To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
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Sometimes we can turn church into a spectator sport. A consumer sport. A “how will this help me?” sport. A “who will reach out to me today?” sport.
But church was never intended to be that way. Church is a full participation, full contact sport. God has given each one of us gifts of the Spirit. You have a manifestation of the Spirit that I do not have. I need the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you, and you need the gifts given to me. We can’t be half-hearted when it comes to participating in the life of the church.
You have a gift of encouragement – who will you minister to this Sunday? You have a gift a prophecy – who will you speak to this Sunday? You have a gift of generosity – who will you bless this Sunday? You have a gift of mercy – who will experience it this Sunday?
Please, don’t deprive me of your gifts!
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Why only on Sunday?
if everyone turned up on Sunday poised to minister?
Elton Trueblood wrote on a similar theme, entitled "The Ministry of Every Christian." The point was that, as in Ephesians, pastors/teachers are given to the church 'to equip the saints [that includes you and me] for the work of ministry' [not for the pastor to be the guy 'paid' to do everything]. So, as we gather for strength to be equipped, we scatter to serve one another and the world.
There is a lot of equipping to be done. Many Christians have a distorted view of Christian basics as seen through the fog of the world.
If you would care to review Love, Prayer, and Forgiveness: When Basics Become Heresies, I would be glad to send you the pdf.
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Prayer-Forgiveness-Mic...