Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 12:1-25; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 Now concerning spiritual gifts. . . (1 Corinthians 12:1) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Miracles? Prophecy? Healing? Tongues? Really? Paul wrote about this subject a number of times. It seems he had to clear up a lot of confusion. His point in this passage is simple. He wants his readers to know that all Christians have gifts but not all have the same gifts. The Holy Spirit, "apportions to each one individually as he wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11). Like the parts of a body, each part has a different purpose, but all parts function together for the good of the body. So it is with spiritual gifts and the Church: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). In the earliest days of the Church, in order to help the spread of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit gave spectacular gifts to the apostles that are not often seen today. You can read all about this in the book of Acts. Some Christians today still claim to speak in tongues and perform miraculous healings. Maybe they can. After all, the Spirit gives as He will. Yet, it is also true that there are a number of frauds and deceivers out there who pretend to have spiritual gifts in order to make money. Jesus even warned against believing in false christs and false prophets performing great signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24). God has certainly given you your gifts and abilities; what are they for? How can you use them to serve your fellow Christians and your neighbors wherever you go? These are good questions for you to ask throughout your life and especially as you finish up school or head out of your childhood home for more school at a university. How can you take what God has given you and use it for good and in service to the Church, your family, and everyone you will interact with for the rest of your life? I don’t know what unique gifts God has given you, but I do know that if you are a Christian, you already have the greatest gift of the Spirit. You confess Christ as Lord, which no one can do apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. You have been given faith in Jesus. Along with that faith comes the blessings of forgiveness, salvation, hope, and life without end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The gifts Christ freely gives He gives to you and me To be His Church, His bride, His chosen, saved and free! Saints blest with these rich gifts Are children who proclaim That they were won by Christ And cling to His strong name. ("The Gifts Christ Freely Gives" LSB 602, st.1) Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch