January 22 Care Group

Thanks to Sue and Doug for the great snacks!

We started out our evening's discussion of Spiritual Gifts by reading I Corinthians 12:1-11.  We agreed that there are so many items to discuss there that we needed God's help to lead us in what to talk about.  Tony asked "Why are we studying spiritual gifts?"  Here are some answers:
-God wants to love and care for us through the gifts.
-We will see God as we see the Spirit moving through us in spiritual gifts.
-This is a critical time for our church and we we examine the scripture in this area, it is for our good.
-We all need the refreshing of the Spirit.  We need God's Spirit desperately to give to us in all areas of our lives.
-God wants us to know that these gifts are the Norm, not the occasional event.
-He wants to knock out of us pride and self-reliance.
-We want God to be glorified, so it's important that we honor every aspect of His word and plan for our corporate meetings.
-We need to trust God for boldness to speak when we He moves us, we can't rely on our own strength.
-The love of God is the key to moving in the gifts.
-God wants to remind us that He gave each of us gifts when He saved us.  It's good for us to study them ans know He has plans to use us for His glory.
-God wants us to encourage those who move in the gifts so that they may excel still more.
-The truth is, we don't even know how many times God uses us in big and small ways, in all kinds of situations.  He is moving through us and reaching people with His love.
-The gifts are not just for the corporate meeting, but for every day life.
-God births desires in us according to His plans and moves us to do His bidding.

Zechariah 4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

January 8 Care Group

We met at the DeVivos' home and discussed the topic of Spiritual Gifts.  Great discussion!  Here are the themes we talked about:

What is a spiritual gift?
-a talent God has given to encourage growth in others, representing God to them
-something God expects you to use to serve the body
-not everyone has the same gifts, but everyone has one
-expression of God's Spirit in us
-the Holy Spirit prompts us in different ways to give and we always leave the experience affirmed and encouraged
-like muscles, if we don't use them they get weak
-we are told to earnestly desire spiritual gifts and ask for them
-expressions of His grace - free - undeserved pouring out - they give grace to people
-God's gifts and calling are irrevocable.  He can use us after a long time of not exercising them.
-proof that God is alive and speaks to His children

What are some common misconceptions about spiritual gifts?
-that we can't be used in any area God chooses.  God can move anyone to use a spiritual gift for the building up of the body!
-it can be easy to focus on individuals and personalities, but spiritual gifts are for the common good

What would Paul say if he walked into a SGC meeting?
-he would commend our order
-he would commend the humility of the speakers
-he would like to see more gifts in operation so that more people would be edified
-"Be open to being used for people's good."

What would we like to see happen in our church with respect to spiritual gifts?
-everyone on the "same page" biblically, there are new believers in our church who don't know anything about spiritual gifts and might have wrong theology in that area
-new believers enriched by God's truth
-spiritual gifts taken in our work places and homes
-greater sanctification by God's spirit working in us