The church is the body of Christ.  As the physical body is one, but made up of many parts, so to is the body of Christ, the church.  We have each been given gifts so that the church, though many parts, would function as a whole.  (As a preparation for today’s greeting it would be good to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25.)
 
The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:4 & 6,
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.”  Vs. 4
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” Vs. 6 
 
What are these gifts that God graciously has given to each in the Holy Spirit?  Paul goes on in Romans 12 to tell us:
Vs. 6, “…if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.  
Vs. 7, “ministry, let us use it in our ministering;  he who teaches, in teaching; 
Vs. 8, “he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
 
Paul also speaks of the gifts in his first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 12:
Vs. 4, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Vs. 5, “There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
Vs. 6, “And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all in all.
Vs. 7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
Vs. 8 “for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
Vs. 9 “to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit, 
Vs. 10, “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues.”
 
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.  1 Corinthians 12:11
 
The apostle Peter in 1 Peter:4:10 also has this to say to us concerning gifts,
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
 
He goes on to say in Vs. 11,
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  
 
Scripture clearly states that we, each one, have been given a gift(s).  Have you given thought of this; of the gift in the Spirit that you have been given?  In my limited experience, I know some of you are mighty prayer warriors; 
I know many are givers (of time, talents, finances, foods, wherever there is a need).  I have witnessed and experienced those who are encouragers, wonderful teachers and counselors.  
Thank you Lord for Your spiritual gifts that bring forth Your mighty hand at work in Your church.
 
Let’s go back to Romans 12:1-2, here Paul earnestly urges Believers,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 
 
Be sure to read all of Romans 12 because it tells us of our responsibilities to God and society.  Let us open our hearts, minds and wills to all that God would have us be and do.  All, so that He may be glorified in His Church for all to see.
 
Thank you Lord Jesus Christ!  Thank you for all that we have in You, by You, through You and for You!  Amen
 
So we sing:
“We worship and adore You.
Bowing down before You,
Songs of praises singing,
Hallelujahs ringing.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah.  Amen.”