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People were ordained to conduct business. Now in those days, when the number of the
disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because
their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of
the disciples and said, ìIt is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve
tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full
of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give
ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.î Acts 6:1-4
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:8
We need spirit filled Christians in this church that we can appoint to business. Some of us
are called to preach and others are called to business ñ both need to be spirit filled.
We have misunderstood the Jesus disciples, they were not living rough on the street and
needed rescuing, the were either community leaders or successful business people.
The book of Luke was written by a medical doctor, Matthew was written by a retired tax
officer, Peter was a fisherman, Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers. Even Jesus was
a carpenter. Most of the powerful spiritual experiences recorded in the New Testament
happened in the marketplace and not in the temple. Most of Jesus preaching did not occur
in a church but in the city centre, on a fishermanís boat or on a hill. Revival is not going to
come in the churches but it will come when the Christians go into their jobs and into
their school and use their anointing to spread the gospel. Then, and only then, will we see
revival in our cities. Some of you are anointed to be a community
leader ñ get involved in community activities now so when elections come you are in position
Some of you are anointed in business ñ stop messing around at work or in your business
and use your anointing. Some of you are called to church leadership
ñ take on more and more ministry until there is no room left for a job.
Some of you are called to the schools of our city ñ phone the schools and see where you
can serve them.
Bottom line ñ stop playing games with life ñ Jesus paid with his life so you could be
free and anointed with the Holy Spirit to make a difference in this world. Is what you
are doing right now really worth it? We are all called to GO into the world and preach
the gospel. Decide where you will go.
The Five Fold Ministry in Business And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some
prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints
for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ Eph 4:11-12
Fivefold ministry exists in the body to fulfil the three major purposes
1. Perfection of the saints 2. Work of the ministry 3. Edifying of the Body
FIVEFOLD MINISTRY IN CHURCH Apostles = Visionaries and planters
Prophets = Spiritual advisers with foresight Evangelists = Shares the story of Jesus
Pastors = Shepherded and protect Teachers = Teach and disciple people
FIVEFOLD MINISTRY IN BUSINESS Apostle = Visionaries and planters
Prophet = Spiritual advisers with foresight Evangelist = Shares the story of Jesus
Pastor = Shepherded and protect Teacher = Teach and disciple people
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT Christians must use their gifts in the market
place ñ this is what will make them stand out from the others. It would be silly to
keep all of these gifts bottled up inside the church.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to
one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through
the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the
same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning
of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of
tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-10
The church is not intended to stay inside a building but to go out into the world ñ
if you are a Christian you have these gifts but how are you using them?
The more you do the more you see. There are no special people ñ the power comes on those
that do, those that step out.
How Do I Receive The Holy Spirit? All you have to do is ask. If you then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!î Luke 10:13
Once we have received the Holy Spirit we will have power, fruit and gifts from Him.
The Apostle Paul said that we should not be ignorant in the area of spiritual gifts and
that we should eagerly desire them.
Word of Wisdom A word of wisdom is supernatural message of
wisdom given to you. This gift gives you insight into people and situations and it gives you
the ability to know what to do with the information you have been given.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you find yourself saying things on the
spot that you did not previously know or consider? ï Do you find you have a good understanding
of the Bible and can explain things to people even though you were not necessarily taught
those things? ï Do people say that you are wise and come
to you for counsel? ï Do you find yourself being quoted by others?
ï Do you experience insight into spiritual matters?
ï Do you desire wisdom and often find yourself praying for wisdom?
Cautions ï Donít feel you always need to give people
solutions. You may have wisdom in knowing a solution but showing people how to find
their own way to the answer can be more beneficial than always giving the answers.
ï Be patient with people who donít have this gift. Not everyone is able to think the
way you do. Remember, it is a gift of the Spirit and not your own wisdom.
ï Donít hide your gift or be shy to use it. If God has given you the gift of wisdom
you need to use it.
Word of Knowledge A word of knowledge is occurs when you instantly
know something that you could not have known other than that God had given you this word.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you find that you often get strong impressions
of specific things either to share with someone or to pray about?
ï Do you find you often have something profound to say when ministering to people?
ï Do you find yourself knowing something that you have not learned?
ï Do you often have revelation from your personal Bible study?
ï Are you eager to share either information or revelation with people?
Cautions ï Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies . Donít
allow yourself to fall into the trap of pride. ï Wisdom and knowledge come with a high price.
It says in the Bible that in much wisdom is much grief and he who increases knowledge
increases sorrow. ï You must take your responsibility of this
gift seriously, For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;
and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more .
