Graham Young Ordination

Introduction

Though it is appropriate to speak in terms of being called to the ministry I believe it would be be more fitting and understandeable if we used the word aspired.

Calling gives the idea of the end of the path. Aspire speaks to the beginning of the path.

Graham has aspired and we have recognized his desire for ministry, seen him meet the qualifications for pastoral and church planting ministry, and today with his friends and family we affirm what he has told us God has placed in his heart.

Ephesians 3:1–6 (KJV 1900)

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Revelation 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The Mystery 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

What is the mystery?

Mystery is a truth that has been concealed but now by revelation has been revealed. v.5

Mystery is given in v. 6 / like the Hidden Lake Billboards

It is in and by Christ Jesus we are brought near Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Paul had stewardship of the Gospel

The gospel is the greatest power known to humankind because it alone can transform from death to life.

How was it revealed?

not revealed in the same way in other generations Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The Old Testament foresaw this. Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Revealed but not in the same manners. Genesis 12:2-3 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Salvation would be unto the ends of the earth Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, That thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

How important is reading?

Graham takes reading very seriously. As he should.

Paul told them they should know his stewardship of this mystery by his writing. Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Application

Yes, Graham keep reading. Teach others to read.

We do not read your writing to understanding of the mystery. However, we have read your life and we perceive that you understand the mystery and have the responsibility to show to others what has been revealed to you.