Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 12:28-31

1 Corinthians 12:28-31   And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  ...But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.   In this passage, Paul clearly talked about all types of gifts that God has given to the church.  In the Book of Ephesians, he wrote about the cornerstone of the church, which is Jesus Christ.  God first established disciples and prophets; disciples, such as Paul, are important because wherever they go they can establish churches.  Disciples begin their work at a place by breaking away from the local authority of darkness and leading hearts of people out from such authority and bondage, and churches will naturally be established.  Once the churches are established, work of the prophets is needed.  Prophets let people hear the voice of God and receive His guidance, so that everyone would know what their spiritual gifts are and thus may collaborate according their distinct gifts.   In the church that I served previously, one time we invited a prophet who ministered to the brothers and sisters to provide guidance for their future path and direction in ministry.  The prophet told one brother: "God will call you to serve in youth ministry."  Back then, we really didn't think this brother was suitable in leading the youth, so we never thought about it.  After the meeting, the brother came to me and asked: "The prophet said I should serve in youth ministry, where should I begin?"  I then placed him in youth ministry, and many youths turned back to God under his leadership.  Even though no one thought that he'd be capable of leading the youths, a prophet can easily reveal it.   Not only that, we also need other types of gifts to be manifested among us.  The gift of teaching can guide us onto the right path.  When a church is newly established, truth needs to prevail clearly so that people may depart from sin and self-centeredness.  There are workers of miracles and those with gifts of healing who can help with the work of evangelism.  Miracle workers can soften the hearts of people, let them feel the love of God and experience His abundance.  There are also those with gifts of helping others and administration, because when the church grows in size people need to support each other more.  WE need to know what our gifts are, and exercise them orderly, such as in the example of tongue, where someone has the gift to speak the tongue while others can translate it.  May God strengthen our hearts for us to help one another, so that we may experience His glory together.   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we thank you because you have granted us multitude of gifts.  Please give us strength so that we may support one another and minister one other according to our gifts.  May your will be done among us.  We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!     Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!