8. Through Fasting Promptings for Service: Acts 13:2 states, "While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food for a period of time in order to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. Fasting allows us to deny our physical desires and focus on our spiritual needs. It is a way to demonstrate our dependence on God and our desire to hear from Him.
When we fast, we allow ourselves to be more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In the case of Barnabas and Saul, it was through a period of fasting that they received a specific calling to go out into the world and spread the Gospel. Fasting can help clarify God's will for our lives and give us direction in our service to Him. It is a way to humble ourselves before God and seek His guidance in all areas of our lives.
9. Through Stillness and Silence: Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." In our fast-paced and noisy world, it can be challenging to find moments of stillness and silence to hear from God. However, it is in these moments of quiet that we can experience God's presence in a profound way. When we take the time to be still and silent before God, we create space for Him to speak to us and reveal His will for our lives.
Stillness and silence are essential for cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God. It is in the quiet moments that we can hear His voice and receive His guidance. When we quiet our minds and hearts, we can tune out the distractions of the world and focus solely on God. This allows us to deepen our connection with Him and grow in our understanding of His purposes for our lives.
10. Through Gifts of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:7 states, "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." The gifts of the Spirit are given to believers to empower them for service in the Kingdom of God. These gifts include things like prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, and wisdom. When we operate in these gifts, we are able to minister to others in a powerful and impactful way.
The gifts of the Spirit are not meant for our own personal benefit, but for the benefit of the Body of Christ. When we use these gifts to serve others, we are able to build up the Church and bring glory to God. The gifts of the Spirit are a manifestation of God's power working through us, and they enable us to carry out the work of the ministry effectively.
11. The Five-fold Ministry Gifts: In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul writes, "And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers." The five-fold ministry gifts, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11, are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are given to the Church for the purpose of equipping and building up the body of Christ.
Each of these ministry gifts plays a unique role in the life of the Church. Apostles are sent out to plant churches and establish new works. Prophets bring a word from God to guide and instruct the Church. Evangelists are passionate about sharing the Gospel with unbelievers. Pastors care for and shepherd the flock of believers. Teachers instruct and edify the Church in the Word of God.
When the five-fold ministry gifts are functioning properly in the Church, the body of Christ is strengthened and matured. Each gift complements the others and works together for the common goal of building up the Church and advancing the Kingdom of God. These gifts empower believers to grow in their faith and fulfill their calling in the service of the Lord.
Can you go deeper in each one?
Explanations in 1500 of your words not Google, or Commentaries Copy and Paste
8 Through Fasting Promptings for Service: (Acts 13:2, NKJV)
9 Through Stillness and Silence: (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
10 Through Gifts of the Spirit: (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
11 The Five-fold Ministry Gifts (1Thessaloians 2:13)
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