In attempting to compare the Hebrews building bricks, without straw, to our building the body of Christ, without the Spirit, apparently I was confusing. I apologize.

Hopefully this will clarify.

Pharoah, supplied what was needed to make solid, usable bricks. When he denied the straw, the job proved almost impossible.

The new bricks lacked, substance, strength, and took forever to complete.

In building the body of Christ, if we do not employ the tools given us, by the Lord.

Our results lack substance, (words that engage), strength, (the power, to change lives). We will work and see little result, (few souls reached).

We must use the tools the Lord gave us, I believe we need to start with the Ministry Gifts from Ephesians 4.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV)

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

The end product, the goal, the purpose of these gifts, is for:

~ perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry,

~ to edify the body,

~ to bring all to Unity of the faith.

~ to bring all to the Knowledge of Christ,

~ to bring us to perfection in Christ,

~ we become or equal Christ’s stature.

To have a healthy growing body, all of these Gifts must be available to the body.

In my Bricks 1, I wrote of the Apostles. I believe God raises up Apostles to build his Church.

They have been given a Truth, from the Word, that was not recognized before them.

Wheather, it was, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, or more recently Derstine, Oral Roberts, or Joel Osteen.

These folks recieved a revelation from God, shared this truth and ended up starting a Denomination that follows their teaching, or interpretation of the Word.

Apostles are alive and well, doing the work of God today, We see this in the non-denominational churches that are growing all over our country.

This is New Wine, we need to be sure it lines up with the Word, then reject our non-biblical, beliefs and press toward the mark of the high calling of God.

The problem is we Worship, and follow the old revelation, that man, and not the Lord.

I am a Baptist, Methodist, Church of God.

When in reality, we put more stock in the Denominations understanding of the Word, then what the Bible, actually says.

The second gift, was Prophets. They are called to help the Apostle complete the work, he started.

There are many mentions of Prophets and Prophecy in the Bible. It’s purpose has both changed and stayed the same, over the years.

Franklin Graham is probably the best known Prophet today.

Deuteronomy 18:18
“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

As the prophets were rejected by the Religious, the Holy, the Learned, so are they today

Matthew 10:41
“He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.”

The Reward is a new understanding of the Lord, and a closer more intimate walk with Him.

We must be open to grow, to recognize and accept the truth of the Gospel.

Then we will have, Power, Love and Grace, in our lives to share with others.

The Prophets words today, as in the past are to encourage, exhort, and direct us, to God.

Select verses from 1 Corinthians 14:

1 Corinthians 14:

3. “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”

12. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”

32. “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

37. “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order.”

We must be ZEALOUS, in seeking the Spiritual Gifts. The Gifts of Apostles and Prophets, need to be allowed in our services.

Next stop Evangelists.