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A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn sharp contrast to worldly views of giftedness, all human beings receive gifts from God. Every individual is endowed with gifts, some physically oriented as natural tendencies or abilities given through the spirit in man, and others as spiritual gifts imparted through the Holy Spirit within the church. These spiritual gifts do not conflict with natural gifts and may even build upon them, though they should not be confused with each other. All gifts belong to God and should be used for His glory. Spiritual gifts are extraordinary endowments given to members of God's church for the benefit of the whole Body. They are bestowed by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, aimed primarily at the edification and unity of the church, and secondarily at the conviction and conversion of future prospective members. Each member receives specific gifts according to personal capacities and the needs of the church, as the Spirit infuses new powers or enhances existing ones for higher activity. The purpose of these gifts is to enlighten, improve, uplift, and educate the church, ensuring that every part functions for the good of the whole, much like a healthy body. Unity in the church does not mean uniformity; differing gifts and functions exist, but all are from the same Spirit and designed for the collective benefit rather than individual glory. Even unnoticed gifts are vital to the Body of Christ, working unseen yet essential to its well-being. God gives different gifts to meet the many needs of the church, ensuring that every member has at least one proper gift as a share in His service. These gifts, though varied and not exhaustively listed, demonstrate His intricate involvement in unifying and edifying His church. They fall into categories such as the ministry of the word, involving speaking and teaching, and practical service, encompassing understanding, power, sympathy, and administration. Among the gifts of understanding are wisdom and knowledge, which surpass ordinary levels and are rooted in a close relationship with God. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge, both being essential for edification. Gifts of power include faith, healings, and miracles, each given for specific needs and extraordinary outcomes, directly from God through Jesus Christ. Gifts of sympathy, such as helps, exhortation, alms giving, mercy, and ministry, enable members to support and serve one another with genuine care. The gift of administration aids in guiding and governing the church with humble service. Above all, the gift of love stands as the greatest, regulating the use of all other gifts. Without love, the other gifts would be misused. Love never fails and ensures that spiritual gifts remain available for the church's needs, ready to be given by God when necessary, provided we actively use them for the edification and benefit of the brethren. These gifts are essential tools for serving God and unifying the Body of Christ, offering wonderful opportunities to enhance His church.
Biblical Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWisdom, as a paramount and essential virtue, is a gift directly from God. The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. It starts with God, continues with God, and ends with God. He either imparts it or aids us in understanding and applying it in our lives. True wisdom resides in God; His way, His character, and His goodness embody it. As seen in Exodus, God filled specific individuals with the spirit of wisdom, granting them skill and ability to perform His work with excellence, such as in the construction of the Tabernacle. This illustrates that biblical wisdom is not merely intellectual but involves practical skill in living and making godly choices that manifest in actions and deeds. Ultimately, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's wisdom, serving as our power and example. By following Him, studying His life, and asking what He would do, we walk in true wisdom, achieving the high calling of God through His spirit.
Christ Our Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn this age of information overload, where knowledge abounds yet often lacks depth, the pursuit of true wisdom stands in stark contrast to the superficial data that surrounds us. Wisdom, as a divine gift, is not merely intellectual accumulation but a profound understanding granted by God. It is represented in Scripture as a precious offering, a feast prepared for those who seek it, as depicted in Proverbs 9:1-12, where Wisdom invites the simple to partake of her bread and wine, promising life and understanding to those who forsake foolishness. This divine wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is the foundation of true knowledge and understanding, as reiterated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10. It is a gift that God bestows, as seen in the case of Solomon, who received extraordinary wisdom from God, surpassing all others of his time, as described in I Kings 4:29-34. Additionally, God granted specific wisdom to Bezalel for the craftsmanship of the Temple, illustrating that divine wisdom encompasses practical skills and ingenuity for His purposes, as noted in Exodus 31:1-5. Wisdom as a gift from God is further evident through the Holy Spirit, as Paul describes in I Corinthians 12:6-8, where the word of wisdom is given for the profit of all. It is God, the Father of glory, who imparts the spirit of wisdom and revelation, as prayed for in Ephesians 1:15-17. This divine wisdom manifests in the selection of proper ends and means, distinguishing it from worldly knowledge, and is ultimately embodied in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, encompassing righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, as stated in I Corinthians 1:30. Christ, as the wisdom of God, reveals His will through His teachings and actions, guiding us to salvation and true understanding, as affirmed in Colossians 2:3, where all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. This wisdom, hidden from the world but revealed to those with spiritual eyes through the Holy Spirit, enables us to comprehend the deep things of God, as explained in I Corinthians 2:8-13. Thus, true wisdom, a divine and essential gift, calls us to humility and obedience before God, to value it, seek it, and apply it in every aspect of life.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Get Understanding
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Ten): Paradox
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7 contains a paradox: wickedness appears to be rewarded and righteousness seems to bring trouble. We must be careful in how we respond to this.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eight): Death
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7:1-4 highlight the Bible's attitude toward death, particularly its insistence that we allow the reality of death to change our approach to life.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom does not give us complete understanding into the ultimate purposes of God, but when accompanied with faith in God, it will brighten our countenance.
Ecclesiastes (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime and events are in the hands of God; He knows when to relieve the pressure and when to bring on more. Looking above the sun teaches us about the seasons.
Elements of Motivation (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe receive more of God's Spirit as we respond to His calling, drawing near to His presence and reversing Adam and Eve's fatal errors.