The Gateway Gift: A Call to Help in the Body of Christ
The Gateway Gift: A Call to Help in the Body of Christ
Sermon Delivered by: Tim Powell
Date: 1-12-25
At 238 Church, we’re reminded weekly of the strength and beauty of the Body of Christ and its many members. This week, Brother Tim Powell shared an impactful sermon emphasizing the profound importance of a spiritual gift that opens the door to all others: the ministry of helps.
This blog is part of our “Sermon Summaries” series, designed to offer a quick and insightful recap of weekly messages at 238 Church. We encourage you to dive deeper into the Scriptures, reflect on key points, and apply biblical principles to your daily walk with God.
Introduction: A Revelation on Helping
Brother Tim began by expressing gratitude for the work of Pastor Jerry Simmons and the vibrant efforts of the church. With heartfelt humility, he acknowledged that while he may not always feel confident in his delivery, God has consistently placed a word on his heart.
He introduced the concept of the "Gateway Gift," a spiritual principle drawn from 1 Corinthians 12. This foundational gift is essential to every believer’s life, unlocking the potential to operate in the other gifts of the Spirit.
The Body of Christ: Every Member Matters
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:28-31, Brother Tim reflected on the Apostle Paul's depiction of the church as a body where every part has a role. He noted how often churches can become unbalanced, focusing too much on specific roles like preaching while neglecting the quieter but equally vital ministries of helps and governments.
Paul's rhetorical questions—"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?"—remind us that diversity in the Body of Christ is both intentional and necessary. Brother Tim highlighted that unlike other gifts, Paul never "checked off" the ministries of helps and governments, underlining their essential nature.
"Anything that you become must have a root in helping or assisting the function of the church."
Personal Growth Through Helping
Brother Tim shared his journey of striving to find his place in the Body of Christ. He recounted moments when he realized he didn’t need to occupy a leadership role to make an impact. Instead, he embraced his passion for helping, discovering that his work flourished when he focused on serving others.
This revelation reshaped his approach to ministry and family life. His children followed his example, stepping up to help in ways that made a lasting difference, whether by assisting struggling families or providing foster care. These acts of service exemplify how the ministry of helps can transform lives and draw others to Christ.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Helping
Brother Tim connected his message to the life of Jesus, citing Acts 10:38, where Peter described Christ as one who “went about doing good.” Beyond His miraculous works, Jesus undoubtedly used His earthly skills—perhaps mending a roof or repairing a wagon—to meet people's needs and open doors for ministry.
"The multitude followed Him not only for the loaves and fishes but because He did good in their lives."
This practical approach to ministry was echoed in the early church, where the first deacons, including Stephen, were appointed to handle the daily distribution of food. Their ministry of helps laid the groundwork for the church's growth and unity.
Love as the Driving Force
At the heart of the Gateway Gift is love. Brother Tim stressed that helping stems from a genuine love for people—a love that mirrors Christ’s love for us. Without love, our efforts are meaningless, no more than "sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1).
This love motivates us to step beyond our comfort zones, whether by mentoring youth, supporting struggling families, or simply holding the door for someone in need. It’s a love that opens hearts and builds bridges to share the gospel.
A Call to Action
As the sermon concluded, Brother Tim urged the congregation to adopt a mindset of service. He challenged each member to ask, “How can I help?” and to seek out opportunities to meet both physical and spiritual needs within the community.
He reminded us that helping doesn’t always involve grand gestures—it can be as simple as offering a listening ear, providing a meal, or fixing a neighbor’s fence. These acts of kindness create opportunities for deeper ministry, pointing others to the love of Christ.
Conclusion: Building a Culture of Helps
The ministry of helps is more than a task; it’s a calling rooted in love and essential to the health of the church. As Brother Tim so powerfully expressed, our desire to help reflects the heart of Jesus and strengthens the Body of Christ.
Let us commit to being a church that serves with humility, compassion, and excellence, knowing that every act of service has eternal significance.
Keywords
Ministry of Helps
Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12
Body of Christ
Love in Action
Service in the Church
Acts of Kindness
Gateway Gift
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