Continuing the theme of how Darkness and Light relate to the authority structure of the Body of Messiah, Rabbi Steve Berkson starts this episode in Ephesians chapter four. At the beginning of this chapter the apostle Paul calls himself a “prisoner of the Master.” Rabbi Berkson stops at this to slow down and look at why Paul would refer to himself in that way.
In the same verse Paul uses the phrase, “to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called.” Rabbi Berkson points out that this could be unsettling to some in other “faith-based” groups who believe once saved-always saved, and that there’s nothing else to do or add to the “work of Messiah.” So, why is worthiness brought into the conversation here?
Yahweh has a vision of how his creation should work. Paul understood this as he penned his letters to the assemblies and referred to himself as a “prisoner.” Rabbi Berkson goes into length and depth about the problem with how some groups have taken on Yah’s vision and either co-opted or usurped the vision. This is a topic you will not hear discussed anywhere else, but is extremely vital to the growth of the Body of Messiah.
Rabbi Berkson takes this thought and transitions to the focus of this teaching, the “Five-Fold Ministry”–apostles (emissaries), prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. He refers to these anointed/appointed representatives as “Guardians of the Vision” and goes into a bit of depth in describing the roles of each position.
• What does “leading astray” mean? Rabbi Berkson explains what that can look like.
Winding up this teaching, Rabbi Berkson speaks comfort and assurance to you regarding the hope, not a guarantee, in the salvation that is provided to you for the coming age.
Once again, Rabbi Steve Berkson delves deeper into scripture to uncover even more dimensions of Darkness and Light.
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