COVET
EARNESTLY
by
C. L. PARKER
REDEMPTION TIDINGS
Foreword
WHAT! Another book on spiritual gifts! Yes; and the more the better, for if anyone can shed more light on this vital topic, we are truly his debtors. It was to this purpose that I invited Mr. Parker to write a series of studies for Redemption Tidings. I felt that as Pentecostals we must keep this theme ever before our minds. And so there came the studies that here appear in book form.
The Pentecostal Movement is unique in its attitude to those supernatural manifestations of the Spirit we call "Spiritual Gifts". It is not so much that we experience them more than others, but that we have embodied the truth revealed in the Bible on this topic in doctrine. This has had a two-fold effect. First, the experiences of the Spirit came not to be regarded as isolated or temporary, but as part of God's provision for the Church. Thus these manifestations have not been sporadic, disconnected outbursts, but their regular ministry has been expected and maintained in our assemblies. Secondly, because they have become part of our adopted Statement of Beliefs, we have been able, and indeed obliged, to make these things known beyond the pale of our own fellowships. Thus, preservation and propaganda has gone hand in hand.
Mr. Parker's book is not exhaustive, but it is provocative. In its small compass, however, it covers much ground, drawing examples from both
Old and New Testaments of the exhibitions of these divinely-bestowed gifts. The book is doctrinal, but not dogmatic: the author would be the last man to claim finality for his opinions. He would, doubtless, rather say with Paul: "Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." His chief aim is to stir up a desire for these gifts, and if through these pages believers come into a fuller understanding and enjoyment of Spiritual Gifts, this book will have achieved its purpose.
May I commend these chapters to you? They are a distinct contribution to a subject so precious to all Pentecostals, and so necessary to all Christians.
Editor, Redemption Tidings