Over the past six weeks we have been in a study over the gifts Jesus left for the church. Found in Ephesians 4:11-16 scripture tells us the church has received five gifts that remain in perpetuity until the return of the Lord. These five gifts are better understood as the katartismos or builders, craftsman, artisans of the church. 

While there are many who would attempt to dismiss the offices of the apostle and the prophet, what we find in this section of scripture is these gifts will remain until we attain several qualifiers the church must be found with; (a) unity of faith, (b) knowledge of the Son of God, to mature humanity in the fullness of Christ. As long as these are not completed these five gifts will remain in place with the church. 

The apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher when they are working in a concerted effort will help the church grow and mature. Yet, there is more to just helping the church grow. These five gifts will help to defend the church against the onslaught which the enemy brings to the doorstep of the church. Today if these are not operating well we will see the church struggle to remain aligned with the word, that is, the reason Jesus gives us these gifts is as a result to these being essential to the body. 

With each of these gifts being indispensable it is perplexing to see some of these offices being dismissed by some. There is an imperative to ensure each of these gifts is fervently sought after by the church. My contention remains, if these are not reinstated in each of the churches currently operating we will continue to see a stunted body limping along as it is assailed by various attacks brought to the church in heretical doctrines, spiritual warfare, and disunity which keeps each church operating as an individual instead of a part of the whole. 

One additional and perhaps more salient underpinnings of the five gifts given to the church is that they belong to the church. That is, the apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher all belong in the church as part of the church. There is no room for lone rangers, much less, for those who believe the church body to be irreparably broken and therefore play the game of avoidance with the church body. Today what is necessary is for those who have received the gift which is given in the measure according the will of God, to return to the church and to, in unison, repair the breaches which are found in the church. 

My heart's desire is to see this vision impact Remnant Church. We contend not just for the craftsman, but for those who will learn and develop with us as they are sent out.

Be sure to catch the end of this series Sunday morning at 10am. If you missed one of the sermons in the series you can listen to the audio on our website, you can also listen to the sermon series on our Spotify page. If you would like to watch the service you can find us on our YouTube page.