What Is Your Gift? Do Sumthin’

BibleView1034.pdf – BibleView1034Email.pdf

WWW.OpenThouMineEyes.com THE BIBLE VIEW In This Issue: What Is Your Gift?
Do Sumthin’ Volume: 1034 January 26, 2026 Theme: Service

What Is Your Gift? Bill Brinkworth

God has plans for every Christian. To better equip each child of God and to bring Him the glory,
each is given a gift(s) to serve the Saviour better.
These gifts are not the gifts the early church had before they had the entire Word of God. The
seven gifts found in Romans 12:6-8 are necessary to accomplish the work of God in today’s
world. They include the gifts of:

• Prophecy. This is not the same ability prophets and early disciples had. We have the
  entire plan of God in His written, preserved Word. We do not need to foretell the future
  as they did in Old Testament days.
  This gift of prophecy is taking the Word of God and helping others understand it better.
  In his 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster defines the gift as the ability “to preach; to instruct
  in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects.…”
• Ministry. This God-given gift gives a great burden to a Christian to meet the needs of
  others.
• Teaching. This is a gift that allows one to help others better understand the things of
  God.
• Exhorting. This important gift helps one be an encourager to others—a most needed
  gift, especially among God’s people.
• Giving. This gift places a burden on one to meet others’ needs through their giving of
  things and of themselves.
• Ruling. This gift allows one to be a leader. Too many think they have it, but few have
  the God-given ability to lead God’s people.
• Mercy. This gift gives one the heart to have understanding, patience, and kindness with
  others.
  If you are a child of God, God does not plan for you just to sit. He desires you serve Him and
  help others. He has given you at least one of the above gifts in this church age.
  What are your gift(s), and are you using them to help others, honor God, and bring others to
  know and serve the Lord better?
  —1—
  “A child of God will find themselves in Heaven, but what regrets they will have for
  eternity when they discover the consequences of not doing anything or little for the Lord
  while they had the opportunity on Earth.”
  “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that
  of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
  Colossians 3:23
  Do Sumthin’
  Bill Brinkworth
  After one is saved, God’s intention for each person is not to sit around and soak up God’s
  goodness. His desire is for each to do something that would get more people saved and more
  living for the Lord. It is God’s hope for each of us that we serve Him.
  Each child of God should be a tool that God can use for His glory, using the spiritual gifts (Rom.
  12:4-8) He has entrusted to each individual. Those gifts, special talents, and abilities can be
  used to reach the lost and glorify God in many ways. Each of us can be an important cog in
  winning the world for the glory of God. We all can do something.
  Here are some ministries in which I have seen many serving the Lord:
• Preaching ministry. Some are called by God and directed to reach the world with His
  Message by enabling them to preach. Preaching is not always from the pulpit on
  Sunday. Many have preached at subway stations, by the side of the road, in public
  gatherings, or wherever they can publicly expound God’s Word. Some have “preached”
  without uttering a word, but “spoke” boldly by their public Christian example. Most of us
  would not be saved if it were not for someone’s “preaching” God’s truths to us!
• Teaching ministry. Some have been burdened to teach the world what God’s Word
  says. If a teacher does not teach them, who will (Acts 8:30-31)?
  Many have used their talents, hobbies, or interests in making God’s Word clearer to
  those they have taught. I have seen some use Gospel magic, art, puppets, and even
  their interest in animals to get the attention of many and use their teaching medium to
  instruct audiences in biblical principles.
• Visitation ministry. Many churches have organized visitation at least once a week for
  all to attend. They often go in pairs to visit shut-ins, those who have previously visited
  the church, or to knock on neighboring doors to invite people to church. Sometimes
  there are even opportunities to tell people how to be saved. Millions have been saved
  by this method.
  If a church does not have this opportunity, then people can still visit their neighbors,
  canvas their community, or contact anyone the Lord puts on their heart as a ministry
  unto the Lord. Telling others God’s Good News is not just a pastor’s responsibility. We
  are all to go and tell!
• Nursing home ministry. I call it the “Last Chance Ministry.” For many of the home’s
  residents, it is the last opportunity they may have to hear how to be saved or to learn
  more of God’s Word before they leave this world. In this ministry, one can preach to
  —2—
  those living at the facility or just visit them. Many in the homes have lost their loved
  ones, are lonely, and could use an encouraging visit.
• Tract Ministry. A “tract” is a little piece of paper with the plan of salvation on it or
  teaches some biblical truth. They can sometimes be obtained from one’s church or
  purchased at a Christian bookstore (The Bible Views available at
  https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html were created for that purpose). These
  tracts can be left in bathrooms, given to toll booth attendants, handed to people waiting
