Cover Image: Exploring the Gifts of the Spirit

Exploring the Gifts of the Spirit

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Member Reviews

As an ordained pastor, I am always looking for more resources that teach on the mysteries of the gifts of the spirit. This text was excellent at explaining the power God has for believers. WIll use in classes.

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John Michael Talbot has been known as a Christian singer since the late 60’s and early 70’s. He joined the Roman Catholic Church in the late 70’s. Though his ministry is primarily a Catholic work, he continues to also reach out to the larger church.

The current work is an exploration of the Spiritual Gifts. He begins by exploring the history of the Spiritual Gifts within the church and the author’s own journey as he sought to understand their role within the church. He also explores the role of the Holy Spirit within Jesus’ own ministry and within the church.

It is unclear to this reader how the author chose the order to discuss the various gifts. He begins with what appears to be an historical order - “speaking in tongues” and the “interpretation of tongues,” as found in the book of Acts. He then begins to explore the gifts in the order listed in I Corinthians 12:4-11:

Words of wisdom
Words of knowledge
Faith
Healing
Miracles
Prophesy
Discernment of Spirit

Each of these chapters is heavily grounded in Scripture using the NIV (along with quotations from the ESV, The Message, and the NRSVCE). He also borrows from his lifetime of music to occasionally illustrate his thoughts. The insights John Michael Talbot provides are not only teachable concepts but also practical.

The final two chapters speak about, what the author calls, “lesser known gifts”: Administration, Rest, Tears, Ecstasy, Laughter, and Stigmata. These six topics are covered in less detail and in a single chapter. The author completes his study by looking at the “better way”: LOVE, giving it the same detail that he gave the earlier discussion of the gifts. He concludes by providing instruction for the Christian as they make their own spiritual journey. Important words for all believers, wherever they may be in that journey.
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<i>This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.</i>

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( received complementary copy in exchange for review ) My read thru of this title was as a reviewer, meaning that I did not give myself the same amount of time as I would if I was reading a book ' for myself '. With that said, I knew very shortly after starting that this is one book which I will certainly go back to. This book, in my opinion, is that of a workshop or mini course on exploring the gifts of the Spirit. Have already added this at the top of my re-read list, and will be sure to have a notebook and pen nearby.

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This was a great read. If you like reading and learning more about God and want to strengthen your daily reading of the Bible, then this is the one for you. It was insightful and full of great points. This can serve as a devotional or by itself.

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Thank you Netgalley and publishers for sending me this arc. I will be reviewing this book.properly in the near future with an honest teview.

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