Example   The teacher is an exhorter and reprover (Titus 2:9-13)
Example  Who is to attend to and pay close attention to others within the flock (1 Timothy 4:13-16).
Example  Who will maintain his principles without bias (1 Timothy 5:21).

These passages affirm the potential duplicity of the pastor/teacher gifts, without distracting from the duties of either.
Example  Teachers will fully use the gifts bestowed upon them, while maintaining a constant focus on the Mastership of Yehoshua.
Example  The teachings offered by the DIDASKALOS though, will always be centered in the Word of Elohim, and will always seek the glory of the One who sent them (John 7:17-18).

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher While women are permitted to teach other women, young girls and young boys, they are not permitted to teach adult men (1 Timothy 2:12-15).  The responsibility of older women to teach younger women, however, is vital within the Ekklesia (Titus 2:3-5), and we must never lose sight of the importance of this task.

Example  Furthermore, direction for children can come from teens and young adults, while teens are taught by those in their twenties, and by newlyweds.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  The progression of teacher utilization proceeds upward throughout the body, because the gifts of The Holy Spirit are not restricted by age.
Example  We must permit every member of the body to exercise their gifts, but this truth does not negate Elohim’s spiritual law prohibiting women from teaching spiritual matters to adult men.  We must abide within the confines of His Law.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Breakup of the Family:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Breakup of the Family:

Placing this topic here might appear out of place, but I believe the breakup of the family unit is directly related to this Gift of Teaching, on a number of levels. Every effort will be exerted though, to keep this note short.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  The breakup of the family in society, and the transitory nature of people today, has caused a monumental tear in the fabric of “Home”, and especially in the area of education.  Senior members of families are no longer available to teach the children, and tremendous wisdom is being lost.

The Ekklesia, however, has the capacity, thru the full use of every Gift of The Holy Spirit, to inject itself into Society, and insure that this wisdom and knowledge is imparted.  Anointed Teachers, both men and women, along with aid from the support gifts, can intervene on behalf of rightness and righteousness, and impact the world for Yehoshua!

Qualifications to Teach:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  Inasmuch as Elohim is The Teacher, and inasmuch as an anointed Teacher will be led by The Holy Spirit, a formal degree should never be a qualification to teach the Word of Elohim.
Example  Peter and John were unschooled, and otherwise ordinary men, (Acts 4:13), yet their knowledge, wisdom, understanding and insight transcended worldly training.
Example  Elohim works the same today as He did two thousand years ago, beloved, and we must acknowledge that His ability to enable His children to teach remains constant.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Teacher  There is a famine in the world today for the Word of Elohim, and that famine will worsen until the EKKLESIA begins to function as a complete unit.  The harvest is coming though, and so is the glorious return of Yehoshua.

In preparation for these things, therefore, it is imperative that we begin to work in the fullness of His power once again.  Yehoshua deserves much, much more from His Disciples than He has been receiving, and this word of repentance must be proclaimed.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Closing

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Closing Thoughts:

I realize that these letters on the Gifts of The Holy Spirit are lengthy.  Considering the significance of the topics being discussed, the abuses of those Gifts currently occurring within the institutions of Babylon today and the depth of understanding needed to function properly – for the health and advancement of the Ekklesia (on behalf of Yehoshua) – I think the lengthiness of these letters is understandable.

Regardless of the gift, or the proportion of our faith, beloved, Yehoshua desires the obedient application of our effort on His behalf.

Our Creator, Messiah and Master loves us, and His thoughts of us are more numerous than the sand of the sea.  Works have been prepared beforehand for each and every one of us though, and it is of monumental importance that those works be completed.

But, the use of our gifts, and the works themselves, must never replace or confuse our relationship with Yehoshua.  Search your heart, my friend, and recognize The indwelling Holy Spirit.  Upon discovery of His presence, realize that He has gifted you with talents and abilities which are intended to glorify our Master, Messiah and King.  While our focus must never be on the gifts themselves, because our focus must remain on the Person of Yehoshua, we have been given these gifts in order to glorify Him.

