My latest preach from Sunday. This is the start to a new series at our church, ‘One & Many’, on discovering your spiritual giftings. If you want to know more, the talks will be online here. As usual I write out what I want to say in advance but I don’t read it when I’m preaching, I use it as a guide so it won’t be exactly what I said, and there are points below that are more in note form, but this is the general thing anyway!
I’ve
got to tell you I am so excited about this series, just looking at the last few
weeks and seeing what God has been doing here in our church, I just can’t wait
to see what he’s going to do with this God has been speaking to me on this
theme for a while now and I hope that throughout this series each of you will
feel as encouraged as I have.
got to tell you I am so excited about this series, just looking at the last few
weeks and seeing what God has been doing here in our church, I just can’t wait
to see what he’s going to do with this God has been speaking to me on this
theme for a while now and I hope that throughout this series each of you will
feel as encouraged as I have.
What it’s all about//
So
let me start by telling you what it’s all about. We’ve called it ‘we are One & Many’ –
which comes from the verse in 1 Corinthians:
let me start by telling you what it’s all about. We’ve called it ‘we are One & Many’ –
which comes from the verse in 1 Corinthians:
The Body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all
it’s parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.’ 1
Corinthians 12:12
We
are all ‘one’s’ aren’t we – all
individuals, and together as the many of
us, we form One church, or one community. We could also take it a step further and say
there are many individual churches
that build up the One body of
Christ… anyway you get the point, we are one
and many on many diff levels.
are all ‘one’s’ aren’t we – all
individuals, and together as the many of
us, we form One church, or one community. We could also take it a step further and say
there are many individual churches
that build up the One body of
Christ… anyway you get the point, we are one
and many on many diff levels.
The bible talks in several
places about giftings, or how God gifts us and we are going to be looking at
these passages over the coming weeks, but the essential message is that “We are
One and Many’ – We are ONE – ie: we are unique, ourselves – but also that we
are MANY – many individuals together. Many individuals make ONE whole –
one church. So we celebrate our uniqueness but also that those unique gifts
make us able to work together as one body. All the needs provided for the whole
through the individuals. We all have a part to play but we’re part of something
bigger.
places about giftings, or how God gifts us and we are going to be looking at
these passages over the coming weeks, but the essential message is that “We are
One and Many’ – We are ONE – ie: we are unique, ourselves – but also that we
are MANY – many individuals together. Many individuals make ONE whole –
one church. So we celebrate our uniqueness but also that those unique gifts
make us able to work together as one body. All the needs provided for the whole
through the individuals. We all have a part to play but we’re part of something
bigger.
Overview //
So I just
want to start by giving you an idea of how this is going to work. So this
series will run until the beginning of
December. It will encompass teaching on Sunday mornings, and there are small
group sessions that go alongside the teaching If you are not in a small
group we’d encourage you to get in one – lists at info point – great way to
learn together and support each other… However I know that for some of you that
is hard – work etc – and so we’ve put all the info on our funky new website –
if you got to the ‘latest teaching’ button on the homepage it will bring you to
the series page – there are
links from there to all you need. There
is also a resource list on there.
want to start by giving you an idea of how this is going to work. So this
series will run until the beginning of
December. It will encompass teaching on Sunday mornings, and there are small
group sessions that go alongside the teaching If you are not in a small
group we’d encourage you to get in one – lists at info point – great way to
learn together and support each other… However I know that for some of you that
is hard – work etc – and so we’ve put all the info on our funky new website –
if you got to the ‘latest teaching’ button on the homepage it will bring you to
the series page – there are
links from there to all you need. There
is also a resource list on there.
Towards
the end of the teaching we are going to have the opportunity to hear a range
of different talks on Sunday mornings
too. This whole series about us working
together, recognising who and what we have on our church so on those sundays we
are going to hear from people who are not normally out the front (although
there will be some of us too!), sharing their gifts with you. You will have a
choice of who to go and hear. We will be seeking God together, as individuals
and for each other, in church, by ourselves and in our small groups.
the end of the teaching we are going to have the opportunity to hear a range
of different talks on Sunday mornings
too. This whole series about us working
together, recognising who and what we have on our church so on those sundays we
are going to hear from people who are not normally out the front (although
there will be some of us too!), sharing their gifts with you. You will have a
choice of who to go and hear. We will be seeking God together, as individuals
and for each other, in church, by ourselves and in our small groups.
So resources… I have asked those leading those sessions to
make some recommendations for further material, so for example we’ve got books
on various different gifts if you have an interest in one area. There’s also a
general section on giftings. It’s a
comprehensive list, so don’t look at it and think argh that’s too much, it’s for
you to dip into if you want to. And I
know how busy some of you are, and not everyone is a book fan so there are also
some videos and talks on there too. And there’s some secular stuff too, to give
a broader look at the subject, so just have a look and see what takes your
fancy. If you cant get online and need a printed copy of this just let me know.
make some recommendations for further material, so for example we’ve got books
on various different gifts if you have an interest in one area. There’s also a
general section on giftings. It’s a
comprehensive list, so don’t look at it and think argh that’s too much, it’s for
you to dip into if you want to. And I
know how busy some of you are, and not everyone is a book fan so there are also
some videos and talks on there too. And there’s some secular stuff too, to give
a broader look at the subject, so just have a look and see what takes your
fancy. If you cant get online and need a printed copy of this just let me know.
The Book
So
the one thing we do want you all to get
if you can is this book… talk about it…. And questionnaire, why chosen etc.
the one thing we do want you all to get
if you can is this book… talk about it…. And questionnaire, why chosen etc.
Being
gifted //
gifted //
I
think the term gifted can have negative connotations, let me explain
think the term gifted can have negative connotations, let me explain
At my
daughters old school they had a programme called ‘gifted and talented’, I think
a similar thing is run in lots of schools and I have to be honest, I have mixed
feelings about it.
daughters old school they had a programme called ‘gifted and talented’, I think
a similar thing is run in lots of schools and I have to be honest, I have mixed
feelings about it.
Firstly I don’t like the name, ‘the gifted and talented programme’ – it implies that
only these kids are gifted and talented, when the truth is, that we all are
gifted, just in different ways.
only these kids are gifted and talented, when the truth is, that we all are
gifted, just in different ways.
So
Basically it takes kids who are already gifted and makes them more so, or it
offers them opportunities to become better at something they are already good
at.
Basically it takes kids who are already gifted and makes them more so, or it
offers them opportunities to become better at something they are already good
at.
This
annoys me because I’d like to see others having these opportunities. Many kids
would develop an interest in something or a love of something if they just had
the opportunity. I hated sport at school, I wasn’t terrible I just wasn’t one
of the best, so I never got picked for teams and or to go to extra training.
But as an adult I started a womens cricket team and I learned that I love
running… That was missed at school.
annoys me because I’d like to see others having these opportunities. Many kids
would develop an interest in something or a love of something if they just had
the opportunity. I hated sport at school, I wasn’t terrible I just wasn’t one
of the best, so I never got picked for teams and or to go to extra training.
But as an adult I started a womens cricket team and I learned that I love
running… That was missed at school.
So what I’m saying is that this series is about opportunity,
that just because you don’t know you’re gifted in an area, doesn’t mean you
aren’t – here’s your chance to find out about areas you might not have
considered before
that just because you don’t know you’re gifted in an area, doesn’t mean you
aren’t – here’s your chance to find out about areas you might not have
considered before
On the other hand, last
year at my sons school there was a debate amongst the parents last year about
who would be picked for the first team in football and rugby. One group of mums
said that their boys weren’t getting a fair go because they never got picked
for the team whilst the other group said, our boys are best at football so
that’s why they are chosen. Now you could take this 2 ways. You could say
everyone should have a go, or you can say, they are playing to win and the best
boys should be picked. After all, as one of the mums said to me, my son is not
academic, but he is good at football. He wouldn’t get picked for a spelling challenge or a maths
competition for the school and I wouldn’t expect him to – the kids who get
picked for that are the ones who are best at spelling or maths. So why should
it be different for football?
year at my sons school there was a debate amongst the parents last year about
who would be picked for the first team in football and rugby. One group of mums
said that their boys weren’t getting a fair go because they never got picked
for the team whilst the other group said, our boys are best at football so
that’s why they are chosen. Now you could take this 2 ways. You could say
everyone should have a go, or you can say, they are playing to win and the best
boys should be picked. After all, as one of the mums said to me, my son is not
academic, but he is good at football. He wouldn’t get picked for a spelling challenge or a maths
competition for the school and I wouldn’t expect him to – the kids who get
picked for that are the ones who are best at spelling or maths. So why should
it be different for football?
So
what is my point?
what is my point?
