We've all seen a movie when a superhero has to decide whether to use their special power. There's one reason they take action--concern for the person who needs it. Similarly, the more someone loves the people of the church, the more willing that person will be to use their gifts for the good of their church. In this Scripture, we find a description of the love that compels us to use our gifts for others. A church that loves like this has no limit to what it can do.

6 questions to ask yourself to help recognize your spiritual gifts:

- What comes naturally to me now that didn’t before Jesus?

- What do people I trust in the church see in me? 

- What does the Holy Spirit prompt me to do?

- What do other people really appreciate about me? 

- What brings me joy and satisfaction when I serve others?

- What do I wish every Christian would do for Jesus?

There are many kinds of spiritual gifts and we all have a unique combination of them. That can make it difficult to know which ones the Holy Spirit has given to each disciple. This message will provide an overview of the different spiritual gifts and practical guidance for people to discover how they are uniquely gifted by God to be a part of His work through the church.

6 questions to ask yourself to help recognize your spiritual gifts:

- What comes naturally to me now that didn’t before Jesus?

- What do people I trust in the church see in me? 

- What does the Holy Spirit prompt me to do?

- What do other people really appreciate about me? 

- What brings me joy and satisfaction when I serve others?

- What do I wish every Christian would do for Jesus?

When it comes to spiritual gifts, people can drift to two extremes--they can think they don't need the gifts of others or they can think that no one needs the gift they have. Using the image of a body with many parts, this Scripture teaches that every disciple of Jesus has a gift that is important to the church. And every person needs the rest of the church to be strong in their faith and effective in their mission.

Recommended Reading: Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms

Many people within the church don't realize that they are uniquely gifted by God to participate in His work through the church. Others have an idea of how they're gifted, but still haven't yet realized their full potential. In this introduction to spiritual gifts, we will learn where they come from, who get them, and what purpose they have in our lives.

Recommended Reading: Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms

Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples bring His Kingdom to earth by living with a purpose. God created us with a desire for purpose and there's no greater one to live for than helping people enter the Kingdom of God and experience its renewal here on earth. This purpose extends into every part of life--work, school, family, community. There are simple actions we can all take to have a Kingdom influence right where God has placed us.

Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples bring His Kingdom to earth by offering what they have to make earth more like heaven. Money is an incredible resource God has entrusted to us for this purpose. For a disciple, giving begins with the church because it represents God's presence and purpose on earth. Generosity is also expressed by responding to needs and showing kindness so more will experience the renewal of God's Kingdom on earth.

*Related Resources*

- Use the button above for a message from our Seeing Green series, "The King's Portion" regarding tithing

- Book: "Fields of Gold" by Andy Stanley

Because of their love for Jesus, disciples do their part to build up His church. The church is not a building or a service but a people who are united by their commitment to Jesus. The best way to strengthen other disciples is through deep, meaningful relationships. People often wait for others to initiate relationships. But a core practice of a disciple is making personal investments in relationships with other followers of Jesus.

Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples do their part to build up His church. The church will be healthier, stronger, and more effective when each person finds a way to use their time and talent to serve others in the church. There are countless ways to do this-- hospitality, prayer, ministry teams, leadership, meeting needs, etc. We each have something different to offer, but the church will be best when each person does their part.

Disciples live with Jesus as King, giving Him full authority over their lives. There are so many other things in our lives that divide our attention and demand our allegiance. We need a regular rhythm of worship with our church to help us keep Jesus as the highest priority and authority in our lives. This worship gathering can best serve its purpose when accompanied by a day or rest.

*Related Resources*

- Use the button above for a messages from our Less is More series, "Sabbath"

Disciples live with Jesus as King, giving Him full authority over their lives. This allegiance is established not by power or force but by love. Jesus has demonstrated His love for us and He wants us to trust Him to lead us into life at its best. This kind of dependence and allegiance happens one day at a time. Jesus taught that our relationship with Him should be like that of a vine and its branches, meaning that we need a constant connection to He to thrive. This abiding relationship grows through the daily practices of prayer and Scripture reading.

*Related Resources*

- Use the buttons above for two messages from our Less is More series, "Mornings" and "Fasting"

- Book: "How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth" by Gordon D. Fee

- Book: "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin