We will work, according to Scriptures, to develop our witness by using the Gifts and Offices God has provided.  You can join others who complement your Spiritual Gift and/or Calling to effectively follow Jesus and Do His Works by walking in them, which He has prepared ahead of time.

We consider Jesus' Calling on your life and The Example set by Jesus a Calling to be carried out by His disciples.  So, we will study God's Word and take a close look at these Disciples of Jesus to help us understand the what the Call and the Action of the Holy Spirit on our lives looks like.

Each one of these disciples and servants of God, had a different experience with God, a different experience in life and a different personality, just like us.  Find those that closely match you and learn.

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THE PAUL PROJECT:   SINNER SAVED BY GRACE, ONE-TIME ENEMY OF THE CROSS, EVANGELIST, DISCIPLE

      https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Paul.html

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• We will learn from the life of the apostle Paul that God can save anyone.  

  • Paul's life is a story of redemption in Jesus Christ and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord.

• However, to gain the full measure of the man, we must examine his - and our - dark side and what he symbolized before becoming “the Apostle of Grace.”

  • Paul’s early life was marked by religious zeal, brutal violence, and the relentless persecution of the early church.

  • Fortunately, the later years of Paul’s life show a marked difference as he lived his life for Christ and for the advancement of His kingdom.

• The remarkable story of Paul repeats itself every day as sinful, broken people all over the world are transformed by God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ.

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Anyone can surrender completely to God. Paul was fully committed to God.  Philippians 1:12–14, Paul wrote from prison, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

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Despite his circumstances, Paul praised God and continually shared the good news (see also Acts 16:22–25 and Philippians 4:11–13). Through his hardships and suffering, Paul knew the outcome of a life well lived for Christ. He had surrendered his life fully, trusting God for everything. He wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

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THE PETER PROJECT:    RASH, OUTSPOKEN, IMPULSIVE, STRONG-WILLED, MOLDABLE ARDENT DISCIPLE

https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Peter.html

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• One of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He was an outspoken and ardent disciple,

  • one of Jesus’ closest friends,

  • an apostle, and

  • a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9).

• Peter was enthusiastic, strong-willed, impulsive, and, at times, brash. But for all his strengths, Peter had several failings in his life. Still, the Lord who chose him continued to mold him into exactly who He intended Peter to be.

• Peter was a fisherman from Galilee, but Jesus called him to be a fisher of men (Luke 5:10).

• Because Peter was willing to leave all he had to follow Jesus, God used him in great ways.

• As Peter preached, people were amazed at his boldness because he was “unschooled” and “ordinary.” But then they took note that Peter “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Being with Jesus makes all the difference. 

• Jesus uses unlikely heroes.

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THE JEREMIAH PROJECT:  PROPHECY, "WEEPING PROPHET", LONELY

                                               (https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Jeremiah.html )
 

• Jeremiah was given the task of delivering an unpopular, convicting message to Judah,

  • one that caused him great mental anguish,

  • as well as making him despised in the eyes of his people.

• God says that His truth sounds like “foolishness” to those who are lost, but to believers it is the very words of life (1 Corinthians 1:18).

• He also says that the time will come when people will not tolerate the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

  • Those in Judah in Jeremiah’s day did not want to hear what he had to say, and his constant warning of judgment annoyed them.

  • This is true of the world today, as believers who are following God’s instructions are warning the lost and dying world of impending judgment (Revelation 3:10).

  • Even though most are not listening, we must persevere in proclaiming truth in order to rescue some from the terrible judgment that will inevitably come.

 

Jeremiah was only about 17 when God called him, had great inner turmoil over the fate of his people, and he begged them to listen.  He is known as “the weeping prophet,” because he cried tears of sadness, not only because he knew what was about to happen but because, no matter how hard he tried, the people would not listen.  Furthermore, he found no human comfort.  God had forbidden him to marry or have children (Jeremiah 16:2), and his friends had turned their backs on him. So, along with the burden of the knowledge of impending judgment, he also must have felt very lonely.

 

THE DANIEL PROJECT:  PROPHECY, PIETY, LOYALTY, INTEGRITY, GOOD WORKS

 

• Daniel's name means "God (El) is my judge".