We’re all gifted in different ways and there is no point in trying to be
like someone else who has a gift that you want. We
ARE all different. We need to recognize that! We are ALL gifted and talented.
We all have different giftings, different talents, different ways of doing
things and that’s how it should be! Gosh how boring would it be, and how
difficult to get things done if we were all good at the same things! So we need to recognise that we are
different and that some of us have gifts in areas others don’t, but equally we
need to know what those gifts are – and we need opportunities to find out.
like someone else who has a gift that you want. We
ARE all different. We need to recognize that! We are ALL gifted and talented.
We all have different giftings, different talents, different ways of doing
things and that’s how it should be! Gosh how boring would it be, and how
difficult to get things done if we were all good at the same things! So we need to recognise that we are
different and that some of us have gifts in areas others don’t, but equally we
need to know what those gifts are – and we need opportunities to find out.
So lets look at the ‘One’//
You
know I stand here and look out and I see a bunch of amazing people! And I mean
ALL of you! God has made you all in exactly the way he wanted. You are all
completely unique. and different. So you have different likes and dislikes, you
have different characteristics, you come from different places, work in
different places you are perfectly unique, AND we are all gifted differently
too.
know I stand here and look out and I see a bunch of amazing people! And I mean
ALL of you! God has made you all in exactly the way he wanted. You are all
completely unique. and different. So you have different likes and dislikes, you
have different characteristics, you come from different places, work in
different places you are perfectly unique, AND we are all gifted differently
too.
The
bible says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ Psalm 139 –
bible says we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ Psalm 139 –
Lets
look at that from the message version which puts it slightly differently:
look at that from the message version which puts it slightly differently:
13-16
MSG
MSG
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re
breathtaking! Body and
soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know
me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was
made, bit by bit, how I was
sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow
from conception to birth; all the
stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all
prepared before I’d even lived one day.
I wonder how many of us can say that about ourselves – that we actually believe that we are marvelously made? Do you think
of yourself that way – like a work of art, carefully sculpted and created?
Because that is the truth! God has created us all to be who we are. Unique and
gifted individuals. That’s the first
thing we need to take on board – that we are special to God – do you know who
you are in Christ? Truly?
of yourself that way – like a work of art, carefully sculpted and created?
Because that is the truth! God has created us all to be who we are. Unique and
gifted individuals. That’s the first
thing we need to take on board – that we are special to God – do you know who
you are in Christ? Truly?
And
part of the way he has created each of us, is with gifts. Gifts given from a
loving heavenly father, gifts that will shape
our lives gifts, that will help is to shape other peoples lives, gifts that
will lead us along paths we had never imagined possible.
part of the way he has created each of us, is with gifts. Gifts given from a
loving heavenly father, gifts that will shape
our lives gifts, that will help is to shape other peoples lives, gifts that
will lead us along paths we had never imagined possible.
Who has seen the Narnia movies? Or read the books obviously? There’s a great bit in
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Father Christmas shows up and gives
the kids a present each. Each one is different, personal to the child, but each
one also has a use as he explains to them and their part in it. Eg: Lucy
dagger. Not in the battle. In the book, he also hands them a tray of hot tea,
which I don’t think made it to the movie. Buts it’s a great illustration of the
gifts God gives to us as individuals, with a purpose for each. But I like the
tea too, because it shows that gifts are not just for a purpose but to show
love and compassion, kindness, and here of a shared need – sitting in the
rapidly thawing snow, cold, probably hungry after a long journey and here is
something to warm them up. Spiritual gifts from God are not just for purpose but to
enrich our lives… Does that make sense?
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Father Christmas shows up and gives
the kids a present each. Each one is different, personal to the child, but each
one also has a use as he explains to them and their part in it. Eg: Lucy
dagger. Not in the battle. In the book, he also hands them a tray of hot tea,
which I don’t think made it to the movie. Buts it’s a great illustration of the
gifts God gives to us as individuals, with a purpose for each. But I like the
tea too, because it shows that gifts are not just for a purpose but to show
love and compassion, kindness, and here of a shared need – sitting in the
rapidly thawing snow, cold, probably hungry after a long journey and here is
something to warm them up. Spiritual gifts from God are not just for purpose but to
enrich our lives… Does that make sense?
