29 June 2017

WE MUST LEARN TO FEED OURSELVES DAILY

By John Ollis

The thoughts I want to share with you today flow out of yesterday’s blog  which had a challenging title but was really all about  learning to regularly and systematically read and  meditate on the Word of God.  A common reason we hear from people who leave a  church is because “WE WERE NOT BEING FED”. The put all the blame at the feet of the Ministry.

IS IT THE ROLE OF THE MINISTRY TO FEED THE SHEEP?

I want to highlight two Scriptures where the word “feed” is used. I have mentioned many times the challenge I received when I heard Rev. Frank Damazio teach from John 21:15-17. In the older translations we see the word feed in verses 15 & 17 which has been translated from the Greek word Bosko and the etymology of the word is far more to do with Discipleship and Mentoring. What I shared yesterday is an important aspect of this truth, that Discipleship MUST  include an essential component of teaching and training the new believer on HOW TO FEED HIMSELF.

In 1 Peter 5:2 again we  read in the older translations  “feed the flock of God” the Greek word is Poimaino and as we see in the AMP. translation it is better translated Shepherd, meaning to  tend, care, guide and fold the flock of God. Again we see the picture of Discipling and caring for God’s people.
I thank God for the  wonderful truth that Jesus have given 5 Ministry Gifts to the Church, that of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor & Teacher and their function is God’s intention for the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people) that they should do the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body the Church Eph. 4:12 AMP
When we go to church on a Sunday morning (for example) we expect and anticipate we will hear a great teaching that should bless, encourage and challenge us. but we cannot live on one sermon a week, But MUST LEARN TO FEED OURSELVES. God’s Word is the “Bread of Life” , God’s banqueting table,  He wants us to be” fat and flourishing” we cannot have too much of God’s Word,    Remember the awesome truth.

SIN WILL KEEP YOU FROM THIS BOOK, BUT THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU FROM SIN.

So I want to encourage you the pray regularly “LORD INCREASE MY HUNGER FOR YOUR WORD” and help me to feed myself on it EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, amen