PART 2 As a Christian where should I go to church that will benefit me spiritually?

This will take a look at the preaching of the gospel and the gifts of the Spirit.

Now that you are a Christian, then what?

What is the Christian life all about?                                        

�-�Where Should I Go To Church That Will Benefit Me Spiritually?

   A. The Preaching Of The Gospel.               

   B. The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.

CHAPTER 3

Where Should I Go To Church That Will Benefit Me Spiritually?

       I can’t stress this enough. This is of paramount importance to any believer. The idea of where should you go to church needs to be determined by what you should look for in whatever church you decide to visit. Probably wherever it is that you have decided to visit usually someone will greet you as you proceed to enter the facility. In some cases there will be literature available for you either to fill out and submit to someone and/or to take home with you, which will inform you about said church. Most churches will have a service format of music, a financial offering, a message, announcements, a closing in prayer, and in some cases to be followed by a place to gather for coffee, tea, and snacks. This is all well and fine.

       However, there are some things that you should pay close attention to. Failure to recognize what these things are will severely hamper your Christian walk. Your purpose in going to church shouldn’t just be for it to be a place where you can socialize with your friends or neighbors while consuming the available food and drinks. It should be a place where you learn how to become a mature adult in Christ.

        Over the years I have attended many churches.

        I was initially brought up Catholic. There was definitely an allure to this church. Many of the buildings had an architectural aura all to themselves. The Mass, even though at that time was in Latin, exhibited a kind of ceremonial order. The priests seem to portray in their mannerisms that the rituals they were engaged in while conducting Mass were necessary in order to please God. The music had a mystical sense to it. There was a place to go if you needed to confess your sins. Certain days of the year were set aside as being vitally important to attend. Everything that was done seemed to have a Godly slant to it. Do this, do that, don’t do this, don’t do that. If you followed the directives to the best of your ability you were told that you would go to purgatory and eventually to heaven or that you might even go straight to heaven if the life that you lived before God and man had been exemplary.

       As I grew up and was passing through my teenage years I became less and less interested in attending church. Maybe in part this was because I was like many young men wanting to sow their oats. Maybe it was also in part because something was missing in this church. It was not until my middle twenties that I had a desire to find God. I began my journey by attending many churches in my hometown area not knowing what to look for other than for God Himself.

       What was it that would convince me that I had found Him or rather that He had found me?

       The only thing that I was aware of as a possible answer to this question occurred to me a few years earlier when I was attending a four year liberal arts college. One of the electives that I took had the intention of proving that the bible had errors in it. The professor focused on the life of King Saul, who was Israel’s first king. Apparently there were a few books in the Old Testament that talked about his life and in some cases gave different albeit what appeared to be contradictory information concerning it. The one thing that stood out to me was how God was personal with him through various means (e.g. prophets; the on-resting Spirit; the ark of God; the casting of lots; etc.). So my thought process was, as I was visiting different churches, if God was personal with King Saul, why couldn’t He be personal with me?

       As time passed I found an assembly of believers where I was given an opportunity to meet this one true personal God for myself.

       What was it that caused Him to come into my life?

       Whatever it is, this is one of the many things you should look for when visiting a church assembly. As a Christian I’m sure you are already aware of this.

       What is this referred to as?

 A.    The preaching of the gospel

       Without the preaching of the gospel (good news) there will be no opportunity for unbelievers to receive the Holy Spirit, and subsequently the assembly will be left trying to serve God in their own energy. This is called religion; trying to please God by what we do in our own power.

       The gospel message is the good news that Christ, who is the God-man, paid for the sins of the whole world having cancelled their debt (providing forgiveness). He died on a cross and forthwith descended into hell declaring the victory over sin to those who were residing in Paradise. After three days by means of the Holy Spirit he was raised from the dead, his human spirit having re-entered his fleshly body, which became transformed into a glorified body, never to die again. He remained on earth for 40 days following his resurrection having witnessed to over 500 people. After which he ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father thus providing the opportunity for mankind to enter this heavenly abode. In order for any person in this dispensation which is called the Church Age to enter this place upon physical death they must satisfy two conditions.

       So with this in mind you should be looking for someone in leadership who will ask out loud if anyone in the audience would like to begin anew, no matter what sins they have committed in the past, by receiving a new nature. They might ask those in attendance to come to the front near where they are standing or just to simply stay put. An invitation should be presented for them to make a decision to repent of their sins to God the Father and believe in his Son Jesus Christ. Some leaders might ask for a showing of hands from anyone who has responded to the gospel. This is usually done so that literature can be given to them at this moment by some of the church members, who are watching for the raised hands. This literature that is given to them might: contain a form where they can provide personal information; be in the form of materials for them to read; contain a schedule of church events.

       Whether the church assembly is small or large in number, if you don’t hear the gospel preached, then I would attend a couple of more times. If the gospel is still not mentioned, then this should serve as a red flag.

       If it appears that the gospel is being preached, then listen carefully to what is being said making sure that the declaration of who Christ is, is being accurately stated.

       Before we continue on consider these thoughts in regards to what the gospel is not.

       The gospel message should not declare that Jesus is only: a teacher, a prophet, the Son of God. It is true that Jesus is a teacher, a prophet, and the Son of God, but He is also God come in the flesh as one of the members of the trinity, the other two being God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. I am not suggesting that there are three Gods, but I am declaring that there is one God in essence, who reveals himself in three persons. Those that say that Jesus is not God come in the flesh are antichrist (an opponent of Christ’s incarnation). I believe that in this type of environment the leadership and assembly even though they have repented to God the Father and believed in Jesus as a prophet, teacher, and Son of God will not have received the indwelling Spirit. Therefore they will be void of God’s power and guidance. Those who attend this church, even if they are born again, having received the indwelling Spirit, will likewise not grow, because the teachings are man-centered and not Spirit-initiated.

 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)              

       The next thing to look for when attending church is a direct result of the preaching of the gospel. What do you think this is?

B.     The gifts of the Holy Spirit

       If the gospel has been preached and responded to, then the Holy Spirit will have come to indwell and give each of the newly converted to the Christian faith at least one gift (spiritual endowment). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are divine empowerments, extraordinary powers, and a favor which one receives without any merit of their own. Don’t confuse the gifts of the Holy Spirit with natural talents. Talents are received at birth. They are natural endowments. Gifts are not talents. They are given to each member for the edification of the church. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit these gifts cannot be received.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:7)                                 

       What is the name for each of these gifts, and in what manner do they provide edification for the church assembly?

        The mentioning of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit are found in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1,7-10,28. Sometimes a gift is mentioned in both sections of scripture under a different name.

       There is also another type of gift known as an office (leadership) gift. Every believer is given at least one non-office gift by the Holy Spirit. However, not every believer is given an office gift, those being of: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)

       The following are the names of the gifts (non-office) of the Holy Spirit along with their functions. Please read each one and enjoy the divine blessings that each provides for the edification of the body of Christ.

The Inspiration Gifts

       These gifts say something.

�-�Prophecy is the anointed speaking forth of words of edification (to build up), of exhortation (a call to encouragement), and of comfort (consolation- includes the healing of distress, sorrow, persecution, and suffering for the church⁷. This is not preaching, but prophecy is a supernatural utterance that comes from a person who is anointed to speak the treasures of God to the body of Christ. This gift is designed to warn men and woman of sin or shortcomings.

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:1-2)

�-�Divers kinds of tongues is speaking in a foreign language that one has not learned, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The gift of tongues speaks to God and to the sinner, while prophecy speaks only to the people.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:4-6)

�-�Interpretation of tongues explains the meaning of the words which were spoken in a foreign tongue into the known language of the hearers.

The Power Gifts

       These gifts involve supernatural ability and energy.

�-�Faith is a peculiar impulse that came upon the apostles when any difficult matter was to be performed, which inwardly assured them that God's power would assist them in the performance of it. Another way of describing this gift is by saying that God brings about a supernatural change with no human effort involved. Another word God does something on our behalf, but independent of us. This gift can operate in areas of divine protection and divine provision.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. (Acts 12:5-7)

�-�Healing is the power to heal various kinds of illnesses or diseases. Healing can come through: a prayer of faith and the laying on of hands by the elders - James 5:14-15; by speaking a word from the Lord for a specific healing - Acts 3:6; by praying with the laying of hands on the sick by means of the prompting of the Holy Spirit - Acts 28:8.

