REAPERS AND GATHERERS SHALL REJOICE TOGETHER
Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
John 4:36 "And he that
reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that
both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."
This scripture
underscores the purpose of the born again Christian on earth : we are expected
to use our God-given skills, talents, experiences and resources as instruments
for winning of souls into God's kingdom. There are no exemptions to this divine
call. The scriptures says in 1cor 7:17 "But as God hath distributed to
every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. ..."
Start from
where you are , you must not wait until you have been to a bible school, though
that is important in sharpening teaching skills. Paul started preaching
immediately after his conversion experience
(Acts9:20) remember, it is God working through you, Philippians 2:13 AMP says "[Not in your
own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you
[energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work
for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." and 1Cor 7:24says "Brethren,
let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." The repentant drug dealer should reach out to
drug dealers , same with the sex worker,
politicians, militant, kidnapper, rapist, mechanic, shoe maker, fashion
designer, makeup specialist, taxi driver, sales person, businessman etc. scriptures are better appreciated coming from persons we can relate to.
Soul winning is
like fishing, a fresh water fisherman
may drown with his little canoe while trying to engage in deep-sea
fishing. In acts 10, Jesus sent
Cornelius to Peter because of the latter's experience with the military during
Jesus last days of ministry . Apostle Paul after his conversion was sent
to Ananias a teacher of the word who was
in Syria, where Paul was trained. We do not select our teachers, God does
.Jer.3:15 "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which
shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding." Knowledge and understanding are indispensable in
eliminating instability and fear. Instability and fear is proof we have not found the pastor assigned to us.
God is committed to preserving those committed to
missionary work; missionaries are rewarded for their work: this could be in
form of promotions, bonuses, security, health, gifts, relationships etc. this
requires using our resources : teachers
of God’s word are expected to have gainful employment and businesses to avoid
being a liability to many . Apostle Paul was a tent maker (Acts 18: 3) Peter was a fisherman and at one
time used this to pay bills for the ministry ( Matthew 17:27) Missionaries are expected to play active roles
in contributions for the needy (Acts 20:34-35 ) “ .. It is more blessed to give
than to receive."
Just as there are no part-time sinners, there
is no such thing as a ‘part time’ preacher of the gospel; you are either one or not. Being
engaged in business or having gainful employment
does not diminish the anointing of the Holy Ghost .The preacher who sells books
and messages for a fee is as much as a businessman as the tomato seller. If a
ministry isn't generating sufficient funds to meet its need then the ministers
should work to maintain integrity. Pastors and teachers are compensated for their
work (.1Tim.5: 17 -18,1Cor.9:6-9,1cor.9:13, John4:35,Matt.9:37,38,) The lord
has ordained that preachers of the gospel should be supported by those they minister to
(1cor.9:13,14,Gal.6:6) we are partners
in the harvest of souls and rewarded by the lord ; your labour shall not be in
vain Hebrew 6:10 says "For God is
not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed
toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do
minister."
Prayer : Heavenly ,Father , forgive me of my sins ,i believe
Jesus died and was raised for my
salvation ,I make a commitment to spread the gospel of your kingdom with signs
and wonders following in Jesus name.
Prayer/counseling +2348098536911 +2348035536911
Email :Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.compics credit ;pixabay
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