Fam!
This Sunday, we’re beginning a brand-new series called The River CAREs, and I’m incredibly excited about where God is taking us.
One of the beautiful truths about the Church is that God never intended for a few people to do everything. He designed every believer to bring something to the table.
Scripture says:
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:7
Think about that. A spiritual gift is given to each of us. That means if you belong to Jesus, God has placed something in you that He intends to use through you. Your gift isn’t an accident. It isn’t just something you’re good at. It is a God-given way for you to CARE for people, strengthen His Church, and advance His Kingdom.
Maybe you already know your spiritual gift and you’re using it. If so, this series is an opportunity to develop it even further. Maybe you know your gift, but somewhere along the way you stopped using it. This could be the moment to step back into what God has placed inside you. Or maybe you honestly have no idea what your spiritual gift is.
That’s okay. But don’t stay there. Over the next few weeks, I want to challenge every person at The River to discover, develop, and deploy your gift. Ask God to show you, “How have You uniquely equipped me to serve others?” Because The River will never become everything God has called us to become if we’re a church full of people who
simply attend.
We need to become a church full of people who engage. Serve. Encourage. Lead. Give. Teach. Discern. Shepherd. Show mercy. And CARE.
There is a place for you. There are people who need what God has put inside of you.
And there is incredible joy in discovering that God can use your gift to make an eternal difference in someone else’s.
So come ready this Sunday. Bring your Bible. Bring someone with you. Bring an open heart. And begin asking God one simple question. “God, what have You given me and who can I bless with it?”
I believe we’re about to discover something powerful together. We don’t just GO to The River. We ARE The River. And every one of us has something to give.
I can’t wait to see you Sunday! Love you, church.
Pastor Brent