The Open Word (Audio)

You were body is miraculous creation! Even when you are not aware, the various systems of your body work in harmony enabling you to live and function. The human body is extremely complex! In Pastor David’s message today, he explores how God made us and how we are perfectly and wonderfully made in order that we may serve God together! Just as our human body is an amazing creation to behold, so is the diverse body of believers in this world. Each person has a unique purpose to fulfill God’s plan in this world!

In today’s message, Pastor David teaches about the use of tongues as a gift of the Holy Spirit. Hearing someone speak in tongues is common for some but not others, but we should not allow our level of comfort to determine what is or is not a gift from God. Just as we trust God to provide for our needs, we also must yield control to God’s choice of gifts bestowed upon each person. When it comes to spiritual gifts, we should pray that we will have discernment and that God will be glorified!

Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift listed by Paul, and there are many places in the scriptures that refer to the use of tongues. In today’s message, Pastor David recognizes that the gift of tongues has many interpretations and practices in the church yet a common aim for this gift in scripture is to honor God. Pastor David proposes that tongues is not a gift that everyone will have, but when it is properly used by those who receive it, believers can be edified, which brings glory to God!

We all have many voices and influences bombarding our minds and hearts every day. It is not healthy to listen to everything that comes our way, and choosing that which we allow in our life depends on our ability to perceive and understand. In today’s message, Pastor David describes this ability – the gift of discernment. This is a gift that God can give to anyone at any time, and by the power and wisdom of God, this gift enables a believer to utilize an ability greater than their own strength!

In today’s message, Pastor David explores the question, “did prophecy end with the completion of the scriptures?” The scripture’s teaching holds greater authority than the instruction or interpretation of a person today, but Pastor David explains how this does not negate the gifts of God in our time. Too often, believers are walking in the power of human strength due to misunderstandings or past misuse of God gifts. Don’t allow anything to hold you back from serving as God leads you!

Prophecy is a commonly used term in the church but it is an easily confused gift of the Spirit. In today’s message, Pastor David explores the scripture’s teaching about the supernatural gift of prophecy. Prophecy is inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak on God’s behalf to edify or challenge others. In 1st Corinthians, Paul labeled prophecy as one of the most important abilities that God gives. Pastor David expresses that this is a gift that God can use through anyone at any time!

Each person is an essential part of the body of Christ. Why is this so? This is because God created believers with a diversity of abilities for a variety of ministries. If everyone had the same capabilities and pursued the identical gifts, we wouldn’t all be necessary. Today, Pastor David gives excellent teaching on the value of having supernatural gifts that are created in us by God and grown through the work of the Holy Spirit. Remember, your gifts draw people to God and bring Him glory!

In today’s message, Pastor David teaches that faith and healing are both gifts from God that are intertwined. Healing does not happen apart from faith, and faith is required to trust in the wisdom and timing of God. We may pray for healing but healing may not come. Does that mean our faith is not enough or God can’t heal? No, the journey of faith and healing may have a greater purpose. Walk in expectation that God can and will work what is best for His glory!

Faith is the full assurance in what God can do because we believe that God is able! Having faith that God can heal, work, or move is not dependent upon our earnest belief or any formula we recite. Also, it is likely that you and I will experience doubt. Today Pastor David reminds us that God is the author and giver of faith, and faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. What an incredible blessing it is to receive confidence through God to do that which is impossible for us on our own.

You are empowered by the Spirit of God to carry out the abilities which God has given to you. All too easily, believers set out to do God’s work on their own strength. When running only on the strength of man, we will spin our wheels and go nowhere. Today Pastor David explores the ways in which the Holy Spirit teaches us about our gifts and enables us to carry them out in our lives. Our greatest blessing is the presence of God, and as we walk faithfully with God, He will manifest His gifts in us!