SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Joel 2:28) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."
(Romans 12:3-5) (3) "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (4) "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function," (5) "so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another."
(Romans 12:6-8) (6) "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;" (7) "or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;" (8) "he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."
(Ephesians 4:10-12) (10) "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." (11) "And he gave some, apostles; and some evangelists; and some pastors, and teachers;" (12) "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
(Ephesians 4:13-14) (13) "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" (14) "That we henceforth be no more tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind and doctrine, by the sleight of men, and craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
PREFACE SUMMARY
In this message, you will learn about the incredible power of spiritual gifts and the five-fold ministry. These gifts can help you to achieve your highest potential on your spiritual journey and fulfill your true calling. By unlocking the transformative power of these gifts, you can experience incredible growth and transformation.
Dear readers, we live in an age where the fivefold ministry is not well accepted in the church. This is mainly due to how the offices have been abused by self-seeking individuals who lack maturity in how the gifts work.
Those who seek recognition from others will end up practicing witchcraft, which is listed as one of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20. Self-centered ambition is unsustainable. Those whom the Lord indeed calls to build His kingdom will be tried to the very faith they stand on.
The main objective of the Fivefold Ministry is to prepare and equip the believers for their ministry work, as stated in Ephesians 4:12. This preparation and equipping process helps every congregation member to use their unique talents and gifts to advance the Kingdom of God, and if the church is to accomplish its last-day assignment, which will usher in the return of our Lord, the prophetic ministry must be in place. It is composed of specially called and anointed warriors of God who are accurate and trustworthy in their assigned roles in the fivefold ministry.
It's important to note that people in foreign lands are disappointed in those who lack integrity. However, they will follow the God in you, but you must not waver, for they do not trust man's ways.
As we approach the end of this era, and given the chaos in the world, such as wars, unrest, and natural disasters, it is essential to seek spiritual guidance from above.
The five-fold ministry aims to equip individuals to serve God, which, in turn, helps strengthen the body of Christ and promote unity in faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and spiritual growth. As the body of Christ has not yet reached its full potential, the roles of apostles and prophets continue to be necessary.
Recognizing and embracing the Five-Fold Ministry is crucial to achieving spiritual growth. The five-fold ministry refers to the five specific roles that Christ gave to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each of these roles has unique gifts and abilities that can help us strengthen our faith and overcome any challenges that come our way.
Whether we need guidance, healing, or a deeper connection with God, the five-fold ministry can support and inspire us to reach our full potential. Through their teachings and leadership, we can experience the transformative power of God's love in our lives. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and embrace the five-fold ministry to tap into their gifts and abilities and experience spiritual growth.
"THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY EXPLAINED"
In this important message, I want to emphasize the significance of the five-fold ministry and why it is crucial for effective ministry. We must recognize that the Lord has given us everything to accomplish His purposes and defeat the enemy, and according to the word of God, spiritual gifts and the five-fold ministry will become vital at the end of the dispensation of grace.
Beloved, as we near the end of this grace dispensation, we will need spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and prophetic guidance to do the Lord's work, especially when many people in the church lack love both in the church and in the home.
Dear readers, understanding the difference between revelation, which comes from spiritual gifts, and divination, which comes from the works of the flesh, will help us discern spirits as we walk by faith and not by sight or our five senses, and I firmly believe that it is essential for churches and church leaders to discard worldly forms of worship, which tend to glorify the flesh, and return to true worship.
The Lord wants us to depend on Him and change our hearts, which will change the way we perceive our surroundings. Our heart is where the Lord speaks to us and unlocks hidden secrets and ideas to help us accomplish His will for our lives. Prophecy from a person of God can touch these hidden secrets and give us the courage to trust Him.
Dear readers, the Lord gives prophetic gifts because we desperately need them, and when used correctly, they will significantly improve the effectiveness of any ministry. Did you not know that an accurate word of knowledge can also turn our situation around and save time spent on counseling?
For our ministry to be effective, we desperately need to seek a closer walk with the Lord so that he may share his thoughts with us, not for what we can get from him, but that we might be drawn closer to him at the end we can hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant" and saints, my desire is to be called a friend of God.
