GIFTS OF MEN TO THE CHURCH
Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
This perfecting by the ministerial “GIFTS OF MEN” to the body of Christ is for the maturing or growing up of the Saints. Our true perfection comes only between the individual and Christ alone. However, we all must grow up to “a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children…”
THE FOUNDATION
Just as the church was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner (Ephesians 2:20-21), He has not left His church without those that build on that sure foundation. As a “pastor” I have a great responsibility to build-up, and that building or maturing must be by the Word of God as I am led by the Holy Spirit.
May God help me to be faithful, as God has ordained “gifts of men” to remain in the church until we reach that perfection; a perfection that will be complete at the change of the body (Romans 8:23).
WHO CONTROLS THE GIFTS OF MEN?
When a man is called of God as a part of the ministerial gifts of Ephesians 4:11, none dare to suppress that gift given to him. There is no church leader that has the scriptural right to control men that are called to preach. In fact, the true minister will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing, and altogether as ready to follow as to lead, when the Spirit makes his calling clear.
There have been many who tried to take the “gift of men” from the church; religious leaders and men with ambitions of their own making. History has showed us this by the Roman Church, headed by a pope who claims to be the final authority when in it comes to doctrine. We have no pope! The Holy Spirit in every called and gifted minister is given that authority according to the Bible.
QUOTES BY OTHERS
A pastor in the early days of this country made the following statement:
“Some ministers receive their commission from Christ, none have any right to forbid them preaching. All courts of inquisitions, all prohibitory measures adopted by men to prevent their declaring the glad tidings of the gospel, or fulfilling the ministry they have received of the LORD Jesus, are an insult on the majesty of Heaven, and discover a spirit hostile to religion and the rights of men, and out to be treated with a holy contempt by all the servants of Christ.” – Lemuel Haynes – May 24, 1818
A prophet to this generation said this; “But you see, God has men to build houses; He has some to preach the Gospel, some to teach. God has set in the church, first, apostles, a prophets, teachers, evangelists, and gifts of healing, and working of miracles, and so forth: all for the perfecting of the saints: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.”
54-0328 — Sirs, We Would See Jesus
Rev. William Marrion Branham
This is the subject preached about Sunday 10-25-2026 “Gifts of Men Who Build on the Foundation” archived at our church website.
Pastor Bill Ivy, Living Word Tabernacle, Campbell Missouri USA – church website www.livingwordtabernacle.com