Day 68 - The Body of Christ

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Prayer

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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The Bible in Time |

Tuesday | Proper 27, Year B | Week of the
24th Sunday after Pentecost


New Testament Study |

Today - Day 68 | Reflections on
1 Corinthians 12:


Next - Day 69 | Reflections on
1 Corinthians 13:

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Reflection Today’s Reading -  

Dear Friends in Christ, 


After hats and behavior/institution of the
Lord’s Supper, Paul describes in our reading
today the structure of the Church/the Body of Christ/the Communion of Saints.


All spiritual gifts come from God through the Holy Spirit. Key point is vs 12:4-7. 


There are a variety of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit…


There are a variety of ways to serve but the same God that is served…


There are varieties of activities but the same God who activates them in everyone…


All is given from the Spirit for the common good.


The Spirit gives some individuals …
Wisdom,
Knowledge,
Faith,
Gifts of Healing,
Doing Miracles,

Prophecy,

Discernment of spirits,
Speaking in tongues,
Interpretation of spoken tongues,

… all of these are activated by the same Spirit.


Paul then uses the image of a human body and how all the parts relate to one another but still one body. It is one body so that there may be no dissension within the body but all have the same care with one another. If one suffers - all suffer, if one is honored then all rejoice.


Ways of service ( not an exhaustive list):

Apostles,

Prophets,

Teachers,

Doers of deeds of power,

Healing,

Assistance,

Leadership,

Speakers of tongues.

...Not all are called to be all things, everyone has a call to serve that is unique to each individual as led by the Holy Spirit.


Strive for greater gifts!


Blessings,

Dave Eitland

deitland@gmail.com

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More information about Today’s Sources:
Posted to blog - 11/09/2021

Picture Credit: 

https://rickthomas.net/how-to-motivate-church-people-to-volunteer/


© 2021, Dave Eitland, all rights reserved, for congregational use only.

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