Faith This refers to a special faith and it is distinguished
from the saving and normal Christian faith. Having the gift of faith means that you cannot
not believe in Godís ability to provide or see you through a situation.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you find that you donít worry because
you completely sure that God is able? ï When you face decisions, do you find it
easy to see and know Godís will? ï Do people look to you for vision and direction?
ï Are you confident in Godís promises when facing a crisis?
ï Do people comment on your faith? ï Do you trust God for big or unusual things
and do you seem them come to pass? ï Do you find it easy to believe what the
Bible says and the promises God has given you?
Cautions ï Donít confuse faith with personal desire.
Faith is not for you to build your kingdom but is intended for Godís use to build His
kingdom. ï Stay focused on God. You could take stupid
risks or make big mistakes if you become overconfident in the gift rather than the giver of this
gift. ï Remain obedient, using your faith even
when inconvenient to do so, donít become lazy and familiar with your gift.
Healing The ability to supernaturally heal someone
but he gift of healing does not guarantee that everyone will be healed.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you find people get healed when you
pray for them? ï Do you feel drawn to pray for people to
be healed? ï Do you find people ask you to pray for
them for healing? ï Do you feel unusual warmth in your hand
or over your whole body when praying for people?
Cautions ï Donít promise people that you can heal
them. It is not your place to do so and if they person doesnít get healed he may not
only be disappointed but could lose their faith in God entirely.
ï You are not obliged to pray for everyone who is sick or who asks for healing. Trust
your instinct and pray when you feel moved to do so.
ï Donít abuse this gift to become famous or to make financial gain.
ï Donít advise people against seeing a doctor or directly contradict medical advice. God
can use a doctor too and itís not your place to decide how God intends to heal someone.
Miracles The ability to perform deeds beyond natural
human ability or alter the natural state of something. A miracle cannot be explained by
science or medicine even though unbelievers will attempt to formulate theories about how
the miracle occurred.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Have you done something that altered an
objects natural state? ï Are you able to do things that are naturally
impossible? ï Have you ever performed a miracle?
ï Have you managed to change circumstances in a way that cannot be explained scientifically
or medically?
Cautions ï Donít claim the power that God has given
you as your own ability. ï Donít allow the power to do miracles to
make your proud. ï Donít sell or proudly display your gift.
ï Donít become arrogant or familiar with your gift.
ï Donít use your gift for evil or selfishness. Understand that this is Godís gift given
to you for His purposes.
Prophecy A prophecy is a word from God or the ability
to make a prediction. Even though a prophecy was given it was not set in stone. The story
of Jonah in the Bible is a great example. He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation
and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies
the church. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you find that you are able to hear what
God has to say? ï Do you desire to tell people what God has
to say? ï Do you have the ability to see things that
are to come? ï When you have given a prediction, has it
come true? ï Do you get messages for people or for the
church that edifies, exhorts or comforts? ï Have people told you that what you have
said has happened? ï Have people told you that your words are
encouraging and build them up? ï Do you have the desire to speak publicly
against evil both in the church and outside of the church?
Cautions ï Donít abuse this gift to manipulate people
of situations. ï Donít take the words God has given you
and use them harshly. You motivation must be love. And though I have the gift of prophecy,
and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
ï Donít speak for the sake of it to please people.
ï Donít fabricate a word from God out of laziness to seek God and to listen for His
voice. ï Do not say ëGod saidí if you are not
sure. In fact, I tend to avoid saying ëGod saidí at all unless I am quoting a direct
scripture. Simple saying ìI believe God is sayingî or ìI feel that...î, should suffice
especially when dealing with new Christians who havenít learned to test the word yet.
Discernment The ability to distinguish the source of a
spiritual manifestation. Discernment also gives you an ability to distinguish right
from wrong. This gift can also assist you in exposing lies and a ëwolf in sheepís
clothingí. Discernment can help prevent bad things from happening and warnings can come
through a bad feeling or even through a dream or vision.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Do you have internal warning signs that
go off when you encounter particular people? ï Are you a good judge of character?
ï Do you often sense things that others donít sense that are later confirmed or validated?
ï Are you able to judge between good and evil?
ï Do you find it easy to tell when something is not quite right in a situation or in a
person?
Cautions ï Trust your gift; donít feel guilty for
thinking badly of someone. Donít assume you are just being negative, take each caution
seriously. ï Donít force your discernment on others,
if people wonít listen use your information to pray.
ï Donít abuse your gift by saying things that arenít true to get your own way or to
dishonour someone. ï When unsure of how to reveal your concerns
perhaps speak to someone you trust or your leader.
ï When revealing your discernment, speak the truth in love, donít use your gift in
a hurtful way.
Tongues The ability to speak a message from God in
an unlearned language. This language is either the language of angels or other known earthly
languages . Tongues can also manifest in the form of a spiritual song.
