Substituting for Dr. Nunnally, Bob Crabtree offers another perspective on the manifestation of spiritual gifts. He reminds us, Paul wrote his letters in response to increasing division among early Christian believers. “Spiritual gifts were given to promote a unified body of believers.”
1 Corinthians 7-14
This podcast was recorded during the annual class Christmas brunch.
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Substituting for Dr. Nunnally, Rev. Robert Crabtree takes up a discussion of the power needed for witness. As the church enters the most turbulent period in history, God’s people must actively pursue every spiritual advantage. Will God remain engaged with humanity as planetary culture collapses into unbelief? Absolutely. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and ultimate resource; God remains engaged with His people.
1 Corinthians 11; 12:7;13:13
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Are there “ground” rules to spiritual expression? A careful reading of Paul’s writings suggests that everyone has a role to play in public worship; everyone has a right, perhaps even ‘duty’ to participate. Paul also counsels that we must never disengage from decorum and order. This session convenes a frank discussion of the gifts of the Spirit in public worship, with specific focus on the sometimes -faulty human component. In modern Pentecost, it’s a subject, seldom discussed.
1 Corinthians 14:27,14:13, 14:28, 15:5, 14:18-19, 14:28, 11:18, 14:32
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In this session we consider the principle of “… two or three.” There’s a wide list of references relating to this notion, from “where two or three are gathered together in my name,” to “let two or three speak,” and/or “two or three witnesses bring testimony.” There seems to be Godly organizing principle here, one that includes God’s principle of public edification.
1 Cor 14:27; Deut 17:6, 19:15; Numbers 35:20; Matthew 18:16; 1 Tim 5:17-20
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In this session we are reminded of Paul’s direction to avoid paying evil for evil. Our spiritual understanding must be predicated on prayer, with specific attention focused on the discernment of spiritual gifts. In our judgement, we are to proceed with love and patience.
1 Thess 5:14-16; 1 Cor 14:5; 12:30; 14:13
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This session continues with the theme of “God’s Gifts,” begun several weeks ago. Dr. Nunnally considers the “end of tongues, prophecy and knowledge.” How are we to understand this citation? “There will be such a weight of glory when we arrive in the Lord’s direct presence, we won’t need the gifts of mediation. Until that day, though, we need the Gift, and the Gifts that dwell within the Gift.”
1 Cor: 12: 4,5,6,26, 30; 1 Cor 13:8,9,10; 1 Cor 14:28
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In this session, Dr. Nunnally considers the outcome when the “gifts of the Sprit” are out-of-balance within the body of believers. Special emphasis is given to the “gift of discernment.” Due to the difficulties that surround the public expression of spiritual giftings, we are encouraged to read Dr. Nunnally’s article in Engrichment Journal: Judging Without Being Judgmental. The bottom line is simple. God provides spiritual gifts in balance to all members, FOR all members.
1 Cor. 12:26
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Today’s discussion continues the conversation on “giftings” within the body of Christ. Though not an exhaustive study, the session touches on bravery, faith and the keen importance God places on Spirit-focused worship. “The age of spiritual giftings did not end with John’s last breath (on Patmos) in 99 AD.” The Holy Spirit was an active force in the Old Testament, and continues as a dynamic influence in the New. ‘God is either involved with us … or not.”
1 Corinthians 12:4,5,11; Romans 12:3,6; Ephesians 4:7
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This class session embarks on a discussion of Paul’s understanding of spiritual gifting. As it turns out, in both Jewish tradition and world history there are precedents for extraordinary language-events. Paul carefully convenes a discussion of this heritage and brings Godly order to Pentecostal standards and practices. “I will pray with the spirit; I will pray with the mind.”
1 Cor 1:12; 14:22; Romans 8:26; Romans 8:26; 12:9; 1 Thes 5:19; 1 Peter 4:10-12; Jude 1:20; Acts 2;2, 10,14
© Copyright 2014 by Wave Nunnally, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED