Romans 12:8

Some congregations that might be more charasmatic might look down upon other churches and denominations for what they perceive as a lack of interest in spiritual gifts. They may not realize that a church is faithfully exercising its spiritual gifts through acts of mercy and compassion, and wise and effective management and administration of its affairs. Mercy, compassion, and church administration are not often mentoned in discussions of spiritual gifts, but they are vital to the growth and well being of the church of Jesus Christ. Dr. Barnhouse shares about these gifts on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:8

What do you think of when someone mentions spiritual gifts? Many Christians immediately think of extraordinary phenomena such as speaking in tongues, healings, and miricles. Spiritual gifts include generous, joyful giving as well as the ability to speak the right words in the right situations. Exhortation and generous giving are often overlooked in the discussion of spiritual gifts. but they play a vital role in the building up of the body of Christ. Dr. Barnhouse explains more on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:6-8

Alexander the Great was so named because of his extraordinary military and political leadership as he conquered and domiated much of the known world. Even today we tend to associate greatness with power, wealth, influence, and worldly success. But Jesus points us to a much different path to greatness in the spiritual life and in church leadership. Effective church leaders must lay aside personal ambition, self-serving agendas, and the desire to rule over others and serve others in love, humiility, and complete reliance upon the grace of God. Find out more on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:6-8

Members of a football team have different responsibilities according to the positions they play. The quarterback calls plays, passes the ball, and hands it off as the offensive line blocks the defenders. The tailback runs the ball whie the recievers run patterns and catch passes. Likewise, Dr. Barnhouse explains, the members of Christ's church have different roles and spiritual responsibilities which must be fulfilled if the church is to succeed in its global mission.

Romans 12:6

Children love to wake up on Christmas morning to see a diverse assortment of gifts under the tree ready to open and enjoy. It has pleased our heavenly Father to give us, His children, a diversity of spiritual gifts in order to build up and strengthen the body of Christ. What are these spiritual gifts and how can we learn to identify and exercise them for our mutual benefit and edification? Dr. Barnhouse explores this on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:4-5

Your stomach cannot pump blood throughout your body if your heart stops working. And if your eyes go blind, you cannot see with your toes. You cannot function properly unless every part of your body fulfills its unique and essential purpose. Believers are members of the Body of Christ and when we exercise our particular spiritual gifts, serve one another, and work together with unity of purpose, the church can function as a strong, healthy spiritual body. Dr. Barnhouse asks, "Are you helping the Body of Christ function properly by fulfilling your unique and vital role in His church?," on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:5

Believers often gather and sing the hymn, "They will know we are Christians by our love". But sadly, Christians are sometimes known for our fighting, quarreling and bitterness. Disunity and division in the church severely damages our witness for Jesus Christ before a watching world. How can we advance the Kingdom of God through authentic Christian love and fellowship in the gospel? Dr. Barnhouse explains on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:5

Imagine a new believer looking for a church in the yellow pages. He will see names like Presbyterian, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Episcopal, and perhaps a few others. He might wonder which is the right church? Much confusion has arisen because people fail to distinguish between the organized, institutional churches and the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ, made up of His genuine followers. Dr. Barnhouse explains the difference between the churches and the Church on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:4

When you mention the word "church," many people think of a building with a cross and a steeple. Others might think of a particular denomination or religious organization. But the church is a building not made of bricks and cement, but of living stones. It is not an organization but an organism; a spiritual body comprised of born again believers around the world. Dr. Barnhouse asks the probing question, "Are you a genuine member of the church of Jesus Christ?," on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Romans 12:3

The Bible says that a man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Jesus told of a Pharisee who appeared righteous and godly, yet was filled with pride and self righteousness. But God had mercy on a tax collector whose heart was humbled, broken and contrite over his many sins. Dr. Barnhouse teaches that the path of humility and reverence before God is the path of rich blessing, and spiritual growth on Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.