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The Three Gifts of God

God is a giver. He doesn’t just give us life—He gives us gifts to help us live for Him and serve others. In the Bible, we see that there are three gifts of God that every believer can receive and use. Obviously, these aren’t gifts to keep to ourselves. They’re meant to help build the church, help others, and glorify the Lord.

Let’s walk through three powerful passages—Galatians 6:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Ephesians 4:12—and break down these amazing gifts: grace gifts, ministry gifts, and active gifts.

The Three Gifts of God Begin with Grace

First, let’s talk about grace gifts. These are mentioned clearly in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Paul writes that there are many kinds of gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, prophecy, and more.

These gifts are not something we earn. That’s why they’re called grace gifts. God gives them because He loves us. He gives us the power and the tools we need to do His work. The Greek word here for “gifts” is charismata, which comes from charis, meaning grace. That means these gifts flow from God’s kindness and not from our goodness.

You can’t work hard enough to get them. You don’t need a Bible degree. If you’re a Christian, the Holy Spirit can give you what you need, when you need it, to help someone else. That’s amazing!

The Three Gifts of God Include Ministry

Next comes ministry gifts. You’ll find these in Ephesians 4:12, where Paul says that God gave some to be pastors, teachers, evangelists, and more—not to do all the work—but to help equip everyone for ministry.

The Greek word for ministry is diakonia, which means service. That means ministry isn’t just preaching. It’s doing anything that helps others grow in their faith. Helping with kids’ church? That’s ministry. Encouraging someone going through a hard time? That’s ministry too.

The three gifts of God are not just for pastors or leaders. Every believer has been given something to use to help the church grow strong and full of love.

The Three Gifts of God Must Be Activated

Last, let’s go to Galatians 6:9-10, where Paul encourages us to not grow tired of doing good. This is where we see active gifts. God gives you gifts, but He expects you to use them. That means you have to show up, step out, and get going.

If you never speak up, serve, or take a step of faith, your gift sits on a shelf. But when you obey, God energizes your gift. He uses it to bless people around you and bring them closer to Him.

God doesn’t give us gifts so we can look special. He gives them so we can point people to Him. It’s not about spotlight. It’s about serving.

So let’s recap the three gifts of God:

1. Grace gifts – God gives them by His Spirit.

2. Ministry gifts – God uses them to build His church.

3. Active gifts – God calls us to use them in action.

Don’t let your gift sit idle. You’ve been gifted for a reason—go use it for God’s glory!

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Why God Gives Gifts

When you become a follower of Jesus, you don’t just get saved—you get gifted. The Bible tells us that God gives spiritual gifts to every believer. These gifts aren’t random. They’re part of His perfect plan. He gives them for a reason, and that reason isn’t to make us look good. It’s to make the whole church stronger.

Let’s look at three key places in the Bible where we see this truth clearly—Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 and 27-31, and Ephesians 4:11-16.

Why God Gives Gifts: So the Body of Christ Works Right

In Romans 12:3-8, Paul says we’re all part of one body, and each part matters. He tells us not to think too highly of ourselves, but to remember that God gives different gifts to different people. Some teach, while others encourage. There are leaders, and there are servers, while others have a gift of giving. All of it is important.

Think about your own body. If your foot stops working, your whole body feels it. It’s the same in the church. God gives gifts so that every believer can play their part. If even one person chooses not to use their gift, something important gets left out.

You may think, “I’m not a preacher,” or “I’m not as bold as that person,” but that doesn’t mean your gift doesn’t matter. God knows what He’s doing. He gives you the gift you need to do the job He wants you to do.

Why God Gives Gifts: To Bring Unity and Growth

Now check out 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 and 27-31. Paul explains that the same Spirit gives different gifts to different people. He says the church is like a body with many parts—hands, feet, eyes, ears. Each part is different, but they all work together. No part can say, “I don’t need you.”

This tells us something powerful. God gives gifts not to make one person better than another, but to make all of us work together. We need each other. God didn’t call you to do everything. He called you to do your part—and trust others to do theirs.

Then in verses 27-31, Paul talks about how some are apostles, some are prophets, some are teachers. He asks, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets?” The answer is no. That’s the point. God spreads out His gifts on purpose.

Why God Gives Gifts: To Build Up the Church in Love

Last, let’s look at Ephesians 4:11-16. Paul says God gave some to be pastors, some to be evangelists, and some to teach—not to show off—but to help the rest of the church grow. These leaders aren’t supposed to do all the work. They’re supposed to equip you to do ministry.

As each person uses their gift, the whole church grows stronger in love. It becomes healthy, unified, and mature. This is the goal: a church full of people using their God-given gifts to make Jesus known.

So let’s get real. If you’re not using your gift, the church misses out. That’s why the question isn’t “Do I have a gift?” It’s “What has God gifted me to do—and am I doing it?”

You matter to God. Your gift matters to the church. And why God gives gifts is simple: so the whole body can grow, love, and shine for Jesus. Let’s step into that calling together.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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You Are God’s Poem

Have you ever felt like your life doesn’t matter? Maybe you’ve asked yourself, Why am I even here? Well, the Bible answers that in a beautiful way in Ephesians 2:10. It says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Let’s focus on that word: workmanship. In the original Greek, the word is poema. That’s where we get the English word poem. So, when Paul wrote that we are God’s workmanship, he was saying something deeper. He was saying, you are God’s poem. Think about that! You’re not just a random person on the planet. You are a work of art, carefully created by the hand of God Himself.

You Are God’s Poem, Not a Mistake

Poems aren’t thrown together. They are carefully written. Each word matters. Each line has purpose. That’s how God views your life. He made you on purpose. He gave you gifts, talents, and a personality that no one else has. God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. He knew exactly what He was doing.

Sometimes, life gets messy. Things don’t go our way. People hurt us. We make bad choices. But guess what? God still sees the full picture. Just like a poet writes through rough drafts to reach something beautiful, God continues working on your life. He doesn’t give up on His poem.

Ephesians 2:10 also says you were created in Christ Jesus for good works. That means your life has a mission. You’re not saved just to sit still. You were saved to move, to serve, to make a difference in the world for Jesus.

You Are Written with a Purpose

When Paul wrote these words, he was reminding the church that salvation is a gift, not something we earn (see Ephesians 2:8-9). But right after he says that, he tells us what comes next: purpose. Because you are God’s poem, you have a job to do. There are people only you can reach. There are acts of love, kindness, and truth that God wants to do through you. Isn’t that exciting?

This also means you don’t have to copy someone else. A poem is unique. So are you. You don’t need to sound like someone else or live their life. God wants to use your voice, your story, and your gifts. He already planned good works for you to walk in. Your job is to say “yes” and follow Him.

So, next time you look in the mirror and wonder if you matter, remember Ephesians 2:10. You are God’s poem. He’s the Author, and He’s still writing your story. Trust Him. He doesn’t make junk. He creates beauty. And you, child of God, are one of His greatest masterpieces.

Let your life speak like a poem. Allow it to point to Jesus. Let it tell the world that God is good—and He’s not done with you yet.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

We Are Not Alone

Life can feel scary sometimes. There are moments when it seems like everything is falling apart. But in John 14-16, Jesus gives us a promise that changes everything—we are not alone. Right before He went to the cross, Jesus told His disciples something they didn’t want to hear: “I’m going away.” That hurt. The disciples had walked with Him for three years. They had laughed with Him, cried with Him, and seen miracles. So, when He said He was leaving, they felt afraid and confused.

But Jesus didn’t stop there. He followed that hard truth with something powerful. He said, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever” (John 14:16). Let’s slow down and look at that word: Helper.

We Are Not Alone Because We Have a Helper

The word “Helper” comes from the Greek word Parakletos. It means someone who is called to your side. Someone who sticks with you, helps you, encourages you, comforts you, and even defends you. That’s what Jesus promised to send—the Holy Spirit.

Jesus could only be in one place at one time because He had taken on a human body. But the Holy Spirit isn’t limited by a body. He can be everywhere at the same time. That means He can be with you, with your friend, and with someone across the world—all at once! And He doesn’t just visit. He stays. The Holy Spirit lives in every believer. That’s why we can say with confidence: we are not alone.

In John 14:26, Jesus said, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things.” The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible. He reminds us of what Jesus said. He gives us peace, boldness, and strength when we feel weak. He prays for us when we don’t know what to say. He even gives us the power to say no to sin.

We Are Not Alone Because the Holy Spirit Works in Us

In John 15, Jesus tells us to stay connected to Him, like a branch stays connected to the vine. How do we do that if He’s not here? Through the Holy Spirit. The Helper makes that connection real every single day. He brings the presence of Jesus into our lives. He is the reason we can bear fruit—like love, joy, peace, and kindness.

Then in John 16, Jesus says something amazing. He says it’s better for us that He goes away because if He didn’t, the Helper wouldn’t come (John 16:7). That tells us just how important the Holy Spirit is in our walk with God. Jesus knew we would face hard days. He knew we’d need courage, comfort, and guidance. That’s why He gave us the Holy Spirit.

The disciples were sad when Jesus said He was going away. But Jesus knew something they didn’t—God wasn’t leaving them. He was making a way to be with them even more closely than before. The Holy Spirit isn’t just near you. He’s in you. He is the Helper, and He never takes a break.

So next time you feel afraid or alone, remember the truth of John 14-16:

We are not alone.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to walk with us every step of the way.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Equipped To Share Your Faith

When you give your life to Jesus, everything changes. You don’t need to be a pastor, go to Bible college, or have years of experience before you can tell others about Him. The truth is, once you’ve met Jesus, you are ready. That’s what 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 and John 4:6-10 show us so clearly. They remind us that once we know Christ, we are now His ambassadors. That means we speak for Him, live for Him, and love like Him.

Are You Equipped to Share Your Faith?

2 Corinthians 5:17 starts with something huge: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” The old you has gone. It doesn’t matter what you did before—God sees you as brand new. Your past no longer defines you. And that new life comes with a new job. Paul says in verse 20, “We are ambassadors for Christ.” That means you now represent Jesus to the people around you.

You don’t have to know everything. You don’t need all the answers. God doesn’t call perfect people—He calls willing people. If Jesus saved you, you already have the one story you need to begin sharing your faith. He didn’t save you to sit quietly. He saved you so others can meet Him too—through you!

Are You Equipped to Share Like She Was?

Let’s look at the woman at the well in John 4:6-10. She didn’t have a good reputation. In fact, she had five husbands and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. She came to the well at the hottest time of day, maybe to avoid people who judged her. She was broken, tired, and full of shame.

But Jesus met her right there.

He didn’t ignore her sin. Instead, He called it out with truth, but He also offered her grace. He told her about living water—real life—eternal life. And something powerful happened. She believed Him. She dropped her water jar and ran back to town. This woman, who had been hiding from people, suddenly started telling everyone she met, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.”

She didn’t have a sermon, nor did she quote Scripture. She didn’t wait for a class. Ultimately, she just shared what Jesus had done in her life. And that’s what God wants from you. When Jesus meets you, He equips you to share your faith.

Are You Ready?

So, are you equipped to share your faith? If you know Jesus, you already have everything you need. God can use your story just like He used the woman at the well. She went from broken and ashamed to bold and unashamed in minutes. All because she met Jesus.

The same can happen with you.

God is looking for people who will say “yes” to Him. People who will speak up. People who know the joy of being made new and want others to know it too. You are His ambassador now. Let the world see what He’s done in you. Don’t wait. Don’t hide. You’re ready.

Because yes—you are equipped for this.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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These Two Things Will Keep You From Heaven

These Two Things Will Keep You from Heaven

The Bible makes it clear that salvation is available to everyone. But not everyone accepts it. Two kinds of people will never enter heaven, and Scripture gives us clear examples of both. The first kind loves sin more than God, like Esau. The second simply refuses to believe, like Pharaoh. John 3:19 and 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 reveal these truths, showing that people are not rejected by God but instead reject Him by their own choices.

Loving Darkness More Than Light

John 3:19 says, “This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.” Jesus is the light, and He came to save. But some reject Him, not because they don’t believe, but because they don’t want Him. They love their sin more than they love God.

Esau is a perfect example. He had access to the truth. He was born into a family that knew and worshiped God. He even had the birthright, which included the promise of God’s blessing. But he despised it. He sold it for a bowl of stew because he valued his appetite more than God’s plan (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, when he wanted the blessing back, it was too late (Hebrews 12:16-17). His love for temporary pleasures kept him from the eternal blessings of God.

People today do the same. They know the truth but reject it because they don’t want to give up sin. They believe in God, but they choose their desires over Him. That choice keeps them from heaven.

Refusing to Believe the Truth

The second kind of person who won’t enter heaven is described in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” This is not about those who struggle with doubt. This is about those who will not believe, no matter what.

Pharaoh is an example of this kind of person. He saw God’s power through Moses. He witnessed miracles and plagues that proved God’s authority. But he still refused to believe. The Bible says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart multiple times (Exodus 8:15, 8:32, 9:34). Eventually, God confirmed his decision and hardened Pharaoh’s heart further. This didn’t mean God forced Pharaoh into rebellion; it meant God let Pharaoh go down the path he had already chosen.

People today do the same. They don’t reject Jesus because of lack of evidence. They reject Him because they refuse to accept the truth. And when someone keeps rejecting God, there comes a point when God confirms their choice and lets them go their own way.

The Choice Is Yours

God doesn’t force anyone to reject Him. People do that on their own. Some love sin too much to follow Jesus. Others refuse to believe no matter how much truth they see. Both kinds of people will miss out on salvation—not because God didn’t want them, but because they didn’t want Him.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Does God Choose To Save?

Does God Choose to Save Only Some?

Romans 9:13 says, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Calvinists argue that this means God chose Jacob for salvation and Esau for destruction before they were even born. But Paul is quoting Malachi 1:2-3, where God speaks about the nations that came from Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). God’s “hatred” of Esau was not personal but referred to the rejection of Edom as a chosen nation. Esau’s own choices led to his downfall. He despised his birthright (Genesis 25:34) and rejected God’s plan for his life. He chose his own desires over God’s will.

Romans 9:16-18 speaks about Pharaoh, saying, “So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy. For the Scripture tells Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this reason so that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth.’” Calvinists claim this means God hardened Pharaoh’s heart against his will. But in Exodus, Pharaoh first hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 8:32, 9:34). He rejected God repeatedly before God confirmed his rebellion. Pharaoh had many chances to repent but refused. His own pride led to his destruction.

Do People Choose Their Own Destruction?

Romans 8:29 says, “For those he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” This does not mean God randomly selects who will be saved. It says God foreknew who would respond to Him. He sees every heart and knows who will accept or reject Him.

John 3:19 explains why people reject salvation: “This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.” The problem is not that God refuses to save people. The problem is that people refuse to be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 reinforces this truth: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” God does not force anyone to reject Him. Those who refuse the truth bring judgment upon themselves.

God offers salvation to everyone. The only ones who miss out are those who reject it. Esau chose his own way instead of God’s. Pharaoh hardened his own heart against the truth. The same is true today. Those who refuse to believe do so by their own choice.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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For Christians This Is Explosive

Romans 1:16-17 is one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture. Paul boldly writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’”

Paul makes it clear that the gospel is not just good news—it is power. The Greek word he uses for “power” is dunamis, which is where we get our English word “dynamite.” This means the gospel is explosive. It has the power to break the chains of sin, transform hearts, and bring people into a right relationship with God. Nothing else in this world has that kind of power. For Christians this is explosive!

For Christians This Is Explosive Power

Paul declares that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation.” No philosophy, no self-help system, and no amount of good deeds can bring salvation. Only the gospel—the truth that Jesus died and rose again—has the power to save.

Before Paul met Jesus, he was a religious man. He followed the law, studied the Scriptures, and tried to earn righteousness. But none of that saved him. Only when he encountered the risen Christ did he experience the power of salvation. That’s why he wasn’t ashamed of the gospel. He knew firsthand that it could transform lives.

This is still true today. Many try to fix themselves through effort, but the gospel is the only thing that truly changes people. The moment we believe in Jesus, God’s power works in us, making us new. That is why Paul preached the gospel boldly and why we must share it with confidence.

Explosive Faith

Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 when he says, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” This Old Testament verse shows that salvation has always been through faith. Even before Jesus came, God made it clear that righteousness was not about works but about trusting Him.

Habakkuk lived in a time of great trouble. Evil surrounded him, and he cried out to God for justice. God’s answer was simple: “The righteous will live by faith.” This means that no matter what happens, those who trust in God will find life.

Paul connects this Old Testament truth to the gospel. From the beginning, God’s plan was for people to be saved through faith, not by trying to be good enough. Jesus fulfilled this plan by dying for our sins and rising again, offering salvation to all who believe.

This is the foundation of Christianity. Other religions say, “Work harder, do more, and maybe you’ll be accepted.” The gospel says, “Believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.” That’s what makes Christianity different. That’s what makes the gospel explosive.

