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PLEASE JOIN US ALWAYS HERE * THE GIFTS AND MINISTRIES OF THE SPIRIT * 1. Definition of a donation A gift of grace, or "charisma," is a spiritual capacity given from above. It is more than a natural aptitude, although the Holy Spirit bestows talents on each according to his own capacity (Mat 25:15), so that the Lord takes into account natural aptitudes when he sovereignly distributes gifts and talents for service (Eph 4.8); but natural ability alone does not make the gift. It must absolutely be conferred by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12, the various gifts are described as manifestations of the Spirit. They are seen to be exercised by the Holy Spirit: "One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing them to each one in particular as he wills. »(1 Cor 12.11) The Lord is the giver; but here the Spirit of God is the one through whom the gift is transmitted, and the one who makes it effective - the power by which the Lord works. Ministry is the exercise of spiritual gift, service performed with responsibility to Christ. The functions of elders and deacons are offices which are generally distinct from the gifts, with a more marked local aspect. However, we must be careful not to distinguish too much between gifts and offices: in the list of gifts in Romans 12, the word “service” elsewhere designates the office of the deacon (1 Tim 3: 8); the word "to preside", "to rule" in Romans 12.8 is the duty of the overseer, of the "bishop" (1 Tim 3: 4-5; 5:17); finally, being a pastor is a spiritual gift (Eph 4:11), but tending the flock is the function of the elders (Act 20:27; 1 Pet 5: 1). The important thing is not to neglect the gift that God has given to "everyone": - "Do not neglect the gift which is in you. ”(1 Tim 4:14); - "I urge you to rekindle the flame of the gift of God that you have received. "(2 Tim 1.6) 2. The different gifts 2.1. Fundamental gifts The N.T. provides at least four lists of donations. That of Ephesians 4 is particularly important, because it mentions the main gifts which edify the assembly: "He gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers. "(Eph 4:11) • The apostles The Twelve Apostles had a unique place in the establishment of the Church that could not be passed on to others. They were special witnesses of the Lord's resurrection (Acts 1.22; 1 Cor 9.1; 15.5-8). In this sense, therefore, there can be no "apostolic succession" after the foundation they have established (Eph 2:20). Apart from the Twelve, the Bible mentions other apostles (1 Cor 9.5-6): Paul (Rom 1.1), Barnabas (Act 14.14), Andronicus and Junias (Rom 16.7), James, the brother of the Lord (Gal 1.19) , Silas and Timothy (1 Thes 2.6). Today, some missionaries who have left to plant new churches are doing work akin to that of the apostles. • The prophets The prophets of N.T. were direct messengers of divine revelation (eg Act 21.10). Now that the canon of Scripture is complete, the prophet brings the truth to light and, through the powerful action of the Spirit on souls, applies that truth to present circumstances. This gift is very useful and Paul strongly encourages its exercise (1 Cor 14: 1, 3, 31-32). • Evangelists The evangelist is the instrument that God usually uses to bring souls to Christ. Not all believers are evangelists; all should have the love of souls and be ready to lead a sinner to Christ (2 Tim 4: 5). But those who have received the gift of evangelism have a real passion for souls; they learned to present the gospel, to lead souls to conversion, to distinguish between true distress and superficial feelings, between reality and mere profession (see Acts 8 and 21.8). • Pastors The Greek word designates a shepherd, that is, someone who provides food and care for the sheep of the flock. The pastor takes care of the people of God; he sees that the sheep do not go astray, and works to bring them back if they stray in indifference or worldliness. He h