Epaggelia

The Gift of God’s Holy Spirit of Christ is seen by Luke & Paul, as given to Christians…

… in baptism, Acts 2:38, “Holy”

… in salvation, Romans 5:17, 8:10, “Righteousness”

… in personal ministry, Ephesians 4:7, “Grace”

…in public ministry, 2nd Corinthians 9:15, “Inexpressible”

Jesus says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”, Luke 11:13

Just as in the world, we see children grow up to give gifts in return to their parents that cared for them in their youth, we should see new Christians grow up to give gifts out of appreciation back to our Father in Heaven for giving us Christ’s Spirit. Mature Christians have the wisdom, strength and love to be grateful in…

… Giving liberally, Luke 21:1-4 

… Giving personally, Romans 12:6

… Giving publicly, Philippians 4:18

How do you give gratitude to God? The word “thanksgiving” has GIVING in it, not “saying”! So even if we are simply saying thank you to God in prayer, it should be from our hearts, giving love & respect, sincere heartfelt gratitude.

Peter calls all Christians individually in the church, publically, a royal priesthood, (1st Peter 2:9), if you believe this, then we should be able to offer sacrifices, because that is why people are made into priests. See Hebrews 13:15-16. All genuine Christians are actually spiritual priests, we do not have a physical priesthood, our sacrifices are sanctified by Christ’s blood and offered up in praise & prayer spiritually. When we do good works, they are maintained by faithful prayer, see Titus 3:8-14. 

If you believe Christ’s Spirit has been gifted to you, (Romans 8:8-9), then you are his and He is yours. Our every effort to serve him physically or spiritually can be accepted by The Father as a holy sacrifice. Do you live like this? See 1st Peter 2:1-5.