Friday, September 25, 2009

Profound!

I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found... [Isaiah 45.19b]

Profound!

Then Paul gives reasons behind the tools God has given - namely the certain gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These were given:
  • ... so God’s people would be equipped to do his work and build up the church
  • ... so God’s people come to unity in faith and knowledge of God’s Son
  • ... so God’s people we will be mature in the Lord
  • ... so God’s people will measure up to the full and complete standard of Christ
  • ... so God’s people will no longer be immature like children
  • ... so God’s people won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching
  • ... so God’s people will not be influenced when people try to trick them with lies so clever they sound like the truth
  • ... so God’s people will speak the truth in love
  • ... so God’s people will grow in every way more and more like Christ
  • ... so God’s people will help each other grow
  • ... so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love

Sounds like we can all use someone equipped with these gifts in our lives!

Father, thank You for those with the gifts that You have given. Thank You for those who actually share the gifts You have given them. Help us to recognize these gifts in those to whom they have been given along this journey so that we might indeed receive what they have to offer and be healthy and growing and full of love!

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