Unexpected Gifts
I once went on a short-term mission trip to Jordan not fully knowing why and feeling a bit uneasy. I knew I was to help at JETS seminary, but the group staying in Amman was going to teach adult Christian Iraqi refugees conversational English. I wasn’t. Shortly after arriving, it was evident there was a problem. The adults couldn’t leave their children at home, and brought them to class, especially in the evening. God ended up using me in Jordan to teach about 30 beautiful, well-behaved Iraqi children conversational English and some bible songs for good measure. I had not prepped, had to scrounge for supplies and thoroughly enjoyed every minute with them. I loved teaching, and the children learning!
When Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:1, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed,” it's possible the problem the Corinthians were having had to do with those among them who were thought to be "more spiritual," because they seemed to have more spiritual abilities than some others. The Corinthians, in spite of being well taught, were still “unaware” or “ignorant” of what true spirituality was.
The ancient Corinthians had all the gifts (1:7) needed for building a strong local church, yet were very unspiritual and selfish people that divided and hurt each other. So they needed Paul’s help and he gave it to them willingly. Verse 1: “I do not want you to be unaware.”
Paul taught that every Christian has the potential to be spiritual. Every believer has a gift, or gifts, from the Holy Spirit. Not all gifts are as obvious or as public as others, but the same Spirit gives them away, for free, as He sees fit. He gives one or more spiritual gifts to every believer for the common good. Nobody acquires or earns their own gifts from God.
One reason we have spiritual gifts is to help strengthen other people’s faith. "Here is someone struggling; how can I help him?" Then do or say what seems most helpful, if the person is helped, you may have discovered one of your gifts.
We have the gifts already, we only need to take a leap of faith when we feel the Spirit nudging us to help whether in a ministry teaching, doing data entry, or going on a short-term mission trip. Would the Spirit nudge someone in that direction and withhold a needed gift to help accomplish what he nudged them to do? Ask the Lord to reveal how you might be used for the common good and trust he will help you. He wants you to use your gifts.
Deb Hill
He Is Coming!
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Cor. 11:26 NIV
The Message paraphrases it this way: What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.
The phrase familiarity breeds contempt has always been interesting to me. Prov. 25:17 in the NIV says, “ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house–too much of you, and they will hate you.” (or don’t wear out your welcome I would say)
In the context of communion, I believe when it is taken with the right heart and motivation that it matters not how often, but some theologians might disagree. Some churches take communion every day or weekly, ours once a month, and some Scottish churches once a year. Some people take communion when they marry I believe to honor the Lord in their marriage and put him first as a married couple. Some people want to take communion when they know that their time on this earth is nearing an end, for reasons between them and the Lord. In each of the latter cases, I believe they are honoring God and remembering his sacrifice.
Communion unites the church family at one table symbolically to acknowledge Christ died, rose again, and will return. The most important future event will be when Christ comes back to this world. Between these two events, we declare Christ’s death to the world. When we share bread and wine at church, we are declaring the importance of Christ’s death at the same time we personally remember his blood was shed for us all.
I love that we can share communion as a church family and individually as an act of worship and honor to Jesus Christ, the Perfecter of our faith, our Lord and Savior. Personally, it causes me to examine myself and my own heart as I sit at his table and remember what he sacrificed for me. What an honor to come to the Lord’s table! What does communion mean to you? Has it become too familiar? Lord, help us to remember and declare your shed blood and sacrificed body was a substitute for our sin and has set us free.
Thank you for reading or listening today, blessings on the rest of your week.
Deb Hill
The Communion Connection
Jesus’ death connects us to him and to each other. This principle is so important that the Apostle Paul makes a stink about the saints in Corinth’s practice of communion. Actually, he doesn’t make a sink. He points out that their practice stunk.
In the following directives, I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent, I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!
These are the specific practices that Paul was sniffing and pointing out:
1. Not patiently waiting for some to arrive, “you go ahead with your own private suppers.”
I can relate to this. It is usually the same person or the same family that always keeps others waiting. This can be frustrating. At EFCC, we wouldn’t hold up a service or our communion, which is usually at the end of the service, because someone we were expecting to be there didn’t show up that day.
2. Some were left out, “one person remains hungry.”
Our practice of communion isn’t at lunch or dinner. I’ve often wondered what a person had to do to get seconds of communion. It is separate from our regular meals, “Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in?” We separate it today so it will be a special time of focusing on Jesus and not our stomach, not ourselves.
3. Getting drunk, “and another gets drunk.”
There has been a debate about whether the cup Jesus said was his blood was a cup of wine, a fermented drink or a cup of juice. Some argue that the bread of Passover was unfermented (without yeast) and therefore the drink would have been the same. The point is arguable and I don’t see us learning for sure until we are in Jesus’ presence. What is clear is that getting drunk takes the focus off of Jesus and is at minimum a distraction from the meaning of the Lord’s table, and probably so much worse than that and a big part of why they were doing more harm than good.
4. Not providing for those that couldn’t afford to bring food, “humiliating those who have nothing.”
“They’re late and they won’t bring anything anyway, let's just get started.” I can hear myself saying that in many modern settings. But Paul says that the church is to be connected and because of Jesus' sacrifice we care for, wait for, and honor one another. Ask God to help that be our personal and corporate practice at Emmanuel Faith. And if you notice ways that it is not, speak up and change something.
John Riley
“For You”
The Great Mercy of Christ for All and for the Individual
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 ESV
I can’t help but be somewhat perplexed by Paul’s words on communion. He recounts the night when Jesus was betrayed as if he was there, laying out the steps of communion that we take in remembrance of the atonement made for our offenses. I have many questions that come to mind from Jesus's sayings here. For example, why bread? Why wine? What’s the significance of the physical practice of remembrance? Why not simply remind us every day of His sacrifice in our spirits? That is another question for another devotional. However, I think the deepest question I have stems from this statement: “This is my body, which is for you.”
“You” in verse 24 is actually plural. Jesus is saying that His body is for “all of you.” To expand on this in the words of John the Baptist, He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 ESV) It’s clear that Christ’s life and death serve as the payment for all of humanity’s reckless disobedience and evil. I have a qualm with this idea, though, if I may be so bold. While it is true that one man died for all so that all men might have life (see Romans 5), I have had many brothers and sisters in my circle tell me that Jesus died for my sins, and not simply as one underneath a blanket covering for all, but deeply and personally given up for me as an individual. Is this possible, let alone Biblical? Does the mercy of Christ extend to both the collective body and the individual? I would argue, yes. Let’s see this from the scripture.
“And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?’” Mark 5:30 ESV
Jesus was touched by countless different people from all over the country who came to see Him. Yet there was one whom He noticed. A woman who had bled for twelve years of her life came to find Christ. She knew she could be healed just by touching His clothes. Out of everyone in the crowd, Jesus saw her, and healed her personally, responding with the historic statement, “daughter, your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34) The same Jesus who spoke parables to the multitudes, spoke with tenderness to the individual. The same Jesus who heals many healed this one woman out of the crowd. This is the Jesus we worship. The Messiah not only died for many but died for the individual.
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 ESV
Not only is our Savior able to save us from our sins, but He is also able to save us to the uttermost, that is, to the fullest extent. And not only did He die but is actively advocating on our behalf before His Father. There is a catch, however. You must draw near. You must be willing to be known. You must be willing to be saved and healed to the uttermost as an individual, not just part of the group. This is what He laid down his life for; to make a way for each of us to draw near and be whole. How great is His love for us? Remember this when you eat: that not only was His body broken for the entire world, but His body sacrificed for you too. Amen.
Jared Graf
Our Present to Our Past
Do you have any moments in your life that have left a lasting memory or defined who you are? I had the joy of officiating a wedding the other day and it reminded me of one of those moments that will be a foundation for the couple to build on for the rest of their lives. A couple of weeks prior I had the chance to lead a friend’s memorial service. Another defining moment that changes the trajectory of lives. I share this because there was a night in history that changed everything. Jesus gathered with his friends and did something that was going to be foundational for all who believe.
The interesting thing about this moment in history is that it began with a reminder something bad (betrayal) was going to take place; 1 Corinthians 11:23, “...the night Jesus was betrayed.” However, Jesus was doing something beautiful; a defining moment in history. The reason the Table/Communion is a defining moment is because it is the powerful reminder of what Jesus was about to do. He symbolized the giving of his life (something not normal) with the breaking of bread and drinking of wine (normal things). That act, at that moment, allows us to stand on the historical foundation Jesus gave. Since then, believers have followed the practice and allowed the Holy Spirit to work powerfully to grow them closer to God because of what Jesus has done.
What events do you build your life on? Jesus gave us a special historical event we can build on. On the night he was betrayed, he modeled what to do. Historically his actions showed we could rely on him. Here is my encouragement for you, Jesus gave you a defining moment, think of the moment you trusted your Savior. Remember what that meant then and think about what it means now. Take some time to thank him for what he has done so you can have that moment.
Pastor Jeremy
He Learned to Cook
He didn’t know how to cook. He knew very well how to eat, but the cooking part he had no idea about. He left that to my grandma. But when they found out my grandma had cancer, she decided it was time he learned. So they shifted some furniture and the cooking tutorials began from her recliner and my grandpa in the kitchen.
My grandpa and I were very close and when he shared this story with me I had to ask the question - “why was teaching you to cook such a priority? He smiled and then shared,
“Your grandma’s wish was that we would all continue to gather as a family after she passed. She knew that Sunday coffee with your aunts and holiday meals with all the family was only going to continue if I kept the tradition going.”
So he learned to cook. And I will say he became a great cook and even grew much of his own produce in the garden. I think cooking brought back sweet memories of her and made him feel connected and close living all those years without her. My grandpa has since passed and I miss him terribly, but those traditions still continue. They have changed a bit, but the love and purpose behind them are still the same.
We read about many meals Jesus had with people. Some were feasts, some were celebrations, and some were large crowds with just fish and bread. One of the most memorable meals He had was with His disciples before His death.
Before Jesus’ death, He had a special meal with his closest twelve. He told them to keep doing this meal in remembrance of Him. Although our present-day meals are measly scraps compared to the power and significance of the Last Supper, I wonder if that is why we all feel this value and importance of gathering together at the table. Jesus gathered together at the table to spend His last bit of time with His disciples. That’s a pretty powerful statement.
Our current culture doesn’t lend itself to time around the table together too easily. It takes some master scheduling at times and it’s so easy to just let it slip away. But if we value what Jesus valued and look to Him as the example, then I would argue that maybe we should fight a little harder for sitting together around the table and sharing life. It brings us together.
1 Corinthians 11:24 says, “. . . do this in remembrance of me.” When we gather together around a table and say grace, it is a moment of remembrance and also invites His Spirit into the gathering.
With that said, let’s put our napkins in our laps and bow our heads and bless the food.
Blessings as you love and serve with great purpose.
Bonnie Nichols
Women’s Ministry Specialist
Heart to Heart
Our grandson just completed seven weeks of summer camp at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and starts academics today. Needless to say, we are grateful, proud, and blessed to pray for him every day. It has been a great joy to have him call a couple of times briefly, but to see a letter in the mailbox from him twice was a thrill! They had no computers or cell phones during the summer except for a limited time on various Sundays, so we felt privileged to receive those calls, and even more so the letters, knowing how busy and tired he was.
I love handwritten letters or notes because they are so rare in our technology-driven culture, but John didn’t have email, texting, or social media, so he said he’d rather talk face to face. We know that Gaius and John were good friends, and brothers in Christ, and nothing is better than a heart-to-heart, face-to-face talk with a best friend.
In the office, I often abandon “chat” and email and talk to my coworkers in person. That way we can have an exchange where we see each other’s eyes and body language. Text or chat messages are fine most of the time, but some things are just better talked about face to face. Why, because sometimes texted words are easy to misconstrue or misinterpret. In this case, I believe John just wanted to catch up with his good friend Gaius in person to share more than he could in writing.
Last Friday evening, my phone rang, and it was a Facetime call from our grandson! I was so happy to see his face and hear all about his experiences. We even got to see his new room and some of his bunkmates! It just made my heart so happy, full, and grateful for this technology and our grandson. Will I still treasure those two handwritten letters? Yes, I will! They are special, but there is nothing quite like looking into the eyes of the person you care about. I’ve learned the blessing it is for both parties when I take the time to call, write a note or just show up for someone. We’ve been talking about hospitality, welcoming strangers, and now the value of friendship. “We are all so busy being busy” as my dad used to say, and we need to make the choice and take time to reach out to one another and those maybe we don’t know so well. We find or make time for those people or things most important to us, and this chapter reminds us that every one of his children is important to Jesus.
Deb Hill
A Better Word Our Reputation in Christ
I can’t think of a more consistently gratifying feeling than carrying a good reputation. To hear encouragement from a brother or sister is truly a blessing. Moreso, to be well spoken of by others when you’re not around is an even greater gift. A good name is not easily earned. Honor is a messy, complicated road to walk down. We can learn a lot about holding notoriety from the Apostle John’s letter to his friend and accomplice, Gaius. John has many things to say of the reputations of some prominent church-goers in Asia Minor, some great, and others not so much. Take the character of Diotrephes for example, a name of disrepute. He was known to be a troublesome, unwelcoming person of influence within the church, withholding the apostles from coming to his church and “[putting] himself first”. (3 John 1:9) However, read what John had to say of Demetrius in contrast.
“Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself[...]” 3 John 1:12 ESV
Not only does the Apostle John point out that Demetrius receives high praise from everyone around him, but John makes a deeper claim that even the Truth speaks better of him. We know Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This same Truth speaks a better word over us. His work, His sacrifice speaks well of us, as we read in Hebrews 12.
“[...] to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel[...]” Hebrews 12:24 ESV
The blood of Abel cries out for justice and punishment, while Christ cries for peace and grace. One demands restitution, the other pours out mercy. Jesus’s work testifies before God on our behalf, clothing us in the righteous life He lived. He is our mediator and mighty Savior. And now in God’s eyes, we inherit Jesus’s reputation. He is the first of many to be made in the likeness of His image. He took on our disgrace, and we took on his faultless image. This is what the Truth testifies of us; a better word.
Demetrius is not the only one whom the Truth speaks well of. By the grace extended to us beyond the borders of the chosen nation Israel, we receive a better name, an infinitely greater reputation in Christ than we would have on our own. How sweet it is to have a reputation that does not fade or perish, one that was earned for us, and that cannot be taken away. How great it is that in the courts of heaven, our Messiah speaks a better word of us when we’re not around. Amen.
Jared Benjamin Graf
A Stand for Those Who Can’t
“I will call attention to what he is doing…” 3 John 10
Albert Einstein noted that “the world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Martin Luther King, Jr. pointed out that “the ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people, but the silence over that by the good people.” John Stuart Mill said that “bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
In Matthew 18, Jesus gives us a great principle for how to deal with someone who has sinned against you personally. He instructs us to
“. . . go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.… But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you…. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
There is a clear progression that gets wider and wider in its scope with each step of the person’s closed ears. However, what if someone sinned publicly? Does that mean that we still ought to go to the offending party personally? Or does a public sin necessitate a public rebuke? Clearly, every individual situation is going to take wisdom to determine the right answer, but in this passage, the Apostle John has decided that the sin of Diotrephes necessitated a public rebuke. John decides to “call attention to what he is doing” in a letter addressed to the entire church! This is a big deal! What John is doing is standing up for what is right for the sake of those who don’t have the status within the church to stand up for themselves. These were people who were not being welcomed into the church because of the wickedness of one man.
Let’s be a church that stands up and fights for this church to be a welcoming place. Let’s be the first to repent of ways that we have not been welcoming and let’s call attention to anything that we see that hinders one of God’s loved ones, made in his image, from being offered a place in His house.
Josh Rose
Discipleship Pastor
Wrong Way Leadership
Controlling. Domineering. Authoritarian. These are just a few words in current leadership circles some use to describe an effective leader. And what’s even worse is these are words some in the church use to describe an effective leader. (We know this to be historically true because Diotrephes embodies them and because there is a church full of people following him. We know this to be true today because we can look around the evangelical world and read stories of pastors and church boards living by these same standards and values.) What was true of some back then is true of some today.
So what does Diotrephes do that is so wrong? How does he exhibit “Wrong Way Leadership”? Perhaps his main error is stated in verse 9 when John writes, “but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.” In five simple words John lets us know Diotrephes is not a servant- leader and is therefore not modeling the way of Jesus.
But what is the way of Jesus? In Mark 10:45 He says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This is quite a remarkable statement considering 1) Jesus doesn’t have a lot of followers at this point in His life, and 2) He has all the power in the world. (Some things to think about here are - 1) Do good leaders have to have a lot of followers to be good leaders? That depends. Is leadership based on influence or followers? We all may not have followers, but we all have influence. 2) What do you do with the power you have? Do you draw on it to impose your will on people, or do you lay it aside and serve them in love?)
The pull and draw of the world you are about to go into today will entice you to a “wrong way” kind of leadership. Let the words of Jesus draw you back and redirect you to focus on leading well by serving the people He has given you to influence.
Question: Who is one person you can serve today? How will you do this?
Pastor Scott Smith
