primary gifts | Primary Spiritual Gifts
Category Archives: primary gifts	
Full spiritual potential?
October 4, 2017 every member ministry, Holy Spirit, primary gifts, spiritual potentialGeometric shapes, unityRobert Eckhard	
‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ (1 Peter 2v9)
There’s something very appealing about this image. Possibly because its constructed from disjointed geometrical shapes? Maybe because the coloured images repeat themselves in different sizes and at tangential angles? Or could it be the stark colours that don’t sit well together – such as pink beside orange – also work through variations of tone and colour?
For me, this image also serves as a useful pictorial representation of Church in which colour and shape depicts the eclectic nature of the people within it. More than, that, the disparate and differing needs of those who make up the body of Christ. People who at first glance, we might think would never work well together. (Incidentally, they also think the same of us!). And yet, somehow, by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and ours, a royal priesthood, holy nation and special possession to God is created.
Of course, this is merely the beginning stage. Those who are called to form the body of Christ are also expected to realise their own full spiritual potential within it. Regrettably, through ignorance, lack of teaching or lax attitude, many people attending churches today remain unaware of their primary spiritual gift, calling and/or passion. Where this happens, the church is curtailed in size so that only a fraction of its potential is realised and visible – rather like the fragment image taken from the picture above. Bottom line, its one thing to believe, another to commit and realise our full spiritual potential in God’s tapestry.
www.primarygift.co.uk
Why Pentecost is important?
June 4, 2017 formational gifts, Holy Spirit, primary gifts, spiritual potential, spiritualityActs 2, God-given purpose, Pentecost, spiritual equipping, spiritual growthRobert Eckhard	
Continue reading Why Pentecost is important? →
How do you use spiritual talent?
May 31, 2017 primary gifts, spiritual discipline, spiritual gifts, spiritual growth, spiritual potentialHoly Spirit, parable of talents, spiritual growthRobert Eckhard	
Continue reading How do you use spiritual talent? →
Why the cross of Christ is crucial to receiving God’s spiritual gifts. (1 of 4)
May 15, 2017 primary gifts, spiritual gifts, spiritual growth, spiritualitycrucifixion, death, equipping, resurrectionRobert Eckhard	
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.’ John 14v15-1
In the run up to Ascension Day on the 25th May, the next four posts will consider how Christ’s crucifixion is intrinsically linked to us receiving spiritual gifts from God.
In this passage we learn that Jesus’ departure heralds the arrival of the Holy Spirit whose mission is to live within each of the followers so that they can receive comfort, guidance, strength and support. We are also told that the disciples will receive a gift from God’s great variety of spiritual gifts which – when combined with other people and their spiritual gifts – will build God’s Kingdom on earth through the Church. But more on that in next post…
Right now, for the Holy Spirit to come upon the believers, Christ must die and return to the Father – in much the same way that a flower dies and sheds its seed abroad so that others may follow. The cost to Christ to make this happen is death as he brings salvation and new life. For Christ to refuse the cross, the Holy Spirit would not be able to come upon us.
Given the depth of love that Christ shows in saving us from physical and spiritual death, our responsibility is to let our gratitude overflow into work for his Kingdom. We do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to reside within as he motivates us to use the spiritual gifts we have been given. In this way, the Kingdom of God grows both within and outside us in the world. Find out more at primary spiritual gift.
Why is it important to know your primary spiritual gift?
May 8, 2017 primary gifts, spiritual giftsChurch, church roles, Discovering your primary gift, God's KingdomRobert Eckhard	
‘In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.’ Romans 12v6-8
The most important thing to remember about a person’s primary spiritual gift is that it is particular to that person! While this sounds obvious, it isn’t when taken in regard to other spiritual gifts we may possess and use. Yet , among these, only one gift occupies a primary function in building God’s Church and Kingdom – why?
…because it’s the one gift God gives a person that energises them when they use it.
….because other people are constantly blessed and edified when a person uses the gift.
…because it provides a sense of spiritual fulfilment in the person that no other gift can.
If you don’t know your primary spiritual gift, make it a priority to find out. Why not take the spiritual gift test using the app, ebook or book (UK only)
Two minutes that will revolutionise your spiritual life!
April 19, 2017 primary gifts, spiritual discipline, spiritual giftsdiscernment, Fulfilling potential, Initiative, Realising Potential, spiritual growthRobert Eckhard	
‘Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.’ Ephesians 4v11-13
Although all of the spiritual gifts are at our disposal, God has designated one particular gift to each of us that will be hugely effective in growing the Church. Conversely, while we don’t know the primary spiritual gift God has given us,we risk our full spiritual potential being left unrealised in our lives. All of which means we need to be proactive. To find out more get the app, eBook or print copy (UK Only). Then complete the spiritual gift test – discover your primary spiritual gift and get going on building God’s Kingdom!