By Ben Berto
4There 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. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NKJV
What do the Seventh-day Adventists believe about spiritual gifts? The Fundamental Beliefs, # 16 clearly states the following: “God bestows upon all members of His Church in every age spiritual gifts which is member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and sel-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church as pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries, particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with the growth that is from God and is built up in faith and love.”
This is why the SDA Church have schools, hospitals, outpost clinics, ADRA (ADVENTIST DISASTER RELIEF AGENCY) and other agencies that work together with non-governmental units to help people in need. But the main work of the church is spreading the GOOD NEWS of Salvation all around the world through the media, be it the printed page, Radio and TV. In Mindoro, the Good News through the Adventist World Radio, reached the New People’s Army, (NPA) and many of them exchanged their AK47’s(guns) for the Bible, the Word of God. They no longer fought with the AFP, instead studied the Word of God with them. We share the message of Jesus as he said in John 14: 1-3NRSV which reads; 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
“Jesus said that we will have tribulation in this world, but only He could bring peace to the world. Our devotional speaker wrote; “Unless you have been living in a cave and completely out of touch, it is impossible not to hear of all the horrible things happening in the world—wars, massive earthquakes, famines, tsunamis, terrorism, school shootings, robberies, murders. And on and on. The crime rate is higher than ever before, and it’s difficult to feel truly safe. And if that wasn’t enough, your internal stress-o-meter is higher than ever—trying to meet unrealistic goals and expectations from bosses, co-workers, friends, family, and even our spouses.
It is no mystery why people are turning to drugs and alcohol for a way of escape! However, numbing our senses and living a life of sin will not bring the peace and security we seek. Jesus is the only answer to world peace. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future! When we are surrendered to our Lord and Saviour, there is no need to worry and fret. God has it all under control! We can live each day with full confidence knowing our future is bright because we trust in God’s perfect plan!” Jesus said, “Do not fear! I have overcome the world.” But do not go rushing off without Him. If you do, you will meet the devil alone, and he’ll get you.
To contact us: Our website is www.abundantlifeadventist.ca. Worship with us every Saturday Sabbath, the seventh day of the week. Genesis 2: 2, 3, Exodus 20: 8-10, Isaiah 58: 13, 14; Isaiah 66: 22, 23; Matthew 5: 17-19; Revelation 22: 14, John 14: 1-3, Rev. 6:6-12, Romans 8: 35-39
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