Equipped with Spiritual Gifts II - Ephesians 4: 1-16
Many things are happening in the world, these days. They may frighten us. We may wonder what we can do about these things and where this will all lead. Yet sometimes we feel we cannot do so much. We may wonder: what is God doing? The heart of the Christian faith is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is not primarily something that we have to do, or something that God may or should do today. The Gospel informs us about something marvelous and extraordinary that God has already done for us. He sent his Son into this world, to obtain the greatest victory ever. He gave his Son, the Savior, as a gift, that through Jesus we might have eternal life, joy, peace and hope. Christ ransoms us from a perishing world for the world that is too come.
We may receive this gift for free, by faith. Yet, we may wonder, what does this practically imply for my everyday life?
In this sermon, we continue to read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We see that Christ equips believers with a variety of gifts. On the way, during our lives, we may learn to happily use what we received to serve others. And to receive and benefit from what Christ has given to others so that they may build us up as well.
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4 Jan 2025
Equipped with Spiritual Gifts I - Ephesians 4:1-16
Last Tuesday the new season of the Dutch parliament started with the king’s speech. The speech started with a reference to the achievements of the Dutch athletes at the Summer Olympics. We may be a tiny country, yet we may be proud of what we have achieved and can achieve – the message was something like that. It is a very common thing to base your identity on what you perform and achieve. However, there is a huge risk in that. What is your value, once you are not able to achieve so much? Are those who achieve much more than others of greater value than those who hardly seem to contribute anything? Thinking in worldly ways can easily creep into the minds of Christians, creep into the church and lead to dissension and trouble.
We read on in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 4:1-16). All Christians receive a portion and gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, not all receive the same portion – says Paul in verse 7. Such a difference, not only as regards the kinds of gifts, but even as regards the amount of giftedness might easily lead to trouble. Either to boasting and pride, or to envy, to jealousy. It seems to make unity among Christians hard, if not impossible. The difficult and important question is why Christ does not distribute equal amounts of spiritual gifts. The answer Paul gives in this passage is – as we will see – perfectly satisfying and most encouraging.
You are so welcome to join and to learn more.
4 Jan 2025
Equipped to be Humble - Ephesians 4:1-6
In the beginning of a new season we all need strength. Strength to be able to accomplish our tasks and to thrive. Yet, not only whether or not we are able to succeed matters. The way and manner wherein we do things also matters. Matters a lot. And for that we also need strength.
Upcoming Sunday we continue to read in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 4:1-6). We learn that the first characteristic of the Christian life is and should be humility. In Paul’s time, humility was not seen as a virtue, but as a vice. Maybe that is still the same. However, we will see in this Sunday sermon how beautiful and attractive true, Christian humility is. Also, why it so necessary, though we find it hard. Last but not least, also how one might obtain and exercise this humility.
You are most welcome to join and listen to this service and to learn more.
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