The Energy Crisis in the American Church

Postlude A Recap – The Spiritual Gifts and You

God has placed extraordinary spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ (this church) To "equip the people of God to do the work of the ministry". That work is ministering truth and life to the Central Coast.

What Are The Gifts?

(Remember every ONE has at least ONE what's yours? Each is responsible to discover, develop and exercise the gift.)

1. PROPHECY 1 Cor. 12:10,28; Rom. 12:6; Eph. 4:11–14 God's spokesman. Warns, edifies, uplifts, correct, encourage.
2. TEACHING.1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11 One apt to express truths.
3. WISDOM 1 Cor. 12:8 Insight into Divine Will and purpose. How to solve problems, Spiritual revelation.
4. KNOWLEDGE 1 Cor. 12:8 Supernatural revelation of facts, past, present, future.
5. DISCERNING OF SPIRITS 1 Cor. 12:10 Being able to distinguish if the person loves and follows
Jesus or not.
6. HELPS 1 Cor. 12:28 A gift of one who can always do this.
7. FAITH 1 Cor. 12:9 The ability to believe. Sudden surge of faith.
8. ADMINISTRATION.1 Cor. 12:28 This an administration (as it states) and governing attribute.
9. MIRACLES 1 Cor. 12:28 Actually designed so that men might know the power of God.
10. HEALING 1 Cor. 12:9,28 Healing belongs to everyone who is a Christian, according to Jesus, but this refers to
supernatural manifestations.
11. TONGUES 1 Cor. 12:9, 28 As a prayer language Christians can have this, that is speaking in a language that is not
their own. Prophetically speaking in "tongues" requires. (what follows # 12)
12. INTERPRETATION.1 Cor. 12:10,30 The meaning of the "tongues" which were heard and and spoken in a language which is understandable.
13. APOSTLES 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11 One sent forth.usually on a "wandering" side, but can be permanent.
14. EXHORTATION.Romans 12:8 Admonishes people who might be unruly or can just admonish in general.
15. GIVING. Romans 12:8 Contributing material resources to the work of the Lord.
16. MERCY. Romans 12:8 Feel genuine empathy and compassion for one suffering in any form — physically, emotionally,
mentally, etc.
17. HOSPITALITY. Romans 12:9–13 Provide open home, warm welcome. Can include food and lodging, etc.
18. LEADERSHIP Romans 12:8 Sets goals for future and communicates so this work can be accomplished.
19. SERVICE Romans 12:7 Identify unmet needs, gets involved in tasks.
20. PASTOR. Eph. 4:11 Latin word meaning "shepherd" Confined usually to 1 location.
21. EVANGELIST Eph. 4:11 Travels to spread the Gospel.
22. MISSIONARY 1 Cor. 9:19–23 Those who are a witness for and win to Jesus.
23. CELIBACY 1 Cor. 7:7,8 Not being married.
24. INTERCESION. 1 Tim. 2:1,2 Ability to pray for extended periods of time to see frequent and specific answers to prayers. Intense praying.

DON'T NEGLECT – DON'T BOAST – DON'T REFUSE – DON'T SEEK the gift, but the Giver.

2017 Addendum

I for the past year have been guests at a number of churches in the state of California. All are being shepherded by men of God. I say that because I know them. However, with few exceptions, it seems to me (I am not judging, only observing) that in many of the gathering it seems to be like, what we have in some states, the hamburger chain, "In and Out Burger".

One comes in – like "checks in" with the door usher, or whomever and then is seated. "logs his or her hour" and then leaves, perhaps shaking hands with a few. In some cases, having participated in the "coffee hour" – absolutely nothing wrong with that. But the question comes to me, how have them been affected by their participation at the "service"??? Did they really participate? or just "warm a seat or pew"?

I told my son–in=–law, the Rev. Dr. Mike Kinney, who is an x–ray tech, It be wonderful if a "soul x–ray" machine could be developed, so when people came in their soul was tagged and them in leaving another image was made. Would there be a change. Wow and wow!! Well, the God of all "x–rays of the soul" knows. And, I speak for myself as well as everyone, how it must pain Him to see His kids (children of the King) as they are.

So, what is the solution? You will write on paper: By the spirit of the Living God...

The Final Word

WHY is there an energy crisis In the American Church?

Simple answer:

We are comfortable and tend to rely upon programs and gimmicks instead of relying on the Holy Spirit.

It boils down to "we" can do it -man against God in His Church.

Oh me