SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(1 Corinthians 12:1-3) (1) "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." (2) "Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led." (3) "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7) (4) "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." (5) " And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord." (6) " And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." (7) " But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
(1 Corinthians 12:8-11) (8) "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;" (9) "To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;" (10) "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" (11) "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
PROLOGUE
This message on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will enable you to delve deeper into the riches of your faith and experience a renewed sense of purpose and meaning. By gaining a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit, you can unlock a new level of spirituality and connection to God that will transform your life.
Some church leaders believe that the spiritual gifts were limited to the Apostles' time and are no longer relevant today. This perspective is misguided. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential in our lives now, just as they were in the past.
According to Ephesians 4:10-16, the five-fold ministry was given to us until we attain unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, become perfect, and reach the fullness of Christ's stature. This means that we should no longer be like children who are easily influenced, but should be firmly grounded in our faith.
The Holy Spirit has given nine spiritual gifts to the Church to help believers grow and develop for service in the Lord's kingdom. Understanding and accepting these gifts is crucial to maximizing our potential for the kingdom of God. These gifts have the power to transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
As believers, we have the privilege of experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are a powerful manifestation of God's presence in our lives. God gives these gifts to enable us to serve others and fulfill His purposes.
It is important to remember that we do not control these gifts; they are given to us to build up and edify the body of Christ as the Holy Spirit desires. We must always seek to use them in love and humility, remembering that they are given to us to serve others and not for our own glory. Remember, if we have the giver of the gifts, they will operate when needed.
"THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT REVEALED."
All nine gifts of the Holy Spirit were present in the early church and are still available today. These gifts include the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Gift of Faith, Gifts of Healing, Gift of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Speaking in Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.
Those who claim these gifts are no longer relevant today may suggest that God bestowed an imperfect gift, suitable only for that time and not today. However, this contradicts His word, which states that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
These gifts are relevant and essential for the spiritual growth and development of the church and continue to exist in the modern world. They exemplify God’s power and His desire to move in our services, and believers must understand, seek, and utilize these gifts to advance God’s kingdom.
I have listed the gifts and how God's Spirit employs them. This will help us remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and our services. As we embrace the Holy Spirit and His gifts, we can anticipate lives being transformed and hearts being turned toward the Lord.
Each spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11- is given and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who apportions to every person according to His will. Leaders who attempt to serve in the body of Christ without considering the gifts in operation are like ships without sails.
(1) THINKING GIFTS (2) SPEAKING GIFTS (3) POWER GIFTS
(a) Word of Knowledge (a) Tongues (a) The Gift of Faith
(b) Word of Wisdom (b) Interpretation of tongues (b) The Working of Miracles
(c) Discerning of Spirits (c) Prophecy (c) The Gifts of Healing
"UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS."
The nine spiritual gifts are not for show or entertainment but serve a greater purpose. They help us connect with the workings of the Holy Spirit and tap into a realm beyond our physical world, which I love to refer to as "The Fifth Dimension."
Each spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 is bestowed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who distributes these gifts to believers according to His divine will and purpose. This means that every church member has a unique role and contribution, which is essential for the overall health and functionality of the body of Christ.
Leaders who attempt to serve without acknowledging and utilizing these spiritual gifts are like ships adrift without sails, lacking the direction and momentum needed to fulfill their mission.
Each gift is crucial in nurturing the church community, fostering unity, and enabling effective ministry. One important thing we must learn is that God uses spiritual gifts to enlighten the body of Christ.
Spiritual gifts function best in an atmosphere of love. When believers walk in love, they create an environment where the Holy Spirit works freely and spiritual gifts operate effectively.
Jesus emphasized the importance of love as the foundation of all commandments when he introduced the 11th commandment in John 13:34: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
This commandment supersedes all other commandments and the teachings of the prophets. Therefore, practicing extending love is the most excellent way to use spiritual gifts.