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Our Loving Holy Spirit:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts – Our Loving Holy Spirit & His Gifts:

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Our Loving Holy Spirit:  The Holy Spirit, in bestowing gifts, comes as a gift and messenger Himself.
Example  He comes as our Comforter from Elohim, and He does not seek attention for Himself.
Example  He seeks only for the glory of our heavenly Father, through Yehoshua – period!

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Our Loving Holy Spirit:  If a miracle or sign occurs without a Proclamation of Yehoshua as Master and Messiah, BEWARE!
Example  Beware of the message and the messenger.
Example  Beware of those who proclaim that only their selection of gifts remain.
Example  Beware of those who would abuse the name of Yehoshua.

The gifts of The Holy Spirit are to be used for the glory of Elohim; the indwelling Holy Spirit will command that recognition from the child of Elohim.  Satan has no such requirement.

Example  Rejoice in the knowledge that Yehoshua loves you.
Example  Rejoice in the knowledge that Yehoshua actually wants your involvement in His plan of salvation.

As Paul, Peter, John, Philip, Barnabas, Stephen and the rest of the first century saints were used by Elohim to take His Word to the world, in power, Elohim desires to use us in this day and age, for the same purpose, and in the same way.
Example  Rejoice in the company of witnesses that go before us, who now prayerfully support our work for the glory of the same Master and Elohim.
Example  And rejoice in your tribulation on behalf of The One who loves you.

Our day of rest shall come, but until that day, we must do the work prepared for us.
Example  Rejoice in your labor, and toil in faith, dear Disciple, because therein lies untold joy and peace.

I remain faithfully and humbly your servant in Yehoshua our Messiah and Master,

larryv

Letter 15: The Service Gifts - Concordance

Letter 15 Topical concordance:

Apostleship:
New Covenant: Luke 9:1-5, 10:1-24, 11:45-52; Acts 1:15-25, 10(all), 13:1-3, 14:14,21-23, 15:1-29; Romans 1:1-7, 16:7; 1 Corinthians 9:1-2, 12:28-31, 15:9; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, 11:13, 12:12; Galatians 2:8, 2:11; Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-16; Philippians 2:25, 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; Hebrews 3:1; Revelation 2:2.

Evangelist:
Old Covenant: Exodus 3:4; Psalms 39(all), 42 (all), 43 (all), 67 (all), 107 (all); Proverbs 13:17; Isaiyeh 52:7; Ezekiel 3:17-21; Amos 8:11.

New Covenant: Matthew 5-7(all), 12:30, 13:3-9, 13:18-23, 14:13-21, 15:32-39, 18:12-14, 28:18-20; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 10:2; John 4:34-38, 6:1-14, 9:4-5, 21:10; Acts 4:31, 6:1-4, 8(all), 13:2-3, 16:13-14, 17:17, 18:24-26, 21:8, 24:12; Romans 1:5, 10:14-15; Colossians 1:28-29, 2:28-29, 4:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8; 2 Timothy 1:8-11, 4:5; Hebrews 12:15; 1 Peter 3:15-16; 1 John 4:4-6; Revelation 7:1-8, 11(all), 14:6-8.

Pastor:
Old Covenant: Genesis 4:2, 30:31-36; Exodus 3:1; Numbers 27:17; 2 Samuel 5:2; 1 Chronicles 11:2; Isaiyeh (all), 17:4-6, 48(all), 58(all); Yeremiyeh (all) 3:6-19; Ezekiel (all) 34(all); Micyeh 7:14.

New Covenant: Matthew 9:36, 24:24-51, 25:32, 26:31; Mark 6:34; Luke 2:8-20, 12:32; John 10:2-16, 21:15-17; Acts 14:23, 20:17-35; 1 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 3:1-7, 4:14, 5:17-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:20; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Jude 1:12-16; Revelation 2:27, 7:17, 12:5, 19:15.

Teacher:
Old Covenant: Psalms 39; Amos 8:11.

New Covenant: Matthew 24:45-51; John 7:17-18; Acts 4:13,31, 8:30-31, 18:24-26; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 4:13-16, 5:17,21, 6:1-2,17-19; 2 Timothy 2:2, 3:16-17; Titus 2:1-15, 3:8; James 3:1.

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