Spiritual Gifts In The Local Church

Practical instructions for use of the gifts of the Spirit in the congregation. An ideal text for class teaching and discussion.

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The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word. How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel. With examples drawn from his forty years of ministry as a pastor and teachers, Storms offers a guidebook that can help pastors, elders, and church members understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts. If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.

Which of God's gifts has your name on it? When you become a follower of Christ, you receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. How can you know for certain which gifts you have? And once you do know, how should you use your gifts to best serve God? Discover Your Spiritual Gifts gives you life-changing answers to these questions and more. In this trusted study, you will be introduced to the 28 biblical gifts, learn the definition and history of each one and examine biblical and modern-day examples of people who share those gifts. By using the included questionnaire, you will be able to identify your specific gifts and find ways to use them in a community of faith. This edition contains a new Bible study for personal reflection or for use in a small-group setting that will help you explore in greater detail each of the gifts that Dr. Wagner discusses.

Many Christians have tried to discover their spiritual gifts only to find the process frustrating and complicated. Rarely in our search do we actually ask what should be our central question: What are spiritual gifts? Kenneth Berding believes we have misunderstood spiritual gifts, which has led to a misguided search. His convincing and readable study suggests that the Holy Spirit does not give special abilities (the conventional view), but rather calls us and places us into various ministries to build up and strengthen the body of Christ. - Back cover.

What are the spiritual gifts? Do all Christians have them? Have the miraculous gifts ceased? The topic of spiritual gifts is often a point of contention among Christians. In Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter, Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner, a leading New Testament scholar, answers these questions. Schreiner shares his personal experience related to spiritual gifts, but more importantly, he unpacks what the Bible has to say about them. In doing so, he brings a spirit of humility and charity, reminding us that though spiritual gifts are important, we can have unity in Christ even where we disagree.

What does the gift giver say about the gift He gave? This book will help you overcome the arguments, fears, and anxieties related to this gift. FEATURES AND BENEFITS Shares the author's personal testimony and spiritual journey with speaking in tongues Examines the history of this gift in the church for the past two thousand years Interacts with those who have denied that this gift is valid for today's church Speaks to the relationship between Spirit baptism, Spirit filling, and the gift of tongues Few other issues have separated the church more than the issue of tongues. Sam Storms focuses on this controversial subject with his signature insights to theology and the gifts of the spirit. What does the gift giver say about the gift He gave? Storms seeks to bring balance to this subject in The Language of Heaven as he wrestles with this sensitive issue experientially as well as theologically. He ultimately provides a platform to allow God to speak for Himself as he addresses every text of Scripture on the subject and engages with every theological issue that speaking in tongues provokes. As a pastor, Storms knows the questions that the typical churchgoer is asking and provides clear and accessible answers to them all, including: Is the gift of tongues for every Christian or only some? How does the gift of tongues operate in the life of the believer individually in private practice? How does the gift of tongues operate in the corporate assembly of God's church? How is the Christian edified and strengthened by praying in tongues? How do I pray for the gift and prepare my heart to receive it? You can overcome the arguments, fears, and anxieties related to this spiritual gift. Remember, God gives only good gifts, and it is His intention that His church utilize all that He has provided so that we might experience all that He is.

Believers know that when we die we enter heaven and will spend eternity there with God and the saints who have gone before us. But what actually happens in heaven? What are we going to be doing there? Won't it get boring at some point? According to Scripture, a large part of our experience of heaven will be a continual revealing of God's glory. Not just his glory in the moment, but during all of time. The mysteries of providence, the hidden movements of God throughout history, and the forgotten and unnoted works of even the most obscure of God's people will be unveiled so that we can see how wise, loving, gracious, and powerful our God is. And though we will experience perfection in heaven, we will never be omniscient, which means we will always be learning more about God's glory, inspiring us to return joyful praise and thanksgiving. If your vision of heaven has been limited to clouds and harps and angels, it's time to expand that view with the truth found in this biblically based look at the afterlife.

A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.

A study of the early Christian church in the Mediterranean region and its emphasis on collective good over individual desire clarifies much about what is wrong with the American church today.