Charismata & the Charismata & the ChurchChurch

4-Hour Seminar by Yee Tham WanGlad Tidings Assembly, Klang

4 & 11 July, 2008

Intensity in StudiesIntensity in Studies

SermonSermonFellowship/Fellowship/

Sunday SchoolSunday SchoolInteractive Interactive ClassroomClassroom

The education program of the Church needs to include The education program of the Church needs to include allall of these of these in in balancebalance..

Low Commitment High Commitment

Low Expectations High Expectations

Devotional Foundational

Encouragement for the week

Theology for a lifetime

Short-term life change Long-term life change

Exhortation Education

4 Areas of Theological Curriculum4 Areas of Theological Curriculum

• BIBLE – Biblical TheologyBIBLE – Biblical Theology

• HISTORY – Historical TheologyHISTORY – Historical Theology

• THEOLOGY – Systematic TheologyTHEOLOGY – Systematic Theology

• PRAXIS (PRACTICE) – Parctical TheolgyPRAXIS (PRACTICE) – Parctical Theolgy

Pentecostals put a lot of premium on the Pentecostals put a lot of premium on the BIBLE and PRAXIS.BIBLE and PRAXIS.

Pentecostal Theological “Leap”Pentecostal Theological “Leap”

HistoryHistory

TheologyTheology

BibleBible PraxisPraxis

““Book-ends” Model – The Book-ends” Model – The Pentecostals’ Leap of FaithPentecostals’ Leap of Faith

EARLY EARLY CHURCHCHURCH

2020thth/21/21stst C. C. CHURCHCHURCH

BIBLEBIBLE PRAXISPRAXIS

Church Church HistoryHistory

TheologyTheologyHistoryHistory

RESULT OF THE “LEAP”RESULT OF THE “LEAP”

• The Bible becomes “immediate” and therefore we are very confident of replicating today what is described in the Bible

• We ignore the historical and cultural distances between us and the Bible

• We do not appreciate the struggles, failures and achievements of the Church in history

• We are easily impressed with “new” theologies (although many of these are not really “new”)

Spiritual Enduement in the NT

Old Testament observations:

• Demonstrative . . . • External . . . • “Outside-in” . . . • Uncommon . . .• Special Individuals . . . • Transferable . . .

What are some NT observations?

• Transformative . . . • Internal . . . • “Inside-out” . . . • Common . . .• “All flesh” . . . • Direct Access . . .

Evangelicals often focus only on New Testament but Evangelicals often focus only on New Testament but Pentecostals include both Old and New Testaments.Pentecostals include both Old and New Testaments.

GIFT LISTS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Rom 12:6-8• 1Cor 12:8-10• 1Cor 12:28-30• Eph 4:11• (1Pet 4:10-11??)

““Distinguish between spiritual gifts and natural talents Distinguish between spiritual gifts and natural talents whenever possible. Every human being has some natural whenever possible. Every human being has some natural talent or other. This should not be confused with spiritual talent or other. This should not be confused with spiritual gifts. Christians have spiritual gifts: pagans do not. When gifts. Christians have spiritual gifts: pagans do not. When a person is born again and becomes a member of the Body a person is born again and becomes a member of the Body of Christ, God gives him or her a spiritual gift or gifts for of Christ, God gives him or her a spiritual gift or gifts for which he or she will be responsible. In doing this, God may which he or she will be responsible. In doing this, God may use a natural talent as raw material. If a person is an use a natural talent as raw material. If a person is an excellent teacher before conversion, for example, it is excellent teacher before conversion, for example, it is highly possible that God will give that person the gift of highly possible that God will give that person the gift of teaching. It also is possible that He won’t. We should not teaching. It also is possible that He won’t. We should not fall into the error of considering all spiritual gifts as just fall into the error of considering all spiritual gifts as just souped-up talents. The gift of prophecy may be a good souped-up talents. The gift of prophecy may be a good example of a spiritual gift which would have no natural example of a spiritual gift which would have no natural talent as a predecessor.”talent as a predecessor.”

Spiritual Gifts and Natural Spiritual Gifts and Natural TalentsTalents

Wagner’s List

• Prophecy (Rom 12:6)• Service (Rom 12:7)• Exhortation (Rom 12:8)• Giving (Rom 12:8)• Leadership (Rom 12:8)• Mercy (Rom 12:8)• Wisdom (1Cor 12:8)• Knowledge (1Cor 12:8)• Faith (1Cor 12:9)• Healing (1Cor 12:9)• Miracles (1Cor 12:10)• Discerning of spirits (1Cor 12:10)• Tongues (1Cor 12:28)

Thompson’s List of Charismata

• Apostles• Prophets• Pastors/Teachers• Evangelists• Service• Distributing, Showing Mercy• Giving Leadership• The Gift of Exhortation• The Word of Wisdom• The Word of Knowledge• Powers (Faith?)• Gifts of Healing• Glossolalia• Interpretation of Tongues• Distinguishing of Spirits

Grossman’s List of Charismata• PROPHECY• EXHORTATION• SERVICE• GIVING• MERCY• HEALING• MIRACLE-

WORKING• WORD OF

WISDOM• WORD OF

KNOWLEDGE• TEACHING

• LEADERSHIP• FAITH• DISCERNING OF

SPIRITS• SPEAKING IN

TONGUES• INTERPRETATION• SONG• REVELATION• MARTYRDOM• MARRIAGE AND

CELIBACY

Brandt’s Gift Lists

Gifts of MinistryGifts of Ministry Other Ministry GiftsOther Ministry Gifts Gifts of the SpiritGifts of the Spirit

(for leaders)(for leaders) (for Christians)(for Christians) (supernatural)(supernatural)ApostlesApostles Ministering (Prophecy?)Ministering (Prophecy?) Word of WisdomWord of Wisdom

ProphetsProphets TeachingTeaching Word of KnowledgeWord of Knowledge

EvangelistsEvangelists ExhortingExhorting FaithFaith

TeachersTeachers GivingGiving Gifts of HealingGifts of Healing

PastorsPastors RulingRuling Working of MiraclesWorking of Miracles

Showing MercyShowing Mercy ProphecyProphecy

HelpsHelps Discerning of SpiritsDiscerning of Spirits

Gift of TonguesGift of Tongues

Interpretation of Interpretation of TonguesTongues

Common Classification of the Nine Spiritual Gifts of 1Cor 12

Revelation Revelation GiftsGifts

CommunicatioCommunication Giftsn Gifts

DemonstratiDemonstration Giftson Gifts

Word of Word of WisdomWisdom

ProphecyProphecy FaithFaith

Word of Word of KnowledgeKnowledge

TonguesTongues HealingHealing

DiscernmenDiscernment of Spiritst of Spirits

Interpretation Interpretation of Tonguesof Tongues

Works of Works of MiraclesMiracles

Do you agree with this classification? Do you agree with this classification?

How would you classify spiritual gifts?How would you classify spiritual gifts?

Lim’s Classification (p. 65)

GIFTGIFT TYPETYPE REFERENCREFERENCEE

Wisdom Wisdom

KnowledgeKnowledgeTEACHINGTEACHING 1Cor 14:6-121Cor 14:6-12

FaithFaith

HealingHealing

MiraclesMiracles

ProphecyProphecy

Discerning of Discerning of SpiritsSpirits

MINISTRY TO MINISTRY TO CHURCH AND CHURCH AND

WORLDWORLD

1Cor 14:26-1Cor 14:26-4040

TonguesTongues

InterpretationInterpretationWORSHIPWORSHIP 1Cor 14:13-1Cor 14:13-

1919

Schwarz’s 3-Colors Gift Lists

• Artistic CreativityArtistic Creativity• CraftsmanshipCraftsmanship• GivingGiving• HospitalityHospitality• KnowledgeKnowledge• MercyMercy• MusicMusic• OrganizationOrganization• Voluntary PovertyVoluntary Poverty• WisdomWisdom

• ApostleApostle• CounselingCounseling• EvangelismEvangelism• HelpsHelps• LeadershipLeadership• MissionaryMissionary• ServiceService• ShepherdingShepherding• SinglenessSingleness• TeachingTeaching

• DeliveranceDeliverance• DiscernmentDiscernment• FaithFaith• HealingHealing• InterpretationInterpretation• MiraclesMiracles• PrayerPrayer• ProphecyProphecy• SufferingSuffering• TonguesTongues

Schwarz’s Trinitarian Approach

TRINITY

DIVINE WORKS

LIFE

CONVERSIONS

AUTHORITIES

TENDENCIES

DANGERS

SYMBOLS

Father, Creator, Father, Creator, Body, World, Body, World,

Science, Liberal, Science, Liberal, Syncretism, RainbowSyncretism, Rainbow

Spirit, Pentecost, Spirit, Pentecost, Spirit, Church, Spirit, Church,

Experience, Experience, Charismatic, Charismatic,

Spiritualism, DoveSpiritualism, Dove

Son, Calvary, Soul, Son, Calvary, Soul, Christ, Scripture, Christ, Scripture,

Evangelical, Evangelical, Dogmatism, CrossDogmatism, Cross

A Trinitarian Model of Ministry

1Cor. 12:4-6

Key Words:

“Different”

“Same”

There are There are different kinds of different kinds of workingworking but the but the

same same GodGod..

There are There are different kinds different kinds of of serviceservice but but

the same the same LordLord..

There are There are different kinds different kinds of of giftsgifts but the but the same same SpiritSpirit.. From this model,

we will build an understanding of

ourselves as ministers.

SONSON

FATHERFATHER

HOLY HOLY SPIRITSPIRIT

THE TRINITY AND SPIRITUAL THE TRINITY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS: A Simplistic GIFTS: A Simplistic Pentecostal Model.Pentecostal Model.

““MEDIATOR” (apportions)MEDIATOR” (apportions)

““GIVER” (creator/source)GIVER” (creator/source)

““GIFT” & “GIFTS” (empowers)GIFT” & “GIFTS” (empowers)

““HUMAN VESSELS” HUMAN VESSELS” (stewards)(stewards)““ALL FLESH”ALL FLESH”

Dualism, Monism, Holism: A Simplistic Diagrammatic Representation

DUALISM: Separated Categories. “Either/Or”Greek/Western“Neglected Middle”

MONISM: Confused Categories. “Neither/Nor” Eastern Mysticism“Finding the Balance”

HOLISM: Separated but Together. “Both/And”Biblical Holism“Holding the Tension”

Incarnational Model:Incarnational Model:“Tension” instead of “Tension” instead of

“Balance”“Balance”

HumanHuman DivineDivine

NOT “Either/Or” NOT “Either/Or” BUT “Both/And”BUT “Both/And”

Balance is often a weak compromise . . . neither here nor there. It often comes about when we

demand for a “resolution” even when

our human minds cannot find one.

Similar to the “Static” and “Dynamic” Poles

Schwarz’s Bipolar Ecclesiology

Dynamic Pole

Faith

Fellowship

Service

Static Pole

Doctrine

Sacraments

Office

Organic

Grow

Freedom

“Biotic automism”

Technical

Build

Order

Human-made

produces

stimulates

HOW TO IDENTIFY HOW TO IDENTIFY SPIRITUAL GIFTSSPIRITUAL GIFTS

Open your heart to God in prayerOpen your heart to God in prayer Be ready to apply your giftsBe ready to apply your gifts Get informedGet informed Begin with what you enjoyBegin with what you enjoy Experiment as much as possibleExperiment as much as possible Verify your effectivenessVerify your effectiveness Seek the opinion of othersSeek the opinion of others

What is Your Gift? What is Your Gift? Online Gifts Tests on the Online Gifts Tests on the

InternetInternet http://www.northcentral.edu/ssc/carhttp://www.northcentral.edu/ssc/car

eer/exploration.phpeer/exploration.php http://women.nnec.org/giftstests.htmhttp://women.nnec.org/giftstests.htm

ll

IMPORTANT: These tests are, at best, only indicative.

Stewardship: Relationship Stewardship: Relationship between charisma and between charisma and

ministryministryFor Paul, the relationship between charisma For Paul, the relationship between charisma and ministry was always integral. Charisma and ministry was always integral. Charisma without ministry denies the purpose of without ministry denies the purpose of charismatic endowment and ignores its grace charismatic endowment and ignores its grace character. Ministry without charisma denies character. Ministry without charisma denies the dynamic which makes ministry effective the dynamic which makes ministry effective and ignores its gift character.and ignores its gift character.

Schatzmann, Pauline Theology, 90

Which comes first? Charisma or ministry?Which comes first? Charisma or ministry?

Stewardship: Relationship Stewardship: Relationship between charisma and between charisma and

officeofficeIf we press the issue further, we can find If we press the issue further, we can find ourselves looking at a ourselves looking at a static “static “office paradigm” office paradigm” and a and a dynamic dynamic “ministry paradigm.”“ministry paradigm.”

CHARISMATIC OFFICECHARISMATIC OFFICE CHARISMATIC MINISTRYCHARISMATIC MINISTRY

POSITIONPOSITION FUNCTIONFUNCTION

STATICSTATIC DYNAMICDYNAMIC

SPIRIT DOMESTICATEDSPIRIT DOMESTICATED SPIRIT DEMOCRATIZEDSPIRIT DEMOCRATIZED

CAPACITYCAPACITY CAPABILITYCAPABILITY

““HUMAN VESSELS”: NATURAL-HUMAN VESSELS”: NATURAL-SUPERNATURAL CONTINUUMSUPERNATURAL CONTINUUM

To SEPARATE the natural and supernatural To SEPARATE the natural and supernatural is is dualisticdualistic

