Dear Church Family, One thing I know about gifts is that they’re meant to be opened and used. Imagine giving someone a gift and then finding out a year later they’ve put it in storage somewhere and never even bothered to open it up! As I was reading through 1 Corinthians 12 today I noticed the word “gift” used several times. Paul actually used the Greek word charisma, which is usually translated “gift” five times in the chapter. It means, “that which is freely and graciously given, favor bestowed, gift” (BDAG). Paul is focusing on the different ways the Holy Spirit empowers different believers within the body of Christ to accomplish His will. There are several things I noticed about these “gifts” that God has given us. First, each of us have been given spiritual gifts. We’re told that God empowers them “in everyone” (12:6) and that they’re given “to each” (12:7, 11). Paul compares the gifts to being part of a body. Each part serves a different function, but each one is part of it. We’re not told how many, but we know we have at least one. In fact, it seems like those can even change over time, for Paul tells us to “earnestly desire the higher gifts” (12:31). Do you know how the Holy Spirit has gifted you? Have you been using your gifts or are they still sitting on the shelf? Second, Paul makes it clear that, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (12:7). Our gifts are meant to help others, not promote ourselves. They are meant to build up the body of Christ, not tear it apart. As we seek to discern our spiritual gifts, one question we can each ask is, “When I’m using this gift, does it benefit the body of Christ?” We must use our gifts to build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV)
“So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”
Third, each person is necessary for the church to function at its best. He compares the church to a human body and reminds us, “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you” (12:21). God has gifted each of us differently and each of our gifts are important and necessary. We don’t get to decide which gifts we’ve been given. That’s the Holy Spirit’s decision (12:11). But we do have the choice to use our spiritual gifts to build up the body and glorify God. How does God want to use you for His glory? What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Prayer Night: Join us for prayer night this Sunday, June 11th at 6 pm at the Kropfs’ house. Note the change of meeting place to the Kropfs’ house instead of the Bronleewes. Youth Group: Youth Group will be at the Bronleewes’ house this Sunday, June 11th from 6-8 pm. We’ll have dinner, a group game, worship and continue our Bible Study through Luke 15. Feel free to drop your youth off early if you’re heading to the prayer meeting. Summer VBS: We’re excited for our upcoming Kids VBS at Columbia High School. It is for ages 5-12 and will be July 9-13th, meeting each evening from 6-8 pm. If you are interested in helping please reach out to Jenny or Heidi. Please be praying for God to use this event to reach kids with the Gospel. You can now sign up here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1796117 Request Prayer: It’s important for us to be praying for each other as a church! If you ever need prayer, we would love to come alongside you. You can always turn in a prayer request on Sundays using the Connection Card, but you can also submit a prayer request online at any time:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/368653 Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. We have several exciting groups for men, women, or both. You can hear about some of these groups here:
https://youtu.be/4GEoz7aeYTE?t=873
If you’re looking for a group to join, you can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups This Coming Sunday:
God of the Living – Join us this Sunday as we continue our series, The Gospel According to Mark. Jesus is questioned by the Sadducees concerning the resurrection and reminds us all that God is the God of the living. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
