Promises in Receiving ChristНамуна

Promise 9: You are given a spiritual gift by God.

Once you receive Christ, God gives you a very special gift or ability. Note that the gift or ability is from God. You could not attain or secure it by yourself. It is a spiritual gift; that is, it is given by the Spirit of God for spiritual purposes. It is given so that you can fulfill your task on earth. This is part of your heritage in Christ, the glorious privilege...

• of being given a very special task on earth
• of being given purpose, meaning, and significance in life
• of being given a special gift or ability to fulfill your task on earth.

What are the gifts? Several are singled out in the above passage. But the point is this: identify your gift(s) and abilities and be faithful in using them. (See 1 Cor.12:1-31; 13:1-3; Eph.4:7-16 for additional gifts bestowed upon the believer.)

There is the gift of….

• Prophecy – to explain and proclaim the will of God
• Serving or ministering to others – the practical ability to help & assist others in such a way that they are built up and truly strengthened
• Teaching – the ability to explain and to ground people in the truth
• Exhortation & encouragement – the ability to comfort, warn, stir and motivate people for Christ
• Giving – the liberal and generous giving of your earthly possessions such as money, clothing, and food
• Leadership – to lead with diligence, careful thought, zeal, hard work, and concentrated attention
• Mercy and kindness – being full of forgiveness and compassion for others with a joyful, cheerful heart