A building stands strong on the foundation, but for it to carry the load, the pillars are more important, without which the structure cannot hold good. Similarly in our Christian life Jesus is the foundation of all the Spiritual walk, he conquered death and has victory over everything. After which he established pillars for the works of the Service in this world.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) 'So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. '
What are these Five Pillars Jesus established for us ? “Christ himself Gave us Apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers”
In this writing we will learn what these Five pillars mean at a brief, why did God establish them and purpose for them ? what are we called to do ?
When we call as Christ followers we are recognised as Christians in the world, but spiritually we are a part of Christ body in his church. For the Chruch to Grow further he has given Five pillars “The Apostles”, “The prophets” , “The evangelists” , “The pastors and teachers” these five pillars are to be built from the Body of Christ, its not for someone outside who will build this pillars..
The Apostles
Webster Definition of Apostle is “one sent on a mission”
Anyone who matures to realisethat the Holy Spirit dwells inside him and believes it in heart and mind “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” then he has the mindset of Apostle 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (NIV) 'Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. '
You need to have the Faith that Christ is resurrected, and he is living in you, and he has given you the holy spirit, all that you do is done by the Spirit of God.
Paul was an Apostle of Jesus ~ He gives his testimony of how he became an apostle
Galatians 1:11-12,15,17-19 'I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. '
Like the word says “Christ himself gave the Apostle” - here Paul testifies us “that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ”
God gives this gift with his Grace “who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace” its not only for Paul, we also have the Same Grace working today as well. God is desiring us to grab them and use them for his Glory. If you have the mindset that You are the body of Christ and in his Holy spirit you are being lead and doing things according to his will, we can be guided to become the apostles in Christ.
God’s Grace is the same what was given to Paul, its the same to us well, We are to be separated from the World and live for the Body of Christ, if we live a life thats for both, we live a adulterous life we become against God and will fall off the Grace, fall off from his will for us . James 4:4 (NIV) 'You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. '
The Prophets
Basically, a prophet is a “mouthpiece” of God — Exodus 7:1-2 'Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. '
Yes, God speaks through prophets — Hebrews 1:1-2 'In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. '
Lets look Prophecy of Balaam - Description of a Prophet - Numbers 24:2-4’ When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: '
One who eyes sees clearly, One who hears the word of God, One who sees a vision from Almighty and When he sees that he falls prostrate and whose eyes are opened
Jeremiah the prophet
Jeremiah 15:16-17 (NIV) 'When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation
(indignation ~ சினம் மற்றும் அதிர்ச்சி; மனக்கொதிப்பு) '
The chief task of the Prophets was to bring the Word of God to their own generation, rather than to forecast events 1000 or 2000 years hence — i.e. more of “forth-telling” than “foretelling” Accordingly, their emphasis —
Foretelling is the proclamation of events in the future as unveiled by the Almighty, with a focus on God’s kingdom
To forth-tell (forth-telling) is to speak forth, disclose anything that can only be revealed through divine inspiration; proclaim the supernatural will, explain God’s plans, or publicly announce in any manner the message of God intended to influence humanity. Prophets are the only ones who can discover and explain it.
forth-telling - Amos stresses the justice of God Amos 5:15;24, 6:12 Amos 5:14-15 'Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. '
God wants to give the ability to share his messages with everyday people like us, as long as we follow His guidance. He doesn't only reserve this gift for people in the Old Testament. He's open to making new prophets, and it's our responsibility, as part of his body, to seek his guidance and determine if he wants to empower us with this prophetic spirit.
The Evangelists
The initial pair of apostles and prophets are focused on introducing and explaining the Word.
evangelists and pastor-teachers-are concerned with applying the Word to individual lives.
The evangelist deals with the beginning of Christian life
God's Spirit creates the "newborn," but the evangelist has the privilege of seeing him or her birthed into the Kingdom of God
Evangelists are much like obstetricians, helping to bring new Christians into the world.
These men / women in essences function as missionaries, taking the good news far and wide, planting churches, but turning the church over to the edifying work of pastor-teachers and moving on to other fields that are fresh to harvest.
There were some early missionaries who did this work in India, by which we are Christians.
Saint Thomas the Apostle: Tradition holds that Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, came to India and played a vital role in the early spread of Christianity in the region.