The issue of the “excluded middle” in the The issue of the “excluded middle” in the Enlightenment worldviewEnlightenment worldview

““Spirit of God” does NOT mean the Spirit of God” does NOT mean the invisible part of Godinvisible part of God

The Incarnation is NOT the only divine The Incarnation is NOT the only divine intervention in human historyintervention in human history

Pentecostals really subscribe to a holistic Pentecostals really subscribe to a holistic worldviewworldview

We can refer to a We can refer to a continuumcontinuum rather than rather than a a separationseparation

Word Study: “Word Study: “AnointingAnointing”” Greek: Greek: Christos; Christos; Hebrew: Hebrew: MeshechMeshech Gives us the Anglicized words, “Christ” and Gives us the Anglicized words, “Christ” and

“Messiah”“Messiah” NT test of orthodoxy: “Jesus is the Christ” (Acts NT test of orthodoxy: “Jesus is the Christ” (Acts

2:36, 3:20, 5:42, 9:22, 1Cor 12:3, 1Jn 4:1-3)2:36, 3:20, 5:42, 9:22, 1Cor 12:3, 1Jn 4:1-3) Israel’s leaderships (priests, kings, prophets) were Israel’s leaderships (priests, kings, prophets) were

“anointed”“anointed” In tracing the development of Israel’s leadership, we In tracing the development of Israel’s leadership, we

can see the development of the Messianic Persona; can see the development of the Messianic Persona; with the gradual investment of the entire leadership with the gradual investment of the entire leadership structure on structure on ONEONE anointed (Acts 4:25-26) anointed (Acts 4:25-26)

Even the use of the word, “anointing” among Even the use of the word, “anointing” among Pentecostal and Charismatic circles suggests a Pentecostal and Charismatic circles suggests a Christocentric pneumatologyChristocentric pneumatology

Therefore, Pentecostal/Charismatic theology of the Therefore, Pentecostal/Charismatic theology of the charismata is still strongly Christocentric.charismata is still strongly Christocentric.

PRACTISE OF THE GIFTS

• The Grace PrincipleThe Grace Principle– Gifts are not a badge of spiritual maturity

(1Cor 12:4)

• The Edification PrincipleThe Edification Principle– Gifts are given so that we may edify

others (1cor 12:7)

• The Participation PrincipleThe Participation Principle– Everyone has something to contribute

(1Cor 12:11)

1Thessalonians 5:19-221Thessalonians 5:19-22

Correct order to handle Correct order to handle “manifestations”:“manifestations”:

1.1. Do not put out the Spirit’s fireDo not put out the Spirit’s fire

2.2. Do not treat prophecies with Do not treat prophecies with contemptcontempt

3.3. Test everythingTest everything

4.4. Hold on to the goodHold on to the good

5.5. Avoid every kind of evilAvoid every kind of evil

TESTING THE SPIRITSTESTING THE SPIRITS

The test of kerygmatic tradition (1Cor The test of kerygmatic tradition (1Cor 12)12)

The test of love (1Cor 13)The test of love (1Cor 13)The test of building up (1Cor 14)The test of building up (1Cor 14)

“Standards of Assessment of Charismatic Community”

TESTING THE SPIRITS (1Jn 4:1-3)TESTING THE SPIRITS (1Jn 4:1-3)The Doctrinal Test (1Jn 4:2-3)The Doctrinal Test (1Jn 4:2-3)The Ethical Test (Gal 5:22-23)The Ethical Test (Gal 5:22-23)The Freedom Test (Jn 8:36; Gal 5:1; The Freedom Test (Jn 8:36; Gal 5:1;

2Cor 3:17)2Cor 3:17)The Normative Revelation Test (Gal The Normative Revelation Test (Gal

1:8)1:8)The Unity Test (Eph 4:3; Rom 16:17)The Unity Test (Eph 4:3; Rom 16:17)

Great Commission & the Holy SpiritGreat Commission & the Holy Spirit

Matthew 28:16-20Matthew 28:16-20Mark 16:9-20Mark 16:9-20Luke 24:37-53Luke 24:37-53 John 20:19-23John 20:19-23Acts 1:8Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit has a prominent role in The Holy Spirit has a prominent role in the Great Commission.the Great Commission.

From the anointed ministry of From the anointed ministry of Jesus to the anointed ministry of Jesus to the anointed ministry of

the Church . . .the Church . . .

Ministry of AscensionMinistry of AscensionMinistry as the “Body of Christ”Ministry as the “Body of Christ”Ministry of “Greater works”Ministry of “Greater works”Ministry of the SpiritMinistry of the Spirit