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Offices
of the Holy Spirit 1
Introduction
by Pastor John Hamel
“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 the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11,12)
In these verses
Paul is referring to the five New Testament pulpit offices. In
Pentecostal and Charismatic circles these Gifts are called “Five-fold
Ministry Offices.” The Apostle Paul made no attempt here to define
any of these Gift offices.
We will, in this short series, with Paul’s
help, do exactly that. We will devote one lesson each to all five
Ministry offices. Brief as each lesson will be, you will come to
understand the differences between all five offices.
All of the
Five-fold Ministry Offices are supernatural. They have nothing to do
with natural abilities at all. A schoolteacher cannot just decide to
step into the office of the Five-fold Bible Teacher.
As a matter of
fact, anyone who attempts to stand in any of these offices in the flesh is
in quite a deadly position indeed. Yes, I am saying that one could
die for assuming an office without the call of God. (1Samuel 13:9-14;
31:1-6)
Only the Holy Spirit gives these Gifts to individuals.
Each one is a supernatural Gift and no one Gift is more important than
another. No individual who possesses these Gifts is more important
than another.
I once heard a
Pastor stand before his congregation and decree, “I am a Gift to the Body
of Christ.” It was rather arrogant, lacking all humility.
Immediately I heard the still small voice of the Holy
Spirit say, “No, he is not the Gift. The Gift is on the inside
of him.”
I will always remember that. I trust you will,
too. Being called to any Ministry Office is simply an act of God’s
great mercy. He calls the foolish, the weak, the base and the
despised. (1Corinthians 1:27) Forget this and darkness will cover
your eyes!
Some individuals
stand in more than one office. I am personally acquainted with some
who do, including myself. The Apostle Paul certainly did.
Of course, Jesus stood
powerfully in all five offices. He was an Apostle (Hebrews 3:1), a
Prophet (Matthew 13:57), a Pastor (John 10:11-16), a Teacher (Matthew 9:35; Mark 6:6) and an Evangelist. (Matthew
4:23,24; Luke 19:10)
No one will ever
stand in any or all of these offices as powerfully as Jesus did. He
had the Holy Spirit’s power in an unlimited manner. (John 3:34) All
who come after Him have only limited degrees of power. (Romans 12:3)
We will not waste
any time with the unscriptural misconception that the Apostle and Prophet’s
offices have passed away. That’s simply not in the Bible.
Everyone is not
called to each of these offices.
Ask the Holy Spirit if you
are. He will let you know, clear as a bell!
Be Blessed … John
and Barbara Hamel
How
to Be Born Again (Receive Christ as Your Savior)
How
to Receive The Holy Spirit & Power
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