“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”
Romans 1:8

In the Lord, I could not be prouder of a church than I am of EBC. I know I’m a little bit partial, but seriously I thank my God through Jesus Christ for each of you and all of you. You all are my joy and crown!

To be sure we have our problems, sins and failings. There are things we need and can do better. There are areas of growth we need to be stretched into. But your faith is evident and you have been the source of blessing and much good to many people- not only in Star Valley but all over Wyoming, the U.S. and even the world. For the obscure place in which we are planted we have had tremendous fruit for the kingdom.

I don’t say this to blow up your pride and cater to your flesh- I say this to encourage you. Sometimes in the midst of pressing duties and responsibilities we lose track of the big picture. We get discouraged and wonder if the sacrifices we make are worth it. We get weary in doing good. But do not faint, for we shall reap.

Your love for each other is evident. O yeah, we sometimes have our family squabbles and tiffs, but by God’s grace not only have these been rare but they have also been a source of growth for all of us. As a pastor I have grown much through the years- learning what is truly important- what are hills to die on and what aren’t.

You’ve been gracious with me through much. For these things I am truly thankful to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you. I pray you will indulge more grace my direction in the years that lie ahead- and I in turn to you.

Because of grace,
Tim

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No subject is sure to elicit as many strong feelings among Christians as the subject of spiritual gifts. The charismatic movement has propelled the issue to the fore front of many church divisions. Sadly, a treasured component of the Holy Spirit’s work on the behalf of believers has become the source of so much confusion.

This text in Peter makes clear several things about spiritual gifts. First, each one who is born into Christ is a recipient of a gift. This gift is not only salvation- it is also a means of serving others. We also see that God wants us to manage this grace well. I think this points to the fact that we are stewards (managers) who will give an account. He has invested in us expecting a return on His investment.

Peter then breaks all various gifts into two main categories: speaking gifts and serving gifts. If we speak on God’s behalf, we must be sure to not misrepresent what God has spoken. If we serve, we are to do so through the very strength that God provides. This makes clear to us that these gifts are more than natural talents or abilities. They are Divine enablements.

In conclusion, these gifts are not based on individual merit or prowess- they are dispensed by the Sovereign wisdom of God. Thus God is glorified and man is abased. As Paul tells us in Corinthians- He hasn’t chosen many wise, noble or strong- instead He has been pleased to bring glory to Himself by saving and using the nothings of the world.

So as we consider ministry today- seek deeply to be used by God, for His glory in ministering in the church that the body might grow and be strengthened so that in all things God might be glorified in Christ.
Because of grace,
Tim

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