Spiritual gifts are often misunderstood or overlooked in modern Christianity, even as they remain as relevant today as they were in the early church. The simplest way to think about a spiritual gift is this: it’s the Holy Spirit at work in us in a particular way the blesses both God and the people who love him.

But how can you tell if the Holy Spirit is at work in you? Let me give you two clear thoughts:

1. First, you will know the Holy Spirit is working in and through you when your actions and words point people to Jesus rather than direct attention to you.
2. Second, you will know the Holy Spirit is at work in and through you when your actions and words build up or encourage others instead of shaming them, hurting them, or discouraging them.

Watch for the times throughout your day when these dynamics are at work! Pay attention when your words and actions seem to direct people toward Jesus, toward righteous living, toward integrity, toward grace. And watch for that little uplift in someone’s countenance that tells you your words or actions were a blessing in their lives.

In terms of the types of spiritual gifts God might be using to accomplish his work through your life, consider what the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines,” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, NIV).

I hope you’ll join us in coming weeks as we work through each of these gifts in detail, but for now, let me just plant a few seeds about the first two mentioned: wisdom and knowledge.

The Gift of Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the special ability to offer sound counsel to others, and I think you’d agree that given the rampant misinformation in our world today, this gift is sorely needed. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s complexities and make decisions that honor God.

Wisdom is not limited to age; even young people can possess this gift. The key is to seek out wise counsel, ask thoughtful questions, and be open to learning from others. Jesus himself exemplified this at the age of 12, sitting among teachers and asking questions, and if Jesus valued wisdom, then how much more should we?

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the special ability to have critical insight into people and situations and helps us discern the truth in a world full of deception. How desperately we need knowledge and insight these days, two resources that come from God, alone.

Practicing the Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge

If you’d like to practice these gifts this week, let me give you a few things to try:

1. Ask God to give you more of these gifts. He loves to lavish us with gifts that honor him!
2. Surround yourself with wise and godly people. Seek their advice. Ask them insightful questions. Listen well.
3. Before making your next significant decision, especially in critical areas like voting, making big life changes, or offering counsel to others, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit of Truth will lead you along the path of righteousness, the path that honors God, by helping you make informed and godly decisions.
4. Identify your spiritual gifts. Then, ask God to reveal to you opportunities for using them to benefit other people. For example, if you have a gift of teaching, consider saying yes to helping tutor children in local schools who are struggling to learn how to read or write or do math.

Remember, the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are available to all who seek them. Let’s use these gifts to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

I love being on this journey with you—

Pastor Brady

When we’re wrestling with temptation it can feel like we’re the only one who struggles to live right in a world that’s so often wrong. In fact, temptation is a universal experience, something everyone faces. Whether tempted toward money, power, sex, or something else altogether, no temptation is new, and all temptation is the distortion of a desire, or wanting right things wrongly—now. It’s a distraction from the goodness and glory of God.

Whenever you’re tempted, know that the enemy of your soul, Satan, hopes that you’ll take the bait and fall into outright sin. But as the apostle Paul reminds us, we can follow a different path.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul looks to the history of the Israelites to illustrate the dangers of temptation. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality. This serves as a warning that we, too, are susceptible to the same pitfalls if we are not vigilant.

History is a valuable teacher in that as we study the past, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes.

So, how do we remain vigilant against Satan’s schemes?

First, remember that you are most prone to temptation when you are tired, hungry, isolated, and emotionally wounded—such as when you’ve been slandered or when you’re sought reconciliation with someone who just doesn’t want to reconcile. Being aware of these vulnerable moments can help you take proactive steps to avoid allowing temptation to have its way in your life.

Second, remember that God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. This is such a critical reality to keep in mind: When you are faced with temptation, you always have the option of submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil. By doing so, the devil, Scripture promises, will flee.

We see this turn of events in the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness just after he was baptized into his earthly ministry. When Satan tempted Jesus, hoping Jesus would then fall into sin, Jesus countered all three attempts with nothing but the Word of God. We can follow this example by knowing and looking to Scripture to combat the enemy’s lies.

Listen, we have a High Priest in Jesus who sympathizes with our weaknesses. He knows we’re not going to get it right every time! So, when you do find yourself tempted to pursue a distortion of something that’s godly and good, just stop for a second. Turn toward your heavenly Father. Approach his throne with confidence, knowing that you will receive mercy and find grace in your time of need—not just occasionally, but every single time.

This week, I hope you’ll make a conscious effort to recognize your vulnerable moments and seek God’s help in those times. Use Scripture to strengthen your resolve as you work to resist the enemy. Remember, you are not alone in this battle! Jesus has already secured the victory for you.

I love being your pastor,

Brady

LBB Blog Post

Church in the City | Chapter 9

Run to Get the Prize

06 October 2024

Around New Life, we’ve long said that we’re “in the city for the sake of the city,” and as things become crazier in our world, I’ve never believed that phrase more acutely. We’re not here to serve ourselves. We’re here to serve those who don’t know God, those who thirst for a cup of cool water in what feels increasingly like dry, parched land.

It really is true: while our gatherings on Sunday mornings are vital to our collective health as a body, the strength of not only our local congregation but the global Church at large is felt only when we engage with our community, when we operate outside our four walls.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life. He speaks to the people of Corinth, a city known for its athletes and the Isthmian Games. Paul’s message is clear: all believers must actively engage in their faith, just as all runners run in a race.

Two major obstacles often keep people from engaging in their faith: the fear of failure and the fear of criticism. Pastor Brady shared a personal story about his life-saving heart surgery as a baby, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and being willing to fail. Just as the surgeon took a risk to save his life, we must be willing to step out in faith, even if it means facing failure or criticism.

Paul emphasizes the need for strict training, likening it to the preparation athletes undergo for competition. For Christians, this means daily disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in fellowship. These practices prepare us for the moments when God calls us to act.

Paul speaks of running for a prize that will last forever. This prize is not just about eternal life but also about knowing Christ and being known by him. It’s about living a life of integrity, loving our families, and nurturing relationships—all true rewards of a life well-lived in faith.

So, let me issue a challenge to you and me both: let’s evaluate with fresh energy what we are running after. Are we pursuing things that truly matter? Are our goals aligned with God’s purpose for our lives? It’s crucial to ensure that our ambitions are not about worldly success but about eternal significance.

This week, take time to reflect on your life and your faith journey. Ask yourself:

1. Am I actively engaged in my faith, or am I on the sidelines?

2. What fears are holding me back from fully participating in the race God has set before me?

3. What daily disciplines can I incorporate to strengthen my spiritual life? When will I start?

Then, I invite you to commit to one act of service outside the church walls this week. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a friend to someone in need, take a step to actively engage in your faith. Remember, the race is not just about the finish line but about the journey and the impact we make along the way.

Stand up, New Life. Step out and start running the race God has set before you. Your life matters, and your faith can make a profound impact.

I love being your pastor—

Pastor Brady