GUEST COLUMN: Jesus provides the gifts that he promises us
After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly (Acts 4:23-33).
What if Jesus didn’t work? What if His words and promises fell through? What if He offered nothing of value, no life transformation, no Good News, no renewed spirit, no hope or life? How would people treat Him? They wouldn’t give Him much thought, would they? There wouldn’t be much reason to take Him seriously.
When it comes to the real thing — life, purpose, the power for change, strength for each day, restoring value, filling the void of hopelessness in life, receiving the forgiveness of sins, being given the gift of life that even death cannot put an end to — Jesus does provide what He promises!
In Acts 4:23-33, we see events that took place after Peter and John were arrested for healing a beggar who couldn’t walk. They brought the power of the living Jesus Christ to that man, and people were amazed. People were seeing that Jesus’ was the victor! Jesus Christ was alive, well and working. 5000 men and their families became devoted followers. This was serious!
The church leaders ordered Peter and John to stop. When they were released, Peter and John gathered with believers. They prayed that God would keep up His work — that God wouldn’t let up when it came to meaningful and life-giving grace. Verses 29-30 say, “‘Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the Name of Your holy servant Jesus.’ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.” God worked! Jesus Christ was taken seriously. People were now receiving life from the living God.
Where do you get life except from God who loves you so much to give it to you? You know what drains you. Do you know what fills you up? Look at I John 3:1: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are”. You are the child whom God uses to “testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” — that He is alive and well, that He works, that He is to be taken seriously.
I want to mention seven spiritual gifts that are spoken about in the Bible and focus on working with people. My prayer is that you will discover a little more about being an active player in the church.
>> Encouragement: You’re cheering, you’re positive, you’re affirming, you’re motivating your fellow believers to do what they do best. The gift of encouragement brings people closer to Christ and His mission.
>> Leadership: In Romans 12 it means to stand up for something, and to help others do the same. You remind people that heaven is the goal. You cast a vision, carry the mission and bring others along with you.
>> Mercy: Mercy is compassion moved to action. You have a spirit of care, of sensitivity to the needs of others, and of cheerful helpfulness. You lift sagging spirits and gives tangible help to those in need.
>> Evangelism: You tell the press and all who will listen, “We’re for real!” In a sincere and respectful way, you let it be known, and look for ways to make it known, that Jesus Christ is their hope, and He’s wants them.
>> Shepherding: The shepherd mentors, takes people under their wing to nurture and guide to maturity. The shepherd models what is it to be a Christian, and leads and protects someone along that way.
>> Hospitality: I Peter 4 mentions this gift of loving strangers who makes the church a wonderful environment. There is warmth and welcome for young and old alike. Their home is your home. Their food is your food.
>> Intercession: It is one that has as a first thought, “Let’s pray.” This person will keep praying throughout their life for all involved. They are confident that God will respond.
