Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit. Studies in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
Posted April 3rd, 2010 in Selah, Spiritual Gifts
A Bible Study by Jack Kelley
Last time we discovered that Pentecost was not the day the Disciples received the Holy Spirit, but instead it was a time when He came upon them with an unmistakable display of power (Acts 2:1-4). Remember, they had already performed miracles in the Lord’s name. When He sent the 12 out to preach to Israel, He gave them authority to heal the sick and drive out demons (Luke 9:1-6). After that He sent out 72 others to every town in Israel, Jewish and Gentile, and they were able to heal the sick and drive out demons too (Luke 10:9,17). But never before had anything like the events of Pentecost happened.
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Posted July 2nd, 2003 in 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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Posted July 2nd, 2003 in Spiritual Gifts
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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Posted July 2nd, 2003 in Spiritual Gifts
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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