As believers, we must strive to walk in love in our personal lives and in ministry. When we do so, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move powerfully, and our spiritual gifts can be used to their full potential.
The speaking gifts, such as prophecy, teaching, and encouragement, are vital as they allow the congregation to hear and discern God’s voice. This divine communication can provide essential direction, guidance, and inspiration, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening the community's faith.
I remember a pastor from my earlier years who pointed me out to his entire congregation and said I had a strange feeling that I could communicate with God.
The pastor believed that the gifts ceased with the Apostles, and when he needed to make a decision, he kept trying different approaches until he found one that worked. After the service, he came to me in tears, asking if I could do something because over 90 members had informed him that they would be leaving his church.
Without the power gifts such as the gift of faith, gifts of healing, and working of miracles active in the leadership of a church body, the church will be easily deceived and drift into complacency. This is because they, like the pastor I mentioned, usually have a neglected prayer life, which causes them to rely on their forms with set times for everything that is to take place in their services. This leaves no room for God's Spirit to have a free course to meet the needs of the people.
Beloved, you cannot give what you do not have; your members will only be as spiritual as you are. Without the power of God at work, this type of church leadership will not be successful and, if left unchecked, will soon fall into apostasy. God states in His Word that "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance!" (Romans 8:29)
"THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS."
Spiritual gifts are given through the Spirit of God, their ultimate giver. Love is essential to these gifts, without which they would not function properly. It is important to note that men, ministries, or churches do not give these gifts; they are imparted by God through the Holy Spirit or His chosen person by the laying on hands.
God gives these gifts to believers according to His will, purpose, and call upon their lives. The spiritual gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 as the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gift of faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, the gift of prophecy, the discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Verse 11 states that all these gifts are given by the same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He wills.
Spiritual gifts enhance the body of Christ and can be compared to the three parts of man - body, soul, and spirit. God imparts these gifts to a person through inspiration of the spirit or the laying on of hands, as these people were called before the foundation of the world, and God placed a part of Himself in them at birth.
In my prayer lines, I make it a habit to ask God to activate the gifts, callings, and talents already residing in people, especially those with a pre-destined purpose to fulfill. It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit is the giver of these gifts and that He works alongside those who use them.
The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills. However, believers must still receive them by faith. This means we must trust in God's plan and be willing to use these gifts when the opportunity arises.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that pleases God and builds up the body of Christ. Church leaders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, have a special responsibility to help others grow in their faith and use their spiritual gifts to benefit the church and the world. One way church leaders can do this is by encouraging and facilitating the exercise of spiritual gifts among congregation members.
To ensure that spiritual gifts are adequately exercised, believers must receive proper training and guidance from church leaders. This training may involve biblical teaching on the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts and practical instruction on how to exercise them in a way that edifies the church and glorifies God.
By allowing people to exercise their spiritual gifts, church leaders can help build up the body of Christ and enable others to experience God's love and power, which is essential for the church's spiritual health and growth.
"THE WORD OF WISDOM."
The word of wisdom is a powerful spiritual gift that can awaken our minds to the wondrous possibilities of knowledge. It includes supernaturally receiving revelation concerning future events, which will help us make wise decisions and attain greater understanding.
The gift of wisdom is not a natural gift or a result of man's wisdom but a divine gift of supernatural wisdom from the Holy Spirit, which every believer does not possess.
It comes as a word of wisdom from God, and those who operate out of this gift may offer direct warnings or blessings, sharing only known information between them and God. This powerful gift of the Spirit can also be operated in the public gathering of believers for their edification. It can be likened to our sovereign God, who knows everything and is willing to share a part of his mind with us.
In the early 1990s, I had the opportunity to conduct a revival in a small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The city was unfamiliar, and the people attending the meeting didn't know me. However, one particular incident during that revival has stayed with me all these years.
I remember standing before the congregation, praying for a man seeking healing for his legs. As I was praying, a woman walked by, and I felt a strong prompting from the Lord to speak to her. In that moment, I heard a clear message from the Lord to tell the woman that her son was on his way home.
I knew I had to obey the Lord's prompting and speak to her. So, I approached her and said the exact words that had been whispered to me. The woman looked at me in disbelief and showed no facial expression.
The next night, that woman stood up and asked if she could testify. When she finished, an outpouring of God's Spirit flooded the entire church. The woman informed us that she and her husband had been searching for their son, who had been in the military for several months, and could not locate him.
The woman said, “After the man of God told me last night, 'The Lord says our son was on his way home,' I thought he was an idiot. As I told my husband about this loony man of God, the phone rang, and our son was already on an airplane, making his way home.
I remember another incident while preaching that occurred while I was preaching at a truck stop chapel, which later caused me to receive a phone call that blew my mind, for you see, I did not know it at the time, but a driver who was entertaining thoughts about committing suicide inside his truck decided to put it off and come to my meeting to see if he could find a reason to live.
I remember pausing in my message and giving him a word of wisdom followed by a word of knowledge. The words echoing in my spirit were, "God says if you will put him first, your wife will come later."
The man went home and looked up to his pastor, asking him for work to do in the church. His wife followed through with the divorce, and some of her people had the law arrest him for molesting his daughters, which did not take long for those charges to be dropped as false charges.
The hurting driver continued to make God Lord in his life. While they were in the judge’s chambers deciding how he would support them, his wife fell back in love with him and canceled the divorce. Sometime after this, the man became a preacher of the gospel, informing me that now he is dropping meat for others, especially those going through depression, in that hurting place of depression.
I have many more testimonies of how God has used me in all nine of these spiritual gifts to stop suicides and put homes and families back together, including many times bringing a fresh outpouring of his Spirit to revive a dying church.
"THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE."
This part of the message emphasizes the distinction between the "word of wisdom" and the "word of knowledge." Although knowledge is valuable, one can possess a vast amount of supernatural knowledge and still lack the wisdom from God to apply it appropriately.
The "word of wisdom" refers to seeing and understanding situations from God's perspective and providing counsel that aligns with His will. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that enables a person to apply knowledge in ways that bring God's wisdom to various situations.
The person who speaks through the Spirit of wisdom possesses a unique ability to convey wisdom or part of God's mind, especially in critical situations where wisdom is needed.
As we navigate our daily lives, we acquire knowledge from our experiences and observations of the world. This type of knowledge is often referred to as natural knowledge. However, a deeper understanding can only be revealed through the gift of knowledge that God himself grants.
The knowledge gained from spiritual experiences is unparalleled and provides insights that cannot be obtained through ordinary, everyday experiences. It offers a profound understanding of present circumstances that only God can fully grasp, empowering us to navigate life's challenges with purpose and clarity.
I once had an experience at the Little Grace Chapel, a well-known Association of Christian Truckers Truckstop chapel located at a truck stop in Milton, Pennsylvania. God used me to demonstrate this gift in a live worship service there.
The visitation from the Holy Spirit occurred while I was delivering a message to the drivers gathered for the chapel service. Midway through the message that the Lord had placed on my heart, God began to show me visions of a driver seated in the back row of the chapel, gazing out a window.
I remember pausing in the middle of my preaching to address the driver, sharing what God had revealed to me during the sermon. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, I asked him if he was looking for something, as he appeared to be searching outside, much like a bird. Suddenly, without warning, the man ran to the front of the chapel with tears streaming down his face, surrendering his heart to the Lord.
After making amends with God, the man exclaimed with excitement that while I was preaching, he was praying, asking God to show him and prove that if He were real, He would reveal to Guardian Angel (my trucking name) that he (the driver) was searching for something.
Having supernatural knowledge does not necessarily mean you possess the wisdom from God needed to apply that knowledge in practical situations. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise discernment when receiving a word of knowledge, as there are sources of supernatural insight other than God.
