Mark D. Roberts on spiritual gifts (update)

Introduction:

“Little is more important for the health and growth of the body of Christ than the power of the Holy Spirit manifested in what we call spiritual gifts. Through such bits of grace, the Spirit builds the body of Christ. In fact, it wouldn’t be too far off the mark to say that the Holy Spirit is a bodybuilder. …”

(update 11/7) Part 2: “The Abuse of Spiritual Experiences in Corinth . . . and Today“:

“We have seen what might be called an outbreak of ‘Corinthianism’ in the last fifty years. Positively, millions of Christians began to discover the power of the Spirit through spiritual gifts. Negative[ly], this often caused division in the church … Let me supply a bit of history that places our conversation of spiritual gifts in context …”

(update 11/10) Part 3: “The Ministry of the Spirit in ”

(Update 11/11) Part 4: “Defining ‘Spiritual Gifts‘”

(Update 11/13) Part 5: “Spiritual Gifts as ‘Momentary Empowerments’ for Ministry”

Part 6: “When and How Do We Receive Spiritual Gifts?”

“Although there are benefits to the ‘discover and use your gift’ model, it only takes you so far in ministry …”

(Update 11/17) Part 7: “All Gifts Matter to the Body of Christ”

“As it turns out, most churches in today’s world, whether overtly or implicitly, value some spiritual gifts while devaluing others.”

(Update 11/19) Part 8: “Practical Instruction on the Use of Spiritual Gifts, Part 1”

Part 9: “Practical Instruction on the Use of Spiritual Gifts, Part 2”

“So far we have seen that if we want to receive spiritual gifts, we should focus, not on the gifts or on our experiences, but on loving others and building up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts come in the context of ministry done for the sake of love and edification.”