So, the many//
So we
are individuals, fearfully and wonderfully made, but we are also part of a whole, part of the body. We are united in our
love of Jesus, and in this church. Throughout planning for this series, God
has been speaking to me about recognising
the gifts and the amazing people we have in this church. As we are moving
into this new season in our church it is going to be so important for us to
work together, as a family, a community, not just the leadership team telling
you what we’re doing and where we are going but we are on this journey together
and we all have a part to play in it.
are individuals, fearfully and wonderfully made, but we are also part of a whole, part of the body. We are united in our
love of Jesus, and in this church. Throughout planning for this series, God
has been speaking to me about recognising
the gifts and the amazing people we have in this church. As we are moving
into this new season in our church it is going to be so important for us to
work together, as a family, a community, not just the leadership team telling
you what we’re doing and where we are going but we are on this journey together
and we all have a part to play in it.
Later
in 1 Cor 12: 17
in 1 Cor 12: 17
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If
the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But
in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he
wanted them to be.
God has
placed them, just as he wanted to be – if you’re in this church, not by chance
or accident, it’s because God wants you here. Simple as that! So what’s your
role? What’s your gift? What’s your place?
placed them, just as he wanted to be – if you’re in this church, not by chance
or accident, it’s because God wants you here. Simple as that! So what’s your
role? What’s your gift? What’s your place?
Thoughts on series// diff people…
Well,
I think there will probably be some of you sat there thinking well I know what
my gifts are and I’m using them, or maybe you’ve heard teaching on giftings
before. But I would like to say to you, this is a new season for all of us. For
us as a church specifically, and we are walking into the future of The Point
together – So maybe God wants to talk to you about using your gifts in a new
way in this season? Or perhaps he has a different plan for you, or maybe even
he wants to gift you in a new and exciting way. So let’s all be open to hearing
what he has to say through this series.
I think there will probably be some of you sat there thinking well I know what
my gifts are and I’m using them, or maybe you’ve heard teaching on giftings
before. But I would like to say to you, this is a new season for all of us. For
us as a church specifically, and we are walking into the future of The Point
together – So maybe God wants to talk to you about using your gifts in a new
way in this season? Or perhaps he has a different plan for you, or maybe even
he wants to gift you in a new and exciting way. So let’s all be open to hearing
what he has to say through this series.
Then
I think there will be some of you who maybe have an idea or an inkling of how
God has gifted you but perhaps you are not sure what to do with it, or don’t
know how to develop that gifting, or maybe you are sensing a new season for
you… Well now is your chance to learn more, or get some training, really step
into what God has for you…
I think there will be some of you who maybe have an idea or an inkling of how
God has gifted you but perhaps you are not sure what to do with it, or don’t
know how to develop that gifting, or maybe you are sensing a new season for
you… Well now is your chance to learn more, or get some training, really step
into what God has for you…
And
lastly, if you are sitting there thinking well I haven’t got a clue what you
are talking about, or I don’t have any idea if God has gifted me, then this
series is definitely for you! You can learn, listen and seek God. God has a
plan and purpose for every single one of us!
lastly, if you are sitting there thinking well I haven’t got a clue what you
are talking about, or I don’t have any idea if God has gifted me, then this
series is definitely for you! You can learn, listen and seek God. God has a
plan and purpose for every single one of us!
So…
this series is for all of us – as individuals and as part of the body. We are
one and we are many.
this series is for all of us – as individuals and as part of the body. We are
one and we are many.
Why are gifts given? ///
I was
quite interested in why gifts are given to people and I think there are 4
reasons:
quite interested in why gifts are given to people and I think there are 4
reasons:
1:
Honouring 2: Occasion 3: Purpose/need 4:
Love
Honouring 2: Occasion 3: Purpose/need 4:
Love
Let’s
look at why we give gifts…
look at why we give gifts…
1.HONOUR:
As an
honour – a way of honouring other people. For example
honour – a way of honouring other people. For example
You
know when a foreign digniatry visits a member of the royal family they always
bring a gift. Sometimes they can seem completely bizarre…
know when a foreign digniatry visits a member of the royal family they always
bring a gift. Sometimes they can seem completely bizarre…
So
for example during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II she has received the
following:
for example during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II she has received the
following:
she has
received lacrosse sticks, sunglasses, a pair of sandals, pineapples, eggs, a
box of snail shells, a grove of maple trees, a dozen tins of of tuna and 7kg of
prawns.
received lacrosse sticks, sunglasses, a pair of sandals, pineapples, eggs, a
box of snail shells, a grove of maple trees, a dozen tins of of tuna and 7kg of
prawns.
Probably the
most unusual of all the gifts that have been presented to The Queen are the
many live animals.
most unusual of all the gifts that have been presented to The Queen are the
many live animals.