Even though a piece of information may appear accurate, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's from God or that the person conveying it accurately represents Him. To be safe, we can always ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance and wisdom before making important decisions, knowing He will lead us on the right path.
"THE GIFT OF FAITH."
The gift of faith is one of the fruits and one of the nine gifts of the Spirit, as mentioned in the book of Galatians 5:22-23. This gift comprises love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control or meekness, of which those who walk with God will see the fruit of the Spirit growing in their lives.
The gift of faith can revolutionize our lives and help us navigate through life's ups and downs. It gives us the courage to face obstacles, the strength to persevere through challenges, and the hope to keep moving forward even when the future seems uncertain. It is a gift that keeps giving, and we should cherish it daily.
This gift of faith is a powerful gift enabled by God's Spirit to build up the body of Christ. It is manifested through God's chosen vessels and seen when people are healed or in need of a miracle.
Faith can be compared to the adrenaline that surges through a woman's body, giving her the strength to lift a two-thousand-pound car off a child. It is sometimes weak and sometimes strong. When God provides us with a word, usually when everything seems hopeless and there is no conceivable way out of the situation, we can operate in this powerful faith.
The gift of faith is a unique ability to trust God in all circumstances, such as Peter beckoning the Lord's invitation to step out of the boat and walk on the water. (Matthew 14:22-33).
An example of the gift of faith is George Mueller, a Christian leader and philanthropist in 19th-century England. Brother Mueller believed God for all his needs without asking for donations, and God supernaturally provided for thousands of orphans in his care.
In the operation of the gift of faith, God often brings scripture to our attention from His word or whispers a word behind the word through His Spirit. We are confident that if things get worse instead of better, if we hold on to faith, God will turn our circumstances into a miracle.
The gift of faith becomes evident when God decides to share His boundless faith with us, a faith that transcends all limitations and restrictions. This divine gift empowers us to endure trials and challenges in our lives.
If we choose not to give up and remain steadfast in our faith during difficult times, we can expect God to intervene miraculously. He offers us the promised victory by allowing spiritual laws to supersede natural laws.
Lastly, it assures us that we can rely on God’s unwavering support. Importantly, the operation of this faith is independent of human effort or understanding. This gift invites us to deeply trust God's sovereignty and goodness, knowing His faith will sustain us through every challenge.
"GIFTS OF HEALING."
The gifts of Healing is the only one of the nine spiritual gifts listed in the plural form. It's interesting to know that those who operate in this gift often have more success healing specific body parts and diseases.
The Gifts of Healing works when a Christian receives a revelation from the Spirit and, through faith, gains the power of God to heal a person's physical, mental, or emotional needs. By obeying the Holy Spirit's instructions, the person being prayed for receives healing from the Lord.
It's important to note that God has been known to perform multiple healings simultaneously, as witnessed in the 1906 Azusa Street Revival under Brother William Seymour. In some cases, all that was needed was for the person to act upon the word, and in many cases, no prayer was even necessary for complete healing.
In my own experience, I have discerned that the Lord bestows unique gifts upon His servants, allowing them to pray for specific ailments with excellent efficacy. Throughout my ministry, I have witnessed remarkable transformations, particularly in individuals who were born deaf.
It is astonishing to reflect on the many healed people, especially those who had never experienced the sounds of the world around them. These individuals were often supernaturally healed through prayer and faith, receiving new eardrums and the miraculous gift of hearing for the first time. Each healing has served as a testament to faith's profound and transformative power in action.
The gifts of healing work to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments through prayer and the laying on of hands. It is important to note that the gift of healing is not limited to physical healing but can also extend to emotional and spiritual healing, as God's power brings about restoration and wholeness.
"THE GIFT OF MIRACLES."
The gift of miracles is the ability to perform supernatural acts that defy natural laws and human limitations, such as walking on water, multiplying food, or raising the dead. These miracles are not performed by mere human effort or skill but by the power of God working through an individual who has been given the gift of faith.
