Welcome,
Eph 2:19-22
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
1 Cor 12:28-31
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 13:1-2
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (Love), I am nothing.
Paul is clearly saying all of the gifts and offices are to function as a direct result of a ferverant flow of love. Love provides the better more excellent way for us to do ministry at every level. I believe that the Apostle and the Prophet will do well to exemplify love and charity.
Paul is a good exaple - very straight forward and powerful, but read the greetings of his letters and see his herat toward the people. Paul knew that his ministry was most effective when it was flowing out of a heart of compation and love toward the people who God loves and gave His son for.
Mary Poppins' song says it well! "A little bit of honey makes the medicine go down!"
Ministries that walk in this excellent way