The Lord will reveal our purpose, including his plan for our life if we will only love and worship him for who he is and not be a talebearer of what we hear, especially when we are near the throne in communion with him, and our
friendship and intimacy with the Living God, or let me say "Father God," should be the primary goal in our life and ministry that we might use him to touch and enrich the lives of others, allowing him to leave his signature through his hand print on our life to future generations.
Did you know that during the early 50s and late ’80s, the prophetic ministry was on display unprecedentedly, such as William Branham, Oral Roberts, T. L. Osborne, AA Allen, Don Stewart, and did you know that their consecration to ministry and their demonstration of the spiritual gifts in operation have significantly influenced thousands of people worldwide?
Did you know that one reason the fivefold ministry is so needful today is that its full demonstration and operation will help open our eyes to the workings of God's Spirit, which will educate us about the schemes and wiles of the enemy?
Many people feel a calling from God to use their spiritual gifts, but they may lack the training to use these gifts effectively. This lack of training can lead to mistakes when speaking for God and not waiting for His guidance. It is essential to understand that God can see into the past, present, and future all at once, and waiting on Him is vital.
Should we disregard ministries like pastors, evangelists, or teachers because some have made mistakes due to a lack of training? No. Instead, we should allow room for growth and have patience to learn from our mistakes. As we strive towards perfection in the Lord's work, we must endure hardships as good soldiers. This means that we are still in basic training, and it is okay to make mistakes.
Through our failures, we become more aware of the tactics and schemes of our enemies, which helps us to be more vigilant and not fall prey to them in the future. As we face trials and losses, we can take comfort that the living God will repay us for all our losses.
The church is predestined for a showdown with the Kingdom of Darkness, and a solid and accurate prophetic ministry is necessary to prepare for this battle. The prophetic ministry must be in place to give precise direction to the body of believers so that they may know the Lord's plans ahead of time and be prepared to defeat the enemy.
Our life's challenges and experiences are training grounds for us to grow and mature in the body of Christ. To be effective in our calling, what we see in the spiritual realm must be more accurate than what we see in the natural realm. Those operating in the prophetic ministry will be like spiritual guards upon the walls, protecting the leadership of the church or ministry.
If we have a true gift of the Spirit, our gift will make room for us. We must be devoted to pleasing God, rather than people, by being people of truth, integrity, and humble submission to His Spirit.
God is restoring those who have been discouraged and shut down by pastors, similar to the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son. These young prophets felt the call on their life and attempted to use their gifts, but the lack of discipline and training in understanding the spiritual gifts caused church leaders to question their calling.
Before we delve into comparing the five-fold ministry with the building structure and the resemblance of a hand, I want to make a bold statement. We need one another, and today, there is an urgent need for the five-fold ministry, including the spiritual gifts, to be in whole operation in the body of Christ.
Dear readers, it's essential to understand that many people growing up in the prophetic realm today may experience visions and dreams. Still, they often fail in their interpretations because they don't know and understand God's timing to fulfill these prophecies.
"THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY COMPARED TO THE STRUCTURE OF A BUILDING"
Dear reader, in this section of our message, we will discuss the office and function of the fivefold ministry. This ministry comprises the Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor, and the Teacher.
To better understand and clarify this vital ministry, let me list the offices and functions of the five-fold ministry and prophetic office. This will show why having them in place is essential, especially in times of fear and confusion. To make it easier to understand, I would like to compare the fivefold ministry to the structure of a building.
Let's begin with the office of the Apostle, the first line of study in this inspired sermon. We will discuss its importance in bringing stability to the fivefold ministry, as outlined in (Ephesians 4:11) in the word of God.
(Ephesians 4:11) "And he gave some, apostles; and some evangelists; and some pastors, and teachers;"
" APOSTLES ARE THE FOUNDATION"
Dear friend, the Apostles are the foundation of a ministry. They are the ones who have been sent from the Lord, and they play a crucial role in a ministry body of elders that spreads the word to other nations. Their primary purpose is to prepare the ground for the Prophet to come and provide direction, followed by the Evangelist, who preaches the message of salvation.
Here are some key points to keep in mind about Apostles:
1. Apostles are visionaries who typically have one Kingdom message.
2. Like the Evangelist, Apostles operate in the power gifts of the Spirit.
(a) The Gift of Faith
(b) The Working of Miracles
(c) The Gifts of Healing
3. Apostles preach repentance, they also are gifted in deliverance ministry, but most of all, Apostles are good at
reminding people of the importance of turning away from sin and being freed from it's clutches on their life.
