Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, ActsIntro:Acknowledge the "rowdy" service from the previous week.Share a positive interaction with a long-time pastor regarding the service.Reiterate the permission granted to ask for the Holy Spirit's power and authority.Address the controversy surrounding spiritual gifts in the church.Key Points:Three Camps of Belief:Cessationists: Supernatural gifts ceased with the apostles or the completion of scripture.Continuationists (Charismatics): Supernatural gifts are for every generation.Open but Cautious: Open to gifts but hesitant to pursue them.Cessationist Argument and Counter-Arguments:Argument: Gifts were exclusively for apostles to validate their message.Counter: Scripture shows gifts were given to various people, not just apostles.Argument: Gifts ceased with the completion of scripture (1 Corinthians 13).Counter: "Perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13 refers to Jesus's return, not the Bible.Continuationist Argument:Gifts are for today; the church still needs building up.Lack of biblical evidence for cessation.Stereotypes and Realities:Stereotypes of both cessationists and continuationists are often inaccurate.Call to move beyond stereotypes and engage with people.The "Open but Cautious" Camp:Often closed in practice despite open theology.Challenge to be truly open and move beyond neutrality.Why Eagerly Desire Gifts?Scriptural Command: 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 12:31: "Eagerly desire the greater gifts."Loving: Gifts are for building up the body (1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Corinthians 13).Desiring God: Gifts are manifestations of God's presence (Sam Storms).Evangelism: Gifts demonstrate God's reality to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).How to Pursue Gifts:Consume Scripture: Let the Bible shape your understanding and desire.Reject Abuse as an Excuse: God gives guidelines for using gifts rightly.Understand the Purpose: Gifts are for mission and building up the church.Embrace the Supernatural: God does the "super," we do the "natural."Step Forward: Engage with those experiencing gifts and examine the fruit.Conclusion:Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts is a command and a loving act.Gifts are for God's glory, building up the church, and reaching the lost.We must move beyond neutrality and pursue God in His fullness.Call to Action:Read and study the scriptures regarding spiritual gifts.Examine your own heart and identify any resistance to the gifts.Pray for a hunger and desire for the Holy Spirit's gifts.Step out in faith and practice using the gifts in loving service.Build relationships with those who operate in the gifts.Test all things, including your own attitudes, against scripture. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.