Spiritual Gifts

A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

Any serious discussion of Spiritual Gifts is bound to take folks to the edge of their comfort zones, especially if diverse backgrounds are involved. What purpose do they serve? Are the gifts for today? Are there any that are essential to prove we’re saved? Is there a difference between the Baptism of Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? These questions have been asked since the beginning. Paul answered them all clearly in 1st Corinthians 12-14, but people still wonder. Let’s summarize his explanation and then let the original language show us a surprise or two.

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A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
This quote from Romans 11:29 is the basis for our final episode in the series on spiritual gifts. We’ve established that at the moment of belief, the Holy Spirit is permanently sealed within us as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (Ephe 1:13-14), and that the Lord equips us for ministry with certain gifts of the Spirit, to each one just as He determines for the common good. (1 Cor 12:7 and 11). We’ve also shown how from time to time the Holy Spirit might “come upon” us for a special assignment (Acts 10:44-46). “But wait” you say, “what if I’ve never used my gift? I didn’t even know I had one. Is it too late to start now?”

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A Bible Study by Jack Kelley

After I had sat in pews and choir lofts for nearly 40 years, the Lord decided it was time we were formally introduced. He arranged a series of events to get my attention and then changed my status from gentile churchgoer to Born Again Christian.

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