LORD, HELP ME TO FIT INTO MY OWN CHURCH! (PART 2)
By: Dr. Mike Jones
Per Your Request: A number of readers asked if this teaching series be continued: Therefore, I’ve added a few more thoughts. [And as I briefly stated before:]
It is so important for an individual to fit into a local church before operating their gift(s) in the local assembly. There must be accountability: because the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has been commissioned to operate as a Body of Believers with NO “Lone Ranger” saints operating independently of leadership.
For Believers to be effective in a ministry, it’s good to ponder these additional thoughts in our pursuit of excellence in ministry:
Remember – God not only sent you to that particular ministry to demonstrate your leadership
skills in areas where they’re needed, He also placed you there for good Biblical doctrine.
Get in line and flow in the vision isn’t optional; it’s mandatory that everyone in the church
operate on one accord. Note Acts 2:26-27, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
The church functions the way God ordained it – with power and purpose. If everyone remember these three basic things from this verse found in Hebrews 13: 7 -8, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
A. Remember (those who are in leadership)
That means we’re instructed not to move without the approval of leadership.
Remember, it’s God who has given them authority – it doesn’t mean they’re perfect in every decision (finances, people, judgment, etc.). Remember, things always look different from the back of the church.
B. Consider (their lifestyles)
1. We’re not to choose a leader because of his popularity
2. Follow him as he follows Christ
C. Imitate (their faith)
1. Not their speech, movements, etc.
2. Be ready to receive the anointing faith that flows from him/her
Remember, the greatest way to get God’s attention that you’re flowing in the
vision of the church is to serve.
When you come into a ministry, get involved; because when you serve with your energy, time, and finances, God gives you a special grace and anointing. Look at Elisha – a young man destined to be great. Before he obtained greatness, he had to serve God’s man (Elijah) as seen in 2 Kings 2:2-4.
Like I said earlier, there are things you bring to your church ministry and there are things you will receive from there. If you never give into ministry – you will take nothing out. Psalms 92:13-14, “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;” Simply put – you can serve yourself into blessings from the Lord.
[Saints] If you want to flow into the supernatural power of God for a ministry, you have to be on the same mindset as the leader – catch his/her vision.
(Adapted from the Teaching LORD, HELP ME TO FIT INTO MY OWN CHURCH: all Scripture references are taken from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)