#861 God’s Response to Spiritual Concerns – Questioning Our Spiritual Gift(s), continued

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In addition to prayer and study, there are numerous means we can follow in order to begin the process of discovering our spiritual gift(s).  We as Christians have in our life certain traits by which our behavior is generated and our career is established.  Traits of a spiritual gift will often closely match our life traits and, although this is not always the case, matching the two can assist us in discovering the spiritual gift God has for us; sometimes we believers’ spiritual gift will be one that is closely matched to our profession.  Visiting with our pastor and friends can also be a source of information as to our spiritual gift as they may be able to recognize evidence of it in a way that we cannot see.  Finally, we should see areas within the church in which we have been successful when given the opportunity to minister.  This may be the place and means God has given us in order to reveal our spiritual gift to us.  Tomorrow let us finish by examining how we can be sure concerning our spiritual gift(s).

Continue examining what you believe is your spiritual gift against what the Bible says concerning that gift!

 “But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.  If all were a single member, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”   (I Corinthians 12:18-20 – ESV)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#855 God’s Response to Spiritual Concerns – Neglecting Public Worship, continued

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the previous couple of days we have glanced at some ramifications of neglecting public worship, whether it is with a fellowship of believers meeting in a home or with a larger fellowship in a formal church building.  Another situation that should be considered when being tempted to neglect public worship is the ability of larger unified groups to experience a wider range of ministries than an individual, couple or even a small group.  We have probably all heard of a church that has gone through a bad stretch with division, strife, and members leaving; during that period of time many ministries of the church, especially in missions and evangelism, either having been lost completely or gone dormant, and opportunities for new ministries not available due to small numbers willing to serve.  God uses individual Christians to spread His Word; however, He can more widely use a unified, loving fellowship of believers ready to faithfully serve Him together.

When you are tempted to neglect public worship, consider what the early church did as a unified, loving fellowship of believers, and what the Lord can do to and through you as you serve Him faithfully with your fellow believers!

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”   (Acts 2:46-47)

May God Richly Bless You Today

#786 Psalm 23 – Saving the Soul

Good Day Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the New Testament, Jesus confirmed His deity and that He is Jehovah-Rapha as He healed the sick, blind, and lame as well as casting out demons.  The physical healing and restoring He demonstrated while here on earth was just the beginning of His ministry of healing.  Jesus came to earth to minister and draw people to Himself, but ultimately, He came to heal all of us from sin and unrighteousness.  He did this by offering Himself as a sacrifice for us, suffering unbelievable pain and agony as He died on the cross for our sins.  Although He took the steps of dying for us, it is our choice as to whether to accept His sacrifice or not.  When we make the decision to accept Him as our personal Savior and Lord, our sins are forgiven, and He gives us life everlasting.  That is what the Good Shepherd does for His sheep.

Have you been “healed” by the Good Shepherd?  If not, accept Him and trust Him today!

 

“And Jesus answering said unto them, ‘They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”   (Luke 5:31-32)

 May God Richly Bless You Today