Understanding Spiritual Gifts

‘If you are wanting an introduction to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, this book is for you. If you are already knowledgeable in the gifts of the Spirit, this is the book for you as well. It is a source book for the seasoned Christian. You should secure extra copies to give away. No one is more able to produce a balanced book like this than Dr. Sam Storms. With a solid background in the Word and the Spirit, he has written a book that will be edifying and God-honoring.’ * R. T. Kendall, minister of Westminster Chapel (1977–2002) *‘One drop of strength from the Divine Helper is better than a lifetime of committee meetings, strategy sessions, and building programs. Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have what it takes to love people and lead them to Christ. Yet, because of the Spirit’s power, we have everything we need! Many Christians, however, are confused. We wonder how to have a relationship with the Spirit. Are the gifts of the Spirit for our time? For my life? If so, how do I access and use them? These are essential questions in these last days. For that reason, this book is a timely resource. Sam Storms writes with the heart of a pastor and the skill of a scholar. His preparation is impressively thorough and detailed. This book will serve as a go-to tool for all of us who seek to walk in the Spirit.’ * Max Lucado, pastor and bestselling author *‘Sam Storms has given the body of Christ a gift in Understanding Spiritual Gifts. This is, without doubt, the best book I have ever read on the subject. Sam brings clarity to this often-misunderstood subject, awakening us to the necessity of spiritual gifts in order to live the fruitful lives God has designed for us, and to fulfill the mission he has assigned to us. It is time for the body of Christ to function as a whole, healthy, and strong body, which is impossible without the operation of the spiritual gifts given to us by God. This is a book for this hour.’ * Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel Women *‘Sam Storms has written the most comprehensive book on spiritual gifts I have ever seen. I can’t think of a question about the gifts that he does not address. And his answers are based on the simple statements of Scripture, not preconceived theories about the gifts. Although Sam is a scholar, this book is not a scholarly, theoretical examination of spiritual gifts. It is an eloquent, easy-to-read, practical explanation of each of the twenty-one spiritual gifts and why they are essential for the spiritual health of the church. Sam will help you discover your gift and learn how to use it effectively.’ * Jack Deere, author of Why I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit *‘When the opening sentence of the first chapter of this book is ‘Christianity is inescapably supernatural,’ readers are immediately alerted to the necessity–not the luxury, not the option–of the presence, empowerment, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Who better than Sam Storms to walk us through this essential subject? With constant reference to Scripture, Sam tackles such pressing matters as desiring and praying for spiritual gifts in the light of God’s sovereignty, and how to discover one’s gift(s). And he does not shy away from controversial topics such as continuationism vs. cessationism, the nature of speaking in tongues and its related gift of interpretation, and whether there are still apostles today. From a continuationist, Calvinist perspective on spiritual gifts and in a way that shuns irresponsible (mis) representations of other viewpoints, Understanding Spiritual Gifts will certainly be the standard work for years to come.’ * Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *

Sam Storms (PhD, University of Texas) is founder of Enjoying God Ministries, which provides biblical and theological resources to the body of Christ. He is also the senior pastor of Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City and a former professor. Storms travels both in the United States and abroad, speaking at churches and conferences. He is the author of over two-dozen books and a contributor to the Zondervan Counterpoints volume Are the Miraculous Gifts for Today?