Some people might think that because they aren’t public speakers and don’t teach a class or lead a ministry team, they are not as valuable to the mission of Jesus. But think about people who come in during the week and clean the toys in the church nursery? Those people are just as important asContinue reading “Behind the scenes serving is just as important as up-front serving – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 5”
Tag Archives: gifts
What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4
As we continue studying 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, in verse 28 Paul puts the gifts of the Spirit in an order appointed by God. FIRST – Apostles SECOND – Prophets THIRD – Teachers Then, workers of miracles, gifts of healing, help others, administration, speaking in tongues. If you’re reading that thinking “Time out,Continue reading “What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4″
Do you feel the Holy Spirit passed you by when handing out gifts? – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 1
A person once told me they felt they didn’t have any spiritual gifts. I wonder if you have ever felt that way? You look around church on a Sunday morning, and it is easy to just see teachers, worship leaders, singers, musicians, and preachers. Did God pass you by? Are some gifts more important thanContinue reading “Do you feel the Holy Spirit passed you by when handing out gifts? – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 1”
Examine how you love – Honest Advent Week 2, Part 3
Examine how you love. Do you know how to examine your love? Or do you just assume that you are good at loving? Have you ever thought about that? As we continue studying Honest Advent, we are learning what gifts Jesus wants us to give him for Christmas. Last week we learned to give him theContinue reading “Examine how you love – Honest Advent Week 2, Part 3”
The Weirdness of Christmas – Honest Advent Week 1, Part 1
Have you heard that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday party? We use that idea often with children. It’s not wrong, but it always seemed slightly off to me. First of all, the biblical Gospels say nothing about the day on which Jesus was born. The Gospels don’t mention the year, month, or the day of week. Continue reading “The Weirdness of Christmas – Honest Advent Week 1, Part 1”
How to recover when you’ve squandered your potential – Characters: Samson, Part 5
Samson is an illustration of a man with unbelievable potential for good, yet who allows himself to be degraded by his lusts and revenge. There is such a lack of desire in his life to follow God, to keep his Nazarite vow, which could have and should have guided him to lead Israel back toContinue reading “How to recover when you’ve squandered your potential – Characters: Samson, Part 5”
No matter how bad it is, there is hope – Characters: Samson, Part 1
What gifts has God given you? Sometimes we call them spiritual gifts. Or it could be our personal abilities. Our aptitudes. Things we are good at. Could be working with our hands. Thinking. Art. Communication. Leading. There are many such gifts. Have you ever wondered if you’re using those gifts the way God wants? OrContinue reading “No matter how bad it is, there is hope – Characters: Samson, Part 1”
Give More…coupons?
This past Sunday the theme was Give More, and AC suggests that, instead of giving presents, we should give presence. Give the gift of spending time building relationships with people. This idea flows from the example of our Lord who gave us the gift of himself. In John 1 we learn that “the Word becameContinue reading “Give More…coupons?”
YOLO!!!!!
Over the last year I became familiar with a new acronym. Our digital culture loves acronyms! Have you heard of YOLO??? While YOLO is true, how should we think about it? From the Advent Conspiracy: Quick question for you: What was the one gift you remember getting for Christmas last year? Next question: What aboutContinue reading “YOLO!!!!!”
Engaging Scripture 