Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Ephesians 4

As Paul writes the Ephesians, he reminds them of the structure and organization of the Church as well as the purpose of the Church, first teaching -

"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers..." (New Testament | Ephesians 4:11)

Then explaining the very purpose of Church organizations and callings -

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 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..." (New Testament | Ephesians 4:12 - 13)

I would submit that purpose has not yet been fulfilled in that the saints are still striving toward "perfect [men], unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ". And thus this Church organization is still needed so -

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" (New Testament | Ephesians 4:14 - 15)

Therefore Paul counseled -

I THEREFORE, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation [or calling] wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love..." (New Testament | Ephesians 4:1 - 2)

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (New Testament | Ephesians 4:32)