Message from Pastor Leo

August 1, 2008

Does the world look on your church family and think, "Boy I'd like to be a part of something like that.  They've got what I'm looking for."  If your church family is unified and working as God designed it, people will be drawn to it.  There's something about unity that speaks volumes about loyalty, love, strength, and commitment.  People want to be a part of it!

This is why God put His people, the nation of Israel, on the main trade route between Egypt and Asia.  His people were to be a living example of the relationship God desires to have with mankind.  But instead, the Israelites failed and it was written that the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you (because of you). Romans 2:24

Jesus has spread His church all over the world for the same purpose of drawing people to Himself.  His Spirit has strategically placed each member of the church and has given him or her spiritual gifts to serve others.

There are many gifts of the Spirit, but all spiritual gifts are from one God, so the gifts are unified and coordinated.  There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:6  The gifts don't have a rating or ranking.  The most important gift is the one that's needed at the moment. 

You’ve been given at least one spiritual gift that God intends you to use to serve others.  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Corinthians 12:7  When we serve others with the gifts the Spirit has given us, we become a loving, unified, strong body.  Others will notice our unity and love, and they’ll want to join us.

Which gift is best for you?  That depends on what God has created you to do.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10  You are in this world only to fulfill God’s purposes.  Each member should be seeking what God has created and gifted them to do.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 

Start by reading your Bible every day, paying attention to what the Spirit brings to your notice.  Then pray and ask God, "What’s my role?  How do you want to use me?"  Then pay attention to the needs the Holy Spirit reveals around you.  If He lays the burden of a need on your heart, and has gifted or equipped you to fill it, pray that He will empower and direct you.  Then do it!  Don't hesitate!  Don't give Satan time to distract or discourage you from your calling.  But start by reading your Bible.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti