Bible Discussion Thread

Spiritual gifts, also known as charisms or gifts of the Holy Spirit, are abilities or powers that are believed to be given to individuals by a higher power, such as God, for the purpose of serving others and building up the faith community. While there are various spiritual gifts mentioned in different religious traditions, I'll provide a list of some common spiritual gifts recognized in Christianity:

1. **Discernment of Spirits:** This gift involves the ability to perceive and understand the spiritual realm, including distinguishing between divine and malevolent influences.

2. **Prophecy:** The gift of prophecy is the ability to receive and communicate messages from a divine source, often concerning future events or moral guidance.

3. **Wisdom:** Those with the gift of wisdom have a deep understanding of spiritual truths and can apply this knowledge to practical situations.

4. **Knowledge:** This gift involves a profound comprehension of spiritual and theological matters, often coupled with the ability to impart this knowledge to others.

5. **Faith:** Individuals with the gift of faith have an unwavering trust in God and can inspire others to trust in divine providence.

6. **Healing:** This gift allows individuals to serve as instruments through which God can bring physical, emotional, or spiritual healing to others.

7. **Miracles:** Those with the gift of miracles can perform supernatural acts that go beyond the natural laws, often to strengthen the faith of others.

8. **Tongues (Speaking in Tongues):** This gift involves speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, which may require interpretation for the benefit of others.

9. **Interpretation of Tongues:** This gift complements the gift of tongues by allowing individuals to interpret the messages spoken in tongues for the edification of the community.

10. **Helps or Service:** This gift involves assisting and serving others with a willing heart and a sens

How rare it is to understand and effectively put the spiritual gifts into practice in church congregations? My experience is lone ranger mentality that doesn't get very far in ministering to others; or a cessation belief in regard to such matters (except of course for teaching since that normally would affect the Pastor in leadership).

I have said often that there are either fake human manifestations regarding the five senses; or demonic events; or true experiences from the Spirit. Your point is interesting that emotions can be involved with some of these gifts; but isolated without the Spirit or making the feelings be a priority over the Holiness of God gets us into trouble and opens the door for deception at some point. To have no emotion of course means our hearts are cold and we are in danger like the Ephesians were in Revelation 3 and risk having the church fall apart.

I have noticed today that rebuke is almost nonexistant; and this can be because of sloppy leadership in church; lack of discernment or love which prompts us in the Spirit to challenge ourselves first then others. Encouraging words such as truthful statements of how we see the Spirit working in someone is probably sorely lacking today as well; hard to remember the last time I heard it myself. As is often the case as I see it human familiarity and friendships can be a large detractor from effective moves of the Spirit; and sometimes someone from the outside is able to more effectively discern and give words of knowedge (often of course taken as an insult or brushed aside). Tact is important; of course but can't overrule God's truth getting out.

I would say that genuine prayer; and godly music with praise are necessary prerequisites for the Spirit to move. Too often something as seemingly insignificant as gossip can upend what the Spirit is attemptiong to do and quench it. People need to be serious in the house of God. Perhaps I should do a series on this subject?

Let me know.