1 Corinthians 14
Gifts that Build the Fire of God’s Presence!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, October 5.
I enjoy a nice campfire—it gives off light and warmth. Especially when you are camping as the weather cools off. But the key to a good campfire on a cold autumn night is having plenty of wood to keep the fire going.
The church is like a campfire. As the days grow darker and colder, our neighborhoods and communities need the Light of Jesus and the warmth of His Love. We need to add our lives to the fire to ensure it is burning hot and bright for the sake of others.
Why do you go to church?
Paul focuses the eagerness of Christians with these words from 1 Corinthians 14:12, “So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” And in verse 26, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”
These are key verses in understanding the purpose of spiritual gifts—to build up His Church. We are to strengthen the congregation with how we participate in the public gathering of worship.
The building up the Church is our motive because the Church is the Body of Christ—it is built up and held together only by love. The Body of Christ requires each member to live a life of love mutually submitted to one another, completely dependent upon Jesus Christ, who is the head of His Church.
Seize the moment and eagerly pursue the manifestations of the Spirit and be sure to do so for the building up the Body of Christ to the glory of the One name that is above all names—the name of Jesus Christ. May His Light shine brightly and the warmth of His Love reach many.
Are you adding your life to the fire of God’s Light and Love?