DOCTRINES

SERVING, WITNESSING, GIFTS

    The Bible tells us, FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP (we are God’s workmanship-NIV), CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM-Eph 2:10.

    God has ordained that every born-again Christian should, in some way, work for the spread of the Gospel. Some of the last words Jesus spoke before ascending to heaven were these. GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE-Mk 16:15. GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS-Mt 28:19. AND YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS-Lk 24:48. FEED MY LAMBS…FEED MY SHEEP-Jn 21:15-17. YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME BOTH IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA, AND IN SAMARIA, AND UNTO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH-Acts 1:8.

    What is every born-again Christian to teach? We are to TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU-Mt 28:19,20. PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:15-18. AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME AMONG ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM-Lk 24:47. Jesus said, FOLLOW ME. FOLLOW THOU ME-Jn 21:19,22.

    If you are born-again, you should have a burning desire to save others from the clutches of Satan. You should let the Light which is in you (Jesus) shine, and light the way for other people. You are a witness for Jesus Christ. You are THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY THAT IS SET ON A HILL CANNOT BE HID. NEITHER DO MEN LIGHT A CANDLE, AND PUT IT UNDER A BUSHEL, BUT ON A CANDLESTICK; AND IT GIVETH LIGHT UNTO ALL THAT ARE IN THE HOUSE. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN-Mt 5:14-16.

    Many "so-called Christians" will not work for Jesus. They say, "I was afraid" ref-Mt 25:25. If you do not let your light shine, you can expect Jesus to say to you, THOU WICKED AND SLOTHFUL (lazy) SERVANT-Mt 25:26. Christians that will not serve Jesus will shudder as they hear the words, CAST YE THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT INTO OUTER DARKNESS: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH (the lake of fire)-Mt 25:30.

    Jesus gave instructions to His disciples as He sent them forth to witness. He told them, GO YOUR WAYS: BEHOLD I SEND YOU FORTH AS LAMBS AMONG WOLVES. CARRY NEITHER PURSE, NOR SCRIP, NOR SHOES: AND SALUTE NO MAN BY THE WAY. AND INTO WHATSOEVER HOUSE YE ENTER, FIRST SAY, PEACE BE TO THIS HOUSE. AND IF THE SON OF PEACE BE THERE, YOUR PEACE SHALL REST UPON IT: IF NOT, IT SHALL TURN TO YOU AGAIN. AND IN THE SAME HOUSE REMAIN, EATING AND DRINKING SUCH THINGS AS THEY GIVE: FOR THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE. GO NOT FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, AND INTO WHATSOEVER CITY YE ENTER, AND THEY RECEIVE YOU, EAT SUCH THINGS AS ARE SET BEFORE YOU: AND HEAL THE SICK THAT ARE THEREIN, AND SAY UNTO THEM, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU. BUT INTO WHATSOEVER CITY YE ENTER, AND THEY RECEIVE YOU NOT, GO YOUR WAYS OUT INTO THE STREETS OF THE SAME, AND SAY, EVEN THE VERY DUST OF YOUR CITY, WHICH CLEAVETH ON US, WE DO WIPE OFF AGAINST YOU: NOTWITHSTANDING BE YE SURE OF THIS, THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU-Lk 10:3-11.

    Paul further tells us, WATCH THOU IN ALL THINGS, ENDURE AFFLICTIONS, DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST-2 Tim 4:5. You are to be ready always to be a witness for Jesus. As it is written, BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR-1 Pe 3:15. God’s Word shows the very first work of every person in Christ Jesus, is witnessing. Witness to your relatives, neighbors, friends, and enemies. Witness to your fellow workers, employees, and employers. Witness to people in cars, on the streets, in houses, and on the sidewalks. When you witness, use the Word of God.

    Jesus tells us, YE ARE MY FRIENDS, IF YE DO WHATSOEVER I COMMAND YOU. YE HAVE NOT CHOSEN ME, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, AND ORDAINED YOU, THAT YE SHOULD GO AND BRING FORTH FRUIT, AND THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN-Jn 15:14,16. AND YE ALSO SHALL BEAR WITNESS-Jn 15:27. HE COMMANDED US TO PREACH UNTO THE PEOPLE-Acts 10:42. FOR THOU SHALT BE HIS WITNESS UNTO ALL MEN-Acts 22:15. Christ is, THE FAITHFUL WITNESS-Rev 1:5. We BELONG TO CHRIST JUST AS MUCH AS HE-2 Cor 10:7 NIV. You are to boldly hold fast to the witness of Jesus and the Word of God even unto death. As it is written, BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH-Rev 2:10. John saw, THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE BEHEADED FOR THE WITNESS OF JESUS, AND FOR THE WORD OF GOD-Rev 20:4. These witnesses loved not their life unto death. For a born-again person, Jesus is our life. Our reason for living is to serve and please Him. The first commandment in serving Jesus is, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH-Mk 12:30. Our primary work for Jesus is letting our candle shine. We are chosen by God, ordained by God, called by His mercy, and created to be a witness for Jesus Christ. Our first calling however, is to study God’s Word. To seek to be conformed to the image of Jesus (ref Ro 10:17; 8:29). This should result in the good fruit of witnessing and leading others to Jesus. (This should also result in a change of attitude in you personally, as you put on the new man and reflect the fruits of the Spirit even in difficult situations.)

    As Christians, we each have at least one gift from God to enable us to do the work that God has prepared for us to do. Some people can type; others are good with numbers. Some are good at administration, some leading, some preaching, some uplifting people. Others are very giving. God’s Word gives us many areas in which people may have a gift to enable them to do His work. You may ask, "How can I know what God wants me to do?" Here are two guidelines you may use. First, God will attempt to lead you to the place where He wants you to be. Often, when you are there, Satan will try to draw you away through your own emotions, lusts, pleasures, and cares of the world. Satan often works through people to put doubts in your mind as to where God wants you to be. Never utter a bad word about any born-again person (God’s anointed). Next, the place where God wants you to be may have an opening of some kind that you are able to do, perhaps a mail sorting position. Perhaps a typing position is available. Maybe there is a need for people to go on a witnessing team. This is for you. Are there openings for you to visit the widows, people in prison, the shut-ins, or the sick? This is God calling you to serve Him. Perhaps there is an opening for a Sunday school teacher or a bus driver. You can recognize how God wants you to serve Him by the work that opens up for you (in the place where God has put you). Now, you may "feel" that you cannot do this work, but just trust God and go forth in faith. When work for Jesus opens up for you, it will line up with the Bible. However, often your feelings will say "No." Remember, the Word of God is your authority. Your feelings can mislead you. Every person that has ever gone to hell may have "felt" they would not go there. Our final authority is the Bible.

    Each and every one of us has some gift from God. For it is written, AS EVERY MAN HATH RECEIVED THE GIFT, EVEN SO MINISTER THE SAME ONE TO ANOTHER, AS GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD-1 Pe 4:10. WHEREFORE I PUT THEE IN REMEMBRANCE THAT THOU STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN THEE-2 Tim 1:6.

    Many Christians are "afraid" to step out in faith. It is written, GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND. BE NOT THOU THEREFORE ASHAMED…OF OUR LORD, NOR OF ME-2 Tim 1:7,8. Many verses in the Bible tell of spiritual gifts. Among these are: Ro 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:4-11,28; and Eph 4:11. God tells us, EVERY MAN HATH HIS PROPER GIFT OF GOD-1 Cor 7:7.

    Here is a list of gifts given by God.
   prophecy
   service
   teaching
   exhortation (encouraging)
   giving (contributing to one’s needs)
   leadership
   mercy
   hospitality
   healings
   miracles
   tongues
   interpretation of tongues
   word of wisdom
   word of knowledge
   faith
   discerning of spirits
   gifts of administration
   operations
   apostleship
   helps
   evangelism
   pastor
   teacher
   singleness

    Jesus had all these gifts. As part of His body, you have one or more of these gifts. As it is written, FOR AS THE BODY IS ONE, AND HATH MANY MEMBERS…IF THE WHOLE BODY WERE AN EYE, WHERE WERE THE HEARING?…BUT NOW HATH GOD SET THE MEMBERS EVERY ONE OF THEM IN THE BODY, AS IT HATH PLEASED HIM. THE EYE CANNOT SAY UNTO THE HAND, I HAVE NO NEED OF THEE-1 Cor 12:12,17,18,21.

