Quote:
Originally Posted by Esaias
One the one hand, we have the idea that the gifts are lacking because people are not measuring up to high standards. Then on the other hand we have the idea that the gifts are disconnected from and not dependent on any such moral, ethical, or doctrinal standards.
Which seems to me to be a bit of a paradox. If gifts are not dependent on orthodoxy or morality or spirituality (!), then there ought to be no lack at all of charismata in today's church world.
On the other hand, if there IS a connection - that "no man can do these works except he be sent by God" - then either a lot of "gifts" simply aren't or we need to seriously re-evaluate our entire understanding of the whole subject.
And I think sometimes we generally forget that the gifts are "operations/working of the Spirit" not operations or workings of the individual. God does what He wants when He wants how He wants using whomever He wants. If gifts are lacking it may just be due to the fact that at THAT time God doesn't want to do that. Perhaps to remind an assembly just how dependent they need to be on the PRESENT manifest presence of God.
Which reminds me - if the manifestation of the Spirit is literally the manifesting presence of Jehovah God, then it would seem incongruous for people not in line with the will of God in at least some fundamental, basic sense, to be running around "manifesting the gifts". |
So many things to consider.
2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
There is also a degree of faith required. Gifts are simply spoken against in so many congregations, that if one had one they would not use it! The variables are endless.
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