Asking for Gifts Is Allowed

At one point this past year the elders and I went through a study on spiritual gifts. As I revisited Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 12-14, it occurred to me that he was telling this early church to pray for a change in their gifting. Paul acknowledged the presence of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church, but he also told them to "desire the higher gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31) and to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophecy." (1 Corinthians 14:1) I hadn't thought much about desiring new or different gifts before, but the insight gave me permission to pray for new gifts among us at Calvary.

I've been praying for the gifts of encouragement and evangelism for our community for several months, and I've seen evidence of these among us. I keep a journal, and as I've seen or heard about events which fit these gifts, I've made note of it. Those occurrences encourage me to keep praying. I chose to pray for these two gifts based on my own prayer life. These are also needs I perceive based on who we are as a community, and the setting of covid restrictions and concerns which surrounds us.

I want you to pray with me. Pray for the gifts of encouragement and evangelism to grow among brothers and sisters at Calvary. Pray that we would see these gifts at work among us. Pray that God would use these to build us up as the people of God. Pray that he would grant us every gift necessary to carry out every calling placed upon us.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1Corinthians 12:4-7)

here for you,

Matt Behrens, Pastor

Worship

Worship This Sunday

We will gather in the sanctuary for worship this Sunday at 9:00am. For those who are unable to join us (or if you would like a paper copy of our worship), there is a print-ready worship service provided at the link below.

Home Worship - printable

Wednesday Lenten Devotion - New Time!

Beginning March 3 we will offer Lenten Devotions twice on Wednesdays. You can join brothers and sisters for prayer and reflection on God's Word at 3:00pm in the sanctuary or at 6:00pm on Zoom. These devotional services last about 30 minutes. Use the link below to join the Zoom devotions.

Wednesday Devotions on Zoom

Small Groups at Calvary

The Truth Project

The Truth Project study group meets in-person following Sunday worship. Videos and discussion will take place in the sanctuary immediately following worship. If you have questions, feel free to contact Dave Schultz by email or phone (510-507-5634)

Women's Bible Study

This daytime group centers on connections with sisters in faith and connection to God's Word. The current study is focused on the book of Nehemiah. This group meets Mondays at 3:00pm on Zoom.

Click here for the Zoom link.
(You shouldn't need this with the link above, but the Zoom password is slz.)

The Alpha Course

Alpha is a conversation about faith for people with honest questions, doubts, and curiosity. It's a great place to explore the Christian faith, or ask questions you've always carried. Our current Alpha meets Thursdays at 8:00pm on Zoom. Register here, and you'll be sent the link and other info.

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