Special (7) Giving (7) - The Joy of Giving - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - May 26, 2024

 Special (7) – Giving (7) – The Joy of Giving – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – May 26, 2024

Give generously and trust GOD with the outcome.

Our focus scripture is 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Giving is a joy. Joy does not come from the amount we give but joy comes from the obedience of giving. JESUS was observing various people putting their money into the temple treasury. Some were giving large sums, but JESUS observed a poor widow giving and HE used it as a teaching moment for HIS disciples as we read in Mark 20:41-44:

In Mark 20: ⁴¹ Sitting across from the temple treasury, he (JESUS) watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. ⁴³ Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”

Giving is all about our heart and our reflection of our love, trust and appreciation of GOD and JESUS. Since this poor widow gave from her poverty, what did that communicate? She trusted GOD to provide for her needs. Our needs go beyond material things because life brings various issues to us as we journey through life and GOD is in all things bringing about good.

In the words of evangelist Dr. Vance Havner, “we must practice in the dark, what we learn in the light.”

Most people and families are finding it hard to make ends meet in today’s world. Do we cut back or plow ahead? During tight times do we evaluate GOD or trust GOD? GOD uses tight times to teach us valuable lessons. We may be on the receiving end or the giving end.

We read in 1 Kings 17:1 ⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah): ⁹ Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” ¹⁰ So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.” ¹¹ As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.”

¹² But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked—only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.”

¹³ Then Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, ¹⁴ for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty, and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.’”

¹⁵ So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through^[b] Elijah.

GOD sustains. But caution. Listen to GOD and do exactly as HE directs. DO NOT TEST GOD! BUT OBEY GOD!

I used to pray with a friend, and he would read the promises that GOD made in the Bible and claim it or them for an issue or issues for which we were praying. Still GOD in HIS wisdom and vantage point has veto power over what we ask or think. When HE does, we must trust.

GOD works in many different ways to get us through the tough times in our lives. We may have to ask HIM to open our eyes before we can see how HE provides for us during tough times.

I am reminded in 2 Kings 2: ⁸ Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”

⁹ The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰ So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

¹¹ This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

^{12 “}None of us, my lord the king,”,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

¹³ “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

As Spirit-born Children of GOD, GOD watches over us until it is our time to go to our eternal Home to be forever with GOD and JESUS.

So, in the meantime what do we do? We trust and obey because there is no other way to be happy in JESUS but, to trust and obey. These are words many sing during worship services. Trust is key and vital as we walk with JESUS. Trust is built as Christians walk with JESUS and led by the Holy Spirit.

As Spirit-born people through faith in JESUS, we need to keep in our minds the “how much more statements” in GOD’S Word such as recorded in Matthew 7: ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door^[a] will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ⁹ Who among you, if his son (or daughter) asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.

Since the PASSION OF JESUS, the resurrection of JESUS and Pentecost fifty days later, all who place their faith in JESUS have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. Pay attention when you are prompted by the Holy Spirit and trust HIS leadership and guidance.

I recall a time when my wife and I were driving back from vacation and had pulled off the Interstate to refuel. As we were reentering the interstate, we had to merge with several lanes back onto the interstate which was under construction. When all of a sudden there was chaos with sounds of crashing vehicles. We were in the middle of this chaos. I recall the driver of a large pickup truck looking down on us. I recall metal clashing and me praying, “LORD, what do I do?” And the voice of the LORD saying keep driving and I did. It seemed like we were going through a canopy of protection. To GOD be the Glory. This is shared to reveal the power of GOD, as we go through life. I am a sinner saved by GOD’S Grace, through faith in JESUS and HIS shed blood.

Our part is to trust and obey, as we journey through life. GOD’S part is to equip all who are Spirit-born with HIS Gifts to serve as HE directs.

Let’s read 2 Corinthains 9:6-9:

⁶ The point is this:^[b] The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

He distributed freely;
he gave to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.^[c]

 

We are GOD’S Children through the miracle of Spiritual birth and as such, GOD is our Heavenly FATHER and HIS Grace abounds toward us, and HE supplies for all our needs.

How much more!!!

Just ponder this: GOD’S redemptive plan for humankind. JESUS was in Heaven and willingly left HIS Home in Glory to come to earth to live a 100% human life. HE was subject to physical death. HE was tempted in ALL ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE willingly gave HIS sinless life by shedding HIS blood to pay, in full, for the sin of all who place their faith and trust in JESUS. The key that unlocks the door to eternal life is for every person who places their faith in JESUS, believing that JESUS paid for their sins in full. Thus, we who place our faith in JESUS are redeemed by HIS shed blood for eternity and are eternally born via Spiritual conception into GOD’S Family, never to be Spiritually unborn. The indwelling Holy Spirit guarantees this fact. Each person is given one or more Spiritual Gift(s). NOW THAT IS WORTHY SHOUTING ABOUT!!!

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11:

¹⁰ Now the one (GOD) who provides seed for the Sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

GOD provides seed for the Sower and bread for food. GOD is not only our provider physically but as we serve, HE multiples our resources and increases our Spiritual relationship and knowledge of GOD and JESUS.

What is the result? We learn to trust GOD in all things and for all things. But keep in mind our loving and caring FATHER will NOT give us a serpent when we ask for a fish. No matter how badly we think we want or need something, how much more does our Heavenly FATHER know what we really need? Thank YOU, FATHER! We love YOU and know YOU love us. You are precious.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 9:12-15:

¹² For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. ¹⁴ And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

What is the ministry of this service? Let’s read verse ¹⁰ Now the one (GOD) who provides seed for the Sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

Faith and generosity go together. Trusting GOD builds our faith. It is vital that we do not test GOD but trust GOD. We, as humans, often anticipate how GOD will take care of providing our needs. Most often HE surprises us. Trust and obey. There may be times when we may have to ask GOD to hold our hands as we journey with HIM.

To GOD BE THE GLORY!

Blessings!!!

Bible Study (6) - Authentic (6) - Doing Life Together in CHRIST - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15 - May 19, 2024

 

Bible Study (6) – Authentic (6) – Doing Life Together in CHRIST – 1Thessalonians 5:4-15 – May 19, 2024

Our focus scripture is 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15.

Believer’s share and experience life in CHRIST together.

When we place our faith in JESUS, a miracle takes place quicker than the twinkle of an eye. GOD’S Spirit immediately joins with our human spirit, and we are born-again. The union of GOD’S Spirit with a human spirit result in a person’s eternal birth into GOD’S eternal family. GOD confirms this union with the Gift of The Holy Spirit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

GOD gives all born-again believers Gifts to minister in HIS vineyard, earth. We dwell in GOD’S vineyard for the purpose of sharing the Good News of Salvation through faith in JESUS THE CHRIST.

All “born-again” believers are upon earth to share the Good News of Salvation with others. They are to help teach and help those who are or will be Spirit-born to grow and mature in CHRIST.

Paul was eager to share the Gospel with others and desired to see all grow into Spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul knew that JESUS had told HIS disciples that HE was coming back to earth at a future time. Christians then and today are anxiously waiting for the return of JESUS and the rapture of all Christians form earth to Heaven to be forever with GOD and JESUS.

It is believed that the Apostle Paul was referring to himself in 1 Corinthians 12:1 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. ³ I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows— ⁴ was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak. ⁵ I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

When a person experiences something out of the ordinary and especially when it is in the Heavenly realm, it is clear in the person’s mind what took place but often difficult to express.

Paul saw things that he could not put into human words. I have a friend that was pronounced dead after an accident who went to Heaven. He could not put into words what he saw. Why? He said there were no human words for him to use to explain what he saw.

Paul told the Thessalonian’s about the second coming of JESUS as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:
The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵ For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,^[e] with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage^[f] one another with these words.

Paul gives all who are born-again complete hope in JESUS – those who have died and those who are alive when JESUS comes.

Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:8:
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

The instant those who have been born again will immediately be in the presence of GOD/JESUS when he/she dies physically.

Paul’s message to all of us, who know the truth, is to share this truth with others. In today’s world is an excellent time to share this Good News with others to be eternally born into GOD’S eternal Family.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3:

5 About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. ³ When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Paul is writing to those in the family of faith. Thus, as we read on, he refers to those who are born-again as brothers and sisters. When we have been Spirit-born into the family of faith through our accepting JESUS as our Savior, we belong to GOD. We are GOD’S Children. Thus, brothers and sisters in CHRIST, thus, Family!

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8:

 ⁴ But you, brothers, and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. ⁵ For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. 

As Children of GOD, we are light to those living in darkness. We are hope to those seeking to know the way to eternal life though faith in JESUS. Are we compelled to let the Spiritual light we have in JESUS shine to displace the darkness that shrouds our world today. We are the light and hope to those who are dying and have lost hope.

Be a Beacon to all facing the storms of life. JESUS said in the latter days there will be those who will attempt to deceive even the elect. This is why, we who know the truth must abide in truth, which is CHRIST in us, the hope of Glory. Colossians 1:27:
God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

GOD, in HIS wisdom, placed the Holy Spirit into jars of clay (human body), truth for us to share with others the Good News, the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS.

Exhortations and Blessings

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11:

⁹ For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Once a person is born-again, he/she is eternally a Child of GOD. It does not matter whether the person is alive upon earth or has died, he/she is eternally alive. We who are alive upon earth are to share with others the Good News of Eternal Salvation through faith in JESUS.

