Spiritual Gifts, 1

 ~ What Are Spiritual Gifts? ~

Opening Comment  ~  “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18). 

Background  ~  It is important to define what a spiritual gift is.  The Biblical term can easily be translated as Grace Gift – which is certainly true.  Grace being something good which we do not deserve.  That concept is found throughout Scripture.  “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a).  “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).

However, grace is a characteristic of all God’s gifts, not just Spiritual Gifts, including those in the recently completed ALN series on “God’s Gifts” and our Natural Abilities.  For that reason, and for common understanding, we will stick with the term Spiritual Gifts in this series.    

What Is A Spiritual Gift!  ~  The easiest way to approach this is to contrast Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts.  

1.      Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both Grace Gifts given to us by God.

2.      Natural Abilities are given to us at natural birth (conception). 

3.      Spiritual Gifts are given to us at the time of our spiritual birth (conversion). 

4.      Natural Abilities are possessed by all including natural (unregenerate) man.

5.      Spiritual Gifts are possessed only by individuals who have made the decision to accept the salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ. 

6.      Natural Abilities enable us to function in the natural world (physically, mentally, etc.).  

7.      Spiritual Gifts are given to us for functioning in spiritual matters. 

8.      Natural Abilities are primarily related to our function in the world such as in our vocation. 

9.      Spiritual Gifts enable us to function primarily in our local church and related ministries. 

10.  Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both inherent capacities as opposed to acquired skills.  The exercise of both is important to become efficient in their use. 

In summary…

Your Natural Abilities relate to your natural capacity for development.

Your Spiritual Gifts relate to your capacity for spiritual exercise, development, and ministry. 

Clarification  ~  Oftentimes Natural Abilities from our first birth will work in close relation to the Spiritual Gifts which received at our second birth – when we are “born again” – but sometimes they are poles apart.  As an example, Dr. Earl Radmacher a long-time mentor of mine replied to question of mine by saying, “I am not a speaker (natural talent) but I am a gifted preacher (spiritual gift).”   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

 

Question – Jesus, 67

 ~ Regarding Lack ~

Introduction  ~  This series is about questions involving Jesus.  Some were asked by individuals involved with Jesus Christ while He walked on earth.  Others are questions that Jesus Christ asked others.  We will look at questions on about 130 topics (some may split into two or more posts).  Even so, it is far from an exhaustive list. 

Scripture  ~  “And He said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’  So they said, ‘Nothing.’  

“Then He said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.  For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”  For the things concerning Me have an end.’

“So they said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’  And He said to them, ‘It is enough’” (Luke 22:35-38).

Comment  ~  The child of God will never lack what he needs.  “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen” (Philippians 4:19-20). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

 

God Is My… (Psalms), 38

 ~ God Is My Serenader ~

Introduction  ~  Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms.  While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms. 

Passage  ~  “For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him.  You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:6-7).

Comment  ~  My dad was killed right at my first birthday.  Mom raised three small kids. In the summers when school was out of session we lived with an aunt and uncle.  One of my most vivid childhood memories is of my aunt singing me to sleep each night.  Her soothing voice calmed me allowing to go to sleep confidently.  This is the image that comes to my mind when I think of God serenading His people. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTER and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .