Hello friends! Welcome back to 1 Corinthians. Today is chock full of really well known writings from Paul including but not limited to spiritual gifts and "one body, many parts." Have you ever considered your spiritual gifts? Have you ever taken an official spiritual gifts assessment? I've included one in the questions to consider section for you to take if you would like. It might help offer direction on how God has blessed you so that you can be blessing to others through our church.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
When you think of your spiritual gifts what comes to mind?
How does Paul's image of the "one body many parts" feel helpful for our climate and church divisions? What can you do about that?
Paul writes about the need to cover ones head for worship (excluding men.) How do you react to this? Why or why not do you find this to be necessary?
- Spiritual Gifts Assessment -
Instead of my usual commentary section I thought it would be fun to offer you the chance to take a spritiaul gifts assessment. If you are feeling called to do more in the church with new found time (or whatever reason!) but don't know where to start or where you might be good this assessment might illuminate strengths or options. If you would like to share your responses I would love to hear them (I won't pressure you to apply them, promise.)
Praying the Hymns
Our prayer for today is inspired by the hymn "The Strife is Over, The Battle Done". Delta variant not withstanding the vaccinations have made it feel like the strife is passing and at least one battle is done. As we pray this hymn we give thanks to God for the ways God has moved in the lives of individuals and leaders for making this possible and rest in the assurance that God is already working out the future for all future battles.
Antiphon:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
1. The strife is o'er, the battle done;
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun:
Alleluia!
2. The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions hath dispersed;
let shouts of holy joy outburst:
Alleluia!
3. The three sad days are quickly sped;
he rises glorious from the dead;
all glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!
4. Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death's dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live, and sing to thee:
Alleluia!
(Antiphon)