So, What’s Gone Wrong?

So, why don’t all God’s people actively, effectively and enthusiastically participate in the world Christian movement?

Is God no longer as generous in giving visions, dreams and prophecies to ALL His people? Has He become more selective over the generations? Has Jesus waned in His enthusiasm to disciple ALL nations? Has the Holy Spirit indeed ceased to work miracles as some theologians have suggested?

Well, none of the above! But if it was dependent totally on God, we would have reasonable grounds to question in such a way! The fact is, something has changed, for we don’t see today what we see recorded in the Book of Acts. At least not to the same extent, where the whole Church was involved in sharing the gospel, extending the kingdom and making Jesus known in regions beyond.

If we take a quick look at what God’s people might need, in order to be mobilized in such a way, we might come up with something like the following:

  • Empowering of the Holy Spirit
  • Spiritual/ministry gifts
  • Nurturing and discipling
  • Guidance and direction
  • Equipping and training
  • Prayer and encouragement
  • Discipline and correction
  • Care and support

Of these eight points which is God directly responsible for?

How many did you come up with?

The answer cannot possibly be all eight It becomes quickly apparent that God has delegated many of these responsibilities to His Church.

According to Paul (Eph 4:11-13), the ascension ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were given by Jesus, as gifts to His Church, for the express purpose of equipping God’s people for works of service!

If God doesn’t change and is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) then the deficiency must be in the equipping of God’s people!

What do you think?