Whether manifesting as healing, provision, or transformation, Miracles illustrate the boundless possibilities that arise when we align ourselves with the Holy Spirit's influence. Those whom God chooses explicitly to operate in this gift have been able to perform extraordinary acts such as raising the dead, judging evil, and even affecting nature itself.
For several years, I have been blessed to be among those whom God has chosen to operate in this powerful gift, which has left professional doctors rethinking the gift of prayer. However, it is essential to note that I am not the source of this gift or the one in control.
The call on my life to Miracle Ministry has caused many healings, which opened the door for me to be mentored by Apostle Don Stewart. I am now the International Evangelist representing his ministry outreaches throughout the Philippines.
There was one incident that took place before I came to the Philippines where I recall praying for a man who had been diagnosed with lung cancer. The man went to a miracle revival that a well-known Radio & TV personality called Bob Smallwood and I conducted in Abingdon, Virginia.
The Lord had already affirmed the authenticity of my gift to Bob Smallwood, a Radio & TV personality who was actively helping and sponsoring the revival. This took place several years ago when God miraculously replaced the 95% blocked arteries in Bob's wife's brain, which had caused a severe lack of blood supply to her brain.
Despite the charts and tests showing that she only had 10% blood flow in the arteries in her neck entering her brain, the doctors were left confounded. He speaks about this miracle on our YouTube channel—The Miracle Life Connection.
The man with the lung cancer healed in the miracle service in Virginia was an elderly gentleman up in age and was the father of a young preacher friend of mine by the name of Reverend Joseph Dunn.
His father was scheduled to have surgery to have a diseased cancerous lung removed, but he had come to our miracle service, and we later received word that he was taken into surgery. When the surgeons opened him up to remove the cancerous lung, the Lord had mysteriously removed the cancer. They sewed him back up, telling the family that when they went in, they saw no need to remove the lung.
The man is still alive, healthy, and giving his testimony of how God healed him from that deadly cancer. He loves to testify that he did not take Chemo or need any treatments and is still cancer-free ten years after he was told that he only had a few years to live.
I feel blessed to have been chosen by God to operate in the gift of Miracle ministry. It is a calling that I take very seriously, and I humbly acknowledge that I am not the source of this gift, nor can I control it. Nonetheless, I am grateful to be a vessel through which God works, and I have witnessed many healings over the years.
"THE GIFT OF PROPHECY."
Ephesians 4:3 describes the gift of Prophecy as the greatest of the three gifts of inspiration: Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of tongues. These three gifts are for building and strengthening the church. They have a three-fold ministry: edifying, exhorting, and comforting others.
Out of these three gifts, prophecy is the most powerful because, when appropriately used, believers can receive insight and understanding about God's plans and purposes, including guidance and direction for their future.
1. Edification: To edify means to build up, which can strengthen a spiritually weak person and help build or restore them. Sometimes, edification can alleviate the fear of the unknown.
2. Exhorting: Some in the church refer to themselves as exhorters, which signifies encouraging, much like a cheerleader supporting players in a game. Sometimes, God will deliver a prophetic message to encourage a church fellowship toward repentance, holiness and consecration.
3. Comfort: Today, many people are hurting and searching for answers, some even seeking a reason to live. They need a comforting, reassuring word from the Holy Spirit to heal their hearts, and someone operating in one of the inspirational gifts, especially the gift of prophecy, can be a lifesaver at the right place and time.
The Holy Spirit gives the gift of prophecy to help people grow in their faith in God and His word. Those who operate in the gift of prophecy serve to edify the body of Christ by speaking words of encouragement, comfort, and hope. They can also reveal hidden sins or motives in the hearts of people or groups to help bring about repentance and restoration.
Those whom God uses in the gift of prophecy are not necessarily prophets but people who have been given a particular gift to help others in their walk with God. The gift of prophecy differs from the office of the prophet.
