KEY SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:28 ” And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues”.

“The ministry of helps” is an important aspect of the church of God. The Apostle Paul spoke about the household of Stephanus in 1st Corinthians 16:15 as follows: “I beseech you brethren (ye know the house of Stephanus, that it is the first fruits of Achaia and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints”. These brethren were given over to help the saints. They showed hospitality to the saints, providing for their needs, and they also attended and assisted the Apostles in their journeys. These brethren were simply helpers of the church.

A lot would be achieved in the body of Christ if there were many of the children of God who would addict themselves to serving the body of Christ as the household of Stephanus did. In Luke 8:3, the Bible spoke about certain women who used their substances or money to support the ministry of our Lord Jesus. The Lord had to take care of all the disciples, including their wives and children. He, therefore, needed to be supported by others. In the ministry of help, brethren who are financially blessed play a great part. In Acts 4:36, we learn about Joses, who was surnamed. Barnabas by the apostles. He was a great man who supported many. His name, Barnabas, meant the son of consolation. He was the one who stood by Apostle Paul in the early days and years of his conversion. Most brethren were afraid of him yet in Acts 9:27 the Bible said “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way and that he had spoken to him…..” Indeed Barnabas was of great strength to him.

This ministry of help is an aspect in that many children of God can play a part in making the body of Christ stronger. Praying for one another, and looking out for needs in the life of fellow brethren and those outside the church are all part of this ministry of help. In Acts 9:25, some Jews waited at the city gate to attack and kill Paul. But some brethren put him in a basket and let him down over the city wall to save his life.

The brethren who helped Apostle Paul escape did not know they were saving the life of a man who would write about half of the New Testament message. You have no idea that the young boy or girl you are assisting today will become the next mighty evangelist in the future.

There are some who have been taken advantage of by certain individuals, including some pastors. Seek the leading of the Spirit before helping certain individuals. I believe that as you associate with people you would know the true nature of certain brethren. Just allow the Spirit of God to lead you.

CONFESSION

Father, I commit my life to lifting, i support all in various challenges and difficulties so they may fulfil their call mandate.

FURTHER STUDIES.

Acts 9:25.” Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket”.

Luke 8:3. ” And Joanna, the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.