Customer Reviews

19 Gifts of the Spirit

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Dr. Flynn states that his book is Charismatic and that the gifts are supernatural. Unfortunately, his definitions of some of the gifts are limited. He does not use the traditional definition of charismatic. He holds to the convention that God gives no new revelations, only that written Scripture is clarified.

For example, "Word of Knowledge" according to the author, "enables the believer to search, systemize and summarize the teachings of the word of God." It is then shared with others. The difference between this and teaching, he says, depends whether we emphasize communication or knowledge. Thoughout the book, he implies that some of the gifts are not for today and if they are for today, that they are for set and determinable circumstances.

A good point the auther made, was lack of a gift does not excuse us from abstaining in a particular area. For example, we all should give and exercise mercy regardless of whether we have the gifts or giving and mercy. He made many other good points as well.

What we have to realize is that we are all the body of Christ. How we define the gifts is not something that will keep us out of heaven or get us in.

For most of my Baptist brothers and sisters in Christ, this book is for you. My Assembly of God brothers and sisters probably will not agree with some of the definitions used and some of the limitations placed on the gifts. My other brothers and sisters, it depends on your definition of "charismatic." I have to admit, if I was Baptist, I'd give the book a 5 star rating.

In addition, regardless of the interpretation of the Scriptures on this subject matter, the book is well written and well organized. It is easy to follow and holds your attention.

I read this book when it first came out in the 1970s and recently got the updated version. I have always found it helpful, but wish Flynn had not limited himself to 19 gifts (what about the gifts of intercession, creativity and craftsmanship?). The book is very helpful for the gifts it does cover, though.

Ever read a book of this type that just drones on and you say to yourself, "just get to your point!" Well, this one makes the point without being wordy. It's great to use for busy adults who want something thought provoking with great scripture referance. It's great for adult Bible Studies for folks that don't have alot of time for homework or prep but want to grow spiritually and be challanged on what was thought to be their Spiritual Gift(s). Only negative is that this rewrite from the original (1970's)could have updated some of the examples that adults under age 40 may not be familiar with.

Dr. Flynn does a great job of breaking down a large subject that can be difficult to understand. Unlike many commentaries, this one is straight forward, with illustrative stories. It is biblically sound and the women in my Bible study have found it very helpful in furthering their understanding (as well as mine) of spiritual gifts in general, as well as which gifts they possess. I highly recommend this book!

I found that this book wrote more on the indiviual gifts than most commentaries and theologies that I've read

This book was a huge learning for me! I understand myself and my gifts more fully and I am using it daily in my coaching practice! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

If you are tired of the Charismatic and Pentecostal confusion surrounding the subject of the Fruits of the Spirit this book is a breath of fresh air. Written from a dispensational interpretation of the Scriptures it tenderly encourages the use of and development of your own Fruit of the Spirit to the betterment of the Church of Christ as a whole and even your own local church of which you may be a member.

In the spirit of the fruit - the main one - love, I respond. Having read the book, I too found the information more useful toward the Baptist denominational followers more so than Charismatics just as one other reviewer has mentioned.

I disagreed respectfully with a number of statements which seem almost qualified with scripture given but leave somewhat of a questionable nature on the actual and factual method for delivery.

It would seem the gift Giver is obviously the one to seek, not the gifts. Jesus pointed out He would send the Helper and greater things would be accomplished. Nevertheless, Jesus did point out the Helper would be sent. Since the Helper is the Holy Spirit and the giver of gifts then why wouldn't anyone want to follow through with their ministry or just being a Christian in seeking out the most beneficial gifts that would make that person a more effective Christian in his/her life as well as a giver of the message of love to all those in the world?

In a nutshell, you may have some success as many ministers, evangelists, etc. have had in doing the good battle and having done all stood; however, some of the persons quoted as not having the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but still leading effective ministries arises for question as well. Dr. Moody I believe is one of the prime examples that questioned two women in his services as to why they prayed for him and their response to effect being 'because you need power'. To which on a later date he sought that power and upon receiving it became aware that his effectiveness in preaching advanced by leaps and bounds from his previous methods.

Billy Graham in his book on the Holy Spirit even admits there are some things he cannot explain. Could that be because there is an actual furthering beyond the intial salvation experience. And again, the query as to what constitutes an "experience" vice a validated biblical foundation for such an action is qualified by Christ -
Amplified Bible, Mark 16:17 "And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well."

Then why not ask for it? Amplified Bible, Luke 11:13 - If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!

About those "tongues", the statement in the book similar to "why didn't the converted 3,000 at Pentecost speak in unknown tongues if it was to be an evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?" Who's to say some did not? The initial focus was upon receiving Christ as savior first and foremost; however, that does not nullify the possibility that those same 3,000, or a part thereof, sought the gift of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.

I find it rather difficult to equate the gift of such a wondrous and divine experience to Hindus, Mormons, Zulus, etc. as mentioned in the book without qualification of 1 John 4:1-4 Amplified Bible, 1.BELOVED, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
2By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source];

3And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.

4Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

It is interesting that the author points out "forbid not" under the portion concerning speaking in tongues. This seems to be a qualifier in itself.

Another questionable avenue of thought in the book was the "inconsistency of Paul to deliver in his other letters more information concerning this most controversial of gifts "speaking in tongues" which the author points out as a proof that it is not that important. His argument is the Corinthians had a problem which needed to be addressed. I would have to say to that point, aren't we all Corinthians in this day with not only that problem but others as well? Paul on the other hand addressed other problems - law vs faith as in Galatians for example in which he was very upset with that group of followers. How about in the book of Romans in having to settle that the Gentiles are also given the gift of salvation?

And what about Paul speaking more than anybody else in "tongues"? I don't think he really had a problem with it. Why should we?

People don't just automatically start speaking in tongues, there has to be a source. I would think it's obvious - the Holy Spirit if asked will bless. If you ask for healing do you receive it, if you ask for anything from God do you not expect Him to answer. Doesn't it say:

Amplified Bible: Matthew 7:7,8 - Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.

8For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

Obviously the other gifts are not questioned, but this one is isolated. Rather than isolating it and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, perhaps it should be characterized as the will of God as a sign as was indicated in the early Church and is still being used as such in this day and present age; and, perhaps we should be a lot more careful on trying to disprove it and rather accept it having studied and gained and move in faith.

Amplified Bible: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Do we disqualify angels because they were present in the past? Do we question God and say that was then, this is now and different? Do we discredit God by saying we are in the age of science and therefore faith has no substance?

In essence, do we put God in a box and expect Him to stay there because of our humanism and lack of understanding?

To that I say, choose. Either God is real or He is not. If He is, then why wouldn't all of the signs and wonders and gifts and the Holy Spirit follow just as Jesus said. And more that He hasn't even revealed to us yet? God, being so loving and having such long-suffering puts up with us. We're the problem, but He has given the solution.

As far as entries on Campus Crusade for Christ as a foundational stone to go by in the book, here is my experience. In the year 1973, March 14 at New Mexico State University, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and became acquainted with Him through a reading of the tract the 4 Spiritual Laws. The blessed man who led me to the Lord, Gary Ramm, who I thank and think very highly of to this day and discipled me in sharing my faith with others was an incredible person to look up to. My experience was a complete turn around so much so that a great many students on the campus became quite aware of my life changing experience, many of which could not explain what happened to me but said at the time "He Got Religion". I did not get "religion" but it became quite clear what I did get was Jesus Christ and a 180 degree about face. I became BOLD and ON FIRE for the Lord.

I also read the other tract Campus Crusade for Christ had at the time about the "Infilling of the Spirit". I knew there seemed to be more than just the initial faith-based asking of the Lord into my life (Revelation 3:20). Later, as my student teaching proceeded in my next to last semester at Las Cruces, New Mexico, I went back to Aztec and Farmington, New Mexico. There I met a couple that were Christians but very unique. I queried that difference and was told to read 1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14. I studied those chapters inside and out, upside and downside, but they just did not make any sense. I questioned the authority of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I even went so far as to attend a Full Gospel Business Men's Meeting in which the Lt Gov of New Mexico spoke. I listened intently. When the invitation for receiving Christ as saviour was given I saw nothing contrary to what I had seen before and the enriching and overflowing of love that poured out was inspiring. Then the call for those who would like to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit went out and I went up. I did receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and arose laughing and speaking in tongues. I became BOLDER and MORE ON FIRE for the Lord.

Upon my return to NMSU, I ran into a fellow Christian. After a short but pleasant visit and fellowship we set about to drive onto the campus. However, his car would not start. I told him, let's pray and lay hands upon it. We did and the car started right up with the lights on. He told me, this is just like some of the things that had happened in the past.

When I met the one that led me to the Lord, he could not explain what had happened to me, but did tell me he thought I was going down the wrong path. Talk about an unsettling experience! Here I was attempting to follow the Lord closer than I've ever been and to be told I was wrong - well, it was heartbreaking. I could not deny what happened to me, but yet the enemy sought to set me on a path of questioning myself as well as those whom I knew were sincere Christians.

Later, the Campus Crusade for Christ members along with the Navigators held a meeting to discuss the strange happenings that were taking place all over campus as the Holy Spirit continued to be poured out upon more and more students. From my roommate's feedback who attended the meeting, "They decided it is not for today and there's nothing to it." Eventually, my roommate attended a Full Gospel Business Men's Meeting within the city in which one of his former employers was the speaker. This man whom my roommate had a close kinship to convinced him that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was real. My roommate asked for the gift and came back speaking in tongues. Before this he would attempt to do so and it was obviously just jibberish, the transition to the real deal was incredibily wonderful.

I could go on and on about how my dearest friend the Holy Spirit has done miraculous things in my life and has led me to the feet of Jesus in understanding more and more the sacrifice the Father allowed to happen.

And normally, I would let this pass; however, I think I would be remiss if I did not say something.

The good Doctor's book does have some wonderful direction, but it seems to lack "meat" and I mean to say that in the most respectful way I can. It leads to the possibilities of interest and "experiences" which is in opposition to "biblical based" guidance as he puts it. However, let's just say suppose the Holy Spirit, Jesus, God the Father - the trinity wants you to pray for someone to receiver their sight? Can you do it? What if you're the only one around that person trusts to pray for him/her? Are you going to shirk and pass it off or will you allow God to give you the gift necessary to accomplish the task as it presents itself. I think a lot of us feel very disqualified when God is actually telling us you are equipped, if you're not then ask and get equipped. That's not to say just go out there without the direction of the Holy Spirit, but it is saying maybe He's calling you for greater things and "us" being just a bit shy may be holding things up. Again, seek the gift giver.

For those of you seeking the Gift Giver, I would highly recommend Catherine Marshall and her book "The Helper". In fact, Doctor, I would highly recommend it for you as well, I think you will see something even more incredible and I look forward and challenge you to write a better update on your book after you have studied a lot more.

And as far as Campus Crusade for Christ, they gave me the left foot of fellowship simply because I was too on fire for the Lord for them to handle.

Be it known, like Joshua, Amplified Bible: Joshua 24:15 - And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Let me tell you of a dream I once had and then a second dream of like nature. I saw Jesus standing to my left facing me. To my right was a door. I watched as Jesus opened the door outward. Inside was a room full of glittering gold and silver objects. I smiled and picked one of the objects up and turned to the Lord. To my dismay, I saw a saddened look upon his face and I realized what I had done. Instead of being intent upon the Lord, I was intent upon the gift but now the door was closed and I could not put the object back. A few months later I had a similar dream, but this time when the Lord opened the door I did not take anything, instead I put the gift back that I already had and looked up at Jesus. He smiled at me and said, "Now you have learned that I am your source for all good gifts and the focus upon which you should concentrate, the door is opened for you to use any gift I desire for you to use for the benefit of others, enter and I will guide you." To that I reached up and took hold of Jesus hand and we entered the room. To my surprise I discovered it was a storehouse of gifts without end.

From the two dreams I have found whatever gift the Lord wants to use on a day by day basis seems to be the right one. Oftentimes, it's more than one. Sometimes it's praying for someone to receive a physical heart for a transplant, sometimes it's simply a kind word to the janitor and letting her know she's doing a great job, sometimes it's speaking to a supervisor to let them know I work as unto the Lord.

But sometimes it's praying in tongues while taking five mile long walks, praying with the gift of faith with a pastor who's church was vandalized and burnt to the ground and expecting the rebuilding to begin immediately with funding sources God opens up, or speaking to people who have died and come back from the dead with a good report that Heaven does exist. And sometimes it's demonstrating the act of writing which I believe is a talent God has given me and which more and more of you will witness as I allow my Lord and Saviour to use me as He sees fit.

One more thing which I do agree with the good Doctor on that I did learn from his book concering prophesy involving encouragement. If this be prophesy then it be a good thing: May God, the author and finisher of your faith, enrich your lives and direct your paths in all the ways that you should go and strengthen your hearts with the truth of the word as directed by the Holy Spirit. And as Campus Crusade has indicated: God does love you and does have a plan for your life.