Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts

by Christopher Cone

The Christian life is intended to be a relationship with God. Too often we emphasize what He has done for us, but fail to appreciate who He actually is. Gifted focuses the readers’ attention not just on the gifts God provides, but on who He is and why He has provided the gifts in the first place. To unwrap spiritual gifts we need to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives. Gifted helps readers to take a look at God’s gifts and how we should use them, from the perspective of the Giver.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2015

Reviews

[Thomas Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts by Christopher Cone is a valuable resource for Christians who desire a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts God has given believers. Cone provides readers with a thorough examination of the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The book is well-organized, easy to read, and offers practical guidance for using spiritual gifts in various ministry contexts. Cone's careful exegesis of Scripture and thoughtful insights provide readers with a solid foundation for developing a more robust theology of the Holy Spirit and his gifts to the Church. For any Christian seeking to understand the spiritual gifts, Gifted is a valuable resource that can help you grow in your understanding of the Holy Spirit and your effectiveness in ministry.
I agree that spiritual gifts are natural and that they are a gift from God. As believers, we understand that the Holy Spirit provides these gifts to empower us to carry out His work on earth. These gifts can manifest in various forms, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy. They are given to us not for our benefit but for the edification and growth of the Church. Recognizing and utilizing our spiritual gifts is essential to serve God and helping advance His Kingdom effectively. It is vital to approach these gifts with humility, understanding that they are given to us by God's grace and using them in ways that honor Him.
The author argues that the gift of tongues is not a current gift the Holy Spirit gives today. While this is controversial in many Christian circles, I agree with Cone's interpretation of Scripture and his reasoning for this conclusion. Cone's careful examination of the biblical texts related to tongues highlights the temporary nature of this gift, which was given for a specific purpose and period. His argument that the gift of tongues was primarily to authenticate the message and the messenger of the early Church is compelling and is supported by the lack of clear evidence for the continued use of tongues in the New Testament after the first century. While the topic of tongues can be divisive, I appreciate how Cone approaches this issue with humility, wisdom, and a deep commitment to biblical truth.
The chapter on the constant choice between two paths in Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts by Christopher Cone was exceptionally well-written. As a reader, I found it both challenging and encouraging. Cone's examination of the contrast between these two ways of life is based on the biblical teaching of the Holy Spirit, and his explanations are clear and accessible. In addition, the author highlights the importance of walking in faith as a critical aspect of our life. Finally, he provides practical guidance for believers cultivating a deeper faith in God. As I read this chapter, I was convicted of the times in my own life when I walked in the flesh, and I was inspired to renew my commitment to walk in faith. Overall, this chapter was a valuable reminder of the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our lives and to empower us to live in a way that honors God.
Cone's Gifted underscores the significance of interpreting the Bible accurately. He recognizes that how we understand scripture has profound implications for our comprehension of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Cone's book showcases his commitment to biblical exegesis, providing readers with a framework to approach scripture faithfully. For Christians, it is essential to interpret the Bible accurately, as it shapes their theology and practice. Cone stresses the significance of studying scripture with an open and humble mindset, which can lead readers to a more precise understanding of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.
In conclusion, Christopher Cone's Gifted: Understanding the Holy Spirit and Unwrapping Spiritual Gifts is an excellent resource for believers seeking to understand the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. The author's commitment to biblical accuracy and clear and concise writing make this book accessible and engaging. Cone's theological framework gives readers a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. The book encourages readers to approach Scripture with humility, seeking to understand and apply its truths to their lives. Overall, Gifted is an outstanding contribution to the field of theology. I recommend it to anyone who desires a more accurate and faithful understanding of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads like a dissertation or scholarly paper that hasn't been smoothed out sufficiently to be a book. (Who knows, maybe it was.) Anyway, very workmanlike in the writing. Interesting if you want to get the argument for cessationism strictly using the biblical text rather than quoting outside sources. (Cone has a tacked on chapter at the end of the book taking issue with those who make their arguments primarily by quoting other scholars - it's a thing for him.)

Anyway, I did enjoy his take on whether or not everyone has a spiritual gift. He argues that while it is clear that the Spirit works through all believers for the good of other believers, it is not so clear that we all possess a specific spiritual gift. I'm quoting a bit from that section below:

"Do I have any spiritual gifts? I have absolutely no idea, and am not even a bit concerned about that uncertainty. I am, on the other hand certain of the Spirit's manifesting Himself in our lives for the good of those in Christ. If we are allowing His word to dwell richly in us, we can be confident that He will grant us whatever enablement is needed to meet the opportunity of the moment, for His glory."