Another thread on the Spiritual Gifts

[Tomoz]

I just thought I'd share something with you that I was thinking about today (inspired by a book I've been reading by Philip Yancey :thumbsup:)
We often tend to think of charismatic gifts as being the province of the charismatic/pentecostal churches, and the words "spiritual gifts" are often thought of only in terms of tongues, prophecy, healing and the like.
But I was thinking today that, in truth, EVERY Christian is a charismatic, because we have all recieved the gift of God's indwelling spirit. Any time we experience one of the fruits of the spirit - a feeling or action of peace, joy, love etc in the Lord - we are experiencing what it is to be filled with the holy spirit. I think we should always acknowledge and glorify God for these seemingly more mundane charisms just as much as those who have recieved the gifts of tongues/prophecy and the like, that not all of us are meant to recieve anyway.

So I guess, in a sense, a 'non-charismatic Christian' is a contradiction in terms!!

This is probably an obvious no-brainer for most of you, but I was really grateful for this realisation and wanted to share it because I'm a non-tongues-speaker and most of my Christian friends are tongue-speakers, and sometimes (I confess) I've secretly felt a bit on the outer!

[karen freeinchristman]

Yeah, I totally agree with you, Tomoz. :)

[Colabomb]

Can't argue with that logic.

[Aymn27]

I just thought I'd share something with you that I was thinking about today (inspired by a book I've been reading by Philip Yancey :thumbsup:)
We often tend to think of charismatic gifts as being the province of the charismatic/pentecostal churches, and the words "spiritual gifts" are often thought of only in terms of tongues, prophecy, healing and the like.
But I was thinking today that, in truth, EVERY Christian is a charismatic, because we have all recieved the gift of God's indwelling spirit. Any time we experience one of the fruits of the spirit - a feeling or action of peace, joy, love etc in the Lord - we are experiencing what it is to be filled with the holy spirit. I think we should always acknowledge and glorify God for these seemingly more mundane charisms just as much as those who have recieved the gifts of tongues/prophecy and the like, that not all of us are meant to recieve anyway.

So I guess, in a sense, a 'non-charismatic Christian' is a contradiction in terms!!

This is probably an obvious no-brainer for most of you, but I was really grateful for this realisation and wanted to share it because I'm a non-tongues-speaker and most of my Christian friends are tongue-speakers, and sometimes (I confess) I've secretly felt a bit on the outer!
Tom,
You are SPOT on! I find one of the issues I have with charismatics and the like is the sense of "betterness" that they tend to get...it is truly annoying. If I would have to choose a person whom I think was most "Spirit-filled" that lived in our lifetime, it was Mother Theresea..did she speak in tongues? I have no idea..but the power of God was evident in her life..how in the world could I think that I've spoken in tongues therefore I'm more "powerful" in the Spirit than she was. It isn't being about puffed up or self-centered, but rather is for building up the Church - I may be bold in this, but I think many of the "gifts", even though they may be authentic, are used for building up the self - I think spiritual leaders are ill trained in guiding individuals in these gifts and let them run wild. Perhaps that is why the all but "disappeared" - abuse in some circles.

[gtsecc]

That is why we call it confirmation/Chrismation
And Baptism/christening

Aren’t all these words derivatives of Christ?
Aren't all gifts from Christ?

So I guess, in a sense, a 'non-charismatic Christian' is a contradiction in terms!!
Not even in a sense - in very essense. I am pretty sure that means a nonchristian christian - a non CHRISTmatic CHRISTian

[Wigglesworth]

The original post makes a very good point. In fact, it sounds very much like something I read somewhere else:

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

A caution that I would offer is to avoid seeing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that you have not yet received as unnecessary to you in particular. An error of the cessationist is the belief that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are no longer needed, because we have all we need in the Bible.

The truth is, if the Lord has it for you, it will come in time, and you should welcome it.

Please do not take this word as a wet blanket, because the original post is absolutely a good word. People need to be more appreciative of what the Lord has done, and be less concerned about what other people believe the Lord, or other believers, should be doing. We should concentrate less on forms and concentrate more on pursuing a more excellent way.

:thumbsup:

[Colabomb]

I remember in my days in the UPC (Oneness pentecostalism for those of you unfamiliar) thinking that "true Christians" would always evidence their faith by speaking with Other toungues, and I was fearful before I had my first "tougues experience" that I would not ever recieve the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, I had not realized that I aready had Him Dwelling in me from the Beginning.

[AnglicanCelt]

I remember in my days in the UPC (Oneness pentecostalism for those of you unfamiliar) thinking that "true Christians" would always evidence their faith by speaking with Other toungues, and I was fearful before I had my first "tougues experience" that I would not ever recieve the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, I had not realized that I aready had Him Dwelling in me from the Beginning.
Agreed. A few of the people at my parents' church come from that background, and I have not spoken in tongues yet, so they didn't know exactly what to do with me.

I mean, I could speak in gibberish, but I won't, because THAT is disingenuous, and as a Child of God, that may not be a gift that I've been given. Now, I'm not saying that I won't, but I am saying that at this particular time I cannot.

Besides, we each have a different "gift bag". :D

[karen freeinchristman]

The truth is, if the Lord has it for you, it will come in time, and you should welcome it.


:amen:

[Cromwe11]

The problem is not that the traditional churches or other "non-charismatics" don't have the Holy Spirit (though many pentecostals and charismatics might think that or say that)... the problem is they don't make room for the Holy Spirit to manifest himself in their worship. They don't expect Him to impact their lives.

The gifts of the Spirit are manifestations of the Spirit meant to energize the church's worship, to build the communion of the believers.
Have you ever wondered why there is sooo much division in the church when we all have "One Spirit"!!!

I have no doubt it is because we do not make allowance for much of His work and ministry in our lives, or in our local churches.

[AnglicanCelt]

The problem is not that the traditional churches or other "non-charismatics" don't have the Holy Spirit (though many pentecostals and charismatics might think that or say that)... the problem is they don't make room for the Holy Spirit to manifest himself in their worship. They don't expect Him to impact their lives.

The gifts of the Spirit are manifestations of the Spirit meant to energize the church's worship, to build the communion of the believers.
Have you ever wondered why there is sooo much division in the church when we all have "One Spirit"!!!

I have no doubt it is because we do not make allowance for much of His work and ministry in our lives, or in our local churches.
Amen.

[karen freeinchristman]

The problem is not that the traditional churches or other "non-charismatics" don't have the Holy Spirit (though many pentecostals and charismatics might think that or say that)... the problem is they don't make room for the Holy Spirit to manifest himself in their worship. They don't expect Him to impact their lives.

The gifts of the Spirit are manifestations of the Spirit meant to energize the church's worship, to build the communion of the believers.
Have you ever wondered why there is sooo much division in the church when we all have "One Spirit"!!!

I have no doubt it is because we do not make allowance for much of His work and ministry in our lives, or in our local churches.
and Amen.