SEPARATED BY THE SPIRIT
By Jon Bekemeyer
Scripture Reading: Acts 13:2-4
Acts 13:2-4 records the details of the separation of Paul and Barnabus unto a particular ministry. It is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit designated this by special revelation, that is, God spoke audibly and definitively regarding this ministry. There is no more such special revelation today (I Corinthians 13:8). When one hears stories of God "telling" so- and-so to do such-and-such, he may wish to inquire as to exactly how this special revelation was made manifest. Were there voices echoing in the plumbing? Perhaps the typewriter suddenly began to mysteriously record a message. Maybe there was handwriting on the wall. All too often people give credit (or blame) to the Lord for their own wishes and aspirations.
God has fulfilled His Word (Colossians 1:25), and now He speaks only through it (I Corinthians 13:9, 10). Nevertheless, God is still involved in placing people in specific capacities of service. When one believes the Gospel, he is placed into the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13). The individual has a special place in the Body (I Corinthians 12:18) and a distinct capacity for service (Ephesians 4:16). The gifts in the Body differ, because God has designed it that way (Romans 12:6).
How can one know his specific calling when there is no more special revelation? He can know it as he studies God's Word and understands God's program for today. As he does so, he will read of different capacities of service. He will then go on to discover a burden and ability toward certain areas of ministry in the local assembly. He then, by faith, will serve in those areas with boldness and confidence, believing that he has found God's special calling for his life.
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How
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Believing
Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing
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