While illustrating the diversity of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 the apostle repeatedly stresses their one source in God. He also stresses their one purpose, to reveal the Holy Spirit’s work and power for the common good of the church. These unifying realities lead the apostle’s thought to a general discussion of the oneness of the redeemed community. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-19 he explains and illustrates the nature and importance of the unity of the church itself. The diversity of the church is a God-ordained means of bringing the fellowship to oneness, but unless each diverse member recognizes and accepts their part in the whole body, diversity will divide rather than unite, destroy rather than build up, and bring discord rather than harmony. As we serve the Lord we do so through the power and enablement of the Holy Spirit who divides to everyone as He determines. To fail or refuse to use our gifts within the church is rebellious disobedience, and to be frustrated that you don’t have the gifts you want is jealousy. Yet Paul says that while some gifts are more visual than others, there is no gifts that are unimportant. As a matter of fact … READ MORE

We have seen that a Spirit-controlled church is unified which is characterized by fellowship and worship. We have also examined the fact that it also emphasizes evangelism through a lovingly, obedient ministry and heart from the people. Let me suggest 2 other evidences of a Spirit-controlled church: 7. It is a submissive church. This means that it’s obedience grows out of a glad heart, willing to do those things that are clearly identified in the Word of God. It submits to the Lord because it loves its Lord and seeks to please only Him. In so doing it bleeds into the other 6 areas that we have already looked at. 8. The Spirit-controlled church looks for ways to serve the Lord. Like the Lord Jesus Christ, our call and goal is not to be served but to serve others. It is a community of believers in which each one ministers by using the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, and using their talents and abilities to bring honor and glory to God. These evidences are impossible for any church to manifest without the willingness of those who are apart of the local church to allow the Spirit of God to … READ MORE