  in line at a restaurant, included in an envelope when paying bills, and given to those we
  encounter every day.
• Van or Bus ministry. Many churches have a bus or van ministry where a vehicle picks
  up children and adults and brings them to church. Get involved as a driver or worker. If
  your church does not have such a ministry, start one with your vehicle. Bring as many
  as you can to hear God’s Message. Someone may be saved because of your efforts.
• Singing or music ministry. Singing in church services is available in most churches.
  Some have used their ability to sing on their own in hospital or nursing home rooms.
  One nursing home worker asked whether she could sing a hymn as she visits each
  patient, and she would sing one if the resident desired. Another man visited those sick
  in the hospital. He brings his guitar with him, sings, and plays for anyone who wants him
  to.
• Minister to those who are sick or shut-ins. Have you experienced health problems
  where you were bed or house-bound? Perhaps you felt cut off from the world because
  no one visited you. Others feel the same way. When you hear of one who is not well,
  send them a card or call on them. It is a wonderful opportunity to be a Christian
  influence for someone who needs encouragement.
• Prison ministry. Prisons are often places where folks listen to what the Bible has to
  say. It may be difficult to get into that ministry. However, if the Lord desires you to get
  involved with those who are detained, He can open the doors of opportunity.
• Card Ministry. People need encouragement. Send a birthday, sympathy, get well, or
  “praying for you” card to people God puts on your heart to encourage. E-mailing or
  calling them are also ways to be a Christian encouragement to others.
• Writing ministry. God has always preserved His teaching with the written Word. His
  Message can still be distributed through this medium. One can expound what the Bible
  teaches by getting articles published in newspapers (letters-to-the-editor). Articles can
  be published in Christian newsletters, websites, and other publications. Some have
  even prayerfully picked names out of phone books, written those strangers, and given
  them the plan of salvation.
• Help ministry. Some notice a need in others’ lives and help meet it. They may visit a
  lonely person, babysitting for a working single parent, or even do household chores for
  someone who physically cannot do certain things.
• Prayer ministry. People have needs everywhere you look. We cannot always do
  something physically to help others, but we can pray for them. Make others’ needs your
  prayer burdens and bombard God’s throne with pleas for His help in the lives of those
  who are needy.
• Discipling. People may be saved, but they rarely know what to do next or how to do it.
  For this reason, many never grow spiritually. If you feel led by the Holy Spirit, take a
  person under “your wing.” Spend time with that person. Perhaps your influence will
  encourage them to live for the Lord.
• Meals. Prepare meals for those who may be going through a difficult time and may not
  be able or have the time to cook.
• Exhorting others. Everyone gets discouraged or goes through hard times. While down
  in their “valley,” they could use someone’s kind words of encouragement. Checking up
  —3—
  on people by telephone when they are absent from church or elsewhere, shows them
  that they are important.
• Widows ministry. There are not too many things harder than being married to a person
  for a long time and losing them in death. Widows need to be encouraged. Visit them.
  Help them do things that perhaps their deceased spouse used to do. They are often
  alone, can use a friend, and need help.
• Reading the Bible to people who cannot read it anymore. Some cannot read or
  cannot see to read. Make it your ministry to faithfully read to them.
• Be a friend. Some take it upon themselves to be a friend to someone who does not
  seem to have one.
• Deaf or language interpreting ministry. Hearing the Word of God is essential. The
  deaf, or those who speak another language, may not understand it unless someone
  helps them hear God’s truths in the language they know.
• Hospitality ministry. Meet others’ needs by allowing visiting preachers or others to
  stay in a spare room.
• Flea market or fair ministry. One man goes to a flea market, rents a booth, and to
  witnesses to many that pass his table. He gives out tracts, Bibles, and even hands out
  “Bible Views.” Others have a full-time ministry doing the same thing at state fairs.
  One of the great commandments that each Christian is to obey is to “… love thy neighbour as
  thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31. Doing something
  for others and making their needs important to you is showing them that you care about them.
  Making others a priority in our lives also helps us get our minds off ourselves. It can enable
  others to see the love of Christ through our efforts.
  If you have the desire to make a difference in this world for the cause of Christ, ask God to give
  you the ministry He wants you to have. After that, look for the opportunity He gives you to do
  something for Him. There is something everyone can do. Everyone has a hurt, a
  discouragement, or a need. God often uses other Christians to meet those needs. He wants to
  use you if you are willing.
  “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device,
  nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10