The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts

Great book. Does well in thoroughly explaning spiritual gifts and does well with exegesis as well as practical life application.

Storms, Sam. (2002) The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. Dr. Storms stays true to the title and offers an insightful introductory primer on Spiritual gifts, namely the "charismata" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 by the apostle Paul. Storms weaves non-technical exegesis in related texts, personal testimonies of his relation to the exercise of gifts, historical citations of the Spiritual gifts, cautions, and encouragement. At 165 pages, it is not overwhelming and will serve as a very good book for the curious, as well as for an initial study guide for a church that wishes to introduce to its members the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Sam Storms also heads up his own website, which is a tremendous resource for Biblical Studies, Theology, and Church History. At that cite, you will find additional material relating to what he touches on in this book. In relation to my personal thesis research, this book mentions Peter's usage of Joel on two specific occasions: one dealing with the potential for participation in the gift of prophecy and the other dealing with the inclusion of females in the exercise of prophecy. In answering the question, "Is it okay to pursue prophecy?", Storms (2002:87) replies: Not only is it OK, it's mandatory. In 1 Corinthians 14:1 Paul commanded us to desire earnestly spiritual gifts, "especially that you may prophesy"....This is truly an astounding statement....The pursuit of prophecy is a moral and spiritual obligation to which we must devote ourselves. The guiding texts behind Storms conclusion not only lays in Paul's desire that the church especially desire prophecy as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14, but also in Peter's quotation of Joel on Pentecost (2002:88): We must also keep in mind Peter's quotation in Acts 2 of Joel's prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Spirit. The result of this effusion of the Spirit is that "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). The characteristic feature of this present church age is the revelatory activity of the Spirit (dreams and visions), which forms the basis for prophetic utterance. Not all will be prophets...but it would appeal that all may prophesy. On the point of the church age being one of God's presence through Spirit-endued gifts, I am agreed. There is some debate among scholars on whether this epoch began even before Pentecost and is preceded by the revelatory activity Luke records early on in his gospel. Luke begins his gospel with some accounts of prophetic utterance that aren't found in the other gospels, namely Elizabeth's Spirit-inspired speech (Lk. 1:41-45), Zechariah's prophecy (Lk. 1:67-79), Simeon's prophesy that prompted Joseph and Mary to marvel (Lk. 2:25-35), and Anna's ministry to all in the temple (Lk. 2:36-39). It appears that Luke intends to bring attention to God's presence among His people even before and during the birth of Messiah. Zechariah was praying for a child and God responds with revelation.

This was my introduction to Sam Storm's writing, and is by far my favorite book on the gifts of the Spirit. Charismatic, not excessive, and Scriptural, I was both challenged and built up by reading it. Since I have read "Pleasures Evermore", and have found it to be equally good. Storms has here done us a service by connecting the heart of Spirit-filled faith with a solid Spirit-inspired Scriptural basis. Bless him for doing so, and read this book.