• Daniel is the hero of the Book of Daniel who interprets dreams and receives apocalyptic visions,

• Daniel’s integrity as a man of God gained him favor with the secular world, yet he refused to compromise his faith in God.

  • Even under the intimidation of kings and rulers,

  • Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God.

• Daniel also teaches us that, no matter whom we are dealing with, no matter what their status is, we are to treat them with compassion. See how concerned he was when delivering the interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream (Daniel 4:19).

• As Christians, we are called to obey the rulers and authorities that God has put in place, treating them with respect and compassion;

  • however, as we see from Daniel’s example, obeying God’s law must always take precedence over obeying men (Romans 13:1–7; Acts 5:29).

 

THE JOSEPH PROJECT:  PROPHECY, PURITY, OBEDIENCE, FAITHFULNESS, MERCIFUL

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• There may be many distressing circumstances we find ourselves in, and some of them may even be unjust, as were those in Joseph’s life.

  • However, as we learn from the account of Joseph’s life, by remaining faithful and accepting that God is ultimately in charge, we can be confident that God will reward our faithfulness in the fullness of time.

  • Who would blame Joseph if he had turned his brothers away in their need? Yet Joseph showed them mercy, and God desires that we exercise mercy above all other sacrifices (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13).
     

• Joseph’s story also presents amazing insight into how God sovereignly works to overcome evil and bring about His plan.

  • After all his ordeals, Joseph was able to see God’s hand at work. As he revealed his identity to his brothers, Joseph spoke of their sin this way: “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. . . . It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:5, 8). Later, Joseph again reassured his brothers, offering forgiveness and saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Man’s most wicked intentions can never thwart the perfect plan of God.

 

THE DAVID PROJECT:  PURITY, COURAGE, FAITH, WARRIOR, SHEPHERD-KING

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• David is the author of many of the psalms. In them we see the way he sought after and glorified God.

• He is often thought of as a shepherd king and a warrior poet.

• David's life seemed filled with the range of human emotions

  • a common shepherd boy with great confidence in God's faithfulness who honored authorities,

  • fled for his life, and became the king against whom all future kings of Israel would be measured.

  • He saw many military victories.

  • He also fell into grave sin, and his family suffered as a result.

• But through it all David turned to God and trusted Him.

  • Even in the Psalms when David is downcast or despondent, we see him lift his eyes up to his Maker and give Him praise.

• This reliance on God and continual pursuit of relationship with God is part of what makes David a man after God's own heart.

 

THE JOSHUA PROJECT:  MILITARY LEADER, WARRIOR, "TYPE OF CHRIST", FAITHFUL, HUMBLE, WISE

 

• The English name "Joshua" is a rendering of the Hebrew language , meaning "Yahweh is salvation".

• Joshua is regarded as a faithful, humble, deserving, wise man. Biblical verses illustrative of these qualities and of their reward are applied to him.

  • "He that waits on his master shall be honored"

• Joshua is best known as Moses' second in command who takes over and leads the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death.

• Joshua is considered one of the Bible's greatest military leaders for leading the seven-year conquest of the Promised Land, and is often held up as a model for leadership and a source of practical application on how to be an effective leader.

• Further evidence of Joshua’s leadership qualities can be seen in his rock-solid faith in God.

  • One thing that sets Joshua (and Caleb) apart from the rest of the Israelites

    • they believed in the promises of God.

    • They were not intimidated by the size of the warriors or the strength of the cities.

    • Rather, they knew their God and remembered how He had dealt with Egypt, the most powerful nation on the earth at that time. If God could take care of the mighty Egyptian army, He could certainly take care of the various Canaanite tribes.

    • God rewarded Joshua’s and Caleb’s faith by exempting them from the entire generation of Israelites that would perish in the wilderness.
       

• We see Joshua’s faithfulness in the act of obediently consecrating the people before the invasion of the Promised Land and again after the defeat at Ai. But no more clearly is Joshua’s faithfulness on display than at the end of the book that bears his name when he gathers the people together one last time and recounts the deeds of God on their behalf.

