March 2008 Newsletter - Questions & Answers
Featured Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
What are the responsibilities of the fivefold ministry to the Body of Jesus Christ?
ANSWER:
“Pride, he got lifted up, and he thought, "What a great fellow I am!" So much he got lifted up, till he tried to take the place of a minister. He goes into the temple, which took, picked up the censor of fire, and went up to the altar of incense. Now, that was only consecrated men could do that. Now, as I have said before, so say I again. Businessmen are not preachers. We preachers have enough time to try to keep this Thing straight, let alone businessmen. You all are businessmen, not ministers. And don't take the place of one, or try to, because you're not called for such. If you want somebody to speak at your conventions, get a preacher, somebody that's called to do so. Because, you see what a struggle us ministers has got. And so you see what you do? And Uzziah here, he tried to-to take the place of a priest. He thought, "Well, God's blessed me. Why can't I do it?" Don't you never get that in your head. God calls, and predestinates, and FOREORDAINS to His glory.” [Influence, Phoenix, Arisona 63-0112]
“Tomorrow is Sunday, and where there'll be Sunday school, the CHURCHES. The reason we have our services in the afternoon on Sunday, is so we won't interrupt any service at all. We believe that every Christian ought to have a-a home church that they go to. Every Christian ought to meet somewhere with believers. And wherever you meet, that's the church. Now, if I lived here, I'd belong to one of these CHURCHES here, that these pastors here, that's cooperating represents. Why? Because they are here setting upon the platform to be seen of all people, that they endorse what's going on. They believe in this type of ministry, Divine healing, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and so forth. They are here giving witness to it. They was the one who invited me to come here, that maybe the ministry the Lord has given me might help their congregation. Now, that's a real pastor that's looking out for all the spiritual benefits that he can, of everything God is doing, that he is trying his best to help his church to move on for God. I certainly take off my hat in admiration for a pastor like that. And these men had to do that under difficult, too. You can believe that to be true. They had to do it under difficult. And I-I certainly am grateful for such great men of God who is willing to take their place, their post of duty upon their convictions, and-and believe. God ever bless them! And I'm sure that they'll do you good. Now, if you're a stranger here, find out where these brothers have their churches, where they're at. Visit them tomorrow. They'll have special services. And there's ministers here that'll be speaking at different churches, and as it's been announced, so be at them tomorrow.” [Voice Of The Sign, Denham Springs, Louisianna 64-0321e]
“Do you teach that the Bride must not attend any other church unless you are preaching, preaching or else, otherwise, the tabernacle?" No. I don't teach that. I don't believe that. I do not believe it. We've got ministers setting here that's scattered all around through the country, and I believe they are part of that Bride. I believe that a man or woman can go to church anywhere they want to go, that teaches the Word. And I believe, if they don't teach the whole Word, and you can't go to church any other place where they teach the whole Word, go where they teach half the Word until you can get to where they teach the whole Word. Go to church, whatever you do. Do that.” [Questions And Answers, Jeffersonville, Indiana 64-0830m
“It is wrong to suppose there aren't any more apostles, just because the original twelve are dead. An apostle means a “sent one.” And there are many sent-ones today, but they are called missionaries. As long as men are being called and sent forth with the Word of Life there is an apostolic age going on.” [More text.] “His manner of ministering set the pattern that all future messengers were to aspire to, and actually sets the pattern for every true minister of God, though he would not attain to such heights in the PROPHETIC realm as did Paul.” [Ephesian Church Age, 12-7-65 book]
“It is not enough that He has associated Himself with the whole church, which we saw when He was seen standing amongst the seven golden lamp-stands. Nor is it even enough that we see the FIVEFOLD ministry of Ephesians four (apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, pastors). For in each age the church goes astray, and it is not just the laity but the clergy group, shepherds are wrong as well as sheep. Then God brings Himself on the scene as the Chief Shepherd in the ministries of these seven men to lead His people back to the Truth and the abundant power of that Truth.” [Sardisean Church Age, 12-7-65 book]
“The preaching of the Word was never greater. As Satan raised up his hordes of free thinkers, as the originators of communism rose up, as liberal theologians spread their filthy wares, God raised up mighty warriors of faith, and the greatest works of Christian literature and teaching and preaching came from this era. Never has its preachers and teachers been matched and never will they be. The Spurgeons, Parkers, McClarens, the Edwards, Bunyans, Meullers, Brainards, Barnes, Bishops, all came from this era. They preached, taught and wrote the Word. They glorified His Name.” [Philadelphian Church Age, 12-7-65 book]
“This mark in the head means that they will have to take the doctrine of the world church system which is trinitarianism, etc., and the mark in the hand which means to do the will of the world church. With this great power the church systems will persecute the true bride. This image will try to keep the bride from preaching and teaching, etc. Her ministers will be forbidden to give comfort and truth to the people who need it.” [Resume Of The Ages, 12-7-65 book]
HOLY SCRIPTURES: EPHESIANS 4:11, “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” EPHESIANS 6:21, “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things.” COLOSSIANS 1:7, “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ.” COLOSSIANS 4:7, “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord.” I THESSALONIANS 3:2, “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.” I TIMOTHY 4:6, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” II TIMOTHY 4:5, “Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” HEBREWS 1:7, “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” HEBREWS 1:14, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” I PETER 4:10, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I PETER 4:11, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Answers provided by Bro. Ken Andes, Minister, Lynden, Washington