PASTOR’S CORNER, David Hoffman, First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal

My personal journey with Jesus began Feb. 12, 1975, more than 51 years ago. He is my Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd and best Friend! Reflect on when your journey with Jesus started. If Jesus is not your Savior, He can be so today.

Marriage is a journey. On August 18 this year, Barbara and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary! We are still BFF’s, but life has its way of throwing adversities and struggles in your path. That’s why you must have the Lord in your marriage as a triangle. The closer you draw near to Him, the closer He will draw a husband and wife to one another.

Christian ministry is also a journey. We are called to serve the Lord in whatever capacity that He endowed us with specific spiritual gifts and graces. I was called by God in 1972 as a 9th grader. It scared me to death. I ran for three years until I was a senior when I accepted His will for my life on Oct. 30, 1975.

However, don’t confuse the journey with a “Destination Disease”. The false concept is like: “I will be happy when I get married, have several children and a nice house.” NO! Or, “I’ll feel fulfilled when I reach a certain level or pay scale in my career or job.” NO! Be content where you are in the center of His will.

The apostle Paul was imprisoned at the time he wrote the epistle to the Ephesians. 4:1 says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Paul elaborated as follows:

Walk to Pattern Unity in Christlikeness, vs. 1-6

Paul explains Christlikeness is essentially character traits and consistency in conduct. He lists several virtues that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. We do not manufacture them; they are the fruit of the Holy Spirit (also Galatians 5:22-23).

Verses 2 and 3 lists humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, and “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14 (Sermon on the Mount) – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Paul uses “ONE” 7 times in verses 4-6. “There is ONE body and ONE spirit – just as you were called to ONE hope, when you were called – ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism; ONE God & Father of all, who is over all & through all and in all.”

Unity is not uniformity. It is oneness with God and believers, not in appearance or dress but in heart and spirit. God desires unity amidst diversity just like Jews and Gentiles were united by water baptism and transformation in Christ.

Unity displays Christlike glory in a family (of God) resemblance. He shapes us in His image. We are His reflection.

Walk as Partners in Christian Ministry, vs. 7-11.

Verse 7 says, “But to each of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” We don’t all look, speak, or act the same. Christ is generous to each of us uniquely.

Verses 8-10 refer to Jesus’ incarnation, since He became human, as well as death, burial in the grave (descended to the lower, earthly regions) but also to His resurrection, ascension and enthronement on high in heaven (he ascended higher than all the heavens . . .).

Paul quotes from Psalm 68, a prophecy in which Jesus would defeat His spiritual enemies at the Cross. “He led captives in His train.” Jesus is victorious! As the ascended Lord, He “gave gifts to men.”

Verse 11 lists the gifts – “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” These are gifts and functions for service in ministry. The 12 disciples of Jesus & Paul are apostles who had the role & responsibility to establish the church. Apostle means “one sent for another.” Prophets speak God’s message to the people. Evangelists train followers to share their testimony & spread the gospel.

Pastors shepherd by pastoral care and encouragement. Teachers instruct believers for doctrinal stability and discipleship to prevent heretical division and dissension in Christ’s Body.

Walk with Growth Purpose, vs. 12-16

William Carey, the great missionary to the nation of India, once said, “Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God.”

Jesus trained His disciples to train others to do the work of ministry rather than do the work for them. It is better to train people to fish rather than catch all of the fish for them.

The immediate purpose is to equip, but the ultimate purpose is to build up. Verse 12 says, “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Verse 13 reinforces the purpose – “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

The Lord reminds us to GROW together.

Verse 14-16 say, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching & by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things GROW up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, GROWS and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

The church grows in rhythm as Christ breathes in us and nourishes health in us.