"PROPHETS ARE THE WINDOWS"
The office of the prophet plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. Prophets guide the ministry and protect it from unexpected attacks by the enemy. Those appointed by God for this role have a unique purpose and may not make good pastors, as they serve differently in the five-fold ministry. However, they are highly effective in their office and contribute to the betterment of the body of Christ in various ways.
Prophets are gifted with musical and singing abilities and are known for receiving and delivering messages directly from God. They also serve as intercessors in the body. Despite their differences, they remain an essential part of the body of Christ and carry out their roles effectively.
1. Prophets are usually gifted in music and singing
2. Prophets receive and give messages direct from God
3. Prophets are intercessors in the body
4. Prophets usually do not make good pastors.
"PASTORS ARE THE WALLS"
Dear reader, pastors are integral to the functioning of a ministry, serving as its protective walls. Their primary responsibility is to cater to the needs, safety, and protection of the sheep that God has entrusted into their care. They are accountable to God for the spiritual well-being of every individual in their flock, ensuring they receive a balanced and nourishing diet of the Word of God.
Pastors possess a unique ability to care for their flock, having a shepherd's heart that allows them to extend love and patience for the continued growth of their sheep. As a result, they are responsible for the safety, growth, and upkeep of their sheep. It is important to remember that no one can care for the sheep entrusted to their care better than a pastor.
" EVANGELISTS ARE THE DOORS OF A BUILDING"
In the ministry, Evangelists are like doors. They are chosen and commissioned by God, with a unique anointing to preach the message of salvation. They possess prophetic abilities, including spiritual discernment, and act like troubleshooters in the body of Christ, empowering them to identify the obstacles that hinder spiritual power.
Evangelists are sent to preach the message of salvation, they are equipped with prophetic gifts and spiritual discernment, and they deliver anointed messages that focus on salvation, repentance, and deliverance. Please remember that if you have the giver of the gifts in you, then the gifts will work when they are needed.
1. Evangelists + Ones sent to preach the salvation message
2. Evangelists can operate in the thinking gifts, the speaking gifts, and the power gifts of the Spirit.
3. Evangelists can operate in spiritual discernment
4. Evangelists are known for preaching inspired anointed messages of salvation, repentance, and deliverance
(1.) THE THINKING GIFTS
(a) Word of Knowledge
(b) Word of Wisdom
(c) Discerning of spirits
(2) THE SPEAKING GIFTS
(a) Tongues
(b) Interpretation of tongues
(c) Prophecy
(3.) THE POWER GIFTS
(a) The Gift of Faith
(b) The Working of Miracles
(c) The Gifts of Healing
"TEACHERS ARE THE ROOF AND COVERING OF A BUILDING"
As a member of the five-fold ministry, a teacher plays a vital role in the church. They serve as a covering and protection for the ministry, helping the congregation to grow in knowledge and grace through their gifted teaching.
The primary purpose of a teacher is to guide and balance the church community by providing knowledge, guidance, and support. They must spend time in prayer and study God's word to ensure that they are equipped to fulfill their responsibilities.
In addition to teaching, a teacher must be ready to preach should the need arise. By fulfilling these responsibilities, a teacher helps the church community to thrive and grow in their faith.
(a) The Teachers help the sheep to grow in knowledge and grace
(b) Teachers are to protect, give guidance, and balance to a ministry
(c) Teachers are to spend time in prayer and the study of God's word
(d) Teachers must be ready to preach should the need arise
A TEACHER'S ROLE EXPLAINED
"Hey Mr. Glove, Pick Up That Pencil"
Closing this study, I recall a unique service where I was given late notice that a well-known church ministry wanted me to do a presentation on the role of teachers in the five-fold ministry. The catch was that they were only allotting me five minutes to present my presentation. What can you do with five allotted minutes to address a church body concerning the teacher's role and position in the five-fold ministry?
The Holy Spirit came through to save me and gave the youth a clear illustration of this critical office, which also caused a stir among the elders of the church ministry. On the way to the church, I stopped and purchased a pair of black plastic gloves, which caused them to be easily seen.
