we are just beginning to discover the wonder and great works that the Almighty performs through us to glorify Him, minister unto the Lord and unto His people, using spiritual gifts.
For many years we were not free to: serve freely according to one’s gifts, speak of God’s wonders and miracles before the congregation, play other musical instruments, sing new hymns, sing in the choir without passing an audition, question minister’s statements, feel favored in God’s sight if one did not give large tithes, preach the Gospel on one’s own, read the Scriptures before God’s people, offer suggestions on how to do things, depend on the Lord Jesus Christ directly to understand Scripture.
One of the most reviving things we learned since coming together as a fellowship is that each one has been given at least one spiritual gift and the God’s word exhorts all, not just some, to use these spiritual gifts to minister unto the Lord and to the saints.
So far, we are beginning to learn of this by praying to the Father, asking and seeking, responding to the needs at hand, opportunities to preach the gospel, to encourage, as slowly, these gifts are revealed, and the Father, through His Holy Spirit directs our steps.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” —I Peter 4.10
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” — I Corinthians 12.4-5 |
