(Matthew 16:13-23)
May these words of this Peter be like a rock,
not a stumbling block!
|
|
"Who do you say
that I am?" Jesus asked. Simon Peter answered, "You
are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus
answered, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! ... You are
Peter (petros), and on this rock (petra)
I will build my church..." Jesus then began to speak of
the rough road ahead. And Peter took him aside and rebuked him... "Get
behind me, Satan!" Jesus replied. "You are a stumbling
block..." (Matthew 16:13-23) May these words of this Peter be like a rock, |
Planted and
yielding fruit
(Organization-Strengthening Gifts)
Message preached February 11,
2007
Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Glen Arm, Maryland USA
based upon Jeremiah
17:5-10, Psalm 1, & Luke
6:17-26
Unless otherwise noted this is an "amble and ramble" sermon, without a manuscript.
Along the way of this message, we'll explore the:
Four Organization-Strengthening Gifts
Administration: The God-given ability to understand organizations and to further the work of the body of Christ through efficiency, planning, and procedure. This gift is a great blessing to those with management responsibilities. While we especially think of the expression of this gift within the church, persons in secular employment may see administrative functions as an expression of a God-given gift, to be used for the sharing of God s love.
Craftsmanship: The God-given ability to create resources needed in the body of Christ (which can include carpentry, sewing, etc.). People who are gifted in this area may also find great meaning in secular work which involves a high level of creativity in construction and design.
Generosity: The God-given ability to contribute money and material resources to the work of the body of Christ with a thankful heart. The fact that one has this gift does not automatically mean that one is wealthy, and the fact that one is wealthy does not mean that one necessarily possesses this gift. The work of the body of Christ is done not only through the institutional church but also through secular organizations, so support of worthy causes outside the church may also be an expression of this spiritual gift. People with this gift often have a high ability to cultivate generosity in others.
Service: The God-given ability to experience spiritual value in practical tasks which support the work of the church and help others. This is closely related to the gift of hospitality. People with this gift may also find great meaning in the service they offer at secular work and in community organizations.
from Preaching, Planning, and Plumbing
by Steve Clapp, Ron Finney, and Angela Zimmerman
A joint project of the Brethren
Academy and Christian
Community
©1999 by the Brethren Academy and LifeQuest, pp.30-31
(para traducir a español, presione la bandera de España)
©2007 Peter
L. Haynes
(you are welcome to borrow and, where / as appropriate, note
the source - myself or those from whom I have knowingly borrowed.)