William Carey: Known as the "Father of Modern Missions," Carey arrived in India in 1793 and is credited with establishing the Serampore Mission and translating the Bible into numerous Indian languages.
Mother Teresa: Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun, dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick in India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, which operates in various countries.
The Pastors-Teachers
Pastors are like shepherds for a church, and they carry the important role of leading and guiding the church members.
Church pastors are meant to lead by example, not as authoritative figures. When they practice what they preach by following the Word, they inspire others to do the same. But if they don't practice what they teach, they lose their authority.
Pastors' authority comes from their spiritual connection, and if they lose that connection, they also lose their authority. Their right to lead isn't based on their position but on their personal relationship with God and the gifts they have.
Teaching pastors are similar to doctors for the spiritual health of Christians. They ensure a good "spiritual diet," address "spiritual illnesses," and encourage plenty of "spiritual activity." They play a role in the growth of believers' faith.
The pastor-teacher is like a mason who shapes a stone and puts it in the right spot in the building following the architect's plan.
Purpose of these Five Pillars in Christendom
Ephesians 4:13 'until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. '
1) Christ is the Head and Foundation of this pillar
If you notice “The” in all these five pillars. “The Apostles”, “The prophets” , “The evangelists” , “The pastors and teachers”
“The” Strength of them comes from “Christ himself “
All these Five pillars are given to work to his glory, nothing to gain personal. It's to edify God. Ephesians 4:11 ”…build the Body of Christ ~”Church”
2) Unity of Faith in Christ - Reach the Ephesians 4:13 “..unity in the faith in Christ” -
The faith that Paul talks about here isn't about believing or obeying; it's about the body of Christian teachings and doctrine.
Paul's talks on this message to Corinth Church: Church disunity occurs when people lack understanding and spiritual growth. When believers receive proper teaching, engage in service, and grow spiritually, unity in faith naturally follows. Fellowship can only be genuine when it's based on shared beliefs. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV) 'By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. '
3) Knowledge of Son of God - Ephesians 4:13 “in the knowledge of the Son of God”
God’s knowledge is a mystery, no one has completely understood or can understand this. Its his grace that sets us to know more.
Paul calls his knowledge of God thru Grace of God thru Revelation from Christ himself. Which was kept away for Other Generations to know. Ephesians 3:2-6 'Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. '
This is a wonderful part of growing in your faith. Don't be disheartened because gaining a deeper understanding of God's Son takes a lifetime and won't be finished until we meet Him in person. Keep moving forward!. Paul explains this better with his experience Ephesians 3:7,10-11 (NIV) 'I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. '
4) Mature us from Babes to Mature adults Ephesians 4:13 “…become mature”
“Become Mature” means we mature from Babes to mature Adults, to have the characters like an Apostle / Prophet / Evangelist or a Pastor / Teacher
Jesus wants us all to receive the five pillar, but he will choose what to give based on our desires and strength, We may see some good in evangelism, We may see some good in teaching, we may see some in praying and prophecy. Its his plan / will for each of us in the body of Christ..
All done so that we are in fullness in Christ, when we complete our race and go to him, we know the fullness of Christ and we are clothed with his holy being to be used in Heaven according to his purpose of Creation.
5) Protection from the Last Days -
Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming
There are Counterfeit Christian's like how Paul experienced - 2 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV) 'I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. '
There are Counterfeit Gospel like how Paul warned for Church of Galatians Galatians 1:8 (NIV) 'But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! '
There are Counterfeit ministers of Gospel 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NIV) 'And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. '
There is going to be a Counterfeit Doctrines 1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV) 'The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. '
All these counterfeits will end with the appearance of a Counterfeit Christ - The AntiChrist who will accept satan worship and the service of the whole world
2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 'And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. '
Revelation 13:8 (NIV) 'All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. '
The last days we will not have any Bible to read or don’t know if we can pray even as the days of AntiChrist will be there.. God’s plan is to ensure we are strong in his knowledge and not caught by the false teachers and led ashtray.
As we live in last days, lets hear what God has to say and return to him and be part of his Body to fulfill his will. We need to step forward to come near, he will remove our inequities and make us better and give his Grace.
James 4:8-10 (NIV) 'Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. '
The word says it clear, it's for us to act.
Revelation 3:21-22 (NIV) ' To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”'