CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
February 25, 2024
What Is My Gift?
Romans 12:4-8
The last time I was with you was Service Sunday. The Church of the
Brethren encouraged us to think about different ways we can serve our
church and our community, how we can serve God and one another.
This Sunday I would like each one of us to take it a step further.
Both in Romans, chapter 12 and 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, we are told
of gifts that have been given to those of us in God’s church, gifts given
to us by the Holy Spirit. We are to use those gifts to build up one
another and to serve in whatever way God leads us.
This morning, we are going to look at the verses in Romans. I know
virtually everyone in this congregation has served in 1 or more ways in
this church or in another church during your lifetime. God has given
each and every one of us gifts we are to use for His kingdom work.
Some of us may feel we are better in one area but maybe not as good
in some others. Paul is pointing out to the church in Rome that just as
the human body has many different parts, so does the body of Christ.
For the human body to work it’s best all the different parts need to
operate to the best of their ability. That is also true for the body of
Christ.
There are 7 different gifts mentions in these verses in Romans. In 1
Corinthians there are 9 different gifts listed. On the surface the lists
seem very different but when you understand the purpose of the gifts,
they are pretty similar. To build up the church and to empower us to do
what God has called us to do.
This morning, we are going to focus on the ones found in Romans.
1. Prophesying
2. Serving
3. Teaching
4. Encouraging
5. Contributing (giving)
6. Leadership
7. Showing mercy
Most of these gifts are pretty easy to understand. Let’s quickly look at
them one at a time.
~~Prophesying may also be viewed as someone in a spiritual leadership
position. One willing to faithfully proclaim the Word of God whether it is
easy or not. Multiple examples of prophets in the Old Testament
proclaiming God’s desires for His people.
~~Serving. That can take on a number of different meanings. It requires
someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal
without worrying about who gets the credit or who is in charge.
~~Teaching. That one also can take a variety of appearances. There are
many things that need to be taught and it takes a special person to be
able to effectively and sometimes patiently teach others.
~~Encouraging. The church needs cheerleaders, people who will build
others up, especially when things are not going well.
~~Contribute. This does not just mean giving money in support of God’s
work. It can also mean giving of your time. Whatever way God call a
person to contribute they are encouraged to do it generously.
~~Leadership or being a leader. As with many of the other gifts, this can
go many different directions. There can be a variety of different
projects going on in the church throughout the year. It is important that
someone be willing take a leadership role to see that it is successful. In
most cases, there can be different leaders throughout the year,
depending on the project or job.
~~Mercy. I believe every member of the body of Christ should have this
gift. However, some are called to use this gift in a more powerful,
compassionate and consistent way than others.
When we look at these 7 gifts, I believe every church needs to have
these gifts flowing through it on a regular basis. If we are to fulfill the
call placed on us, both as individual Christians and as the church, being
examples of Jesus Christ to our part of the world and our communities.
We must encourage one another to use those gifts God has given us.
The most important thing is that we allow the Lord to use us right here,
right now as best we can to be God’s witnesses in an honest, loving and
faithful way.
Pastor Larry
Announcements:
Sunday School 9:00
Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study
February 28 Newsletter submission deadline
--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship
and/or children’s story lesson in the nursery during the sermon.
We need your help.
Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362
Donation Box for February: Utilities
First Sundays: Food Bank donations
Keep in Your Prayers
Carole McClarey; Dave White; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Ava; Nora Hanaver; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler;
Randy and Michelle West; Mike Gentry; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler;
Doug Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea
Wood; Tina Wilhelm; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Adiline Young;
Kim Lehmann; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Stacie Warren; Nancy
Gorrell; many unspoken requests; victims of disasters; victims of
shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine;
Israel and Hamas war
Military and Other Services and their families
Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers
District Prayer Calendar: Leap Day “week”—pray for our own
congregation and about what leap of faith we might make this year.
