"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
Ephesians 4:11-12
Jesus Christ gives what is referred to as the fivefold ministries to the Body in order to equip His people for works of service, to build up His Body. These apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are like coaches who train and prepare each member to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. How strange would it be to see an athletic team of any sort sitting on the benches watching their coaches play the sport while they sat idly by! No, in fact, God intends every disciple to be a fruitful disciple maker, intimately connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ, empowered by Holy Spirit, and encouraged by His fellow disciples. If we have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we have everything we need to make other disciples who make other disciples, thus building up the Body of Christ.
Disciple's Prayer for Today:
"Father, let my life show forth Your praises in the earth. Thank You, Jesus, for these coaches You have given to the Body to build up every member for their special work of service to You. Activate every believer and shine brightly in each one today. Give us more and more of your Holy Spirit! Let every apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher diligently equip every member so the Body is built up and functioning as You intended.”
Prayer for the Unreached of the Day:
"Father, I worship You today and I praise Your Name. You are worthy of all worship and praise so reach out Your hands of love to the Garre Oromo peoples of Ethiopia. Open their eyes and hearts to You. Lord, send out abundant harvesters into this field of hearts You've already prepared. Give dreams and visions among them to prepare the way of salvation. Bring many more people into Your eternal family. May every new believer be an effective disciple maker. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen."
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