As I stepped up to utilize my five minutes, I laid one of the gloves and a pencil on the table before the altar. I asked one of the youths present in the meeting if I could use him to present an illustration of the teacher's role in the five-fold ministry to the church body.
The young boy came forward and was excited to be part of my little project. I asked the young boy to ask the empty glove to pick up the pencil, which he did. After several failed tries of asking the glove to pick up the pencil, I asked the young lad why the glove would not pick up the pencil, and he looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. I then asked the young boy to shout in a loud voice, demanding the glove to pick up the pencil, but nothing happened. Now, it seemed as if everyone in the building had their eyes fixed on the little boy and the glove on the table. It was during this time that I asked the boy to place his hand in the glove and pick up the pencil.
While the boy had his hand in the glove and was holding the pencil, I concluded my five-minute illustration by informing the church body that the glove needed a solid substance with the strength of that substance inside it to perform the task of picking up the pencil. I finished my presentation by informing the church body that this little illustration gives us a picture of the critical role and function teachers have in the five-fold ministry.
People, including the teenage youth, left that meeting with the understanding that teachers are to pour good, solid teaching that will produce growth into the body of Christ, especially our youth. This study has revealed the importance of the five-fold ministry in the body of Christ as we face the coming attack from the Kingdom of darkness, which is now upon us.
I sincerely hope that you have gained a general understanding of the importance and purpose, including the function that the five-fold ministry has in the body of Christ. The role and function of the five-fold ministry can be understood in greater detail by comparing these crucial offices to the structure of a building.
"THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY COMPARED TO THE STRUCTURE OF A HUMAN HAND"
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in my previous presentations, I explained the significance of the five-fold ministry and how it functions in the body of Christ. In this part of the message, I will provide a more concrete understanding of this crucial ministry using a simple analogy. Please think of the five-fold ministry as the fingers and thumb on our hand, each with its unique function.
(a) The Apostle is like the thumb - it provides strength and power to the rest of the hand.
(b) The Prophet is like the index finger - it points and directs the hand.
(c) The Evangelist is like the middle finger - the most extended finger whose sole purpose is to stretch out with the salvation message to serve.
(d) The Pastor is like the ring finger - just as a wedding ring symbolizes a lifelong commitment, the pastor is married to the church.
(e) The Teacher is like the little finger - it gives balance to the hand.
I hope this analogy helps you understand the importance of each ministry in the body of Christ. Let us continue to work together to build and strengthen the church.
"GOD DOES NOT GIVE IMPERFECT GIFTS"
Dear readers, I want to clarify that it is incorrect to say that the word of God has replaced spiritual gifts and the five-fold ministry. This claim is equivalent to stating that the scriptures found in (Ephesians 4:11-13) have been fulfilled, which is a heretical claim made by some church leaders who declare that the church has achieved a state of maturity. However, this is far from the truth, and making such a statement is accusing God, who is perfect in all his ways, of giving an imperfect gift to his body, which is very close to blasphemy.
Many people today seek recognition through man-appointed titles today, and some individuals have not undergone the necessary trials and training to become successful leaders. However, the stories of heroes and generals made through war remind us that there are no shortcuts to God. He is more interested in developing our character than our position.
Many professing Christians in this dispensation of grace lack a sincere hunger for God, which is necessary for Him to develop and place them where they are needed in the body of Christ. Therefore, it is regrettable that people want to be leaders instead of being led, but let me assure you that God places no limitations on how far we can go in the Spirit.
Please try and understand that God does not work on our timetable, and he has an appointed season and time for different parts of our vision to be fulfilled and accomplished.
Beloved, did you know that God placed these inward desires in us at birth, and we will never get away from what God has placed in our hearts to do?
God desires for the profound revelations buried within us at birth to be discovered, and He even placed a part of Himself in us at birth. Therefore, can you recall when an idea would not go away, and every time you closed your eyes, it flashed in your mind? Yes, the dream doesn't seem to go away as it grows with a passion that keeps us thinking about what we want to accomplish in the Kingdom of God.
Dear readers, we have been given the most significant commission and the freedom to preach the most important news on earth. That news is that God cares so much for fallen humanity that He sent Jesus to pay our sin debt, with its penalty being death, that He might raise Him for our justification that we may be declared Holy in Him and be adopted into His royal family as sons and daughters of the most-high God. And that, my dear friends, is love worth living for.
