The 27 spiritual gifts: In 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that spiritual gifts are given to God's people by the Holy Spirit for "the common good." Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God's sovereign will ("as he determines"). Ephesians 4:12 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God's people for service and for building up the body of Christ. The term "spiritual gifts" comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits)...