THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY

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THE KINGDOM, THE POWERAND THE GLORY Tools not
Toys!
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Tools... not Toys!
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Tools... not Toys!
Tools serve a purpose, they are used with care to
make a difference. Toys are for entertainment
they are played with, often discarded, and kids
often fight over them!
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Q1. How do I get started? How can I know if I
have a gift of the Spirit?
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What are gifts?

• Gifts are given for the purpose of building
  up others, blessing, and breaking through
• Gifts are given for the moment and for
  ongoing ministry
• Gifts are touches of Gods grace gracelets
  ...Undeserved favour that is given and has to
  be received

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Natural versus Supernatural?
A gratuitous manifestation of the Holy Spirit
working in and through, but going beyond the
believers natural ability for the common good of
the people of God. Arnold Bittlinger The Gifts
of the Spirit are not trophies or talents, traits
or toys. They are Gods supernatural expressions
of love, healing and concern bestowed upon us and
through us. Wimber
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So how do I know if I have a gift?

• An unexpected opportunity or extraordinary touch
  of God.
• An impression or sense of what God wants to
  do in your life.
• A faithful service ... That is brought to life
  by Gods new touch.
• A natural talent given over to Gods use, e.g.
  the Gift of Hospitality

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So how do I know if I have a gift?

• A natural enthusiasm that is set apart and
  dedicated to God.
• A small start ... leading to a growing
  ministry.
• A word of encouragement/ knowledge to set us on
  our way.
• In short, Its much easier to steer a moving
  bus If we provide the openness and
  willingness, God will steer us!

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Q2. So how does this work in practise? Things I
should know!
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How does work in practise?

• We need a level of expectation and desire (1
  Cor 1231).
• We do have to take risks, step out and live on
  the edge a bit!
• Some of us may experience signs.
• We need to step out in a safe environment.

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How does work in practise?

• We can learn on the job and develop our gifting
  and ministry (its not zero to hero!).
• Beware fear and suppression (1 Thes 519-21).
• Beware over spiritualising and mystifying.
• In short, we need to give the Spirit room to
  move and act and expect the unexpected.

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Q3. How can this all fit together for us as a
church? Wouldnt it be chaos?
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How does this all work as a church?

• Loving community is the context.
• Recognising and schooling gifts and
  ministries is a priority
• Everything is to be done in order and under
  leadership ... We should be eager ... but
  orderly! (1 Cor 1439).

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THE KINGDOM, THE POWERAND THE GLORY Tools not
Toys!