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:1-7)

�-�The working of miracles are extraordinary and unusual kinds of miracles. God entrusts a believer with strength or an energy that we don’t normally have. Another way of saying this is a believer does a supernatural act by the divine energy of the Holy Spirit.      

 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. (Acts 28:3-5)

Revelation Gifts

       These gifts reveal God’s truth to mankind.

�-�The word of knowledge is the revealing of a fact in existence (of the present or past) that can only be supernaturally revealed.

Another word this is not something that could be known naturally - something one’s eyes have not seen and ears have not heard. The Holy Spirit transmits his specific knowledge to you on something that you would have no ability or means to be able to know about with your own limited intelligence and knowledge levels. This can come in the form of: a thought or an impression on your mind; a vision or a picture in your mind’s eye; a scripture for your-self; a direct word from the Lord to give to someone else - 2 Kings 20:1.

       This specific knowledge can also be referred to as a divinely given power to appropriate spiritual intuition in problem solving.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. (Acts 10:19-20)

�-�The word of wisdom reveals the prophetic future. God reveals something that has not come to pass.

 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:4-5)

�-�Discerning of spirits is the divine ability to discern the presence and activity of a spirit that motivates a human being, whether good or bad. This enables a person to appraise motives so that they can know whether a person is telling the truth. Their doctrine is subject to examination, and what they are saying is considered as to whether it proceeded from the Spirit of God or not.

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. (Acts 13:9-11)

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (Acts 5:1-3)

       God gives each member of the body of Christ at least one non-office gift as shall manifest the work and nature of the Spirit’s operation on the mindwhich gives each person some proof of the Spirit’s presence in order to promote harmony in the church.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7)

       The diversity of gifts is given to the members in order to bring about a reliance upon each member. There is not one particular gift that is given to each member.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)

       There are more gifts of the Spirit other than the nine that were just mentioned such as:

�-�Teaching: emphasizes accuracy of words and a love to study; delights in research to validate truth.

�-�Exhorting: encourages other believers along with being motivated by a desire to see people grow and mature in the Lord.

�-�Giving with simplicity: to impart one’s earthly possessions without seeking any personal or selfish ends; excited to bless others; desires to give in secret.

�-�Ruling with diligence/governments: are good organizers and finders of efficient ways of getting work done. Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. 

�-�Showing mercy with cheerfulness: is being moved by the Spirit to devote oneself to works of mercy (e.g. caring for the widows, sick, and the poor) with a happy temper. They sense the joy or distress in other people and are sensitive to their feelings and needs. They are motivated by a desire to see people healed of hurts.

�-�Helps/ministry: meets needs; highly motivated doers; concerned with serving and meeting short term goals; these were the apostles' helpers, the persons who accompanied them, baptizing those who were converted by them, and were sent by them to such places as they could not attend to, being otherwise employed; those who in any way aided or rendered assistance in the church, and may refer to the temporal affairs of the church.

.     What I wanted you to notice about the initial nine gifts which were presented is that they are not man-centered. Another word the Holy Spirit is a unique participant in the exercise of each of these gifts. He provides: a supernatural utterance; a peculiar impulse that provides assurance that His power will assist in the performing of some matter; divine energy; the unveiling of truth for the past, present, or future.

       But beware of counterfeit gifts.

       Some churches will declare the gifts of the Spirit to be:

�-�wisdom - by which we desire to contemplate the things of God; to be clever or smart.      

�-�understanding �" allows one to grasp truth.

�-�counsel �" to be able to judge how best to act almost by intuition

�-�fortitude (courage) - gives us the strength to follow through on the actions suggested by the gift of counsel.

�-�knowledge �" the ability to judge all things according to truth; a human accumulation of facts.

�-�piety �" the willingness to worship and serve God.

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