The following Scripture is from Ephesians 4:4-13. First, the Apostle Paul declares unity in God and calls for unity in the assembly of God (ekklesia – Strong’s G1577);
“[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.”Here, Paul makes the interesting statement that Jesus, apparently after His death on the Cross, descended to the lower parts of earth, and then ascended far above all heavens. And when Jesus ascended on high, He gave gifts to mankind;
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, ‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”Then Paul describes the gifts given by the Lord Jesus;
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”Finally, Paul tells the reason for these gifts;
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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 fullness of Christ:”Have we become perfect? Is the work of the ministry complete? Does the body of Christ no longer need edifying? Are we in unity of faith, and of the knowledge of Jesus?
The answer to these questions is obvious. The answer is NO! Then why do some insist that these gifts have ceased? Every one of these gifts is possible, and needed, today. The definition of apostle (apostolos Strong's G652) from Thayer's Greek Lexicon; a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. This is possible today.
PLEASE do not deny the power of the living God and His son, Jesus. “ … grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
If I am correct in my understanding that the Spirit of God will move upon the Believers again on some future Day of Pentecost, as stated by the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:17-21), most, if not all, of the above gifts will occur.
If I am wrong, which would not be surprising, please do not deny the power and authority of the One whose name is above all names, Jesus Messiah! The Lord does as He wills, to the glory, honor and praise of His name. And may His will be done, for ever and ever. Amen.