02/11/2014 - FULLY EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE

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So that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 1.7

I have heard many preachers say that the church in Corinth was carnal. Indeed there were a few isolated cases in that congregation that brought shame to the gospel. However, it is not right for us to deem the entire church as carnal, since they came short in no gift. This proves that, despite there being a few rotten apples, there were Christians who lived the fullness of the Word.

The fact that the church of Corinth came short in no gift shows that those Christians served the Most High. Well, the abilities—gifts—that he gives us are complete. With them, we can do the same works Jesus did. The shepherd that manages to make his flock abundant in gifts will have a living and active church.

What is necessary in order for that to happen? That is a good question to be made to the Lord—not to anyone else. Now, if a minister claims to have the answer, ask him if his congregation comes short in no gift. How can we believe in a person who knows how to point out mistakes and teaches how to fix them, but cannot make his own congregation have all gifts?

When God sees the leader of a church with a heart that is free from sinful things, who fulfills God’s commandments and is determined to be used by God for his work, he gives him wisdom and anointing. This way, we will see such congregation become a blessing like no other church. The change that we want in our church, family, society has to start within ourselves.

The truth is that God has his own plans for our lives. If he has called us for his ministry, baptized us with the Holy Spirit and taught us to do his work, then what are we waiting for? Haven’t we become too involved in worldly things? It is true that the exact directions have to come from him, but, since he has done so much for us and in our midst, what are we waiting for?

The Most High does not give us gifts so that we can boast and show that we are better or more important than others. No warrior of the Lord should ever behave in a conceited manner, or in any other spirit. For he who truly serves the Lord, the only thing that matters is if God approves of his work or not. The true children of the Almighty have only one desire: to obey the Teacher in everything.

Therefore, brethren, seek the gifts of the Spirit, because without them you will not do anything good in God’s work. But do not waste any time waiting to see if you already have them; rather, speak about God to those who are lost and oppressed. Then you will see that God will use you. Be determined to never touch the glory that belongs only to the Most High. He who fulfills his mission with praise at the last day will not be put to shame.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares