Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
June 6, 2021

Concerning Spiritual Gifts
adapted from an article by Paul Earnhart
Note: The following provides an excellent overview of 1 Corinthians 12-14.
The value of spiritual gifts was not in having them. The Corinthians in their great sweat to “speak in tongues” doubtless believed they were seeking the “greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). They certainly were persuaded that it added greatly to their stature in the church. But these spiritual gifts were not an end in themselves but a means. The purpose of prophecy was not prophecy, nor the purpose of healing, healing. These gifts were to accomplish one thing—the revelation (prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, et. al.) and confirmation (miracles, healings, tongues, et. al.) of the gospel (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). Their value was not in the process but in the product—God’s revealed will to men. This is where the power lies—the N.T. constantly reminds us (Lk 8:11; Rom. 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23-25).
The problem among the Corinthians did not lie in their failure to exercise their gifts of revelation and confirmation but in their disregard for what was revealed. It was a message of selfless love, and they hadn’t heard a word of it. It is for this very reason that Paul stressed the importance of “understanding” if these gifts were to mean anything in the assemblies of the church (1 Cor. 14:1-25). Without understanding there is no edification. Without edification there is no spiritual growth. The idea that the mere exercise of these gifts brought some deep spiritual experience is unknown to Scripture. It is the hearing and understanding of God’s word that changes lives.
What Can I Do to Reach the Lost?
Get in the habit of inviting people to services (think Cornelius and how he got people lined up to hear the gospel (Acts 10:24).
Pass out the information cards we have. Give them directly to someone, or place them in high traffic areas (bulletin boards, information racks, hospitals, public restrooms, etc.).
Turn in names of those who might be willing to receive study material, via regular mail or email, or some other messaging service. Or send it to them yourself.
Share links to sermons, Bible classes, articles, etc.
Include the address for the website on your email “signature.”
Speak to visitors; write them a note to thank them for coming; and encourage them to come back.
Inform the preacher ahead of time if you know someone might be visiting. He might be able to design a lesson that would be especially helpful.
Teach by example (1 Peter 3:1-2; Matthew 5:16). It’s hard to bring people out of the world when they see too much worldliness in us. (The World’s Bible: What if the type is crooked, what if the print is blurred?)
Ask someone directly if they would like to study the Bible with you. If you don’t feel qualified to teach, set up the study for someone else.
Persuade those who have been taught to obey (remember Naaman’s servants—2 Kings 5).
Mention the Bible more often to your friends, co-workers, etc.
Take your Bible to work with you and read it during breaks.
Offer encouragement to those who teach the gospel “full-time”, which includes those whom we support. Note how frequently Paul thanked those who supported him.
Teach your children, because when they reach an age of accountability, they too will be lost if they don’t obey the gospel.
Give liberally so more can be done in reaching the lost (more preachers can be supported, more ads can be purchased, more materials can be bought, etc.).
Study diligently so you can teach others (Ezra 7:9-10).
Pray…
For open doors (Colossians 4:2).
That the word may spread rapidly (2 Thess. 3:1).
That those who teach will teach boldly and clearly (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:2-4).
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
“Lead me to some soul today…”

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.