Monthly Archives: February 2016

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on February 6, 2016
Tags: Encouragement   

Gift of Exhortation — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

February 6, 2016

To exhort someone sounds, well, almost troubling, right? To say to someone “I plan to exhort you today” – seems too strong. But exhortation doesn’t always imply something critical, or demeaning. Exhortation actually means to “Encourage” — “To urge by strong, often stirring argument, admonition, advice, or appeal” as in the sentence “He exhorted the troops to hold the line.”

Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:1 — Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Here Paul is not making an “urgent suggestion” – he is making an urgent appeal – an appeal out of love – “encouraging” the people to love each other with the same love as G-d’s love seen in the person of Jesus Christ.
So Exhorting, also known as Encouraging, is the gift that is evident in those who love others so much that they consistently call upon others to live “In Christ”, or live in the love of G-d. Encouraging others in this manner is encouraging them to stay strong, to persevere, and to live into the Christian life – it is a positive message. But as mentioned above, it can also carry a call to correction. You see, exhorting someone is not always positive encouragement. Sometimes we must correct or build others up by calling them to task.

Not everyone has the gift of exhorting, in terms of correcting, but we all can find ways to encourage one another. If we love one another with the love of Christ, we will find ways to encourage each other – and pray for those who have the gift to exhort – to hold the line, to resist evil, and to call out sinful behavior.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on February 5, 2016
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Gift of Teaching — Rev. David J. Schreffler

February 5, 2016

The gift of Teaching involves not only the analysis of G-d’s Word, but proclaiming the Word of God in such a manner that you are able to explain the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate the word so that their audience learns something, and walks away with some deeper knowledge about their religion and their personal faith. Not everyone is able to teach – but everyone is able to learn.

Think of a favorite teacher from your past. What made them your favorite? Was it the way they explained difficult concepts? Was it the way they answered your questions? Or, was it simply the fact that they cared? A good teacher has at least three abilities: a knowledge of their subject, compassion for their students, and knowing when they are not being understood.

I remember a teacher I had in high school. This teacher had only one of those three abilities – a good knowledge of their subject. There was no doubt that they knew a lot about what they were teaching. And if you understood the subject, then you did well in the class. However, I did not understand the subject, and this teacher did not know how to deal with someone like me. So, I did not do well, and there was no compassion for my lack of knowledge or inability to understand.

Although many people believe they are good teachers, the unfortunate reality is many should not be teaching others – especially in our churches where we need good teachers. If you feel called to teach, remember the three gifts of teachers: a thorough knowledge of your subject (here it would be the bible and Lutheran theology), compassion for your students, and knowing when you are not being clear so you can help those who struggle.
Pastor Dave