What are spiritual gifts and what are they for? What is the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift? Today's episode is a continuation of the conversations from the last few weeks. Steve defines a spiritual gift as a special enabling that a Christian is given to primarily serve the body of Christ and to build up the body of Christ. Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4 are where much of the understanding about this comes from. Each believer in Christ has been given a spiritual gift so that the person can function in a local body of believers for Christ's honor and glory. With this in mind it is important to know that no gift or person is better or more important than another. Every part is needed for the health of the body of believers. Rich describes it beautifully by saying that each believer is a gift to the Church. What is the connection between a spiritual gift and a natural talent? Steve and Rich break that down and give insight into how to use natural abilities for the Church. An easy way to sum up this whole episode would be to say that if you have placed your faith in Christ when the Holy Spirit came to reside in you, He gave you a spiritual gift. Exercising this gift in the body of Christ is so important, it is the main purpose. It is so important that every Christian grasps and understands this.

S.H.A.P.E. Test

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What is the evidence that someone has received salvation? Steve and Rich are talking about this today as a continuation of last week's discussion on the fruit of the Spirit. Gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to everyone who puts their faith and trust in Christ. Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 are referenced many times throughout this episode. What do these gifts of the Spirit mean? Steve shares that he feels a major misunderstanding in the church today is that these gifts are to be used to encourage the body of Christ. It is not a matter of simply identifying the personal gifts but being active in using them. Rich states that it is essential that believers use their gifts. Steve and Rich also take a few minutes to talk about Biblical sign gifts, specifically speaking in tongues. It is important to think through these gifts. Does God still work miraculous healing today? This and so much more is discussed in this episode!

S.H.A.P.E. Test

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Have you ever prayed or heard someone pray, "Lord, fill us with your Spirit?" Rich and Steve are talking about the holy spirit this week, specifically the indwelling and activity of it. Following and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit produces certain attributes in the life of a Christian. It is the idea of not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Is the filling of the Spirit something that happens as an isolated event or is it something that comes and goes? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Looking at this list is helpful when thinking about growing in maturity in Christ. Rich talks about praying to yield to the Holy Spirit. A believer should continually humble themselves before the Lord. Thankfully there is still so much grace God offers as we seek to grow in these fruits of the Spirit. So much of it involves surrendering. There is so much practical wisdom packed into this episode. We would recommend a second listen and that you share it with those around you.

Resident Strangers episode on The Holy Spirit - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vhDtsysmBB4FPZR0Msxnt?si=0dbdaa4da4554f11

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.