Written by Joel Deacon - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Wollongong

WITNESS - PART 2

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND WITNESS

Jesus calls his church to be a light in a dark world. But as we witness to him we will face misunderstanding, spiritual resistance and at times opposition. This is why part of the church’s ministry is not only to proclaim the gospel but to live it, embody it and shine it together. We witness with our words, but also with our lives.

All Christians are called to share the hope they have in Jesus. But the Holy Spirit also empowers some believers with unique gifts that help the church witness with clarity, courage and love. Some of these gifts include:

• Evangelism
• Hospitality
• Encouragement

These gifts strengthen the church’s voice and expand the reach of the gospel.

• The gift of evangelism helps the church proclaim the good news with clarity and boldness.
• The gift of hospitality opens hearts and homes so that strangers can experience the love of God.
• The gift of encouragement inspires courage in weary believers and keeps them pressing on in the mission of Jesus.

And notice how all three gifts work beautifully together. Evangelism speaks the gospel. Hospitality makes space for the gospel. Encouragement keeps the gospel going forward. Witness was never meant to be the work of isolated individuals but of a Spirit filled community shining together.

Scripture also teaches that these gifts must be carried with humility and prayer. The world we witness is confused and hurting. Darkness resists the light. And so we need discernment, courage and a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit we drift toward silence. But with the Spirit we become a people who welcome strangers, strengthen the weak and speak the gospel with confidence.

Finally, if you have one of these gifts, remember your gifts exist for the common good of the church. This gift is not something you should use on your own. For example:

• Someone with the gift of hospitality helps, trains and models to the church open doors and open hearts.
• Someone with the gift of evangelism helps, trains and models to the church how to speak the gospel clearly, lovingly and courageously.
• Someone with the gift of encouragement helps, trains and models to the church how to inspire courage in others.

If you have one of these witness gifts, steward it well. Step out even when you feel nervous. Rely on the Spirit, not yourself. Ask the Spirit for more courage, more compassion and more Christlike love so your ministry helps the church shine the light of Christ.

QUESTIONS:

1."Pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts". Which of these gifts do you desire?

2. Who in your church lives out these gifts, and what can you learn from them?

CHALLENGE:

Do something today. Share the gospel. Buy someone a meal or coffee. Or encourage someone.