He Gifts Us

We are a connected world!

We have learned this truth more so these past couple months than we ever would have dreamed of.

Right now we are connected, albeit virtually, in 6 different ways: in person, on our website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Vimeo. Some are seeing me face to face, others from a phone, tablet, computer, tv or other electronic device.

Spiritual thoughts/questions are being asked.

People are seeking answers in these moments.

Our why: to help people love God and love others. Love God: heart, soul, MIND, and strength.

This is why a share on social media, the phone call to a neighbor, etc. can be so powerful. Write a note and send it.

Relationships are powerful in providing answers.

As we get into 1 Corinthians 12 this morning we see these chapters come out of questions and the relationship Paul had with the church.

The church is not perfect.

We must always remember this truth. There have never been any perfect church nor will there ever be, until we get to glory. The church is capable of great love, help and healing of brokenness. However, it is also capable of great corruption, injustice and creator of tremendous brokenness.

The church needs to grow.

I am not talking about numerical growth here. I am talking about Spiritual growth in our understanding of who Jesus is. A growth which will lead to depth of understanding Scripture. Growing in a way where we learn from our collective past mistakes and seek out how to best live in this “new” world we are int.

It all starts with: Jesus is Lord.

A simple yet complex statement.

The Spirit gives gifts.

This is one of His primary job descriptions. This passage also points to the great reality of the Trinity. Once again in our study of the Holy Spirit we are faced with the foundation of the Trinity.

The gifts are expressions of grace.

This is the essence of the word Paul uses here: charisma, charismata. Though I believe our natural abilities can help explain the Spirit’s gifting, it appears that because of grace I cannot produce it on my own.

Everyone has received a gift.

If you confess Jesus is Lord you have a gift from the Spirit.

No one has all the gifts.

This is why the image of the body is so important.

Clarification: some of the gifts are also commands given to all.

We can not let “not having the Spiritual gift of __________” become an excuse to be lazy, self-centered, and disobedient.

The gifts are for the Church.

The gifts are not about ourselves. We do not receive in order to get praise and well wishes from others. The gifts are for a purpose, God’s church both locally and globally.

This is also why I strongly believe being active in a local church is vital to not only an individual Christian but also the collective church.

The gifts are given at the Spirit’s deciding.

The choice is not ours. We can ask about a gift or so but we cannot dictate who gets what.

We are in this together.

You are not alone! Or better, you never have to go it alone. I cannot force you to be part of this church, nor can I truly force my presence in your life. But I can say, you don’t have to go it alone. You were made to be in relationship with Christ and His church.