The Gifts Among Us: Part 1

We started a new series this Sunday. The Gifts Among Us. A look at spiritual gifts and what they’re actually for.

We spent time in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 14. The big idea: God gave gifts to the church not for show, but for building up. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers. Five gifts with one purpose. To equip every saint for the work of ministry.

Not a few professionals doing all the work while everyone watches. Every believer, equipped and active.

We talked about what each gift looks like in real life. Apostles going where the gospel hasn’t gone. Prophets speaking encouragement and truth. Evangelists carrying the good news like fire. Shepherds watching over people. Teachers making truth clear and livable.

Then we looked at what happens when the church gathers. Paul says everyone has something to bring. A hymn, a lesson, a word of encouragement. The test is simple: does it build up the body?

We ended in Acts 2. The Spirit fell on everyone at Pentecost. Not just leaders. Everyone.

And what came next was not a program launch. It was devoted, ordinary life together. Teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer. Disciplemaking.

Something to sit with this week:

What gift has God given you, and how are you using it to build up someone else?