The oral gifts (tongues, interpretation and prophecy) are discussed in much more detail in 1 Cor 14, but it is clear from Acts 2:11 that tongues (the ability to speak in another language that has not been previously learned) acts as a witness to unbelievers and that the content of speaking in tongues will always involve glorifying God. Speaking in tongues is an audible sign of God’s presence: ‘Whenever the Spirit came, this was always manifest by tangible evidence. Not only were the subjects themselves gloriously aware that they had received the Spirit, but in every single instance mentioned in the New Testament, onlookers knew something had happened.’ (George Canty, ‘The Practice of Pentecost’, P 83)  In the context of corporate worship, tongues spoken out publicly are interpreted so that others can understand and be blessed. Interpretation is not the same as translation, but conveys the message given in another language in a language understood by the majority.

Prophecy is a forth-telling from God in the language understood by the hearers. It can come by dreams and visions (Num 6:12) or be spontaneous (2 Chron 20:14) and is for the edification and encouragement of the church (1 Cor 14:3, 31). It does not necessarily speak of future events, though there can be a ‘now’ and a ‘not yet’ aspect to this gift.

The gifts involving knowledge are clearly speaking of a knowledge beyond human intellect. Biblical examples of words of knowledge abound (eg 1 Sam 9:20, 2 Kings 6:8-23, Acts 10:19-20, Acts 16:7) and this is often connected also to words of wisdom (see Joseph’s and Daniel’s interpretation of dreams, for example.) Distinguishing between spirits involves recognising the spirit behind people’s words and actions and then leads to deliverance of those troubled by evil spirits (see Acts 16:17-18, for example.) The rise in occult practices today means that this is not simply something tied to history; it can be a real danger to people today.

The supernatural knowledge given by God often leads people to speak out and then to do things. ‘Signs and wonders’ involve deliverance, healings and miracles which cannot be explained by natural means. Examples are given of Paul doing this (see Acts 19:11-12, Acts 20:9-11 and Acts 28:3-6), as well as Philip (Acts 8:6-7), Peter (Acts 3:6-7) and Stephen (Acts 6:6-8).

The purpose of these gifts is not, however, to feed human egos or to make people feel good about themselves. The gifts are given to build up the church and to testify to God’s power. Peter told the crowds ‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ (Acts 2:36) Grace gifts demonstrate to a sceptical and cynical world that Jesus is indeed Lord. Let’s pray we see these gifts manifest in our church and community so that many will come to believe in the King of Kings!Q

The 9 gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Cor 12:1-11 are not the only spiritual gifts Paul talks about. Other lists are given in:

• Eph 4:11-12
• 1 Cor 14
• Mark 16:15-18
• 1 Cor 12:28-29
• Rom 12:6-8

These gifts are from the Holy Spirit (‘pneumatikon’) and all of grace (‘charismata’, hence the label ‘charismatic’ to describe those who believe these gifts are still functioning today.) Nine gifts are listed:

• Message of wisdom
• Message of knowledge
• Faith
• Gifts of healings
• Miraculous powers
• Prophecy
• Distinguishing between spirits
• Speaking in different kinds of tongues/ languages
• Interpretation of tongues

These are connected with the power of speech (tongues, interpretation and prophecy), the power to know (messages of wisdom, knowledge and the ability to distinguish or discern between spirits) and the power to do miraculous, supernatural things (faith, healings, ‘workings of power.’) All gifts are given ‘for the common good’ (1 Cor 12:7), not to make us feel superior: ‘Spiritual gifts are given to edify the whole church; they are not for individual enjoyment, but for corporate employment. Gifts should not be used to promote ourselves but to prosper the church. When we accept our gifts with humility, then we use them to promote harmony, and this helps the whole church.’ (Warren Wiersbe, ‘Be Wise’, P 137)

By their very nature, spiritual gifts are more than human knowledge, wisdom or power. There are numerous examples of these gifts in action in the Bible (see, for example, 1 Kings 17 and Acts 20:9-11 as examples of the dead being raised, healings in 2 Kings 5 and Acts 3, or words of knowledge in 2 Sam 12:7-13 or Acts 5).

We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, urging people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20). Ambassadors are to be clothed with God’s power and character (Luke 24:49, Col 3:12-14), carrying a message from the King (hence the emphasis on oral gifts such as tongues, interpretation and prophecy) and doing the same things that Jesus did on earth. Mark Tanner, in his book ‘The Introvert Charismatic’, says “Charismatics are those who take Jesus’ instructions on seeing the works of the kingdom seriously and get on and make space for them”, reminding us “We are all different, but we have a common call to do as Jesus did, and this goes beyond any of us.” (P79) The good news is that we’re not required to fulfil God’s commission in our own strength, but can receive His grace gifts to help us demonstrate the truth of the kingdom of God so that faith rests not on human wisdom but on God’s power. (1 Cor 2:5)

Ignorance is bliss, according to the world, but Paul would not agree, telling the Corinthians he did not want them to be uninformed or ignorant about spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:1). This subject has proved contentious over the years, and even today there are branches of Christianity which believe that the gifts of the Spirit were only needed to ‘start’ the church and are not needed today. Obviously, as a Pentecostal church, we don’t agree with that! Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) and He promised His disciples they would do even greater works than He had (see John 14:12). The coming of the Holy Spirit in fresh power and anointing on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) saw the real start of the global mission Jesus had commanded (Matt 28:18-20) and that mission continues today, with the gifts of the Spirit needed just as much today as ever if we are to fulfil the mandate to go and make disciples of all the world!

