Faith and the Importance of Spiritual Gifts in the Church

May 16, 2024

Lecture Notes: Faith and the Importance of Spiritual Gifts in the Church

Opening Remarks

  • Begin with a prayer: Glory and honor to God
    • Recognize God's greatness and our dependency on Him
    • Seek His blessings and guidance for the service and for life
  • Hebrews 11:
    • Focus on Faith: Faith is the foundation of the Gospel and doctrine
    • Biblical Definition: Faith is the certainty of what is hoped for and the conviction of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1)
    • Examples of Faith from the Bible: Abel, Enoch, etc.

Life of Faith

  • Living by Faith:
    • Believe wholeheartedly in God's teachings and promises
    • Faith manifests in our actions – rejecting what's wrong, clinging to what is right
  • Current Relevance:
    • Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
    • Daily Application: Faith influences our daily decisions and ethics

Musical Worship

  • Hymn No. 93: Faith and Courage
    • Emphasis on being steadfast in faith and enjoying the peace and joy that comes from trusting in God

Key Subject: Tithes and Offerings

  • Prayer for tithes and offerings: Acknowledging it as an act of faith and obedience to God
  • Biblical Foundation for Tithing:
    • Not only a rule from the Law of Moses but a principle seen before the Mosaic Law
    • Examples Before Mosaic Law: Abel, Abraham, Jacob
    • Tithes and offerings are forms of worship and homage to God
  • Modern Day Practice:
    • Churches maintain tithing as a principle taught by the Holy Spirit for sustaining church functions and aiding the needy

Teachings and Doctrine

  • Prophetic Guidance:
    • Delivered by the Holy Spirit to ensure adherence to God's will
    • Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in modern times (more than 50 years of experience)
    • Testimonies of God’s guidance in personal and community life

Vocabulary and Illustrations

  • Faith: Trust in the unseen, reliance on God's promises
  • Spiritual Gifts: Varied but essential for the growth and functionality of the Church
  • Discernment of Spirits: Ability to distinguish between different spirits working in individuals
    • Practical importance for guiding and protecting the congregation
  • Diversity in Gifts:
    • Teaching, prophecy, discernment, healing, administration, etc.

The Unity and Functionality of the Church

  • Comparison to the Human Body:
    • Just as the body has many parts with distinct functions, the Church too has various spiritual gifts working together
    • All gifts are important; none are superfluous
  • Miraculous Nature:
    • Spiritual gifts and manifestations like prophecy, miracles, healings are real and commanded in scripture
    • Importance of all members actively participating in utilizing these spiritual gifts

Conclusion and Call to Faith

  • Emphasis on Seeking Spiritual Gifts:
    • Encourage members to seek and cultivate spiritual gifts for personal and communal edification
  • Prayer for Guidance and Strength:
    • Encourage the congregation to trust and seek God fervently
    • Invitation to experience the work of the Holy Spirit in daily life

Closing Hymn

  • Hymn emphasizing walking with God and seeking His guidance daily

This summary encapsulates the thematic and instructional elements delivered during the lecture. May it serve as a valuable tool for further reflection and study.