When we read the descriptions of the early church - the miracles, the sharing and generosity - we may wish we could have been a part of this "perfect" church. No church has ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and his followers are united at his Second Coming. All churches have problems. Do what you can to make your church better.
The twelve are the original disciples and Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26).
As the early church increased in size, so did their needs. One was to organize the distribution of food to the poor. Each person has a necessary part to play in the life of the church (1 Corinthians 12). If you are not in leadership, you have gifts that can be used by God in various areas of the church's mission. Offer these gifts in service to him.
This administrative task was not to be taken lightly. Notice the requirements for the men who were to handle the feeding program: (1) good, with reputations for being honest, (2) full of the Holy Spirit, and (3) wise. We must look for honest, spiritually mature, d wise men and women to lead our churches.
Pastors should never try, or be expected, to do everything. Instead, the work of the church should be spread out among its members.
Spiritual leadership is serious business and must not be taken lightly by the church or the leaders. In the early church, the chosen men were commissioned (set apart by prayer and laying on of hands) by the apostles.
1 Timothy 4:14 (Instructions for elders. Paul gives guidelines for teaching). Timothy was a young pastor. Timothy's commission as a church leader was confirmed by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18) and by laying on of hands by the elders of the church.
1 Timothy 3:10-13 ... Deacons means "one who serves." This position was begun by the apostles in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6) to care for the physical needs of the congregation, especially the needs of the Greek-speaking widows. Deacons were leaders in the church and their qualifications resemble those of the elders (bishops) in some churches today. Paul says men are to be tested with lesser responsibilities before being made deacons.
Some have translated wives as "women helpers" or "deaconesses." Paul expects the behavior of prominent women in the church to be just as responsible and blameless as that of prominent men. Phebe, the deaconess was mentioned in Romans !6:1.
Jesus had told the apostles that they were to witness first in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). In a short time, their message had infiltrated the entire city and all levels of society.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers, Inc.,; Wheaton, IL
Showing posts with label Spiritual Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Gifts. Show all posts
Monday, August 7, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Talent the Bomb:Discover Yourself - Book Review
This book is about a vision that the author Pastor had about him. This books covers Talents, Parenting and Education.
There is a difference between a learned skill and a God-ordained Talent or Talents (gifts).
Your talents will make room for you.
A talent is your God-ordained gift or gifts.
The author pastor shared a vision that he had about him. The vision is below:
In the vision, he saw the author climbing a high mountain with other climbers; they were climbing to the top of the mountain. He was fully dressed like a mountain climber in the vision and he had a small can of water with him. He said in the course of climbing the strange high mountain, they occasionally got tired. So whenever any of the climbers got tired of climbing the mountain, he would stop to help the climber or himself with some water from his small can of water to quench their thirst and regain strength to continue their journey to the top of the mountain.
They continued like this with the author helping himself and his fellow climbers until they reached to the top of the mountain. They also helped the author in various ways for him to get to the top of the mountain unhurt.
His pastor told him that those on the mountain top immediately saw him with water, and came rushing to him. Some were running and others were crawling. Some were on their knees begging for water and others wanted the water by force.
The more they drank from this special can of water, the more the can was increased with water.
This dream made me think about three Scriptures from the Bible: How 5 loaves and 2 fishes was increased by Jesus and 5,000 was fed (Matthew 14:17-21). How Elijah the Tishbite miraculously supplies food to the widow woman of Zarephath and her son (1 Kings 17:10-16). Look at the Parable of the loaned money (Talents) the master divided the money (Talents) among his servants according to their abilities.
The author Pastor told him that the meaning of the vision was his struggles in life to get to the top of his destiny. The special can of water represented the author God given Talents and gifts. While climbing and struggling to get to the top, you need to help other people to get to the top of their own destiny, life and career with your talents and gifts. While they also do the same to help you get to where you are supposed to be in life.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Exodus 31:3 ... Craftsman given special skill. (And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship).
This is an ebook written by Alexander Busybrain.
He dedicated his book to his late Dad, which was his hero and Best Friend, the Late Mr. Vincent Njoku.
Alexander mentions in his book the love he had for his mother, dad, beautiful wife, other Pastors, and his siblings for their care, support, prayers and reviewing his book.
There is a difference between a learned skill and a God-ordained Talent or Talents (gifts).
Your talents will make room for you.
A talent is your God-ordained gift or gifts.
The author pastor shared a vision that he had about him. The vision is below:
In the vision, he saw the author climbing a high mountain with other climbers; they were climbing to the top of the mountain. He was fully dressed like a mountain climber in the vision and he had a small can of water with him. He said in the course of climbing the strange high mountain, they occasionally got tired. So whenever any of the climbers got tired of climbing the mountain, he would stop to help the climber or himself with some water from his small can of water to quench their thirst and regain strength to continue their journey to the top of the mountain.
They continued like this with the author helping himself and his fellow climbers until they reached to the top of the mountain. They also helped the author in various ways for him to get to the top of the mountain unhurt.
His pastor told him that those on the mountain top immediately saw him with water, and came rushing to him. Some were running and others were crawling. Some were on their knees begging for water and others wanted the water by force.
The more they drank from this special can of water, the more the can was increased with water.
This dream made me think about three Scriptures from the Bible: How 5 loaves and 2 fishes was increased by Jesus and 5,000 was fed (Matthew 14:17-21). How Elijah the Tishbite miraculously supplies food to the widow woman of Zarephath and her son (1 Kings 17:10-16). Look at the Parable of the loaned money (Talents) the master divided the money (Talents) among his servants according to their abilities.
The author Pastor told him that the meaning of the vision was his struggles in life to get to the top of his destiny. The special can of water represented the author God given Talents and gifts. While climbing and struggling to get to the top, you need to help other people to get to the top of their own destiny, life and career with your talents and gifts. While they also do the same to help you get to where you are supposed to be in life.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Exodus 31:3 ... Craftsman given special skill. (And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship).
This is an ebook written by Alexander Busybrain.
He dedicated his book to his late Dad, which was his hero and Best Friend, the Late Mr. Vincent Njoku.
Alexander mentions in his book the love he had for his mother, dad, beautiful wife, other Pastors, and his siblings for their care, support, prayers and reviewing his book.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Sunday - Jeremiah's Call and Commission - Jeremiah 1:4-10 - 7/16/17
God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He knew you, thought about you, and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and has had a purpose in mind for you.
Each Christian has a purpose in life, but some are appointed by God for a specific kind of work. Samson, John the Baptist, and Paul were each called to do a particular job for God. If God gives you a specific task, accept it cheerful and do it with excellence. If God has not given you a specific assignment, then seek to fulfill the mission common to all believers - love, obey, and serve God - until such time as his guidance becomes more clear.
Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence. They feel they have inadequate ability, training or experience. Jeremiah thought he was too young and inexperience to be God's spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him. We must never allow feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God's call. He will always be with us. If God gives you a job to do, he will provide all you need to do it.
God's message to Jeremiah was like his message to Moses: the God who made our mouths can provide the words he wants us to speak.
Jeremiah predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new Shepherd, the Messiah.
God still restores his people by renewing their hearts. We can have assurance of a new heart by loving God, trusting Christ to save us, and repenting of our sin.
Jeremiah served God faithfully for 40 years. During that time the people ignored, rejected, and persecuted him. He remained faithful to God.
People's acceptance or rejection of us is not the measure of our success. God's approval alone should be our standard for service. We must bring God's message to others when we are rejected.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers Inc; Wheaton, IL
Each Christian has a purpose in life, but some are appointed by God for a specific kind of work. Samson, John the Baptist, and Paul were each called to do a particular job for God. If God gives you a specific task, accept it cheerful and do it with excellence. If God has not given you a specific assignment, then seek to fulfill the mission common to all believers - love, obey, and serve God - until such time as his guidance becomes more clear.
Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence. They feel they have inadequate ability, training or experience. Jeremiah thought he was too young and inexperience to be God's spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him. We must never allow feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God's call. He will always be with us. If God gives you a job to do, he will provide all you need to do it.
God's message to Jeremiah was like his message to Moses: the God who made our mouths can provide the words he wants us to speak.
Jeremiah predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new Shepherd, the Messiah.
God still restores his people by renewing their hearts. We can have assurance of a new heart by loving God, trusting Christ to save us, and repenting of our sin.
Jeremiah served God faithfully for 40 years. During that time the people ignored, rejected, and persecuted him. He remained faithful to God.
People's acceptance or rejection of us is not the measure of our success. God's approval alone should be our standard for service. We must bring God's message to others when we are rejected.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers Inc; Wheaton, IL
Monday, May 26, 2014
2004/05 Moments of Peace in the Presence of God: Book Review
Book Review . Peace . Shalom . God . Elohim . Devotional . Talents . Pray . Gifts . Spiritual Gifts, Love, Hope, Happiness . LORD
You know the story, I reviewed this book while being a Baptist Editor/Host for a site around the end of 2004 or 2005.
