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Frequently Asked Questions about Spiritual Gifts

What are Spiritual gifts?

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and the Lord of our life, God’s Holy Spirit not only comes to live within us but also gives us Spiritual gifts that will enable each of us to do our part in building up the church. Spiritual gifts are special capabilities bestowed on believers to equip them to minister to others. 1 Corinthians 12:7 A Spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church (NLT).

Are you sure that I have a Spiritual gift?

Absolutely! 1 Corinthians 12:7 assures us that A Spiritual gift is given to each of us... (NLT).

What are some of the Spiritual gifts that God gives to people?

God gives us some examples in Romans 12:6-8 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly (NLT). Though this list in not exhaustive it gives us a good sampling of what the Spiritual gifts are like. (See also 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and 27-31, Ephesians 4:11-13.)

Are all the gifts that God gave the early church still available to the church today?

Yes, we believe that the Holy Spirit has the ability to empower the church of the 21st century with the same Spiritual gifts that He empowered the church of the first century. However, not all of the gifts may be necessary or even beneficial within any given church situation. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us that God is not a God of disorder but of peace. And later in the same chapter, verse 40, Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. The gifts given by the Holy Spirit are never meant to divide the church, but to build up the church!

Okay, let me get very specific. What does RiverTree Christian Church believe about what are commonly known as the “miraculous” or “charismatic” gifts of the Holy Spirit?

In regard to what are commonly known as the “miraculous” or “charismatic” Spiritual gifts, we believe that the gift of tongues is used by some as a personal prayer language. And, the Holy Spirit may empower individuals to proclaim the Gospel to people who hear it in a known language that has not been learned by the individual speaking. In keeping with 1 Corinthians 14:19, In the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue, we do not teach its manifestation or its use in our community gatherings. The gift of prophecy is the gift of proclamation of the truth. Since the Bible contains all of God’s revealed truth, a prophetic utterance will never add to or contradict God’s Word revealed in Scripture. If prophecies are given for anything other than personal counsel, they should always be affirmed by the leadership within the church body.

God heals miraculously within the church today. When God heals it is solely at His discretion and not at the manipulation of an individual or group of individuals.

Once again, all gifts of the Holy Spirit are to used for the building up of the Body of Christ-- never should they create division!

Wow, I can’t wait to discover the Spiritual gift(s) God has given me and begin using it in ministry! What’s my next step?

We’re glad you asked! The best way is to sign up for our next SHAPE seminar. You can get more information at the Welcome Center each weekend or by calling our church office throughout the week at 330.494.1860.

God has given you a wonderful gift. He is waiting for you to unwrap it and joyfully put it to good use in His church!