MY CONCLUSION
Dear readers, as I conclude this essential inspirational message, may I request a few moments to ask some fundamental questions that could potentially address your concerns about your life's purpose and the reason behind your existence on this planet?
(a) Can you hear the cry deep within your heart that says, I was born to do something? (b) How can I fulfill the urge calling me to something greater?
Beloved, did you know that every person born on this planet has a unique purpose to accomplish something significant that will make a difference in our generation? We were created to accomplish something that no other person on Earth can achieve so that God may leave his signature through our lives and ministry to different generations.
The plans for our lives were placed within us when we were born, and that is why we are taught in God's word to delight ourselves in him. By doing so, he can bring these hidden desires into reality.
Every person born on this planet was created to stand out as unique. However, some people want to blend in with the crowd. No one on Earth has your fingerprints or DNA, including your brain waves, because you were created to stand out, not blend in.
You do not need a psychic or horoscope to predict your future. To discover God's plan for your life, all you need to do is to humbly delight yourself in the Lord, for his Spirit reveals the plans for your life. Your future is not ahead of you, for it was placed within you at birth.
The scriptures teach that the church is to be a unified body consisting of many members, each having and fulfilling its unique function within the body. Therefore, beloved, no one can accomplish what God placed in your heart, and there can be no room for jealousy in the body of Christ.
Church, we must persist in achieving the visions God has placed within us. Let us examine ourselves with a determined mindset to fulfill the purposes God identified in our life, which drive our vision. Let us work together and not be caught off guard by our enemy, which will cause abashments and distractions to come our way, steering us off course and away from our assignment.
We need to let every opposition sent in our path serve to strengthen our walk with the Lord, including every failure we encounter, be counted as a valuable experience that we can use as stepping stones to give us more courage and determination to meet our goals in life.
People who understand the need and purpose for the five-fold ministry will be sincerely determined to walk this walk of faith, be persistent in their walk with God, and never take no for an answer in fulfilling their purpose.
The word declares in Nehemiah 8:10 that "the joy of the Lord is our strength." Therefore, beloved, we need to fight until we get a breakthrough to experience the joy and presence of the Lord, who promised never to leave us. May we take comfort in these words as we complete our assignments and fulfill our dreams?
Beloved, in closing, let us constantly be reminded that God's vision in our hearts is more vital than any darkness the enemy may bring us. Let us remember that patience with persistence wins the race and obtains the prize, which is discovered in the high calling of God that we find in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear readers, I was blessed to write a book on spiritual gifts and the five-fold ministry titled " Spiritual Gifts and the Five-fold Ministry Revealed."
Beloved, this book was written two days from the cab of my 18-wheeler in 2020 while parked in the Walmart distribution center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
I was pre-scheduled and had previously taken time off to take the required shots to travel and conduct revivals throughout the Philippines.
Beloved, this was in the beginning stages of the pandemic, and I had already paid in full for all my required flights, including motels, for this trip. I needed to hear from God whether to cancel or have faith that God would make a way, but beloved, in the middle of writing this book, I listened to the soft words in my spirit, "Stay where you are," which was followed by the airlines sending me an email that they were canceling all my flights.
At this time, I was working at Walmart dedicated freight for my company, Crete Carrier Corporation, which had previously written letters to the Philippine government informing them that my job was secure and assured them that they were granting me permission for the needed time off to make these trips.
During this time, I was impressed by the Lord to write a book on the spiritual gifts and the working of the five-fold ministry, which would describe their function in the body of Christ.
Beloved, this powerful book can be found on Amazon and downloaded for free from our website. (www.witheredhand.org)
Dear readers, God wants you to know that you are unique, just like money that may be misplaced or lost. Still, when it is found, the lost money never loses its value because it is backed by its value in gold by the constitution and government of the United States treasury.
Dear readers, it's undeniable that our sovereign God knew, even before creation, how much we would mess up in life. But here's the thing: He chose to call us anyway because He looks beyond our flaws and sees the beauty within us.
Listen up, my friend! It's time to realize that you are invaluable before God, just like money that never loses its value. Don't let anyone's opinion bring you down because they do not determine your worth. You are a precious gem to God, and His unwavering love for you proves it. So, hold your head high and walk confidently, knowing you are valued beyond measure.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
