Serve With A Thankful Heart
We are called to serve, to be the hands of God. We are all part of one body, the Body of Christ. Jesus said we are to worship the Lord God and serve Him only (Luke 4:8).
We have all been given “Spiritual Gifts” to use to the greater Glory of God. We are not our own, but rather an instrument to be used by God to reach out and touch others around us.
A passion of Promise Community Church is to enable you to grow in the likeness of our Lord Jesus. Growing as a Christ-follower means developing a spiritual depth in your relationship with our Heavenly Father that affects what you say and the way you live.
As Christians we are to be growing daily and seeking the heart of God as we live out our faith in our families and community. There are many opportunities to serve the needs all around us as we grow in relationship with our Lord and others.
Do you have a passion for children, elderly, shut-ins, those who are incarcerated, the homeless…these are just a few. Find a place to serve and do it joyfully unto the Lord. There are many opportunities to serve at Promise. Make a difference for eternity!
What are the Spiritual Gifts?
1 Corinthian 12: 1 – 13 (NKJV)
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Explanation of the Spiritual Gifts
HELPS/MINISTRY
Believers who serve with their hands like building, cooking, etc. [Rom. 12:7, 1 Cor. 12:28]
RULING/LEADERSHIP/GOVERNMENT
Believers who serve by planning, directing, delegating, and taking the lead. A good example of this is Vacation Bible School. That means arranging for dates, materials, snacks, special music, theme, etc. This person would lead other workers by organizing meetings, being the point of contact, etc. [Rom. 12:8, 1 Cor. 12:28]
GIVING
Believers who serve by giving monies over and above their tithes or bestow gifts on others. [Rom. 12:8]
MERCY
Believers who exhibit a caring and compassionate attitude, always with a kind word. They show kindness and forbearance towards hurting folks. They relieve suffering. [Rom. 12:8]
HOSPITALITY
Believers who enjoy having folks over for a meal or lodging in Christian love. May prepare and take meals to the sick or infirm. This is not listed as a specific gift and should probably be listed under Helps/Ministry. It is noteworthy that the Bible says that we should all be given to hospitality (Rom. 12:13). It’s good to invite members of your church family over for dinner and fellowship or invite a missionary on deputation to stay with you. [Rom. 12:13, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8, 1 Peter 4:9]
FAITH
Believers who KNOW that God is going to work everything out. They have caught a vision of what God can do and they go for the gusto regardless of what happens around them. When others may despair, this person strongly believes God. [1 Cor 12:9]
DISCERNMENT
Believers who can quickly detect the false and the true. This person can read a book, hear a sermon or just be talking with someone and immediately detect error. Sometimes this person gets on people’s nerves because it seems they are always pointing out error–I know because I’m one of these people. This gift reminds me of anti-bodies in our immune system that fight off invading germs. It’s rough sometime. [1 Cor. 12:10]
KNOWLEDGE
Believers who love to research, investigate and study the Scriptures. They are not satisfied with a shallow knowledge of God’s word and they seriously study to shew themselves approved. Others are blessed by their careful study. [1 Cor. 12:8]
WISDOM
Believers who can apply knowledge and determine a solution. This person usually has the answer to a dilemma. [1 Cor. 12:8]
PROPHESY
A believer who tells God’s message. Paul said that the person who prophesies speaks unto men to edification (building up), exhortation (encouragement to grow), and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). He also said, desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1). When you look at the prophets of old, God would say something like, “Son of man, prophesy unto this people, ‘Thus saith the Lord…'” Prophesy is speaking the word. This person knows the word. [Rom. 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:10, Eph. 4:11]
EXHORTATION
A believer who urges other believers through advice, warning, admonishing, etc. to do what is right in Christ. They encourage others to run the race and continue in Jesus Christ. [Rom. 12:8]
PASTOR
A believer (a man) who shepherds the local church. He preaches and helps people who are having problems by sharing Biblical truths. He has a strong desire for soul winning and the spiritual growth of his people. He meets all the qualifications for this office found in 1 Timothy 3. [Eph 4:11]
TEACHER
This believer has a burden to see others grow and learn through Bible study. They present Bible truths in a logical and systematic way. [Rom. 12:7, Eph. 4:11, 1 Cor. 12:28-29]
EVANGELIST
This believer has a deep burden for soul winning. Their greatest joy is winning people to Jesus. [Eph. 4:11]