1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and 27-31
4 There are [d]diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [e]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Last night, while we had a wonderful movie night going on for our familia of faith in the Family Life Center, we also had a meeting going on in room 205 above the church office. We called it ”The Ultimate Committee Meeting.” Pastor Parker said, “It’s like Ultimate Frisbee, but way more boring.” The meeting was actually a joy as members of our administrative committees discussed what their roles were, when they would meet, and charted a path forward for the new year. These church members were using their different gifts to serve the church and will continue to do so for however many years are left on their three year rotation. These administrative committees, among other things, help staff our church volunteers, manage our facilities, take care of our church staff, and develop and maintain a budget. They all work together as stewards of all God has given FBCW so the church may continue its mission of Knowing Him and Making Him Known!
Different ministries were going on last night, but we were all part of our familia of faith. Our children watched a beautiful movie about Jesus, the lion of Judah who went like a lamb to the slaughter to save our sins because we couldn’t save ourselves. A large group of middle school kids played football outside while the rest of the youth played board games and enjoyed fellowship in God’s family room. Lively discussions were had as well as times of prayer for families going through difficult times.
Liz and Robin spent a lot of time prepping for this movie night: sending out invites, coordinating food and snacks, and setting up for the movie and snapping photos. These acts of service, in conjunction with the meetings that were held last night, constitute people using the gifts God has given them in service of God’s Kingdom here at First Baptist Church Weslaco.
As we look forward to kicking off our Wednesday Night ministries next week, let’s remember that no matter where we serve, we are all part of the same familia of faith, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ so that we may Know Him and Make Him Known in all we do!
In Christ,
Pastor Ray