Spiritual Gifts Discernment
May 18th, 2010 | Eschatology | 5 Comments
Spiritual Gifts Discernment
In Paul's list of spiritual gifts discernment of spirits is among those listed, (1 Cor. 12:10). What is this particular gift of the Spirit and how was it used? Clarke's commentary says it is a gift by which the person so privileged could discern a false miracle from a true one; or a pretender to inspiration from him who was made really partaker of the Holy Ghost. It probably extended also to the discernment of false professors from true ones, as appears in Peter in the case of Ananias and his wife. (Adam Clarke, First Corinthians, p. 259, ...
Spiritual Gifts and Apostolic Authority, What̵...
May 14th, 2010 | Spiritual Gifts | 4 Comments
Spiritual Gifts and Apostolic Authority What's Missing? That something was very special and unique about apostolic authority in the New Testament is clear from reading through several passages. They belong to a special group for sure. Even in the category or list of spiritual gifts, they are always designated separately to distinguish them from all the rest. The apostleship was a uniquely exclusive spiritual gift.
"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues." (2 Cor. 12:12). As gifts, the apostleship was preeminent.
Signs of ...
Fruit of the Spirit in the Age to Come
May 11th, 2010 | Christianity | No Comment
Fruit of the Spirit in the Age to Come
Why are Christians more focused on the miraculous gifts of the Spirit than they are the fruit of the Spirit in the age to come? Why are miracles and speaking in tongues more appealing than the fruit of the Spirit? Miracles were temporary but the fruit of the Spirit is eternal and enduring. Miracles were for a select few, but the Spirit's fruit is for all and for all time. In fact, the latter characterizes the life in the age to come, i.e. the present Christian age.
Walk in the Fruit of the ...
If Spiritual Gifts Are Not For Today, Then How Do ...
May 6th, 2010 | Holy Spirit | No Comment
We continue to receive questions on the subject of spiritual gifts. This one came in today. "If Spiritual Gifts Are Not For Today, Then How Do You Explain Acts 2:17-18? Let's place the text before us before we delve into our comments.
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days ...
What Can We Do To Pursue Spiritual Gifts?
May 5th, 2010 | Holy Spirit | No Comment
What Can We Do To Pursue Spiritual Gifts? This question comes as a query no doubt from someone who is looking for and expects to receive miraculous gifts of the Spirit. The language of the question mirrors 1 Corinthians 14:1. "Purse love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy."
The influences of futurism and Pentecostalism have made the desire for the practice of spiritual gifts appear to be a valid claim. And, because people believe that religion in general is something that is "better felt than told" it answers the call of man to have an experience to ...