If the gospel is this powerful, why would we ever be ashamed of it? Paul wasn’t, and neither should we be. The world needs this message, and we have been given the mission to share it.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Would You Die For A Lie?

Would You Die for a Lie?

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and gave them what we now call the Great Commission. He commanded them to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching everything He had taught them. Upon Jesus’ arrest, these men ran away in fear. Now they boldly took this mission and spread the gospel everywhere. But what takes place next makes their story even more powerful. They didn’t deny the truth of what they had seen. Instead, every single one of them willingly suffered and died for it. Would you die for a lie?

Would You Die for a Lie? The Apostles Wouldn’t

People will die for many things—family, country, or even a noble cause. But no one willingly dies for something they know is a lie. If the resurrection of Jesus had been fake, if it had been a story the disciples made up, they would have abandoned it the moment their lives were on the line. But they didn’t.

Upon Jesus’ arrest, these were the same men who had scattered. Peter, who boldly declared he would never deny Jesus, swore three times that he didn’t even know Him. The other disciples ran and hid. Yet after seeing Jesus alive, they became unstoppable.

They traveled across the known world, preaching about Jesus, healing the sick, and leading thousands to faith. And for this, they were arrested, beaten, and executed.

History records that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. Thomas was speared to death in India. James, the brother of John, was executed by Herod. Andrew died by crucifixion in Greece. Philip, Bartholomew, and others died brutally for their faith. And John, the only disciple who wasn’t martyred, miraculously survived after an attempt was made to boil him alive.

Not one of them ever recanted. Not one denied Jesus. They went to their deaths proclaiming, “He is risen!”

The Evidence of Their Faith

Some skeptics argue that Jesus’ resurrection was a myth or a hoax. But here’s the problem—hoaxes fall apart under pressure. If the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body or made up a story, fear would have eventually caused them to confess. No one willingly suffers, endures prison, and faces execution for something they know is fake.

Therefore, the only explanation that makes sense is that they saw Jesus alive. The resurrection wasn’t just a belief to them; it was a reality. They didn’t just preach about Jesus; they gave everything for Him.

Undoubtedly, their boldness should challenge us today. Because if they were willing to suffer and die because they knew the resurrection was true, how much more should we live for Jesus? The world needs to hear the gospel, and we have the same mission they did. Jesus is alive, and His command remains the same: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Would you die for a lie? The apostles wouldn’t. And that’s why we can trust their message.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

No Other Religion Has This

In Matthew 28:5-10, the angel at the tomb delivered the greatest news in history: “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” These words define Christianity and set it apart from every other belief system. Every religious leader, prophet, and teacher has died, but only Jesus has conquered the grave. No other religion has this.

No Other Religion Has This: An Empty Tomb

Every world religion follows a leader who has died. The Prophet Muhammad is buried in Medina. His remains are still there. Buddha’s ashes are kept in temples. Every religious figure, no matter how wise or powerful, has faced death and stayed dead. But Jesus rose from the grave.

Christianity does not revolve around a set of teachings or rituals—it revolves around a person. Jesus didn’t just give moral instructions or show a path to God. He is the way to God. His resurrection proves that He is exactly who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be just another religion. But because Jesus lives, we have the promise of eternal life.

The angel at the tomb invited the women to see for themselves. “Come, see the place where He was lying” (Matthew 28:6). The tomb was empty. This is the foundation of our faith. Christianity alone offers an invitation to an empty grave. No other religion has this.

No Other Religion Has This: Salvation by Grace

Jesus’ resurrection not only proves His power over death, but it also confirms the message of grace. Every other religion teaches that people must work their way to God. They must follow laws, perform rituals, or earn their way to salvation. But Christianity teaches something entirely different.

God does not demand that we climb up to Him. Instead, He came down to us. Jesus took our place, bore our sins, and defeated death so that we could have life. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

No other religion offers this kind of grace. It is not about what we do; it is about what Jesus has already done. When He rose from the dead, He proved that His sacrifice was accepted and that salvation is complete.

When Jesus appeared to the women after His resurrection, He didn’t rebuke them—He comforted them. He told them, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). His resurrection brings peace, hope, and assurance. We don’t have to fear death, because Jesus has already defeated it.

No other religion has this. No other faith points to an empty tomb. There is no other belief system is built on grace, not works. Jesus is alive, and that changes everything!

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.