The gift of prophecy is available to all believers, but not all are appointed to the office of the prophet. Believers who operate in this gift are responsible for using it wisely, according to biblical principles, and with a heart of love for God and His people.
God appoints Prophets to guide and direct the ministry and protect it from unexpected attacks by the enemy. They possess spiritual insight and operate in the prophetic realm, where they can hear and see what others cannot. Prophets are gifted with the ability to see beyond the natural realm and discern God's plan and purpose for the church.
The church is granted a deeper understanding of God's will and purposes for His people through the gift of prophecy. This divine insight can serve multiple crucial roles: it can alert the congregation to impending dangers or judgments that may lie ahead, helping them to prepare spiritually and physically. This enhances the spiritual journey of believers and strengthens the church community as a whole, encouraging unity, harmony, and collective growth in their relationship with God.
"THE GIFT OF DISCERMENT OF SPIRITS."
The Church today needs to differentiate between true and false doctrine and between what is of the Holy Spirit and what is not. This is where the gift of discernment proves valuable, as it helps unmask pretense and restore order in the house of God.
The devil can disguise himself as an angel of light and deceive people by speaking false prophecies. He attempts to infiltrate the church by using false teachers. Those who seem to be saying the right things may often be lying and deceptive spirits sent by the devil. Therefore, it is essential to discern between true and false, for the word states, "If the blind lead the blind, they both will fall in the ditch."
According to Christian theologians, this gift is the ability to discern the influences of God, the devil, and human spirits. Praying for this gift can offer greater clarity and insight into the spiritual realm, helping you make better decisions and avoid negative influences.
Have you heard of people chosen and ordained by God to receive supernatural revelations through the Holy Spirit? These gifted individuals, who operate in the gift of discerning of spirits, can accurately perceive the spirits present and active among them. They can also recognize angels and demons and recognize the calling and gifts at work in someone's life.
I recall driving my 18-wheeler and receiving news that shook me for days. Tin and I began meeting via Skype for Bible study, and she informed me that she had a medical condition she was born with, suggesting I might not want to develop a relationship with her. Despite this, we cultivated a connection. Tin revealed to me that she could see and identify the spirits operating in and around people, both good and bad. I realized this was no curse upon her life but rather a blessing from God.
She can see into the spirit world, and our ministry has thrived because I have learned to trust my wife's gifts. She has unique abilities granted to her by Almighty God, which have been crucial in fostering revival across the Philippines. Her steadfast commitment, relentless efforts, and outstanding leadership qualities have inspired many.
This experience taught me that trusting your heart without questioning it can be risky. I have observed that some people become carried away by the attention they receive from living a particular lifestyle, which can create problems for those striving to improve their lives. It is crucial to be aware of these factors that can hinder progress and instead focus on those who genuinely support and work towards achieving the common goal: winning the lost.
The "Gift of Discernment of Spirits" is a remarkable blessing from the Holy Spirit. It is given to those who seek it, and its power can be felt profoundly. This gift can guide believers and churches toward righteousness while shielding them from deception and harm. It is also an essential gift that can assist you in making important decisions, navigating challenging situations, and avoiding pitfalls.
This gift goes beyond merely identifying good and evil; it encompasses understanding the motives and intentions of others. Possessing this gift enables you to better comprehend those around you, enabling you to approach them with empathy and compassion. Additionally, it can highlight areas where you need personal growth, helping you become a better person and a more effective leader.
"DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES"
Have you ever heard of the supernatural gift of speaking in tongues? Different kinds of tongues are a gift of the Holy Spirit used in public ministry. It involves communicating in a language the speaker has never learned or known. The Word of God says that it is a sign not for those who believe but for the unbeliever.
Many believe that the gift of tongues, which refers to the ability to communicate in a language unknown to the speaker, was solely intended to spread the gospel in various languages and ceased to exist after the Apostolic era.