    All of God’s people are given at least one gift, FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST-Eph 4:12. Those that are born-again are all one in Christ Jesus, one in the body of Christ.  We are to willingly give ourselves to the Lord and to use the gift that He has given us to His glory.  By doing this, we are also loving one another.  It says in Eph 4:16 JNT, EACH PART WORKING TO FULFILL ITS FUNCTION; THIS IS HOW THE BODY GROWS AND BUILDS ITSELF UP IN LOVE.

    We may hear much preaching on the gift of tongues or healing; however, in this message, we wish to cover some gifts that are often overlooked.

   Service is also called a gift of ministry (ref Ro 12:7 NIV) or ministering to others. Can you think of at least one way you can serve the Lord Jesus Christ? Can you stuff envelopes, repair a roof, or paint? Can you file, type, be a receptionist, proofread, or do research? There are probably many ways you can serve the Lord in this way. Gifts are given for you to serve God with. Are you doing the will of God in heaven? How are you using your gift?

   Teaching is another gift. Perhaps God has given you a talent to teach. Can you teach children or adult Sunday school? Can you teach a Bible study?

   Exhortation is a gift. Some people have a natural gift of God to uplift people. They seem to know just what to say at the right time to comfort and help bring a person out of depression. Perhaps God has given you this gift. Others have a gift to give godly counsel from the Word of God, perhaps as a telephone prayer counselor.

    Another gift is giving, contributing to other people’s needs.  Are you one that wants to give with all their heart? Whenever a giver sees a brother or sister in need, they want to help. LET HIM GIVE GENEROUSLY-Ro 12:8 NIV. The Scriptures tell us, WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP-Gal 6:7. As we give with a right attitude, we lay up treasures in heaven. As soon as some people are blessed with material gain, they are moved to look for ways to further the work of the Lord and to help others.

    Another gift is leadership or governments (or directorship) in the church. Did you ever hear the term "a born leader"? This gift is given by God to be used for His glory. Regretfully, many use these gifts for the world, not for God Who gave them. For those who have the gift of leadership, he should rule WITH DILIGENCE AND ZEAL-Ro 12:8 or persevering with carefulness and enthusiasm.

    Another gift is mercy. We should use the gift of MERCY, WITH CHEERFULNESS-Ro 12:8. We are to be, GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY-Ro 12:13. We should, REJOICE WITH THEM THAT DO REJOICE, AND WEEP WITH THEM THAT WEEP. BE OF THE SAME MIND ONE TOWARD ANOTHER-Ro 12:15,16. Do not forget to, SHARE WITH GOD’S PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED-Ro 12:13 NIV.

    Do you have a gift of "helps"? Perhaps  you have a burden to assist and support others. No matter what the case, you just want to help your brothers and sisters in Christ.

    In 1 Cor 7:7, Paul is referring to the gift of singleness, which enables you to devote 100% of yourself to serving God. Every person has a gift from God. Many have more than one gift

    The Bible says THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT GIVES THEM...THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF SERVING, BUT IT IS THE SAME LORD BEING SERVED...THERE ARE DIFFERENT MODES OF WORKING, BUT IT IS THE SAME GOD WORKING THEM ALL IN EVERYONE-1 Cor 12:4-6 JNT.

    Use what God by His grace has given you for His glory. God tells us to EAGERLY DESIRE THE GREATER GIFTS. AND NOW I WILL SHOW YOU THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY-1 Cor 12: 31 NIV. THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY, AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES, AND ALL KNOWLEDGE; AND THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (love), I AM NOTHING-1 Cor 13:2. LOVE NEVER FAILS-1 Cor 13:8 NIV.   AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE-1 Cor 13:13 NIV.