The Works God Prepared for Us

It was amazing this week to get a copy of all of the people who serve with Bethel in the church, in the community, and around the world. We have a church that serves! Each person and each ministry group represent Ephesians 2:10 which says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

We are very thankful that God in His great plan has given us spiritual gifts, passions, and abilities to use to build up the church and further His kingdom here and around the world. In this season of ministry, without a Sr. Pastor at this time, we know that the church will continue to grow in strength because Jesus is our Leader and He has blessed Bethel with the many many people who are using their gifts to build the church, and further His kingdom here and around the world. We as a body are the church and we have been given spiritual gifts to edify and build up the church.

I was just talking with someone who has a teaching spiritual gift. He has been leading a Bible study this summer. It was encouraging to hear him say that even though there is not a big group meeting for the study, that he has been encouraged and strengthened by his time preparing and discussing the Word of God with the people who come. He is using his gift and passion to help others learn and grow while he is growing in faithfulness and obedience to where God asked him to be in ministry.

If you walk around the church on a Sunday morning, you will see most of the spiritual gifts in action.  Some are more obvious like teaching, shepherding, administration, leading, and mercy. But some are not so obvious.  I love to peek into the Elijah Room (3 year olds) and watch the Pembertons creatively share Bible truth in stories. They wear costumes and bring fun things to help the kids learn about Jesus. If you have ever been in the Hub during the second service, you will see leaders who are shepherding middle school students and creating a fun environment.  There are Stephen Ministers who are ready to walk alongside someone who is hurting. We need every follower of Jesus to use their gifts to edify the body of Christ. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? If you do, are you in a ministry where you can use your them?  

If you are wondering what your spiritual gifts are and where you can use them, you can start by coming to the 2:10 Serve Summit and attending the S.H.A.P.E workshop. At the Summit we are coming together to encourage one another to do the good works that God prepared for us to do.

In Hebrews 10:23-25 it says,”Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”