7/31/2019 Addicted to the Ministry of the Saints

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STephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were of the household of Chloe (1 Cor. 1:11)supplied Paul with that which he needed, either money or food.

The house of Stephanas, is said to be addicted to the ministry of the saints..(Paul says he baptised those of this household ..1 Cor. 1:16).

This family was one of the first of Achaia that accepted Christ as LORD and called the first fruits of those who received the Spirit in those parts. (Romans 16:5)

To be said to "have addicted themselves" to the ministry of the saints, shows they, by charity, ministered to the wants and needs of the saints.

Paul says they are to be valued and esteemed for their works sake. He goes onto say (in 1 Cor. 16:18) to acknowledge them as helpers in the work of the ministry.

Paul says to treat those that have helped him, with either food or money, with respect and honor.

We hear much about the five fold ministry, but little is said about the importance of the layman in the congregations today.

God has given gifts to everyone who believes, one of those gifts is the gift of

"HELPS"...

Those who give into the ministry, either time, or money are said to be esteemedwith abundant honour.

It is a sad thing that some who have "addicted themselves" to the support of many ministries are often simply forgotten and unappreaciated....unnoticed, and many times simply overlooked.

It is those very persons that Paul says we are to esteem and honor. The ones who are faithful to 'show up" and who are faithful to "give" the ones who do the cooking for the camp meetings, and the ones who clean the rest rooms for the services.

Everyone is so busy trying to look important and carry a "big" title, no one wants to stay longer just to "sweep up", mow the grass, straighten the chairs, anddo the mudane and rountine things needed to suppport the saints who assemble there.

Yet, it is these very people we should "esteem highly"...and recongize that theyalso bear the burden of the people with those flashy leaders, so that the leaders do not bear it alone. (Numbers 11:7)

The same Spirit that is upon the Pastors, evangelists, teachers, and prophets isthe same Spirit that is upon those who addict themselves to service the saints.

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (1Cor. 12:11-12)

Today I simply want to send out a great big "THANK YOU" to all those porters, doormen, maids, and hand maidens, the house keepers, and the ushers. Those who labor behind the scenes so that the rest can expect to find the sanctuary clean and welcoming when they get there. Door greeters, ground keepers, and cooks, THANK YOU for you deserve esteem and abundant honor for all you do to keep the minis

7/31/2019 Addicted to the Ministry of the Saints

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ty of Jesus Christ going forth.

Even as Paul made sure to mention those who "labored" with him in the gospel, all of those who may not been seen in todays assemblies, are needed and I wish tohonor all those who have spent years praying for their ministry or pastor. Praying for the members of their local congregation. Those who have given tithes faithfully for years and those who stand outside in wind and rain to escort us into the churches with umbrellas ready. Those who print out the programs and thosewho do the taping in todays ministries. The "unseen" saints that labor among us.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ALL in the Wonderful NAME OF JESUS CHRIST amen

Paul, in one place, gives us a list:Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 'Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.Salute Andronicus and Junia,Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.Salute Apelles approved in Christ.Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.Salute Herodion my kinsman.Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord.Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which arewith them.Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.Salute one another with an holy kiss.The churches of Christ salute you.For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerningevil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

(Romans 16:3-20)