NextGenKent

If you have read anything about spiritual gifts, you probably know everything there is to know about them. Today I just want to go through a few passages to remind you what spiritual gifts really are all about.  The kicker:  When each part is working properly , the body grows, built up in love. There are three major passages that give the listings of not just spiritual gifts, but gifts, services, and activities of the Godhead in a believer's life: 1 Corinthians 12 (and lesser 14), Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Number 1: The gifts (services and activities) are SPIRITUAL , which means they come from another realm and operate in the realm. These are not natural gifts, however natural gifts (like singing, artistry, etc.) can be used by God to bring about spiritual services and activities. In other words, our spiritual gifts can utilize the natural gifts to bring about God's purposes ( say, healing, or encouragement) . Number 2: These spiritual activities are EM...

As I was reading the beginning of Matthew again I was struck by the contrast between the magi and the "people's chief priests and teachers of the law" (religious lawyers). Here are a couple of differences: 1. The Magi knew prophecy and followed the prophetic "star" of "the King of the Jews" 2. The Magi came from the East = far away to worship 3. The Magi to worship the King in Jerusalem or at least ask the leaders there where he was 4. The Magi went on to Bethlehem and completed their mission 1. The religious lawyers knew what was written in the prophets 2. The religious lawyers remained there in Jerusalem and did not go to Bethlehem 3. The religious lawyers must have seen the star but did not translate current events spiritually/prophetically 4. The religious lawyers stayed in Jerusalem and completed their mission What would have happened if: 1. The religious lawyers did more than just read the Scriptures to know it but to follow it? 2...