Name: Morgan Martin

Writing Style Used: APA

Course and Section Number: THEO 201-B28

Pneumatology: On spiritual Gifts Pneumatology is the doctrinal study of the Holy Spirit. This principle explains the character, responsibility, and authorization of the Holy Spirit and establishes the monotheistic correlation with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pneumatology explains that Jesus has both human and spiritual relationships much like Christ and He is a persona, and Jesus is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. The first use of “persona” is found in John 10:30 which says, “I and the Father are one” (New International Version). The word are refers to two persons who share the same power. He did not say, “I and the Father am one, but they are one. Jesus has been present from the beginning of time and created the world (Genesis 1:2) and originated from the father and sent forth from the son. Christ is present in all men all the time, but is woken at the time of salvation. The Holy Spirit is responsible for ones translation to Christ. He protects us from sin, and gives us spiritual gifts and emboldens the fruits of the spirit. One of the main duties of the Holy Spirit is to educate us on the Word, which reveals the truth in the Bible. One very special way Christians differ from non-Christians is through spiritual gifts. Everyone is different and unique; although one person may have the same spiritual gifts as another the way they carry them out is unique from one another. One very controversial spiritual gift is speaking in tongues. As Christians we should know how identify our spiritual gifts, and use them in a way that is going to lead others to Christ. If an old friend were to ask me to clarify the issue of speaking in tongues I would first get his opinion on the matter. Secondly, it would be important to clarify the meaning of spiritual gifts. Elwell text explains spiritual gifts as “Gifts of God enabling the Christian to preform his or her (sometimes) specialized service.” (p. 1135) It is likely that believers can have more than one spiritual gift, and there are countless spiritual gifts you can have. The sole purpose of spiritual gifts is to use them to glorify God and lead people to His kingdom.
After explaining the meaning of spiritual gifts I would then explain the difference of spiritual gifts and the fruit of the spirit. These are two ideas that believers often get confused, so it is important to me that I provide a deal of understanding about the two. Galatians 5:22 list the fruit of the spirits, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (NIV) These 7 fruits show a since of maturity in a believers relationship with Christ. Spiritual gifts are different because they must be practiced to reach their full potential. It could be shown that the fruit of the spirits are grown through out the Christians walk with the Lord. Concluding my friends question about speaking in tongues, I would have to find support for what speaking in tongues truly is. Elwell test says, “Speaking in tongues is communication between believers that is interpreted by the Holy Spirit, and otherwise would be incomprehensible. As a child I was taught that baptism is a public display of ones newfound faith in Jesus.