Gifts of the Spirit
The "Gifts of the Spirit" refer to special abilities or empowerments given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church and serving others. These gifts are discussed primarily in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul outlines a variety of spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. He emphasizes that these gifts are distributed by the Spirit as He wills, highlighting the diversity of gifts and the unity of the body of Christ.The purpose of these gifts is not only for individual edification but also for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). Each believer is given gifts according to their unique role within the body of Christ, which Paul likens to a human body with many parts working together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The notion of spiritual gifts underscores the importance of community and interdependence among believers, as they are called to use their gifts in service to others and to glorify God. Ultimately, the manifestation of these gifts serves to advance the mission of the church and strengthen the faith of its members.
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His Body - His Spirit
By G.W. North0JHN 14:151CO 12:7G.W. North explores the relationship between the gifts of the Spirit and membership in the Body of Christ, asserting that while individuals can operate in spiritual gifts without being part of the Body, true animation and power come from the Spirit of Christ. He emphasizes that the gifts are natural powers of Jesus, given to His disciples for ministry, and that the Holy Spirit's indwelling began at Pentecost, transforming the way believers experience His presence. North clarifies that the gifts of the Spirit are bestowed by Christ to enable members of His Body to function effectively in their unique roles.
The Corporate Expression of the Heavenly Man
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 3:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of the Church as the corporate expression of the Heavenly Man, Jesus Christ, highlighting the unity and interdependence of believers as members of His Body. He explains that the Church is not merely an organization but a living entity that shares in the life and purpose of Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit. Sparks stresses the importance of recognizing our interrelatedness and the necessity of each member for the fulfillment of God's purpose. He also discusses the gifts given by Christ to the Church for its growth and maturity, underscoring the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in building up the Body of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed understanding of our identity in Christ and our collective responsibility to maintain unity and express His fullness in the world.
Faith, Healing and Miracles
By G.W. North0LUK 5:20JHN 2:7HEB 11:1G.W. North emphasizes the significance of Faith, Healing, and Miracles as essential gifts given to the Church, highlighting their active nature in the life of believers. He illustrates that these gifts are not merely passive but require physical action and effort, as seen in biblical examples where faith is demonstrated through tangible acts. North points out that miracles often involve the participation of individuals, such as the apostles distributing food or the actions taken by those seeking healing. He connects these gifts to the broader theme of faith being an active force that drives believers to engage in works that manifest God's power. Ultimately, he asserts that these gifts are vital for the functioning of the Body of Christ and the realization of God's purposes on earth.
The Gifts of the Spirit
By Alan Redpath6.1K47:43ROM 12:61CO 12:7EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and the role of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ. He highlights the need for every member of the church to work together and support one another. The preacher also discusses the various gifts and roles within the church, emphasizing that not everyone has the same gifts or abilities. He concludes by pointing out that love is the most excellent way and encourages the congregation to earnestly desire the higher gifts.
The Gifts of the Spirit
By Art Katz02CH 20:1Art Katz emphasizes the critical role of the gifts of the Spirit in the life of the church, using the example of Jehaziel's prophecy in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 to illustrate how these gifts can lead to life-saving outcomes. He highlights the importance of having known and tested vessels for prophecy, contrasting this with contemporary practices that often lack seriousness and discernment. Katz warns against the man-centeredness prevalent in many church movements, which can dilute the true work of the Spirit and lead to spiritual complacency. He calls for a return to a more intimate, apostolic community where the gifts of the Spirit are treated as urgent matters of life and death. Ultimately, he stresses that true worship and reliance on God must come from a place of brokenness and dependence on His power rather than human initiative.
The Gift of the Spirit
By Jon Courson4.7K1:05:45In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being witnesses and impacting the world with the power of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the joy and love that should radiate from the lives of believers, demonstrating the reality of Jesus. The speaker also contrasts genuine spiritual transformation with empty hype and manipulation. He uses the analogy of dry bones coming to life through the Spirit's work, emphasizing the need for believers to appropriate the power of the Spirit through faith. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to seek the Spirit's empowerment in their lives.
Not a Cessationist: Why We Believe in the Gifts of the Spirit
By Shane Idleman1912:311CO 12:7Shane Idleman emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the gifts of the Spirit, arguing against cessationism and highlighting the importance of recognizing God's voice through various means, including dreams and visions. He cautions against becoming overly reliant on these experiences while affirming that they should align with Scripture, which remains the primary source of guidance. Idleman shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how God has communicated with him and others, advocating for a balanced approach that embraces the supernatural without losing sight of biblical truth.
The Word of Knowledge, and Faith
By Smith Wigglesworth11CO 12:8Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of the 'word of knowledge' and faith as gifts of the Holy Spirit, asserting that true unity in the body of Christ comes from the Spirit's revelation. He highlights the necessity of a living faith that transcends human limitations, encouraging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God to experience His power and glory. Wigglesworth shares personal testimonies of faith in action, illustrating how reliance on God's Spirit can lead to miraculous outcomes and transformation. He stresses that faith must be accompanied by love and a humble spirit, as these qualities enable the manifestation of God's gifts. Ultimately, he calls for believers to pursue a vibrant faith that is alive and active, trusting in God's limitless resources.