Concerning Spiritual Gifts

Lee Campbell

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

God gives a variety of spiritual gifts to His people for one purpose-to build up His church.  The Holy Spirit superintends this process and work.

Four Promises on the Final Night

James Rochford

John 14:1-17:23

On his final night with his disciples, Jesus lays out intimidating commands and predictions, but also robust promises. He promises them "another advocate"--the Holy Spirit--the words of God, prayer, and unifying fellowship. These promises stand for Christians today as they face the challenges of serving God.

The Mind of Christ

Ben Foust

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

God's wisdom is what matters, not worldly wisdom.  Ben describes six keys to knowing God's wisdom.  It is for the mature. It is distinct from the wisdom of man. God's wisdom is revealed. It is conveyed through the agency of the Holy Spirit.  It is possible for humans to speak God's wisdom as His agents.  And finally, The Holy Spirit helps us to discern what is truly wise.

Describing the Indescribable

Rosy Talarzyk

1 Corinthians 2:16

The book of Revelation talks about many indescribable events that are supernaturally empowered. It describes a cosmic war and suffering on a scale never before seen. Yet, it is a book of profound hope. Jesus overcomes the world. We, as His followers, are also overcomers and receive amazing rewards. In God's mercy, everyone is given an invitation to join Him in overcoming. May everyone "Who has an ear, let him hear" this invitation and accept it.

Do Not Quench the Spirit

Lee Campbell

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

It can be difficult to understand the meaning of the command to not quench the Spirit since it is put in the negative. If we change it to the positive it may be better understood. To not quench the Spirit means to walk in and keep in step with the Spirit by glorifying God, following His leadership and by pursuing righteousness.

What Is It About this Church?

Patrice McCormac

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to express his gratitude for their radical lifestyle for Christ and their decisive response to the Gospel. He thanks God for their work of faith, their labor of love and their steadfastness of hope. He recognizes God was at work in their community and He came in power and in the Holy Spirit. He rejoices that the word of the Lord sounded forth because they received the Gospel with joy and gave it away wherever they went.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ, Part Two

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Dennis finishes up 1 Thessalonians 5 with the remaining imperatives of effective body life. He calls all Christians to rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks, not quench the Spirit, and have discernment on spiritual matters. It is not up to us to muster the ability to do these things, but for us to depend upon God to bring it to pass.

More Keys to Healthy Spiritual Community

Scott Risley

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

Healthy spiritual community requires love relationships among fellow Christians as they also relate to a loving God. In these passages, the focus will be on the vertical relationship with God, us speaking to God and God speaking to us. This will involve the keys of rejoicing, praying, thanksgiving, being open to receiving input from the Holy Spirit and rejecting any form of evil.

God's Not Finished with Us Yet

Kay Robinson

Philippians 1:6

No matter how old you become or disabled, God can still use you powerfully in His kingdom. God has a purpose for you regardless of your circumstances. Be a part of His plan! Use your gifts. Continue to give Him glory. There is no retirement from the work of God. We all have so much to give!