The Power Of Your Yes From Pastor Theresa

Did you know that YES is really a big word? This simple yet profound affirmation carries immense weight and significance in our lives. It is not merely a response; it is a declaration of faith, hope, and commitment.

Your Yes is the beginning of everything Wonderful that God has in store for you.

It is the pivotal moment when you open the door to endless possibilities and blessings that await you on your spiritual journey.

Whether you have accepted a calling to serve others or if you are stepping out into a new adventure with Jesus, your Yes is paramount to the beginning of success. It marks the moment when you decide to trust in God’s plan, embracing the unknown with courage and enthusiasm. Remember, you said yes to that gentle tug on your heart for Salvation.

And it begins there, at that very crossroads where faith meets action.

Salvation is a powerful word. It means to be SAFE! In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, the question arises: Are we really safe these days? The answer lies in the assurance that comes from our relationship with God. When we accept His gift of salvation, we find true security that transcends our circumstances and fears. It is a refuge for our souls, a sanctuary amidst life's storms.

I have found that whenever I said yes to God’s calling, there was always a tug of excitement in my spirit. This excitement is a divine whisper that beckons us to explore what lies ahead, to step boldly into the future God has planned for us. It is that exhilarating feeling of anticipation as we embark on new paths in our walk with Jesus.

Our Yes keeps our salvation fresh and exciting, continually renewing our passion for Him and His purposes.

It was 37 years ago that I accepted the call on my life, a moment that forever changed my trajectory. I do believe I am the longest-serving pastor in the Tri-Cities, and it is an incredible honor to serve in this capacity. Yet, even after all these years, I continue to grow in this calling and walk, realizing that I need the Spiritual Gifts operating in my life to fulfill my mission effectively.

Here is a short breakdown of the spiritual gifts that are vital for our ministry:

• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:

  This passage emphasizes that there are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. It lists specific gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Each gift plays a crucial role in the functioning of the church and the encouragement of believers.

• Romans 12:4-8:

  This section highlights that believers, though many, are one body in Christ and have different gifts. It mentions prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Together, these gifts create a harmonious community where each member contributes to the greater good.

• Ephesians 4:7-13:

  This passage speaks of spiritual gifts being given for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, and for the building up of the body of Christ. It mentions gifts like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, each serving to strengthen the church and advance God’s kingdom on earth.

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It's truly exciting when we see these gifts in operation! As we witness the manifestations of the Spirit’s work among us, we realize that co-laboring with the Lord Himself makes life a better place. The synergy created by these gifts fosters an environment of growth, encouragement, and love, allowing us to flourish in our faith.

Come join us as we dive into these gifts of God and grow together in our understanding and application of them. Let us explore how we can use these gifts to serve our community and fulfill the Great Commission.

We invite you to be part of this incredible journey of faith and discovery at our gathering location: 1150 North 5th Avenue, Saint Charles, IL 60174, Front Unit. Together, we can embark on an adventure that will transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

Dr Theresa Phillips

PraiseMinistry1@aol.com