  • After that speech, Joshua urges the people to forsake their idols and remain faithful to the covenant that God made with them at Sinai, saying, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

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THE MOSES PROJECT: MEDIATOR, FAITHFUL, MAN OF FAITH

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• Moses is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. While Abraham is called the “Father of the Faithful” and the recipient of God’s unconditional covenant of grace to His people,

• Moses was the man chosen to bring redemption to His people.

  • God specifically chose Moses to lead the Israelites from captivity in Egypt to salvation in the Promised Land.

  • Moses is also recognized as the mediator of the Old Covenant and is commonly referred to as the giver of the Law.

• Moses’ life was typological of the life of Christ.

  • Like Christ, Moses was the mediator of a covenant.

• We learn that it was by faith that Moses refused the glories of Pharaoh’s palace to identify with the plight of his people.

• The writer of Hebrews says, “[Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:26). Moses’ life was one of faith, and we know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Likewise, it is by faith that we, looking forward to heavenly riches, can endure temporal hardships in this lifetime (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).

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THE JOB PROJECT:   BLAMELESS, UPRIGHT, GOD-FEARING, WEALTHY, ENDURING, MAN OF FAITH

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• Job was "blameless and upright;

• Job feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1).

• Job had ten children and was a man of great wealth, but,

  • Job never lost his faith in God, even under the most heartbreaking circumstances that tested him to his core.

The book of Job gives us a glimpse behind the veil that separates earthly life from the heavenly. In the beginning of the book, we see that Satan and his fallen angels are still allowed access to heaven, going in and out to the prescribed meetings that take place there.

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Which of the servants of God do you identify with?  Each had Gifts of the Spirit and a specific Call from God on their life.  How about you.  Which are the Spiritual Gifts God has given you in order to do His Work?

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We are in a day and time that we must know how to "accurately handle the Word of God".  We must BE His disciples allowing Him to do His Works through us.

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We should not longer study the Word - The Bible - just for knowledge.  We should study for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the people of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

 

 

The time is NOT near

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the time is NOW.

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Gifts of the Spirit

 

Romans 12:6–8

1 Corinthians 12:8–10

1 Corinthians 12:28

Ephesians 4:11

1 Peter 4:11

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1. Prophecy

2. Serving

3. Teaching

4. Exhortation

5. Giving

6. Leadership

7. Mercy

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1. Word of wisdom

2. Word of knowledge

3. Faith

4. Gifts of healings

5. Miracles

6. Prophecy

7. Distinguishing between spirits

8. Tongues

9. Interpretation of tongues

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1. Apostle

2. Prophet

3. Teacher

4. Miracles

5. Kinds of healings

6. Helps

7. Administration

8. Tongues

9. Apostle

10. Prophet

11. Evangelist

12. Pastor

13. Teacher

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1. Whoever speaks

2. Whoever renders service

 

There are actually three biblical lists of the “gifts of the Spirit,” also known as spiritual gifts. The three main passages describing the spiritual gifts are Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28. We could also include Ephesians 4:11, but that is a list of offices within the church, not spiritual gifts, per se. The spiritual gifts identified in Romans 12 are prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 includes the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. The list in 1 Corinthians 12:28 includes healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. A brief description of each gift follows:

Prophecy – The Greek word translated “prophecy” in both passages properly means “a speaking forth.” and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; especially by foretelling future events.” To prophesy is to declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God that is designed to influence people.

Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.

Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.

Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.

Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money and time with them as needs arise.

Guide (one who leads) – The gifted guide (usually incorrectly referred to as "leader")  is one who presides over or has the management of other people in the church. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of 'leadership' guides with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he guides by example.

Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.

Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.

Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.

Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another sign gift which involves performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (Acts 2:22). This gift was exhibited by Paul (Acts 19:11-12), Peter (Acts 3:6), Stephen (Acts 6:8), and Phillip (Acts 8:6-7), among others.

Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.

Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the “sign gifts” given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift authenticated the message of the gospel and those who preached it as coming from God. The phrase “diversity of tongues” (KJV) or “different kinds of tongues”

Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.

Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.