The Church: Infected or Perfected
by Rev. Lorraine D. Coconato

"Quarantine, enter at your own risk", was posted on the intensive care unit of Huntington Hospital. The door shielded the life, the bed and the fragility of Mary's diagnosis of "hepatitis", an infectious disease that could affect anyone who came in direct contact with her until she was deemed "recovered". Our family was advised by her doctor to get inoculated against the infection which, untreated, could be life threatening.

The human body, intricately created by our Lord, when healthy, is capable of fighting off a myriad of infectious diseases. But, when in a weakened state, the body becomes vulnerable to diseases, infection and destruction. A weakened immune system can cause ultimate death. Likewise, this is the plan of the enemy who desires to infect the Body of Christ with illness and disorders that bring sickness, decay and ultimate extinction.

God's "booster" shot against infection is prescribed in Ephesians 4:11. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers." Though, oftentimes, the ecclesiastical offices of pastor and teacher are merged into one, I believe that the Word of the Lord clearly states five offices, five smooth stones, living stones, that can individually and together slay "giants".

Recalling the shepherd boy, David and his miraculous aim toward Goliath's head, we must realize that the Lord trusted him to slay the giant with a smooth stone and the propulsion of a sling!

1 Sam. 16:12 designates David as God's choice to reign instead of Saul, the people's choice. The young lad, anointed by the prophet Samuel was called to kingship (rulership) and the priesthood (worship). We, too, are called to be a holy priesthood, a royal nation. Today, we can walk in the same authority and power that King David exemplified!

After shepherding for many years, David began his public ministry as a skillful musician, a harpist, who played melodies unto the Lord, delivering King Saul from a distressing spirit. He was then challenged with the Philistine's giant, Goliath, a hulk of a man, who invited a warrior from the Israeli battalion to fight him. The winner of this match would lord over the losing army.

In David's youthful exuberance, he determined to stand against the uncircumcised Philistine, Goliath. He had fought a bear and a lion and prevailed. Who was this enemy who had defied the armies of the Living God? (1 Sam. 17:36)

Released by Saul's word, David took 5 smooth stones, power washed from the brook (santified, defined and refined) in his shepherd's bag and a single sling, intending to kill the giant. All human reasoning declared this feat "impossible' but in the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible with God. In the name of the Lord of hosts, David prophesied the Giant's demise and pierced his forehead with one smooth stone! The giant fell and was no more! (1 Sam. 17:45)

It wouldn't have mattered which one of the stones David used. Any of the 5 would have killed the giant, for the stones were the Lord's and the battle was the Lord's!

Why did Jesus give the Church the 5 fold ministry? Eph. 4:12 gives the answer, "for the perfecting (equipping) of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. How, then, can the Church be perfected, stand up against the giants, edify and build His kingdom without the complementary gifts of all five offices? These offices, God given, God breathed, acts like antibiotics act on the human body. They are chosen, prepared and fortified by God to keep infection from seeping into the Body. All five offices need to be in operation in order for the Body to be healthy and equipped to stand against the giants of our age. (Eph. 6:12)

The choice is ours! Will we be the Church perfected or infected?

Lord, thank You, that in Your omnipotence, You have designated five offices to equip Your people to run the race. You are no respecter of persons. You are not gender prejudiced, nor ethnic prejudiced. All who have heeded Your call, walk in consecration and revere Your Name are able to slay giants. Restore the five-fold ministry to all Churches that lift up Your Name. We repent, Lord, for avoiding and refusing your gifts. Help us to receive those that you have anointed and appointed to rule. Let all be done in decency and in order, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

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