The Motivational Spiritual Gifts Reveal The Personality Of God - A Sermon

This is the manuscript of a sermon that I delivered at Church of Divine Guidance, Los Angeles, CA.  The audio recording of the sermon is included in the manuscript.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)11  And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,13  till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

Pastor Clayton has said that we should revisit the gifts of the Holy Spirit at least once each year.  He wants to do this to remind us that as members of the Body of Christ and especially those of us at the Church of Divine Guidance that we are to use those gifts to encourage and to edify ( instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually.) each other.

When we first hear, learn, and talk about something we get excited and often do something right away.  Over time however we can often lose that enthusiasm, and forget some details, so it’s good to review important things.  Peter is one of his letters said;

2 Peter 1:12 (NKJV)  For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

The sense in the Greek is, "I will be intending to remind you always."  Even when we know we need to be encouraged and motivated.   

So today I’m going to remind you of how important it is for you to use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you.  I’m going to remind you of all of them but only emphasize a few of them.  The ones I’m going to emphasize today are those that are described as the Motivational Gifts which are the gifts that show the personality of God.

First some general background.

Each Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift, or "manifestation of the Spirit." This gift(s) gives a divine or supernatural capacity to make a significant contribution to other believers. If those gifts operate in love and in proper order the church will accomplish what God intends for it and that is to show the world His plan of salvation for all people regardless of race, position, status, poverty, or wealth

The gifts differ, but have these common elements.

(1) Each is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence in the person

(2) Each is "for the common good," not just the person with the gift and,

(3) Each is given "as He [the Spirit] determines."   It is the Holy Spitit decision period.  We can want and pray for specific gifts but it’s the Holy Spirit sovereign decision.

Now there is a difference between a spiritual gift and a talent.  They are both God given and can be used to bless others and the church but they are different.

To summarize the differences between spiritual gifts and talents: 1) A talent is the result of genetics and/or training, while a spiritual gift is the result of the power of the Holy Spirit. 2) A talent can be possessed by anyone, Christian or non-Christian, while spiritual gifts are only possessed by Christians. 3) While both talents and spiritual gifts should be used for God’s glory and to minister to others, spiritual gifts are focused on these tasks, while talents can be used entirely for non-spiritual purposes.

I want to repeat that Spiritual Gifts are for the common good to build up the Body of Christ.   Because God loves and blesses us these gifts can help us in our secular lives but they are specifically given to edify the Body.

Let's first go to

Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;7  or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;8  he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.  

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NKJV)7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:8  for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,9  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,10  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.11  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)11  And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,13  till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV)10  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.11  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Here’s the full list:

• Apostle
• Prophet
• Evangelist
• Pastor
• Teacher  
• Prophecy
• Speaking in Tongues
• Interpretation of Tongues
• Faith
• Healing
• Miracles
• Word of Wisdom
• Word of Knowledge
• Discerning of Spirits
• Teaching
• Giving
• Exhortation/Encouragement
• Administration/Leadership
• Mercy  
• Ministering/Serving/Helps

Most Bible scholars classify these gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.

Ministry Gifts

The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling.  Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher  

Manifestation Gifts

The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature.  Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues,  Interpretation of Tongues, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits

The gifts I want to focus on today are the

Motivational Gifts

The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. Prophecy,  Teaching, Giving, Exhortation/Encouragement,  Administration/Leadership, Mercy  Ministering/Serving/Helps.

These are the gifts that God has built into us and made part of us to be used for the benefit of others and for His glory. Like all the others, they are grace gifts. We do not deserve them. But because God loves us He gives them to us. Since they provide the motivating force for our lives, they have been called motivational gifts. They are the gifts that shape our personalities.

We believe that these gifts is the category of gifts that Peter was referring to when he said we were to employ them to benefit one another.

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Let’s take a look at these motivational gifts.

PROPHECY

I am talking about the gift not the office of Prophet.  

Prophecy is speaking the word of God that he gives for edification it is not not fortune telling.  (Greek Word: prophetes - the forth-telling of the will of God; 'pro'=forth; 'phemi'=to speak). It’s the divine enablement to proclaim God's truth with power and clarity in a timely and culturally sensitive fashion for correction, repentance, or edification. There is New Testament evidence which indicates that future foretelling may accompany this gift, although some caution needs to be exercised to be certain that the prophecy is from God and not use of the tactics of fortune tellers (like Miss Cleo), which is an abomination, use to dupe people and give them false hope or fear.

Thus says The Lord,” whereas the messages from those with the spiritual gift of prophecy must be tested .

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (NKJV) Do not despise prophecies.

1 John 4:1-3 (NKJV)1  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.2  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,3  and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.  

Those with this gift are sensitive to both the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the needs of the church body.  They should be humble and continually study the Scriptures in order to test these revelations before speaking them.  When they do speak, they should allow and even expect others to weigh what is said against the Scriptures and interpret the message accordingly.  

If you want to be certain seek out someone with the gift of discernment.  

 

•     Characteristics: The focus is on correcting behavior and applying biblical truth to culturally sensitive issues. These people identify and try to correct deception and sin. They often seem blunt and opinionated. Generally they can cause one to be uncomfortable. There also may be the element of a flash of insight into what God is doing in another person's life and thus a "foretelling" of that person's future. The results of this gift cause strengthening, correction, encouragement, and ultimately comfort. It helps if the person using this gift has built up a credible reputation.

•      Cautions: These people can lack compassion and may not keep love, unity, and the building up of others as their goal. This leads to discouragement and disharmony. A person with the gift of mercy helps to balance the prophet.

•       Scripture Example:

We all know about the Old Testament prophets, who prophecied the birth of Christ, the exile of Israel,  and the end time but I’m going to give you scripture from the New Testament because the gifts of the Holy Spirit were distributed after Jesus returned to His Father.  

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)  Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Agabus was a New Testament Prophet.

Acts 11:27-28 (NKJV)27  And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.28  Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.  

Acts 21:10-11 (NKJV)10  And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.11  When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "

• Lead in prayer
• Sermon
• Teaching

• Teaching Leader
• Vision Setting team
• Outreach
• Devotion Leader

TEACHING

The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God to the lives of listeners.   To instruct others in the Bible in a logical, systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth

The Teacher explains what the Prophet proclaims.

•      Characteristics: The teacher is a good communicator. This person has a thirst for knowledge and loves to learn. He is generally self-disciplined and usually prefers to teach groups, more than one on one. Gifted teachers do not just teach Bible knowledge and doctrine, but when they explain God's truth, people can be and are set free of sin, natural limitations, depression, fear, and anxiety.  A naturally gifted teacher may be able to explain to people why they sin and what the Bible has to say about the sin, but a teacher who is spiritually gifted releases the Holy Spirit's power through the gift to set the other person free.

•      Cautions: The teacher may struggle to keep things simple because he is too detailed, not wanting to miss anything. He can be too profound, theological, and even esoteric. This can result in a sense of superiority and the teacher themselves becomes unteachable. They  can also get frustrated when others don't get it and can't keep up the pace for knowledge and insight. Teachers are often good communicators and lousy listeners.

•      Scripture Example:

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)1  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  

• Bible study group
• Discipleship (esp. small group)
• New-converts or new-members class teacher
• Training

• Adult Teaching Leader
• Small Group Leader
• Youth/Children’s Teacher
• Education Committee

GIVING

The divine enablement and ability to contribute money and material resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality.    Givers take special delight in discovering needs that others overlook and then meeting those needs.

Characteristics: These people give generously, freely, and joyfully. They don't just give money, but they are free with all of their possessions. They are not always the "rich" among us but they are often given the talent for making money and increasing wealth even though they have no interest in possessions. They give above and beyond their normal tithe in order to support Christ's Church. They see themselves as caretakers and stewards of their resources and they usually prefer anonymity when they give.

Cautions: They can think that giving should give them respect and a place of leadership in the church. They can make the error of replacing serving with giving. Another caution is that those with this gift can see themselves as the ultimate authority, deciding through their giving which ministries are worthy to fund and which will die of financial neglect, rather than leave those decisions to the Holy Spirit through God's appointed leaders, pastors, and ministers.

Scripture Example: Early Believers

Acts 4:34-35 (NKJV)34  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,35  and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (NKJV)1  Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:2  that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.3  For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,4  imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  

• Financial assistance
• Transportation to services/doctors/store

• Support Missionaries
• Fund Raising
• Stewardship Board

EXHORTATION/ENCOURAGEMENT  

The divine enablement to reassure, strengthen and affirm those around you.  The gift of exhortation is often called the “gift of encouragement.”   The primary means of exhortation is to remind the hearer of the powerful and amazing work of God in Christ, particularly in regard to the saving work of Jesus in the atonement.   The goal of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually building up the body of Christ and glorifying God.

Characteristics: This person is an exhorter.  (To urge by strong, often stirring argument, admonition, advice, or appeal) The term is derived from a Greek word whose literal meaning is "to come along side". The Greek words for exhorter come from the same root word as paraclete, which is the word used to describe the Holy Spirit  The encourager regularly helps others to apply God's word to their lives in a productive fashion. They bring comfort to those who are going through difficult times, and they tend to be very positive and complimentary. They are expressive about God's will being attainable and their goal is to motivate, comfort, and challenge.

Cautions: They need to guard against being a "yes man or woman" and they may not be good at confrontation when it is needed. Their optimism may not take into account when some issues need the "prophet's challenge" in order to be corrected.

Scripture Example: Barnabus

Acts 4:36-37 (NKJV)36  And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,37  having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.  

We see Paul commanding Titus to use this gift

Titus 1:9 (NKJV) holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Titus 2:11-15 (NKJV)11  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,12  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,13  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.15  Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV)2  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

• Children’s Ministry
• Visitation to sick or shut-in
• Counseling
• Greeter
• Support Group Facilitator
• Prayer ministry
• Music ministry

ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP

The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan, execute, and achieve procedures that increase the church's organizational effectiveness. The divine enablement to attract, lead, and motivate people to accomplish the work of ministry.  This gift is distinguished from regular administration or leadership in that its focus is to edify the church.  


•    Characteristics: The administrator loves to organize, strategize, and systematize things so as to make them run more smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. They are experts at knowing how something works or functions. They are constant improvers of the system and can tell others how to get something done or get from point A to point B. They are great trouble shooters and anticipators of problems.  These people are overseers and goal setters in the church. They are motivators of vision and direction. The good ones are team players and delegators who take the initiative when others do not make decisions. They are natural leaders who can point out the direction and course that others will follow. They dream big. Credibility and respect need to be built up before an individual can truly exercise this gift.

•      Cautions: They can become so focused on the tasks, charts, and graphs that they lose sight of the people. They may be too "black and white" in their approach to issues and problems. They can tend to lack flexibility and depend on systems and strategies more than the Holy Spirit to get things done. They are detailed people who need the visionary leader to inspire them. In leadership, this gift needs to be supportive of apostles, prophets, and teachers.

The leader can have the potential of becoming overconfident and perhaps demeaning of other gifts. They have the potential of losing sight of the individual and only seeing the "mass" or "the crowd". Leaders can often tell others where the church is going and where a ministry is heading, but they are poor at charting the course in showing others how to get there. They are often poor at details. Good leaders must surround themselves with people who have the gifts of administration and of helps

•      Scripture Example

Scripture Example: James the half-brother of the Lord Jesus

Acts 15:13-15 (NKJV)13  And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me:14  Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.15  And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:  

• Planning teams;
• Ministry Coordinator;
• Organizer of special events;
• Chairperson
• Small Group Leader;
• Board/Committee Chairperson;
• Teaching Leader;
• Youth/Children’s Leader

MERCY

The divine enablement to minister cheerfully and appropriately to people who are suffering.  Mercy is what we express when we are led by God to be compassionate in our attitudes, words, and actions. It is more than feeling sympathy toward someone; it is love enacted. Mercy desires to answer the immediate needs of others and alleviate suffering, loneliness, and grief. Mercy addresses physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual crises with generous, self-sacrificial service. Mercy is a champion of the lowly, poor, exploited, and forgotten and often acts on their behalf.

Characteristics: People with this gift assume the needs of others. They often desire to remove the pain of others. They aren't merely sympathetic, but they take action to alleviate the suffering.  They often find themselves focused around social issues and they develop ministries along those lines (i.e. the homeless, sick, those in prison, single mothers, the poor, etc.). They reflect the heart and compassion of God.

Cautions: They have the potential of being rescuers. Some pain and suffering is allowed and used by God as a tool to teach and correct behavior. The person with the gift of mercy needs to be aware of when God does not want the pain immediately removed, and when rescuing someone actually may perpetuate the problems in that person's life.

Scripture Example: The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:30-35 (NKJV)30  Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.31  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32  Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.33  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.34  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35  On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'

Matthew 5:7 (NKJV)  Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

• Hospital/Shut-In visitation;
• Nursery worker;
• Homeless ministry;
• Food pantry worker;

MINISTRY/HELPS/SERVICE

The divine enablement to attach spiritual value to the accomplishment of physical tasks within the Body of Christ. The special anointing by which one stands alongside and serves, in a very personal way, those leading the Church. The helper knows personally how to serve their needs and can sometime speak with authority on behalf their behalf.  The Holy Spirit endows some believers with this gift to fill the many gaps of ministry and meet the needs of the church as it fulfills the Great Commission.  The goal is to energize the church and free up others to use their gifts to the fullest.  The result is the continued edification of the church and the added ability to see beyond its own needs and reach out into the community.

Characteristics: These people are absolutely essential to the life of the church. They are the ones who flow to the obvious needs automatically. They don't need a lot recognition, just appreciation. They value serving the leaders because they see the value of serving in support of those up front. They are the ultimate team players of Christ's church. They focus more on the impact of people and not on the finished physical product.

Cautions: They can devalue their contribution to the Lord's work, and they may not see their abilities as being a spiritual gift, given by the Holy Spirit. They too, can get frustrated doing their ministry and they may fall into the trap of saying "I just let My light shine for Jesus", when we are all called to speak up as His witnesses and ministers at some point and time.

Scripture Example:

Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)1  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.2  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.3  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;4  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,6  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.7  Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

1 Corinthians 16:16-18 (NKJV)16  that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.17  I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.18  For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Tabitha

Acts 9:36 (NKJV)36  At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

building maintenance, cleaning, clean-up, cooking, deacon/-ness, decorating, landscaping, library, repair work, sewing, social planning, transportation, usher

• Building maintenance
• Decorating
• Office helper;
• Telephoning;
• Teacher’s aid;
• Usher;
• Cleanup
• projects;
• Information Center Host

HOSPITALITY

This gift is not mentioned in any of Paul’s lists.  Peter mentions it in 1 Peter 4:9 just before his lists of gifts which we read in verses 10 and 11.  Many theologians include it as a spiritual gift so I am including it.   

The spiritual gift of hospitality is the divine enablement to share with others our home, our lives, our personal space and resources without communicating a need for performance or an expectation of return.

Characteristics: These folks desire to make others feel comfortable, important, and accepted.  They tend to gravitate to those who stand alone. They are generally friendly, warm, caring individuals who regularly have a "come-on-in-and-relax" attitude. They generally make time to be available and are not just into entertaining, but rather, showing genuine care and concern for others. The gift of hospitality differs from that of mercy in that this gift opens up the home and provides warmth and comfort by bringing others in. Whereas, mercy takes care and concern outside to others.

Cautions: These people may not see their gift as "real" or "spiritual". This gift can also provide stress in family relationships where the gift is not shared or understood by other family members. Ground rules need to be established with the exercise of the gift.

Scripture Example Gaius

Hebrews 13:1-2 (NKJV)1  Let brotherly love continue.2  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.  

Romans 16:23 (NKJV)  Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.

Entertaining, greeters, host a brunch, coffee or tea, lodging, meals, open house, parties of various purposes, reception desk, singles' gatherings, visitation, youth get-togethers

• Small Group Host;
• Banquet Server;
• New Member Sponsor;
• Fellowship events;
• Coffee hour host;
• Greeter;

Here is perhaps the most important thing about these motivational and all Spiritual gifts.  Spiritual gifts without love don’t accomplish God's intended purpose

When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians he was writing to a church where all the spiritual gifts were in operation. God had given them for the edification of the body and each of them, but  they were misusing them, they were abusing each other, they thought one gift was superior to another, they were puffed up with knowledge, so what did he say?

1 Corinthians 12:29- 13:3 (NKJV)29  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?30  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?31  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  

Identify Your Spiritual Gift(s)

If you don't know your spiritual gift I encourage you to identify it's needed in the church.  There is a link to a Spiritual Gifts Inventory on the Spiritual Gifts page that will help you identify your gift(s).  If you are sitting on your gift then your congregation  is missing it like the body missing a finger.  It can’t function at the optimal level without that finger as small and insignificant as you might think it is it still keeps the body from functioning as God would have it.   But above all else use your gift in love.

Let me close with this:

A believer is accountable only to say yes to God's call. It is the Lord's responsibility to equip the chosen for the work He's assigned. A personal plan has been mapped for each believer's life, and God provides the personality and temperament that suits. Then He adds skills that can be developed and the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill His mission. God makes His call with wisdom and discernment. He knows why He created you and what you're capable of accomplishing in His strength.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Rejecting the invitation to serve Him is foolish. It would be like telling almighty God that He made a mistake. But surrender opens the door to a lifetime of service, blessing, and joy!

Sermon Audio

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS VISIT FAITHTHEEVIDENCE.COM