Charismatics

The name comes from the Greek charismata, meaning “gifts.” These are spiritual gifts, bestowed upon Christians through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Paul lists and describes these various gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14 and Romans 12:6–8. Churches have often become so mired in ritual and social issues that they neglect teaching about spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues.

The charismatic movement in American churches began in the 1960s as people sought a more emotional spiritual life and deeper intimacy with God.

Charismatics are similar in many ways to Pentecostals (see 327), and it is possible to be both. But Pentecostals tend to form their own denominations, while charismatics are scattered throughout many denominations, including Catholics.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Where the Real Power Resides

Charles R. Swindoll

The great apostle Paul was just like you and me. He had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion . . . and great weakness. The longer I thought about this blend, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Shut Up and Get Moving

Steven Furtick

When we’re looking for God to do something big. When we’re waiting to see God bring something new and greater into our lives. Be still. Let the Lord fight the battle for you. Let go and let God.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Some Positive Thing We Can Look at or Talk

Joyce Meyer

I once read a book that was based entirely on the word. He taught the reader to take each problem in his life, look at it honestly and then say “however,” and find something compensating positive in the individual's life that would put the problem into perspective.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Learning the Love Languages

Gary Chapman

Many couples earnestly love each other but do not communicate their love in an effective way. If you don’t speak your spouse’s primary love language, he or she may not feel loved, even when you are showing love in other ways.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Voice of the Spirit Within Us

Chris Tiegreen

We don’t understand the mysteries of the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit, but we do know each has a distinct role in our lives. When Jesus tells His disciples about the work of the Spirit, He explains that the Spirit will hear from Jesus Himself, who in turn has heard from the Father.