This is often based on the belief that the Apostles were the sole recipients, using it primarily for evangelistic purposes. However, others argue that the gift of tongues is still accessible to believers today and can manifest in various forms, including speaking in heavenly languages and interpreting tongues.
It is essential to recognize that tongues and their associated gift of public interpretation can be easily misunderstood and misused. Some believers categorize these gifts as "the least of the gifts," which can be discouraging and belittling for those who possess them.
The vocal gifts of inspiration are sent to edify or build up the church, and when the gift of tongues is in operation, it builds up and strengthens the speaker. They may not understand what they are saying, but they trust that God is speaking through them. This is why speaking in tongues is vital to an individual's spiritual life.
According to scripture, church leaders must not forbid using this gift. However, using tongues mustn't be overly emphasized during group worship at church gatherings.
If tongues are brought forth in a church gathering, it must be done carefully and accompanied by an interpretation from the Holy Spirit. This ensures that the message conveyed is genuinely from God and can be understood by the group.
The interpretation of tongues during a church gathering differs from a straightforward translation. While a translation involves converting the meaning of one language into another, interpretation serves a different purpose. It bypasses the human mind and seeks to convey the essence and spiritual message of the spoken tongues, enabling the congregation to grasp the intended meaning and significance behind the utterances.
As believers, we must distinguish between the gift of tongues, meant for public gatherings to edify others, and the tongues given to a Spirit-filled believer, which serve as an initial outward sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit, primarily for personal prayer and enlightenment.
"PUBLIC INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES"
Public interpretation of tongues is a spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible. It allows believers to speak in a language not known to them but can be understood by those who are also blessed with the same gift.
The gift of interpretation of tongues is considered one of the nine spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament. This gift is different from the gift of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues involves the supernatural ability to communicate in a language unknown to the speaker and requires the gift of interpretation to be understood by others.
The gift of public interpretation of tongues is a unique and powerful ability bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. Interpreting tongues is not a mere translation of what is being spoken but rather a divine revelation of the meaning behind the words.
Those who possess this gift may not always interpret the revelation as hearing the exact words. However, the interpretation will always have the same meaning, usually spiritual enlightenment for the church. The interpretation of tongues could be a warning or a message from the Lord urging the church to change course to find His will.
The gift of interpreting tongues is essential for the church. It allows for the proper understanding of the messages conveyed through tongues. When interpreted correctly, it can provide spiritual guidance and direction to the church and its members.
The interpretation of tongues requires humility and openness to the Holy Spirit's leading. Those who possess this gift should always seek to use it to build up the church in a spirit of love and service.
The gift of speaking in tongues and public interpreting tongues is an extraordinary ability bestowed upon believers in Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Bible describes tongues as heavenly languages that are not understood by the speaker but are interpreted by those with the gift of interpretation.
In Ephesians chapter one, God declares that His Son is the head over all things to the church, which is His body. The church represents Christ on Earth and is filled with His presence. Therefore, every Christian is responsible for actively identifying and cultivating their spiritual gifts to contribute to the church's growth and improvement. (Ephesians 1:22-23)
I vividly remember being licensed in a Methodist organization and experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It was a transformative experience, and I prayed fervently to receive everything the Spirit offered. When I prayed in tongues, I felt a powerful connection to a source of energy I had never experienced before.
However, things took a turn for the worse when I asked God for the kind of tongues I had witnessed in the churches I had previously attended. One night, I heard a voice say, "At this time, I am not necessarily giving you the public ministry of tongues.”
In Ephesians, it is written that the Spirit gives spiritual gifts as he wills. This means that the Holy Spirit has complete control over who operates these gifts and how they are manifested. Even the gift of public interpretation of tongues is subject to his power.
Although the Holy Spirit controls the distribution of the spiritual gifts, believers must still be open and willing to receive them. When we receive these spiritual gifts by faith and obedience, the body of Christ is edified and lifted. These gifts are not meant for personal gain or glory but for the benefit of the entire community of believers. Therefore, we must use them under the Spirit's leading and for the common good of all.
"THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE TO BE DESIRED."
One of my old mentor friends shared a profound statement that has stayed with me ever since. He said, "Jerry, my boy, when you desire the things and presence of God as much as you would your next breath of air if someone were holding your head underwater, you will find Him in His fullness." The power of his words struck me, and it made me reflect on the extent of my hunger for a deeper connection with God.
My mentor was referring to David's words in the book of Psalms. David expressed that his thirst for God could be compared to a deer's thirst for water. This comparison emphasizes the intensity of David's desire to be in God's presence. It wasn't merely a casual interest or a passing fancy but a profound longing that consumed him.
When we seek God with the same intensity that David did, we can experience the fullness of His presence. It requires a level of hunger and desperation beyond mere curiosity or obligation. But when we are willing to press in and pursue God with our hearts, we will find Him in ways we never imagined.
I have outlined three reasons below why we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit, why we should desire them, and why they should be an essential part of our lives and ministry.
1. "For Your Satisfaction"
As you mature in your faith and walk with God, you will discover He has equipped you with abilities to create something that lasts for eternity. When you make yourself available as an instrument through which the Holy Spirit can work, you will experience a profound sense of fulfillment and joy while serving others. This understanding reveals that your gifts are crucial to discovering your purpose, which will drive your vision within the body of Christ.
2. “For the Edification of the Church.”
Acknowledging and utilizing your spiritual gifts is essential, as they contribute to the growth and strengthening of the entire body of Christ. Exercising your gifts fosters the development of other believers and plays a significant role in guiding them toward spiritual maturity. Together, we can cultivate a more dynamic and vibrant community that empowers and uplifts everyone who enters its doors. Join us in something greater and experience the joy of progress.
3. ”For the Glorification of God.”
Let us strive to do everything in life to glorify God, for it is in His glory that we find true fulfillment and meaning. May all our actions and intentions be aligned with His divine purpose so that we may bring honor and praise to His name, understanding that what we have sacrificed is no longer ours but His, so that He may leave His handprint and signature through our lives to other generations.
MY CONCLUSION
In concluding a message on the operation and administration of the nine spiritual gifts, I would like to summarize the key points discussed in the message and encourage you to seek how the Lord can use these gifts in your life and ministry.
This message taught us that the nine spiritual gifts manifest the Holy Spirit's presence and power within the church. These gifts are present for the edification and upbuilding of the body of Christ.
I urge you to seek out and cultivate your spiritual gifts through prayer, study, and church community involvement. No one is without a gift because every believer has at least one gift that can contribute to fulfilling God’s purposes.
Through this message, we learned that while there may be diversity in gifts, they all come from the same Spirit. We also learned that God seeks love, unity, and harmony among His people. Remember: Love should be at the core of how you operate in the gifts.
God did not give an imperfect gift that was good for the Apostles' Day and not for our day. He desires to empower His people for ministry as He did in biblical times.
May we embrace our spiritual gifts with humility and love, always seeking to serve one another and glorify God through our actions. May we diligently pursue these gifts, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us as we fulfill our roles within His body, united in purpose and mission. Together, let us advance God's kingdom here on Earth.
In conclusion, let us strive to love one another as Christ loved us, recognizing that our love for God and his Holy Spirit, given preeminence in our lives, should be the hallmark of our faith. May we be known for our love, not just our spiritual gifts, accomplishments, or commitments.
I am thrilled to share my book, "Spiritual Gifts and the Five-Fold Ministry Revealed." This book was written in April 2020, and I did it in two days during the pandemic from the cab of my 18-wheeler, in the Walmart distribution center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
I am confident that my book will inspire and motivate you, and I am excited for you to read it. This powerful book can be found on Amazon and downloaded as a PDF manuscript for free from our website. www.witheredhand.org
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