Through inspiring psalms and meditations this devotional book invites you into the presence of God/Elohim , where the gift of peace/Shalom awaits. In its pages you can discover that God is nearer to you than you are to yourself.
Reflections of Love, Hope, & Happiness.
This is the best gift that you could give to yourself.
NEVER ALONE
At sometime in your life you experience loneliness.
Loneliness is natural and should be appreciated rather than feared. In seasons of loneliness, you discover that you are never truly alone.
A Prayer
God, during those times when I feel the ache of loneliness, help me to remember that you are never more than a whispered prayer away. Amen.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
SECOND CHANCES
Even when your mistakes are so devasting that you cannot return to the life you once knew, God's light can break through the clouds and splash spectacular color across your life.
BEGINNING AGAIN
In many ways, your life is as fragile as that tiny plant. Cold winds may blow over you, leaving you feeling withered and ruined. But then God shines his light on your life and you can blossom once more.
A BRIGHT NEW DAY
Past failures and disappointments can hover over you like leaden clouds, refusing to yield to the promise of sunlight and clear skies. When you find yourself surrounded by gray thoughts and gray feelings, it may seem difficult to dream of happier times. But there is great hope. When you find yourself in such a situation, God is there to help.
THE LORD WANTS TO USE YOUR TALENTS
You should ask for his direction and pray for his guidance so you may use your gifts/Spiritual Gifts fruitfully.
Since this a 2004/2005 Review I did, I believe that that I received a complimentary copy from Bethany Publishing.
You know the story, I reviewed this book while being a Baptist Editor/Host for a site around the end of 2004 or 2005.
Through inspiring psalms and meditations this devotional book invites you into the presence of God/Elohim , where the gift of peace/Shalom awaits. In its pages you can discover that God is nearer to you than you are to yourself.
Reflections of Love, Hope, & Happiness.
This is the best gift that you could give to yourself.
NEVER ALONE
At sometime in your life you experience loneliness.
Loneliness is natural and should be appreciated rather than feared. In seasons of loneliness, you discover that you are never truly alone.
A Prayer
God, during those times when I feel the ache of loneliness, help me to remember that you are never more than a whispered prayer away. Amen.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
SECOND CHANCES
Even when your mistakes are so devasting that you cannot return to the life you once knew, God's light can break through the clouds and splash spectacular color across your life.
BEGINNING AGAIN
In many ways, your life is as fragile as that tiny plant. Cold winds may blow over you, leaving you feeling withered and ruined. But then God shines his light on your life and you can blossom once more.
A BRIGHT NEW DAY
Past failures and disappointments can hover over you like leaden clouds, refusing to yield to the promise of sunlight and clear skies. When you find yourself surrounded by gray thoughts and gray feelings, it may seem difficult to dream of happier times. But there is great hope. When you find yourself in such a situation, God is there to help.
THE LORD WANTS TO USE YOUR TALENTS
You should ask for his direction and pray for his guidance so you may use your gifts/Spiritual Gifts fruitfully.
Since this a 2004/2005 Review I did, I believe that that I received a complimentary copy from Bethany Publishing.
Monday, May 13, 2013
2 of 3 ... Serving One Another ... 5/19/2013
Spiritual Gifts . 12 Step Programs . God . Jehovah-Jireh . Crisis . Trial . Suffering . Holiness . Christian Service . Love . Hospitality . Faith . Cost of Discipleship . Power of the Good News/Gospel . Sunday School Lesson.
My Sunday School Lesson for the week of May 19,2013 is coming from the Books of Luke, James and I Peter.
Personal assignment: spiritual gits inventory and 12 step program (this thought was in my sunday school book)
I Peter 4:10 .... As ..every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as .. good stewards of .. the manifold grace of God.
Spiritual Gifts Inventory/Quiz: (these links/urls were not in my sunday school book below, consult your Christian leader at your Place of Worship as well)
http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests
http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1
http://www.elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test/
12 Step Programs: (these links/urls were not in my sunday school book below)
http://www.12step.com/12stepprograms.html
Financial Christian Book Reviews: (2005 & 2012 Reviews)
http://angelawatkins57.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-heart-of-financial-matters-book.html
http://angelawatkins57.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-debt-diet-book-review.html
I Peter 4:10 ....
As .. every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as .. good stewards of .. the manifold grace of God.
Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Christian Hospitality, Enjoined
As .. Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 4:7
as .. Matthew 24:45; Matthew 25:14,21; Luke 12:42
the .. I Corinthians 12:4
I Peter 4:10 ....
every .. I Corinthians 4:7
Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Reference Edition Bible & The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible
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