Firefighter/EMS Service Anchor

Spiritual Gifts By Keith Helms – International Board member
In rookie school, firefighters are given a broad overview of the fire service: Firefighting, EMS, hazardous material, apparatus, hydraulics, rescue, forcible entry, ladders, etc. Every fighter should be able to perform the basics. As firefighters begin to grow in their careers, many realize that they are best suited or “gifted” in certain areas. Some become Haz-Mat technicians; some seek assignments on rescue companies; some show abilities to lead or to teach.
In a similar fashion, a new believer should be taught the basics of serving and abiding in Christ. The FCF International has a very good study series called “Back to Basics” which presents an overview of Biblical doctrine. As a believer matures in his/her faith, it should become evident that they are gifted in certain areas. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
given to them by the Holy Spirit. Dr. John Walvoord stated that these gifts “are
divinely given capacities to
perform useful functions for God, especially in the area
of spiritual service.” They are not simply talents and they
are not for self-glorification, but they are intended for the
healthy functioning of the church, the body of Christ. In 1
Corinthians 12:12-26 and Eph. 4:7-16, our physical bodies are
seen as analogous to the church. Just as each body part is
essential, each believer is essential to the spiritual health of
the body of Christ. Each member of the church needs to seek
to uncover, nurture, and utilize his/her spiritual gift or gifts.
The church needs to give each believer the opportunity to use
his/her gifts in service to the body of Christ. As indicated
above, the intent is not to glorify and elevate self, but it is so
“that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
(1 Peter 4:10-11; Romans 12:3-8). When believers are not
utilizing their spiritual gifts, the result is a nonhealthy body. A good analogy is how companies operate at
a fire scene. When some companies or individuals are not able to perform their assigned task,
eventually someone else will have to do the work for them. This inevitably leads to a disjointed
operation. However, when each company is operating in a coordinated manner, then the operation goes
well. This applies also to our ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters. Each member of our
ministry is vital to our effectiveness in glorifying God in the fire service. Unfortunately, it is often 1 or 2
members of a local group that are doing most of the work. Too many members are content to be

spectators. We need for each member to identify their spiritual gifts and we need to give them the
opportunity to utilize their gift or gifts.
Have you identified your spiritual gift(s)? If not, begin by reading through the following passages where
the specific gifts are listed:
• Romans 12:3-8
• 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30
• Ephesians 4:11
• 1 Peter 4:10-11
Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your search. Talk with other mature believers who know about your spiritual journey. As the Holy Spirit guides your thoughts, begin to seek the opportunity to nurture and employ your gift. To God be the glory.
Questions to Ponder
• Are spiritual gifts permanent? Can they be given for a specific time of service?
• Have you sought to uncover and expose your gift? Talk with others, especially mature
believers.
• Are you encouraging other believers to utilize their gifts?
• What is the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?

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Stickers Do Not Make You a Firefighter

Read Philippians 2:12-18

Encouragement for the day – “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”
Philippians 2:12 NIV

I noticed a young firefighter who had stickers on his helmet. He was happy to show me which ones he had and tell me where he purchased them from. A company had started up recently, making it easy to get helmet stickers. All a firefighter had to do was pay a subscription fee and they would be sent a new sticker every month. These stickers gave the impression to the casual observer that this person was “all in” when it came to being a firefighter. While the stickers were very cool looking, stickers do not make you a firefighter. The only way to identify a true firefighter is to observe their actions. When things get tough, are they always there? Do they always complete their tasks no matter what the circumstances are? These are the things that make a firefighter.
The Bible reminds us that we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. That does not mean that we are to work for a spot in heaven. The gift of God is free and is open to anyone who believes in Christ (Acts 16:31). We can never do enough “good things” to pay for our sins. Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to “work out” their salvation. Simply stated they were to put in their best effort into pleasing the One who had forgiven their sins. Aware of the fact that God is omniscient, we are encouraged to give our all into obeying Biblical truth. Like those stickers we place on our helmets, going to church once a week does not make us a Christian. It takes work to become a mature believer. We must attend church, read our Bibles, study with other believers, and listen to the Holy Spirit if we want to grow in our faith. How is your faith journey progressing?

Lord, teach me how to love you more. May every day you give me be an opportunity to grow.

Encouragement should be a standard operating guideline!!

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