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: spiritual 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”
Giving people another chance with gracious, truthful love – Encourage one another, Part 5
How will Paul react? Remember the situation? In the previous post, we learned that in Acts chapters 13-14, Barnabas the Encourager and Paul embark on the first missionary trip of the early church, and they take John Mark with them. But mid-trip, John leaves them to return to Jerusalem, where his mother lives. Time passes, and PaulContinue reading “Giving people another chance with gracious, truthful love – Encourage one another, Part 5”
It’s good to ask for help – Encourage one another, Part 4
It may be part pride, part arrogance, part determination, but I do not like to ask for help. I can tell myself that I can figure out whatever problem I’m encountering. Actually, I can tell myself that I should figure it out. I don’t want to come across as needy or weak or incapable. So I bristle at theContinue reading “It’s good to ask for help – Encourage one another, Part 4”
God designed you for mission – Acts 11:19-30, Part 4
What were you created to do? Do you know? What gifts, abilities and aptitudes do you have? Are you using them for a mission in the world? In this post we learn about how God wants all to be on mission, and how he has equipped us for mission! In the previous post, we learnedContinue reading “God designed you for mission – Acts 11:19-30, Part 4”
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”
Of Slaves and Apostles – Titus 1:1-4, Part 2
Have you ever called yourself a slave to your boss? A slave to your job? Maybe you have slaved over a project in school. Or perhaps you worked slavishly doing yard work. We use the word “slave” in many ways, even though that word has a horrid connotation because it describes the very awful andContinue reading “Of Slaves and Apostles – Titus 1:1-4, Part 2”
That time the Apostle Paul talked about unpresentable parts
I really think there was a twinkle in his eye. He wasn’t there when they read the letter, so I have to imagine that twinkle, and the corners of his mouth turning up as he grinned to himself thinking about when they would read this. They would get the letter, gather the group of followersContinue reading “That time the Apostle Paul talked about unpresentable parts”
Engaging Scripture 