3.2. SERVING OUT OF OBEDIENT LOVE IS A NEW GENERATION THAT CAN ACCOMPLISH THE NOW PURPOSES OF CHRIST

A visiting pastor told us how his Home fellowship numbers were dropping, and how difficult it was to find committed leaders. So many of his people were unwilling to give extra time for training, or to come to Leaders' meetings. He would invariably be met with a "No. I cannot come out for a Leaders' meeting each week, plus the Cell meeting. I cannot come out on any more nights of the week. Don't forget, I have to work for a living. You pastors expect too much of us."

We told this frustrated pastor that he was working with an old mentality of a former generation of church people, who were steeped in the tradition that a paid ministry had to do all the work of the ministry; that church members were to be fed and waited on by them. This pastor was advised to get involved in the business of creating a new generation of workers of the New Testament type.

How we praise God for this new generation that has emerged. People who, out of love for Jesus, keep His Word, and wholeheartedly respond to His call on their lives. This new generation is the product of a called out ministry that is fulfilling its function to prepare, that is, train and equip saints for the work of the ministry. God the Spirit is restoring the saints to their proper ministries. Ephesians 4:11 describes the gifted ministries of Christ to the church as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The reason for these gifts of Christ is given in Ephesians, verses 12-16.

Ephesians 4:12 "...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry"

Saints are trained by called-out, gifted men, to do the work of the ministry.

Ephesians 4:12 "...for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Saints are to work at the building up of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come to the unity of the faith. "

The joined ministry of called-out men and working saints will consolidate the whole body in faith, knowledge, and perfect stature of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:14 "...no longer be children, tossed to and fro..."

How can a one-man ministry protect from "the trickery of men", and the "cunning craftiness", or prevent converts being "carried about with every wind of doctrine"? Only by training and mobilizing the saints for "the work of the ministry".

Ephesians 4:15 "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things."

The saints are taught the truth which they are to speak, and how to speak the truth, in love, which brings every one who receives it into truth; into living relationship with Christ who is the Head of the body. To be under the Headship of Christ is to love Him and keep His Word.

Ephesians 4:16 "According to the effective working by which every part does its share ... "

Every saint in relationship with Christ the Head is an essential, functional part of the body and by doing his part causes growth of the body. None are to be overworked. They act in accordance with the gift and the measure of strength apportioned them. None are to function out of place, they work according to gift and divine placement. All work in harmony of love for Jesus and obedience to His Word.

The now purposes of Christ for His church can only be accomplished by a new generation of working saints. What are these purposes? Firstly, that the church be an every member involved church, each one being motivated by love for Him, and loving each other with His own sacrificial love, making the church a consolidated force in the world. Secondly, a church that will have an impact upon a needy world through loving, aggressive evangelism, and thirdly, a church that will demonstrate kingdom of God principles, one that produces kingdom sons, and hastens the coming of Christ and the government of God here on earth.

God's usable people, because of their submission to, and love for Christ are part of God's now answer to the now problems. The expansion, growth and stability of the church lies with God's usable people who are conspicuous by their love that submits to and keeps the Word of Jesus. The fact that they are loving and obeying Jesus in their daily occupations, makes them even more effective as working saints.

I am reminded of a Moravian story of one of their missionaries to the West Indies, who, at that time went to preach to the slaves, and found that they were toiling all day in the fields. Since he could not get near them, he sold himself as a slave, and in that way toiled among them in the fields, telling the story of God's love in Jesus.

The new generation being raised up by the Lord has the same wonderful spirit of love that spreads the gospel where they are working, and are therefore working to spread the gospel.

Do you love Jesus? Then do what Jesus tells you to do. Get involved in the now work of Christ. Your loving submission will be recognized.