These include
several horses,
several horses,
among them a
canary from Germany, jaguars and sloths from Brazil, two black beavers from
Canada, two young giant turtles from the Seychelles and an elephant called
Jumbo from the Cameroon.
canary from Germany, jaguars and sloths from Brazil, two black beavers from
Canada, two young giant turtles from the Seychelles and an elephant called
Jumbo from the Cameroon.
(And unlike our
worldy royalty, who send off many of their gifts, to an appropriate place, an
animal to a zoo, ancient boat to the British Museum and so on. Our gifts from
our heavenly Father are not bizarre or to be put in a glass cabinet or given
away, they are perfect and good gifts, for a heavenly purpose.) so we can
honour him in using those gifts
worldy royalty, who send off many of their gifts, to an appropriate place, an
animal to a zoo, ancient boat to the British Museum and so on. Our gifts from
our heavenly Father are not bizarre or to be put in a glass cabinet or given
away, they are perfect and good gifts, for a heavenly purpose.) so we can
honour him in using those gifts
Who you are is God’s gift to you, what you do with yourself is your gift to God.
Danish proverb
2:
OCCASION
OCCASION
Birthday,
celebration, anniversary. as a token of celebration, also a token of love. Marking
an occasion. A reminder of something
good that has happened
celebration, anniversary. as a token of celebration, also a token of love. Marking
an occasion. A reminder of something
good that has happened
So for example we might mark the arrival of a new baby with something like a tankard or some silverware – something for life but a reminder of that moment.
How
about in a more Christian sense, at baptism, the Pastor prays for people to
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism… and at confirmation, the
Bishop does the same.
about in a more Christian sense, at baptism, the Pastor prays for people to
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism… and at confirmation, the
Bishop does the same.
3:
PURPOSE/NEED
PURPOSE/NEED
My
Dad for example for my childhood his Christmas list consisted of pants and
socks, and the odd item for his toolbag.
Dad for example for my childhood his Christmas list consisted of pants and
socks, and the odd item for his toolbag.
Things
with a purpose. Things with a use. Also benefited others.
with a purpose. Things with a use. Also benefited others.
4:
LOVE
LOVE
Tokens
of love
of love
Just
something to show a person you care – might also be for an occasion, but it
shows your love. For example an item of jewellery. And sometimes we can be
quite ungrateful can’t we? Phil once bought me a ring, which I only wore once
or twice and it was only when we sold it at a carboot in the summer that he
told me how much it actually cost! I felt slightly bad about that…!
something to show a person you care – might also be for an occasion, but it
shows your love. For example an item of jewellery. And sometimes we can be
quite ungrateful can’t we? Phil once bought me a ring, which I only wore once
or twice and it was only when we sold it at a carboot in the summer that he
told me how much it actually cost! I felt slightly bad about that…!
Anyway…
point is gifts can be a token of love
point is gifts can be a token of love
Receive
in the same vein that its given…
in the same vein that its given…
So why
does God gift us – I think all of those above. Above all because he loves us
but sometimes it’s for a purpose – if he has a task for us to do he will give
us all that we need to accomplish it.
does God gift us – I think all of those above. Above all because he loves us
but sometimes it’s for a purpose – if he has a task for us to do he will give
us all that we need to accomplish it.
So
why does God give us these gifts? In James 1 it says this:
why does God give us these gifts? In James 1 it says this:
Every good
and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Or Luke 12
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to
give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Or
“Which of you, if your
son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a
fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in
heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Mathew 7:9-11
It is
in Gods nature to gift us, he created us to be different but these are also gifts,
pleasurable things from our father.
in Gods nature to gift us, he created us to be different but these are also gifts,
pleasurable things from our father.
Some
gifts are life long, they go with us through thick and thin – others may be
used just for a time – for a purpose, a season…
gifts are life long, they go with us through thick and thin – others may be
used just for a time – for a purpose, a season…
And
of course the most amazing gift of all is Gods GRACE – which is there
for all of us, the most amazing gift to us all. We don’t deserve it but we get
it anyway.
of course the most amazing gift of all is Gods GRACE – which is there
for all of us, the most amazing gift to us all. We don’t deserve it but we get
it anyway.
GIFTS//
So
let’s have a look at what I mean when I am talking about spiritual gifts or how
God has gifted you…
let’s have a look at what I mean when I am talking about spiritual gifts or how
God has gifted you…
Not
talking about talents…
talking about talents…
The
passages that we are looking at throughout this series specifically refer to
different spiritual giftings, for example did you know being a good
administrator’ is a gift from God, one I’m particularly delighted by – always
joke about admin being boring, although I happen to be good at it, but since
discovering that I’ve looked at it in a different light.
passages that we are looking at throughout this series specifically refer to
different spiritual giftings, for example did you know being a good
administrator’ is a gift from God, one I’m particularly delighted by – always
joke about admin being boring, although I happen to be good at it, but since
discovering that I’ve looked at it in a different light.
Or
how about being a good encourager: Exhortation/ Encouragement
The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort or urge
to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. Mentioned
in
how about being a good encourager: Exhortation/ Encouragement
The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort or urge
to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. Mentioned
in
Or the five
fold leadership giftings mentioned in Ephesians 4:
fold leadership giftings mentioned in Ephesians 4:
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the
pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach
unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach
unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Christ
gave these roles, in order to build up his people, to serve the body of Christ,
UNTIL we all reach unity in the faith and……
gave these roles, in order to build up his people, to serve the body of Christ,
UNTIL we all reach unity in the faith and……
Often
bible tells us what its for or how it should be used… like eph 4.
bible tells us what its for or how it should be used… like eph 4.
Also
list of gitings on the website – ones mentioned in these passages plus a few
others that Bruce Bugbee uses in his book, to provide consistency. So something
he uses is the gift of craftsmanship – look at exodus, building of the temple, Exodus 31:
list of gitings on the website – ones mentioned in these passages plus a few
others that Bruce Bugbee uses in his book, to provide consistency. So something
he uses is the gift of craftsmanship – look at exodus, building of the temple, Exodus 31:
31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I
have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with
knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs
for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to
work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.
Are
you a creative type?
you a creative type?
AIM// FINISH WITH THIS
I
have a real desire. God has really put on my heart this sense of us all walking in the fullness of who
God has made us to be. I want to encourage people, I want to see people
realising who God made them to be, what God is calling them to, what plans he
has for them, how he has gifted them. It’s no good standing there thinking I
wish I could sing like Julie, or I wish I could preach like Will, or I wish I
could do that…. This IS ABOUT WHO YOU
ARE. We need to think, who has God made me to be – how has he made ME? what
does he have planned for me.
have a real desire. God has really put on my heart this sense of us all walking in the fullness of who
God has made us to be. I want to encourage people, I want to see people
realising who God made them to be, what God is calling them to, what plans he
has for them, how he has gifted them. It’s no good standing there thinking I
wish I could sing like Julie, or I wish I could preach like Will, or I wish I
could do that…. This IS ABOUT WHO YOU
ARE. We need to think, who has God made me to be – how has he made ME? what
does he have planned for me.
This
church has over 250 names on the books and yet there is a fairly small number
of people who really engage with it and us with you TBH. Now this isn’t a
guilt-fest why are you not on a team, type talk. It’s a rally cry to your heart
– are you fulfilling your potential. I look around this hall and I see so much
potential. I see people who have such a heart to care for people, to help
people, to just be there with people. I see dynamic, fired up people who just
want to share the gospel wherever they go, I see people who have a gift for
teaching, who can make the most confusing things seem so simple and accessible.
There are people here who God has given a passion to all kinds of crazy things
and yet somewhere, somehow those passions get stuck, or perhaps are not yet
even realised.
church has over 250 names on the books and yet there is a fairly small number
of people who really engage with it and us with you TBH. Now this isn’t a
guilt-fest why are you not on a team, type talk. It’s a rally cry to your heart
– are you fulfilling your potential. I look around this hall and I see so much
potential. I see people who have such a heart to care for people, to help
people, to just be there with people. I see dynamic, fired up people who just
want to share the gospel wherever they go, I see people who have a gift for
teaching, who can make the most confusing things seem so simple and accessible.
There are people here who God has given a passion to all kinds of crazy things
and yet somewhere, somehow those passions get stuck, or perhaps are not yet
even realised.
How
many of you feel like you are not fulfilling your purpose here on this earth?
how many of you feel like you don’t know what your purpose is – are you just
putting one foot in front of the other and just keep going…?
many of you feel like you are not fulfilling your purpose here on this earth?
how many of you feel like you don’t know what your purpose is – are you just
putting one foot in front of the other and just keep going…?
Let’s embrace this…
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