Matthew recorded in our Lord Jesus sending his twelve disciples empowering them with the gift of miracles and healing – Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

It is notable to observe these gifts were given to authenticate the gospel message that men everywhere may repent – Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

The church is the ground and pillar of truth. The oracles of God is entrusted to the church. The Old and New Testament Scriptures represent the voice of God to the world. The church has the responsibility to learn it and live it so that the world may see and find the way to God. The teachers have the godly duty to impart the truth so that the people of God may imbibe it. It is a sacred mandate.

Spiritual Preparation for Hard Times (7)

Psalm 119:145-176 (KJV)

145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. 150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. 151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

William MacDonald observed well, “The apostle now gives us another list of gifts. None of these lists is to be considered as complete. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles. The word first indicates that not all are apostles. The twelve were men who had been commissioned by the Lord as His messengers. They were with Him during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21, 22) and, with the exception of Judas, saw Him after His resurrection (Acts 1:2, 3, 22).”

Acts 20:25-38 (KJV)
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

William MacDonald said well, “… if we see another Christian honoured, we should not feel jealous, but we should rejoice with him.”

There is a sense that the members of Christ’s body love the prosperity of the other members. It is understood principally that God distributes spiritual gifts sovereignly according to His good will and wisdom. As such members are at peace because they submit to the common wisdom that God knows better. As such, there is a willingness to submit to God’s wisdom.