“Gifts Differ,” per “The Grace Given To Us” On occasions, I have been ask

[Reformer]

"Gifts Differ," per "The Grace
Given To Us"

         

On occasions, I have been asked if I make a distinction between natural and supernatural gifts, frequently referred to as "spiritual gifts" in the Scriptures. Yes, of course. I consider captivating singing a natural gift. Natural and supernatural gifts are different in scope or range. The former comes through natural means or development, the latter comes from God's unique power—such as speaking in a foreign tongue without having studied the language, or healing someone with a chronic disease. In either case, however, God is the Giver—whether natural or supernatural.
 
    As noted, supernatural gifts are referred to in the scriptures as "spiritual gifts" [see Rom. 1:11, 1 Cor. 1:7, 12:1, 14:1, 14:12]. They are never described as "supernatural," nor do they need to be. For, after all, the term points to that which is outside the normal experience—"extraordinary," in other words.

  To illustrate, in the beginning of our Earth's existence, God supernaturally/miraculously created vegetation. He then left it to the natural process of growth. But whether the vegetation is naturally or supernaturally formed, God is the Author. So it is with gifts—all gifts, whether natural, supernatural, or miraculous. Regardless of their nature, they are spiritual gifts in that God has conferred them. Singing falls into the natural category, while healing the sick miraculously falls into the supernatural category. Yet both are spiritual gifts. "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you ..." [Rom. 1:11].
 
    If God has not blessed us with the gift of public speaking, we should not strive to strengthen others by our feeble efforts. And so it is with singing. If God has not blessed us with the gift of singing, we should not attempt to edify others through the avenue of music. Oh, we may praise the Lord by attempting to sing, and He would receive our efforts as joyful sounds, but we ought not try to strengthen/edify our fellow believers by trying to sing, publicly.
 
    "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" [Rom. 12:6]. In or out of the assembly, let the gifted singers sing [1 Cor. 14:26]. Let the gifted teachers teach. Let the gifted leaders lead. Let the gifted encouragers encourage. Let the gifted contributors give generously. Let the person who is specially gifted in showing mercy do it cheerfully [Rom. 12:6-8 & 1 Cor. 12].
 
    In the process, we all will utilize our gifts—whatever they are. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another" [1 Peter 4:10-11].  This, my dear readers, is mutual ministry! The one-man edifier [pulpiteer] would be totally out of place in a family setting such as this.
 

Special Endnote

     Supernatural and miraculous gifts bestowed upon certain ones, such as the Apostles, were prevalent during the early stages of the redeemed community. Apparently, God felt that during the childhood and adolescent stages of the faith community, it needed extraordinary assistance to reach a state of maturity—consequently, the gifts of miraculous healing. It is truly questionable if those "preachers" today who claim to have that gift is legitimate. 
 
   In my lifetime, I have observed many "Fly-By-Night Faith Healers" who have fallen by the wayside after being exposed. For them, their sun has already set—for thinking they were given the keys to the kingdom, they were therefore locked out by a power greater than their own.—Buff.