THE MINISTRY OF HELPS
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, HELPS, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Co 12:28
HELPS is a seafaring term that refers to the practice of under girding a ship with HELPS; that is, by passing four or five turns of cable-laid rope round the hull or frame of the ship to enable her to resist the violence of the seas.
THE MINISTRY OF HELPS can be compared that custom of the sea. It is giving aid, assistance and help in various ways as it is needed to support the body of Christ. In the early church, men and women illustrate with their lives the MINISTRY OF HELPS. Here are a few examples from the past:
PHEBE
“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” Romans 16:1-2
PRISCILLA AND AQUILLA
"Greet Priscilla, and Aquilla, my "helpers" in Christ Jesus;" Romans 16:3
URBANE
“Salute Urbane our helper in Christ;" 1 Cor 12:9
THE NEPHEW OF PAUL
“And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Acts 23:12 … And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.” Acts23:!6
The nephew exposing the plot and giving his testimony to the chief captain of the centurions saved the apostle Paul’s life!
TABITHA who is also called DORCAS
“Dorcas lived in Joppa. She was “full of good works” which included making clothes for the poor. While Peter was in the neighboring town of Lydda she died. The disciples at Joppa sent an urgent message to the apostle begging him to come to them without delay. Upon his arrival, Peter found her already prepared for burial, and laid out in an upper chamber, where she was surrounded by the recipients and the tokens of her charity.
After the example of Jesus in the house of Jarirus, “Peter put them all forth” prayed for the divine assistance, and then commanded Tabitha to arise. She opened her eyes and sat up. And then assisted by the apostle, rose from her couch.
This great miracle, as we are further told, produced an extraordinary effect in Joppa and was the occasion of many conversions there.” Edited and revised from Bible Dictionary by William Smith.
THE MINISTRY OF HELPS TODAY
HELPS aids and supports the body of Christ. It never strengthens the hands of the wicked rebellious people of this world. HELPS is a talent that must not be buried.*
Donna Kupp
*
Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat 25:26
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
dk
