17.What are the "gifts" that the ascended Christ gave to men?

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherd-teachers.

It is our understanding that the ascended Christ gives these gifts of ministry during every generation. There always is a need for apostles. There always is a need for prophets, for evangelists, and for pastors and teachers. There are apostles and prophets today. However, the names of the "twelve apostles of the Lamb" are in the foundations of the wall of the new Jerusalem. The original twelve Apostles (we assume that Paul was the twelfth, in the place of Judas) occupy a place of distinction in the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:14).

The fact that Barnabas is termed an apostle in the Book of Acts opens the door for there to be more apostles given to the Body of Christ, although they may not occupy the same high place of distinction that is true of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Acts 14:14).

There definitely were teachers and prophets in the early churches (Acts 13:1).

An apostle is a person who is sent by Christ to perform a specific work among a specific people, as Paul was appointed to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. The witness and the teachings of an apostle are of benefit to all the members of the Body of Christ. We think that Watchman Nee of China would be an example of an apostle of modern times.

A prophet is a Christian who has a strong perception of the current burden of the Spirit of God and is able to declare his burden authoritatively to the churches. Every believer may prophesy, but some of the saints possess a gift of prophecy that distinguishes them in the Body as a prophet. David Wilkerson, the author of The Vision, is speaking today as a prophet to the Body of Christ.

An evangelist travels throughout the land announcing the Good News of salvation through Christ. Billy Graham is the best known evangelist of recent years.

Shepherds and teachers are Christian people whose callings and gifts equip them to work with believers as they begin to grow into strong members of the Body of Christ. After an individual receives Christ he should become part of a group of believers that is watched over and taught by experienced elders who minister to the flock the Word of God.

In the days in which we are living it is difficult for most Christian people to make much progress by themselves. Interaction with fellow believers is essential to healthy growth into sainthood.

The Christian who attempts to be a disciple by himself is almost certain to fall into deception no matter how pure his intentions may be. Christ has placed specific ministries and gifts in His Body. Each ministry is vitally necessary.

The believer who does not place himself in a position where he can receive from and contribute to a body of believers that is under the spiritual authority of godly elders, almost certainly will fall short of his proper place in the Kingdom of God.

Sometimes it is impossible for a disciple to have fellowship with other fervent believers. In that instance, God will help. But it is a dangerous condition.

The days of the unwalled Paradise are over. The days when an individual Christian can do what is right in his own eyes are over. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and the Kingdom of God is a realm of authority. The believer who resists that authority, choosing instead to live in his own little realm, will be deceived and destroyed by the enemy.

The wall is being built around the spiritual Jerusalem today, and only those inside the wall will be able to stand. Let him who has "ears" hear what the Spirit is saying to him.

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