Paul makes it clear in 1 Cor 12:1-11 that there are different gifts but one Spirit and it is up to Him how these gifts are distributed (1 Cor 12:4-5, 11). God’s generosity and loving kindness are key themes in the Bible, but sometimes it is hard for us to grasp this, for we are so used to the idea of reward and punishment. (Parents do great harm when they make Christmas presents a ‘reward’ for good behaviour; rewards are not the same as gifts at all.) The whole concept of a gift is that it is unearned; it simply has to be received in gratitude from one who loves us and wants to bless us. Paul reminds the Galatians (Gal 3:2-6) that grace and faith are the key concepts in the Christian life; living with fear of punishment is not for God’s children (see 1 John 4:16-18).

To demonstrate something of ‘grace gifts’, we opened presents ‘tailored’ to suit us:

We don’t have to be afraid that God will give us something that will harm us (see Matt 7:9-11, Luke 11:11-13) or that His gifts will disappoint, as some human presents do! Instead, because God knows us inside out (Ps 139:1-5) and loves us eternally, He simply loves to pour out ‘grace gifts’ (‘charismata’) on His children. George Canty says, “Exactly as eternal life is gained without trying to curry favour with God, so the charismata come to us, unrelated to any good impression we can make on God. They are not achievements, but ‘all of grace’; not induced, but freely given.” (The Practice of Pentecost, P96) All we have to do is believe and receive!

Don’t forget the special Easter events and services coming up this weekend!

On Good Friday we will be holding a service at 6 p.m. to remember, reflect and celebrate! As we said last week, ‘Christ crucified’ is the epicentre of the gospel and we want to take time out of our busy schedules to meditate on all that the cross means to us: rescue, revelation and conquest!

On Easter Saturday, we will have our coffee morning as usual from 10 a.m. and will also be involved in the ‘Churches Together’ March of Hope around Goldthorpe. In addition to singing songs of Christ’s triumph, we’ll be giving out goody bags containing Easter treats and leaflets:

We’ll be leaving church at 10.15 a.m. and returning for a family lunch after the march, so do come along and join us if you’re able!

On Easter Sunday, services will be at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Come along to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Saviour. As Aaron Shust’s new song ‘It Is Finished‘ says

Your ending was our beginning
Your last breath be came our first
Your suffering be came our healing
You were the way
When no way could be found
You were the way
When no way could be found

Every thing has been done
The cross is the proof we have won
For ever Your power over comes
Your life has defeated death
It is finished!

Our future out hope is found in
The promise we’re in your hands
Our rescue, you’ve paid our ransom
You were the way
When no way could be found
You were the way
When no way could be found

All that you started, you have completed
All that you promised, you have fulfilled
All that you challenged, God you have conquered
As it is written; it is finished
All that you started, you have completed
All that you promised, you have fulfilled
All that you challenged, God you have conquered
As it is written; it is finished.’ (‘It Is Finished’, Aaron Shust)

Tonight’s Bible study will be looking at 1 Cor 12:1-11, a passage where Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit:

Come along at 7:30 p.m. to find out more and maybe even get your own present!

I’ve been considering gifts a lot lately, having just celebrated my 50th birthday and received lots of lovely gifts and cards. Gifts express love and affection and are often chosen with great care. People who know us well often know what to buy without even having to ask us and are adept at giving us things that really bless us. I love flowers and was blessed to receive lots which my friend artistically arranged for me:

Family decorated my house for me and chose photographs  to be displayed:

Others baked for me:

… and in addition I received lots of lovely presents and enjoyed a holiday away! I’m so grateful for the love and affection of family and friends, but what is even more amazing is the fact that God is the most generous giver of all! James tells us ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ (Js 1:17) Luke reminds us ‘If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ (Luke 11:13) We need to understand the lavish, extravagant, giving heart of God if we are to receive the spiritual gifts He longs to pour out on His church.

Thanks to Gemma’s cake-making skills, people enjoyed birthday cake tonight!

After the top layer was eaten, the bottom layer was left:

Then there was another cake to tackle!

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the cakes didn’t last past the evening… but hopefully, people will provide more food for the ‘Churches Together’ lunch on Saturday!