Three different uses of tongues are recorded in the Bible: Personal Use, Congregational
Use and Signs to the Unbeliever.
1. Personal Use
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for
as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot
be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because
He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
When we donít know what to pray we can pray in tongues. Praying in tongues in this way
in private does not necessarily require an interpretation but often you will have some
understanding of what you are praying if you have the gift of interpretation too. This
use of tongues is to helps us and as we pray in this manner we can be sure that we are
praying the perfect will of God. Praying in tongues edifies the one who is
praying and this sort of praying should be done as often as possible.
2. Congregational Use
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
When coming together as a church, tongues needs to be used corporately only when an
interpretation can be given otherwise is it not profitable for all.
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather
speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand
words in a tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19
There are several places in the Bible where instructions are given for order in a church
service. Using the gifts of the spirit are by choice and the Holy Spirit doesnít control
you and make you do things. You will feel a prompting and it is us to you to decide
when it is the appropriate time or place to use it. Tongues on itís own without an interpretation
benefits no one except the one speaking the tongues. This sort of speaking in tongues
should be kept for private prayer. A tongue given in the presence of an interpreter is
the proper use a tongues in the church setting.
3. Signs to the Unbeliever
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying
is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 1 Corinthians 14:22
This use of tongues empowers us to preach, teach, or testify about Jesus in a language
that we donít naturally speak. On the day of Pentecost, unbelievers marvelled because
they heard the disciples speaking fluently in their own language. This was a sign to
them as the disciples glorified God in a language that the unbelievers could understand.
Some preachers have been able to preach entire sermons in tongues and others have been on
mission trips and were able to communicate with local tribes by speaking in tongues.
No harm can come of trying though.
Do You Have This Gift? ï Are you able to speak in a language that
you donít understand? ï Do you communicate with God or sing in
a language that you donít understand? ï Do you pray, sing or speak in a language
that you donít understand and find that people are either able to directly understand it
or being an interpretation?
Cautions ï Donít show off if you are able to speak
in tongues. You could become spiritually proud thinking that you are better than those that
donít have this gift. Remember, it is a gift from God and not something that you have achieved
in your own strength. ï Donít speak in tongues loudly in public
unless you know that an interpretation will be brought. Muttering a prayer quietly in
tongues or singing tunefully in tongues in a worship service is acceptable as long as
it doesnít over power other prayers or worshippers. ï Donít make up a tongue to impress people,
if you donít have this gift ask God to give it to you, donít fake it.
ï Donít doubt if you have the gift, if you feel words coming to mind or out of your mouth
then allow them to flow freely. Each person receives tongues in a different way, some
get an entire language and others start with a few words just as a baby learns to speak
their mother tongue. There is not right or wrong, just allow to Spirit to flow through
you as He wishes. Too many people hold back because they doubt that they have the gift
because it feels foreign to them.
Interpretation of Tongues The ability to bring an interpretation of
tongues. This gift should not be confused with the concept of translation. You cannot
write down what you hear and seek out a translation. Translation revolves around the written word
and interpretation involves oral communication. Interpretation is paraphrasing his or her
understanding of the meaning whereas translation is the ability to understand the source language
directly. This is why you can get several interpretations of one tongue. It will usually
centre on the same theme. Each interpretation will either build on the others or confirm
the others. As with prophecy, interpretations of tongues
can and should be tested for accuracy and the gift of discernment can be useful in determining
if the interpretation is of God.
Do You Have This Gift? ï When someone speaks in tongues do you understand
them? ï Do you get a word from God when someone
else is speaking in tongues? ï Has your ability to interpret tongues been
confirmed by other similar translations?
Cautions ï Your interpretation will always glorify
God and confirm the Bible. Donít speak out things that contradict the Bible in any way.
ï Donít assume that you have the right to speak up in a meeting when you have an interpretation,
it needs to be done in an orderly manner at the right time.
ï Take care not to spice up an interpretation with
your own words, say it as it comes to you even if it doesnít make sense to you at the time.
So now you are full of the Holy Spirit with the same power that raised Jesus from the
dead and you are gifted with many gifts. What are you going to do with it? Is it just for
two hours on Sunday morning or can you use your gifts in your job?
We, the Church, think we can make an impact by setting up soup kitchens to help the poor.
But there is little discussion of setting up businesses which can create jobs, providing
people with paid work so that they can eat soup in their own kitchen.
Dr David Landrum, Director of Advocacy at the UK Evangelical Alliance, says; "Our most
hurting and broken communities in the UK need Kingdom oriented businesses. When we talk about justice, restoration, and renewal
of these communities, on the most practical level, alongside sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ, we
are talking about jobs and employment. If we want
to see transformed lives, we need to see business as mission - and take
a lead."