Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr Adenilton Tavares de Aguiar, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-spiritual-gifts-it-is-written-discussion-with-the-author/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-spiritual-gifts-it-is-written-discussion-with-the-author

View an in-depth discussion of Spiritual Gifts in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

1. Have you been envious of others’ gifts? Which ones, and why?

2. Have you ever encountered a believer or congregation who spoke a different language? To what extent did you experience the Holy Spirit’s ability to overcome this particular barrier to connection?

3. Has sharing in the Holy Spirit ever helped you overcome a worldly barrier that otherwise might have gotten in the way of connection with another believer (culture, ethnicity, worship style, socioeconomic status, theological perspective, politics, etc.)?

4. Paul’s list of gifts is clearly not exhaustive. What gifts that are not listed have you come to appreciate in your church members more and more?

5. What gifts do you think are underappreciated in the body of Christ, but are essential to it?

6. The Greek word for gift, charisma (root for the English word “charismatic”), is a divinely given favor for the common good, not a personal possession. Our author points out that the mere presence of a gift is not a sign of spiritual superiority. In that light, how can a charisma be misused, or even amplify the harm a person could do?

7. Have you ever been in a church where there was clearly a competitive feel about gifts and ministries? What was that like? What effect did it have on the body of Christ?

8. The parable of the talents starkly teaches us that every single member has the ability to use God-given talents for the kingdom. How well does your local church do at calling forth everyone’s gifts? What change would bring forth more empowerment of everyone’s God-given gifts in your congregation?

9. Our author points out that there are different meanings of the word “prophet.” The word can mean “one who speaks for another,” or “one who speaks in advance.” Thus, a prophet may make future predictions, but also may be the person who shares the perspective of God speaking into a current situation as well. Do you think most of our church members understand both kinds of prophet? Which kind of prophet has been more helpful to you in your spiritual journey? Why?

10.      How would you describe the proper use of Ellen White’s writings? What assumptions, principles, or evidence guide your answer about both the value and the limits? 

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-discussion-starters-spiritual-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-discussion-starters-spiritual-gifts