Spiritually Gifted for a Purpose
As we prepare for this weekend, I want to remind you that Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, which he started, about problems that they are experiencing that are causing divisions in the church. One of the divisive issues concerned spiritual gifts.
This Sunday, I am going to completely encircle what Eric was talking about last week. He gave the central message when it comes to spiritual gifts, the heart of the message if you will. When it comes to gifts and/or worship, the heart of the message is the heart of the believer. Love must sit at the center of ALL we do.
I want to pause for a moment to reflect on applying what Eric said this past Sunday. As I write this, Issue 1 has passed in Ohio. That breaks my heart and I believe breaks God’s heart as well. As we respond to this with people in conversation, or on social media, we must do so in a way that does not sound like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). Our goal is to help people see Jesus in us so they will be drawn to Him. It doesn’t mean we don’t speak truth, but we do it in a way that reflects His grace. Have the first conversation with people in such a way that you can have a second conversation with them.
This week we will see that the church in Corinth is confused about spiritual gifts. They are using spiritual gifts to make much of themselves. They even see spiritual gifts as a litmus test of spiritual maturity or even spiritual power and it has created rivalries that are tearing the church apart. Look above to be reminded of what we are calling this series. It still happens today.
This Sunday I’m looking forward to sharing what Paul was saying and how it plays out here at MCC.