Ephesians 4:10-11

"He Who descended is the [very] same as He Who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest)." Ephesians 4:10

This is the "summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth", that Paul was referring to in Eph 1:10. The power and presence of Christ fills all the universe and all things. You and I manifest His power and reveal His presence. As we are guided by His Holy Spirit, the body... The church... You and I... the dwelling of God in the Spirit, we come into (find) our gifts to minister to that body. As the body is ministered in all the ways our special gifts each offer, there is unity, spiritual growth, deeper understanding of God's Love. The unity is defined by a spirit of love for God and for one another. This verse also sums up what was said in Eph 1:20-23.

11. "And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers."

Paul lists five gifts given for ministering to the body of Christ. The first three of these - apostles, prophets and evangelists - we find from examples in the New Testament as travelers who were preaching wherever they found the opportunity and were stirred by God's Spirit. The last two - pastors and teachers - were always attached to some congregation or location.

I believe there are plenty of scripture to support that: While we each "should" be looking for - or, forward to - our gifts from Christ, we "must" FIRST seek His Kingdom (the King) and He "will" give us each our assignment (gift) in His Kingdom! Amen? John 15:5, 8, 16, 1 Cor 3:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 2 Cor 5:10. Then, we will carry out Christ's Kingdom work as "He" expands "His" Kingdom in "His" power and for "His" glory. Amen? It's... The Will Of God... and NOT of our own... Very important!

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 4:12 next time.

I love you.