5BSE4: the Apostolic Ministry

The Introduction for this sermon series can be found in the sermon "Diversity IN Unity," in the Ephesians series. But here, we examine the first of five ministries named by the Apostle Paul in Eph. 4:11 - the Apostolic ministry. Because some denominational groups have laid claim to the term, "apostolic," Pastor Trevor clarifies that the term here is being used in the generic, Greek and biblical sense that Paul intended it. Simply stated, apostles are the "sent ones;" the leg of the church that is mobilized and authorized by Jesus to establish a Gospel witness in places where there isn't one, or to provide oversight to a broad area. This includes foreign missionaries, church planters, and denominational leaders. The sermon basically highlights the spiritual gifts which would most accompany mission-work, and the natural strengths and weaknesses of people whom God has designed for this type of ministry. Because miraculous activity is a common part of mission-work, Trevor includes within this discussion a mini-sermon on miracles, and their part in God's mission.