I Corinthians 12: 27-31 is the passage that lists the spiritual gifts. The Greek word for these gifts is charismata. Using this passage and others, the list of spiritual gifts includes the following:

• Prophecy-prophecy is one of the controversial charismata. Prophecy is defined as the ability to receive and interpret messages from God. Some interpret prophecy to mean a foretelling of the future, but others say it implies simple an exhortation and encouragement of the believer. I Corinthians 14:3 says: "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." This verse is used to point to the fact that prophecy might not be a foretelling of the future

• Service-this gift is not one a controversial charismata. It is mentioned in Romans 12:7. The gift is the ability to meet the physical needs of people in the church.

• Teaching-Mentioned several times in Scripture, this is also not one of the controversial charismata. Teaching is the ability to clearly explain biblical truths and convey them to others in a way that they will be able to learn it.

• Exhortation-This gift is mentioned in Romans 12:8 and is also not controversial. Exhortation is the ability to motivate other Christians to respond to biblical truth.

• Giving-Also mentioned in Romans 12:8 and also not a controversial charismata. Giving is the ability and desire to give of your physical possessions to meet the needs of fellow believers.

• Leadership-Again mentioned in Romans 12:8, leadership refers to the ability to discern God's purpose and lead others to follow the plan.

• Mercy-Mentioned throughout scripture, mercy is the ability to empathize with people who are suffering.

• Wisdom-Wisdom is the ability to apply the truths in the Bible to everyday life.

• Knowledge-Mentioned in I Corinthians 12, knowledge is the ability to analyze and discover truths about Scripture.

• Faith-Mentioned throughout scripture, faith is the ability to trust and follow the plan God wants.

• Healing-Mentioned in I Corinthians 12, this is one of the controversial charismata. Healing is the ability to be used of God to heal others of illness.

• Miracles-Another controversial charismata, the holder of this gift has the ability to be used of God to accomplish acts that are supernatural in nature.

• Tongues-Perhaps one of the most controversial charismata, the gift of tongues is the ability to speak in a language the speaker never learned.

It is obvious that some of these gifts are still being used today, but what about the controversial charismata: prophecy, healing, miracles, and tongues. Obviously they existed because they are in the Scripture, but are they still used today? This is where the controversy lies. Fundamental leaders teach that these controversial charismata were "sign gift," gifts that were given when Christ left the earth in order to show which of the people he left behind had His power. After the completion of the cannon, these particular gifts were no longer needed, and they ceased to be given. Pentecostal church leaders, on the other hand, claim that the controversial charismata are still in use today.

What is important to remember when studying the spiritual gifts is that whatever you believe your gifts are, they are to be used to further the work of the church, not to bring honor to the recipient. When people start using their gifts to promote themselves, the gift is being misused. Whatever your stand on controversial charismata, use your spiritual gifts to grow and edify the church.