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Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks,
he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he
should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever
and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11).
All Christians are in some way capable of ministering to others. Every
Christian has a gift (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31) that he or she
has received from God, presumably from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at
the time of regeneration. That the Holy Spirit can take "natural" talents
and abilities and redirect them for Christ was most dramatically shown in
Paul's ministry. Believers should not only view themselves as gifted but
also as "serving" others and as "administering" the grace of God. One of the
long-standing misconceptions in church practice is the idea that there is a
difference between clergy and laity. The biblical principle is that all can
and should minister in various ways.
Peter puts these manifestations of grace in two broad categories: "speaking"
and "serving." The former covers all forms of oral service--teaching,
preaching, etc. So what one says must be as God says it. As for service, it
is to be empowered "with the strength God provides," which means by
dependence on God's help by the Spirit. The purpose of mutual Christian
service is that through Jesus Christ God will be glorified. Serving fellow
Christians does glorify God because people will praise Him for His grace
that comes to them through Jesus and through His followers.
Our Ministry Fair at West-Ark is coming up in a few short weeks. We invite
you to participate and Catch the Fire - Take an active role in ministry at
the West-Ark church. There is a place for you to serve.
See you in Bible Class!
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page