Spiritual Gifts Study Announcement

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (also Romans 12)

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."” Ephesians 4:7-8

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Each and every born-again believer is given at least one, possibly more, spiritual gift to minister with.  Their use of this gift is what God intends to bring him the most glory in their service.  The amazing mystery of why God would give us these abilities and allow us to be a part of giving him glory is awe inspiring and worthy of worship.

Yet the devil, the skillful warrior he is, comes in to try and cast down anything the Lord has declared good.  So it seems safe to say that Satan would use our own gifts against us.  If he can take the glory away from God, he will do it ('He is such a great singer!)  If he can take our focus from God to ourselves, or those we minister to, he will (‘There is no time for a Bible reading, we have too many mouths to feed. ’or ‘They don't appreciate the service we give them!').  If he can get us to believe that what we do is accomplishing nothing, and we should quit, he will gain a victory ('Nobody is listening, and I'm not making any difference.').  We must not let this be so!

 

 The World Changers class is going to be doing a Spiritual Gifts survey and study in December. We will begin with a survey meant to stir our thinking and identify the gift God has given us.  Then we will have a couple lessons looking at spiritual gifts in the Bible, discussing how that affects us now.   Then the culmination of the study will be a special dedication service where we bring a symbolic 'gift' to God, and ask Him to bless it for the coming year.  After these moments of study and meditation, I am even more convinced now that it is crucial to find and expose these gifts to 'the Light' so they can be used.  Anyone is invited to participate, even just this month.  Please let A.J. know if you plan to participate so he can have enough copies of the survey available.