Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Talents”, pages 325-365, in Christ’s Object Lessons. The correct understanding of the biblical teaching of spiritual gifts brings unity to the church. The recognition that each one of us is valuable and a needed member of the body of Christ is a unifying thought. Every member of the church is necessary … Continue reading –>
Read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. What is the most significant thought that stands out to you in this story? Why were the first two servants commended by God and the last servant condemned? What does this parable tell us about the use of our talents? Particularly notice Matthew 25:29. The master gave to each … Continue reading –>
Compare 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 with 2 Corinthians 1:20-22. What do these passages tell us about the promises of God and especially spiritual gifts prior to the second coming of Christ? God promises that His church will manifest all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit just before the return of our Lord. His promises are sure. He has … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Corinthians 12:7 and Ephesians 4:11-16. Why does God impart spiritual gifts to each believer? What are the purposes of those gifts? Spiritual gifts serve several purposes. God gives them to nurture and strengthen His church to accomplish His ministry. They are designed to develop a unified church ready to accomplish His mission in the world. The … Continue reading –>
According to 1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 4:7-8; and James 1:17, God is the originator of all gifts, and “every perfect gift” comes from Him. Thus, we can rest assured that He will impart to us the very gifts of the Holy Spirit that are best suited to our personalities, and He will best use our skills … Continue reading –>
Have you ever considered how different from each other the disciples were? Their backgrounds, personalities, temperaments, and gifts greatly varied. But this was not a liability for the church. It was a strength. Matthew, a tax collector, was precise, exact, and accurate. In contrast, Peter often spoke quickly, and was enthusiastic and impulsive, but he … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Cor. 12:12; Matt. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 1:4-9; Matt. 25:14-30. Memory Text: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11, NKJV). God calls us to witness for Him (Acts 1:8, Isa. 43:10). Witnessing is not a special spiritual gift that only … Continue reading –>
Four Dreams in a Row By Andrew Mcchesney The first dream occurred after Abraham Keita got up at 3 a.m. for customary prayers on his prayer mat in Bufa, a village in Guinea in West Africa. “I am more than 40 and I don’t have a wife or children or work or money”, Abraham prayed. … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Gift of the Spirit”, pages 47-56, in The Acts of the Apostles; “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”, pages 667-672, in The Desire of Ages. The Holy Spirit cooperates with the Father and the Son in the redemptive process. In all of our witnessing activities, we are joining Him in His work … Continue reading –>
A careful study of the book of Acts reveals God through His Spirit working miracles in human lives. Acts is a case study on the gospel’s triumphing over cultural biases, transforming lifelong, deeply ingrained habits, and teaching all humanity Christ’s grace and truth. The Holy Spirit meets people where they are, but He does not … Continue reading –>