Once saved, always saved but for some it may be like as recorded in 1 Corinthians 3:¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

Yes, once saved, always saved but how we live following salvation determines our eternal rewards. We who are alive still have time to ask GOD to help us to be obedient to HIS commands and willingly obey HIS commands.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15:

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you^[a] in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle,^[b] comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Paul is urging those who know the truth of salvation to recognize and understand that they have been given a precious eternal truth through faith in JESUS. This truth is not to be hidden but shared. The Holy Spirit brings to all who receive salvation the guarantee they are GOD’S Child and are encouraged in their walk with JESUS.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Don’t stifle the Spirit. ²⁰ Don’t despise prophecies, ²¹ but test all things. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

We who know the truth of salvation, through faith in JESUS, are to let our gospel light shine in a world that is dark. We, who know the truth, are light to others who are living in darkness, brought about by Satan and his followers.

I recall the time my son and I went Spelunking (Cave exploring) with the Boy Scouts. We were traversing a steep rock wall. We all had flashlights mounted on our hard hats. As I was about to go around a corner on the wall, I thought this would not be a good spot for my light to go out. But guess what? It did and there was momentary total blackness until the person behind me came around the corner and his light gave me enough light for me to continue around the next corner until I got to a safe place to get my light working again.

Folks, this is what life is all about, helping each other to dispel darkness as we journey through life. All of us will experience dark times in our lives.

DO NOT STIFLE THE SPIRIT BUT WELCOME AND USE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU TO SERVE UPON EARTH.

We who know the truth are to let our light shine before others who are in darkness. We are the light. LET IT SHINE BECAUSE OTHERS DEPEND UPON IT.

If you have not asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins. You can do so now. Dear JESUS, I am a sinner and I need YOUR forgiveness for my sins, and I ask YOU to forgive me and for YOU to come into my heart now. I believe YOU willingly gave YOUR sinless life for me to be Spiritually born into GOD’S Eternal Family, never to be unborn. Thank you for giving me eternal life and confirming it with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to grow Spiritually as I continue to journey through life. Reveal YOUR truth to me as I read and study the Bible. Guide me to those who can help me grow Spiritually. Amen.

Ask GOD to lead you to a Bible teaching and believing church where you can grow Spiritually. Having fellowship with fellow believers is especially important.

Many who receive this study know that I attend Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. We currently are praying for a pastor and trusting our LORD will call the right Pastor to our church. While we seek and wait, we pray and trust.

Come worship with us. Our staff is leading us as our LORD leads them by delivering GOD’S message in worship and music. To GOD BE THE GLORY, with thanks, to a loving, caring and praying congregation.

Blessings!!!

 

 

Bible Study (5) - Serving in CHRIST (5) - Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 - May 12, 2024

 

Bible Study (5) – Serving in CHRIST (5) – Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 – May 12, 2024

We are to minister to one another alongside one another.

Iron sharpens iron and burning embers burn longer when united.

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16.

The Apostle Paul had been under arrest in Caesarea for 2 years before arriving in Rome to be under house arrest.

Paul saw and comprehended the redemptive plan that GOD put into effect through the passion of GOD’S only SON, JESUS.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:1-7:

Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ

4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope^[a] at your calling— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Paul acknowledged that he was in prison but not for wrongdoing but for serving the LORD. Once Paul received and experienced the knowledge of the truth of GOD’S redemptive plan, through faith in JESUS, that is all that mattered to him. He was compelled to share this Good News with others. Christians today should have that same faith and commitment to share eternal truth with others.

Once Paul experienced GOD’S grace through faith in JESUS, his life went from squelching those who were becoming followers of JESUS to becoming an ardent follower and proclaimer of salvation through faith in JESUS.

Paul’s life was changed instantly when he encountered JESUS on the road to Damascus. Paul’s plan was to stop this new religious group called “The Way.”

The Way were followers of JESUS and threatened the Jewish religion. Paul was well trained in Judaism, being taught by the famous Jewish Rabbi Gamaliel.

Paul was approaching the end of his earthly life and ministry, but he was eagerly serving JESUS by telling others the Good News of forgiveness for sin and receiving eternal life through faith in JESUS.

Paul saw salvation through faith in JESUS as GOD’S eternal gift to all who place their faith in JESUS. Paul understood that JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, the sin debt for each person individually. Sin is an individual matter and has to be reconciled with GOD individually. How is that possible? Judaism was established on observing the Law. The law is stern and unforgiving, but it demanded a blood sacrifice to temporarily atone for sin. JESUS came to earth to fulfill the law and bring eternal grace to all who place their faith in HIM.

⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ For it says:

When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.^[b]

Paul knew the scripture and he knew that when JESUS ascended on high, JESUS had defeated all the forces that could hold HIM back. JESUS is and always will be the Victor over Satan and his minions. JESUS not only defeated Satan and his minions but took captives and HE opened the path for those who place their faith in HIM to receive salvation and THE Holy Spirit.

Do you know that as a Spirit-born person, you have the Holy Spirit in you? As such, GOD equips each Spirit-born person with at least one or more Spiritual Gifts, to be used as directed by GOD.

⁹ But what does “he ascended” mean except that he^[c] also descended to the lower parts of the earth?^[d] 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. 

JESUS, GOD’S only SON, physically conceived by The Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, willingly came to earth to live a 100% human life, yet GOD. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. When GOD’s redemptive plan had been fulfilled, JESUS ascended back into Heaven. He took HIS seat at the righthand of GOD, HIS FATHER.

JESUS is our advocate to GOD our FATHER. Why? Because Satan is our accuser in Heaven when a Christian sins. JESUS is our advocate because born-again Christians have been eternally born into GOD’S eternal Family.

The Holy Spirit dwelling within every Spirit-born person gives direct and immediate access to GOD 24/7.

Folks, as Spirit-born Christians, we have been fully equipped to do all GOD calls us to do according to HIS purpose and plan. So, why don’t we use with which GOD has equipped us? Our humanness holds us back.

JESUS and HIS disciples had just fed over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, plus collecting 12 baskets of leftover food.

You may recall the event when JESUS was walking upon the water, Peter wanted to get out of the boat and walk with JESUS. JESUS told Peter to get out of the boat, which he did, and he walked on the water until he changed his focus from JESUS to the angry waves. Peter began to sink. He called out to JESUS and JESUS reached out to Peter and restored HIS walk upon the water. JESUS does the same for us today. HE desires for us to reach out to HIM as we walk with HIM.

Notice, Peter asked JESUS first and JESUS told him to get out of the boat. Often, we get out of our safe zone on our own to test GOD and when we do, we may sink, or JESUS can use it to teach us to wait upon HIM. JESUS still teaches HIS Children today. This was a definite teaching moment for JESUS disciples. JESUS made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of HIM.

This event is recorded in Matthew 14: ²² Immediately he^[f] made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³ After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance^[g] from land,^[h] battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. ²⁵ Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.^[I] 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.

²⁷ Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

(In a study of this scripture in the original scripture it gives the idea “JESUS appeared as if HE was going to walk past them.” I about lost it. JESUS has a sense of humor. I can envision HIM walking upon water and telling HIS disciples something like, “Gee guys, I think I will walk to the shore. I am making better time walking than you are rowing.”)

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ He said, “Come.”

And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strength of the wind,^[j] he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

³² When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Paul continued to identify some of the Spiritual Gifts. There are many gifts given to those who GOD calls to serve in HIS Kingdom as revealed in our next scripture ----

Yes, every Spirit-born person has at least one or more Spiritual Gifts. The Passion of JESUS changed the Jewish worship system from observing the Law to Grace through faith in JESUS. Some of the Jews still cling to the law and are waiting for the coming of the promised Messiah. However, there are Messianic Jews today who acknowledge that JESUS did come as recorded in the New Testament scripture.

Let’s read Ephesians 4:11-13:

¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 

Some Spirit-born Christians are “called” by GOD to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the purpose of equipping, building up the body until we ALL reach unity in faith, knowledge, and Spiritual maturity, as determined by “CHRIST’S fullness.”

WOW! This is a calling that GOD issues to those HE has chosen to fulfill these specific purposes. These are some of the Spiritual Gifts but there are more as Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:1- Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers, and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he (GOD) determines.

These are a few of the Spiritual Gift’s GOD gives to those HE chooses to serve in HIS Kingdom upon earth. Keep in mind verse 11, above. We can desire a gift or gifts, but GOD is the giver. Very important!!!

Let’s Read Ephesians 4:14-16:

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

What do we need in most churches? We need to grow up Spiritually! We need to know and apply what GOD’S Word reveals to us.

GOD desires to equip those who are Spirit-born with gifts of the Spirit. Are we afraid of receiving one or more of the Spiritual Gifts to minister in GOD’S Kingdom?

If we are, then we need to confess it to our LORD and ask HIM to create within us an obedient heart to serve HIM as HE directs.

Folks, GOD is calling all who have been born-again to step up and be counted to serve HIM through faith in JESUS. HE will direct our paths and HE gives the increase!!!

Folks as we approach the second coming of JESUS, we, as Spirit-born people, must know the scripture and be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, fully equipped to march forward into the Spiritual battle that will take place. We must keep our eyes focused upon JESUS as we walk with HIM, lest we sink! But if we do, we can cry out to JESUS and HE reaches out with HIS power to lift us up.

Blessings!!!