11-25-18 Today in the Word

The Church and Its Ministries
FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE CHURCH, PART 1
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | 1 Corinthians 12:1–11

Getting settled into a new church can be a challenge. In addition to learning different faces and names, we have to learn the ins and outs of congregational life. We might wonder where we fit in and feel that it’s hard to find our place.
We all need reminders, whether we’re in a new church or have been long-time members of a church, that we have a place in the church. It has been guaranteed by Jesus Christ. Further-more, everybody has something to contribute. The same Holy Spirit who has joined us to Christ and to one another has also gifted us for service. In 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 the apostle Paul lists some of those gifts, one of several gift lists found in the New Testament (see Rom. 12:6–8, Eph. 4:11; 1 Peter 4:11).
Some gifts such as apostle and prophet were associated primarily with the establishment of the church. For instance, Paul says that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20). A foundation is usually laid only once, and many New Testament interpreters think that these gifts applied to the needs at the founding of the early church.
Many of the gifts are connected with the Word of God, such as teaching. Some are used for guiding the church, such as administration or encouragement. Other gifts are required for the ministries of serving in the church, such as mercy or giving.
All believers in the church have gifts from the Holy Spirit, and they are important for the health of the church. No gift is greater than another, for they all come from the Lord. And this means that everyone has a place to serve God in the church.
APPLY THE WORD
Some think the best way to determine one’s spiritual gifts is by a multiple-choice questionnaire, similar to a personality test. Such tools can be helpful, but even better is the opportunity to serve in your church and trust the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you. Also ask church leaders and those who know you well what gifts they see in your life.

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