News and Updates
Fourth annual
CCI Conference is coming up!
March
17-21 at Canby Grove Conference Center, Canby, Oregon
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The Soul of an Apprentice
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Rom 1:11-12 NIV
Families
consider it natural to get together during the year. Christmas, birthdays, and family
vacations, are times when those who belong to the same family find a way to
spend time together. How important isn’t it for those who belong to the family
of God to do the same!
When
Christians meet, something more happens than just a sharing of the latest news,
for every child of God has a spiritual gift.
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Cor 1:4-9 NIV
The
spiritual gifts were given for the profit of all.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Cor 12:4-8 NIV
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 4:7-11NIV
The different
gifts complement each other, wherefore when we come together, the gifts all
work together and create a circle within which we are encouraged by our mutual
faith: one has a message of knowledge, another the ability to heal; one has a
miracle, another a prophecy; one gives liberally, another leads well, and
another shows mercy to the needy (1 Cor 12:7-11, Rom 12:3-8). Without these
gifts the body of Christ would not function, for a spiritual body needs
spiritual nourishment.
The
Greek word that is found behind “encouragement” is comfort.
For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn-conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. 2 Cor 7:5-7 NIV
Life in
this fallen world can be discouraging and often filled with heartache and disappointment.
When we come together, our mutual faith reminds us that we will one day inherit
a new world in which only righteousness will dwell (2 Pet 3:13). When we are
comforted, we are also strengthened; that which was weak due to sorrow is made
strong
It is good
to come together.
Editor
Board of Directors, CCI
Secretary
