Ephesians 4:11-16 Have you ever thought that perhaps the reason that people spend so much time in arguing about what the Bible means in some obscure passage is so that they won't have to get down and begin living the truth that they do know. I've heard folks spend more time trying to figure out where Cain got his wife then learning how to love one another as Christ loved us. Or figuring out what happened to the dinosaurs instead of how to reach the lost for Christ. The offices that God provided (listed in Eph. 4:11) were given to prepare the church body to do the work that God has called them to do. The goal is unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and His character being demonstrated both individually and collectively. The secret is to begin to do what you know to do. As you go, questions will come up. As they do, ask God, search the Word (Bible) ask for counsel, ask God again and then begin doing what He shows you to do. Never let what you don't understand keep you from doing what you do understand. Telling God what He ought to do or that something is not fair is not only futile but damaging to our faith. We don't know all the facts or what He has planned. If we trust Him, He will work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Rom 8:28. We don't need to try to defend God or His Word, they have, can, and will stand in their own defense. Don't get caught up in arguments over strange teachings. Know who you believe and what you believe and daily seek to live in it. Always speak the truth in love to lift up Christ and promote the unity and wellbeing of the Body of Christ - the church. Rom. 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: . . ."

Time to Grow Up