Bethesda Chapel 2001
Article #1

8 Jan 2001

God has called Christians to be a people (laos) of God, without distinction between the clergy and the laity.

The word "clergy" (Greek - kleros) means the 'appointed or endowed ones'. It is used in the New Testament for the whole people (Col 1:12; Eph 1:11; Gal 3:29). All Christians are therefore "called ones."

Laity comes from two Greek words, a) laikos - belonging to the common people, b) idiotes - layperson in contrast to an expert or a specialist. The latter term was used by the Jewish Sanhedrin for Peter and John (Acts 4:13). But Paul used it to describe those gathering in the church who are not initiated as Christians (1 Cor. 14:23).

Once we were not a people, now in Christ, we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people (laos) of God" (1 Pet 2:9; Ex 19:6). Hence as a people for God's own possession and a royal priesthood, there is no separation between people and priesthood. There should not be a distinction between clergy and laity.

It is the will of God that all Christians are to be fully equipped with the word of God for every good work (2 Tim 3:16,17). And God also gave gifts to the church universal "for the equipping of the saints to the work of ministry (diakonias), for the building up (edification) of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12). Each one of you is called to mature individually within the fellowship of the body of Christ.

This is our prayer, "that you will become mature Christians" (2 Cor 13:9 LB). Corporately, the body of Christ, under the headship of Christ, through the energising power of the Holy Spirit, is destined to attain "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Eph 4:13).

No matter how small or insignificant your area of service is,
every believer is a minister (a servant of Christ) - Jesus is your Servant-King (Mk 10:45)
every ministry or service is important (1 Cor 12:18-22)
every member is dependent on each other (Eph 4:15; 1 Cor 12:12ff)
your ministry is the expression of your SHAPE (Rom 9:20-21) (R Warren)

Spiritual gifts, God-given (Rom 8, Eph 4, 1 Cor 12)
Heart (Matt 12:34)
Abilities, natural talents ((Deut 8:18; 1 Cor 12:5)
Personality
Experience (share and give thanks)

As each of you is called by the will of God in Christ Jesus, commit yourself in full submission to be transformed and equipped with the word of God (Rom 12:1,2). Devote yourselves to prayers and good works (1 Cor 7:5; Col 4:2; Titus 3:8,14). Take the yoke of Christ upon you and take time to keep yourself spiritually fit (Matt 11: 28-30; 1 Tim 4:7,8). Don’t run aimlessly (1 Cor 9:26).

The outcome of your obedience to God's training will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Heb 12:11; Gal 5:22).

Faith and works go together (James 2:18). Experiential knowledge of God and joy comes with the obedience to God's word. Blessed are those "who hear God's word and put it into practice" (Matt 7:24; Luke 8:21).

Hence in Bethesda Chapel, with obedience and practice of God’s word and devotion to prayers, over time more and more of you will be trained and equipped for the ministry of building up the community of Christians.

Abide in Christ and His teachings (Jn 15).

Yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Rom 8; Gal 5:16-25).

"Let your light shine so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Mat 5:16).

Grow up in spiritual maturity and in the knowledge of Christ (1 Pet 2:2; Phi 3:10).

"May your faith redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen Him you love Him; though you do not now see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and unspeakable joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls" (1 Pet 1:7-9).