PART 1 – THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Doctrinal Statement God the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ and convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment and calls men to the Savior. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ.

Importance of This Doctrine The Holy Sprit of God participates in the redemptive work of man by drawing lost man to the Savior.  Further, the Holy Spirit was given to the believer to be the indwelling power of God in the life of the believer, thus allowing the Christian to have constant communion and fellowship with God, and to be directed and led as the believer yields himself to the will of God.

Comment on This Doctrine  It has been said that God’s gift to the world is Jesus Christ and that God’s gift to the church is the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1-3  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

The above teaching is held by all of Orthodox Christianity. The following two teachings are in some circles controversial, even divisive, within the Christian community. Each Christian should study the matter out and draw his own conclusions. The next two parts have the pro-Pentecostal viewpoint described. The infilling of the Holy Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit are, in the pro-Pentecostal viewpoint, available to the individual believer, and are also used to strengthen and edify the individual and the local church and to advance the kingdom of God. 

PART 2 – THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

An Experience Subsequent To Salvation

The following passage of Philip’s ministry in Samaria describes how people believed on Christ and were baptized.  Earlier in the chapter Philip was casting out devils and ministering healings.  There was great joy.  Yet though these Samaritans had been saved and had been baptized in water, no one had as yet received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:12-17 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The Samaritans here were saved.  They were water baptized.  There is a work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth, but that is not called receiving the Holy Spirit.  That is called being born again.

There is an experience, which follows salvation that is called receiving, or being filled with, the Holy Spirit.  It is also referred to as being Baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Though technically, in some circles, there is a preferred expression, the infilling of, baptism in, or receiving the Holy Spirit, in this teaching will be used synonymously.

 John 20:20-22  And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. 

The Promise Of The Holy Spirit

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in John 14.  In Acts 2 we read of the fulfillment of that promise.

John 14:16-17  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 

Acts 2:32-33 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Jesus prayed that the Father would send another Comforter to abide forever.  On the day of Pentecost He shed forth the Holy Spirit, who has been here ever since.  It is not now a matter of the Father’s giving anyone the Holy Spirit.  It is a matter of our receiving the Holy Ghost.

Sinners can receive Christ, but not the Holy Spirit.  Receiving the Holy Spirit is for the Church, the Body of Christ, those that are born again.

Regeneration By The Holy Spirit And The Infilling Of The Holy Spirit

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The water referred to in both passages above is a type (example) of the Holy Spirit.  Two different experiences are spoken of.

First, to the woman at the well, Jesus said “But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”  Here, Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit in the act of regeneration.  The Holy Spirit is represented as a “well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The second passage speaks of “rivers of living water,” and speaks of the promise of the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  “Out of his belly (innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water.”

Jesus invites us to come and drink and get full.  How do you know when you are full?  Acts 2:4 says “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  If you are a believer, it is just as simple as Jesus said it is.  Come and drink, and keep drinking until you get full. When you get full, you will start speaking with other tongues.  This is the initial sign or evidence that you are filled. 

The Evidence Of The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling

Let us consider an example from scripture of tongues being the convincing proof that believers had received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-46  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

When Peter took the gospel to the Gentiles, the Jewish brothers were highly critical (Acts 11:3).  Peter explained the following, showing that the salvation of the Gentiles was genuine and therefore to be recognized by the Jews.

Acts 11:15-18  And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Note that it was the speaking in tongues that finally convinced the Jewish Christians that these Gentiles had received the gift of salvation. Another revealing passage regarding the infilling of the Holy Spirit being an experience subsequent to salvation, and it’s initial evidence being speaking in other tongues is found in Acts 19:1-6.

Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 

Thirteen Reasons Why Every Believer Should Speak In Tongues 

#1  Tongues Is The Initial Sign Of The Believer Being Filled With The Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

#2  Tongues For Spiritual Edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.

#3  Tongues Remind Us Of The Spirit’s Indwelling Presence.

John 14:16-17  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

#4  Praying In Tongues Will Keep Our Prayers In Line With God’s Will.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

#5  Praying In Tongues Stimulates Faith.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. 

#6  You Are To Pray — Sing In Your Prayer Language.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

#7  Praying In Tongues Keeps Us Free From Worldly Contamination.

1 Corinthians 14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 

#8  Praying In Tongues Enables Us To Pray For The Unknown.

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

#9  Praying In Tongues Gives Spiritual Refreshing.

Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

#10 Tongues For Giving Thanks.

1 Corinthians 14:15-17 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

#11 Speaking In Tongues Brings The Tongue Under Subjection.

James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 

#12 You Speak To God.

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 

#13 You May Be Used In The Gifts Of The Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12 and 14

Seven Steps To Receiving The Holy Spirit

Step #1            Understand Intellectually That The Gift Has Already Been Given.

Step #2            Salvation Is The Only Prerequisite.

Step #3            Laying On Of Hands.

Step #4            Expect To Speak In Tongues.

                        (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6; 1 Cor. 14:4, 4-5, 14-15, 18, 27) 

Step #5            The Believer Need Not Fear Receiving Something False.

                        (Luke 11:9-13) 

Step #6            Receive The Holy Spirit And Speak The Language He Gives.

                        (Job 29:21-23; James 5:7; Hosea 6:3; Zechariah 10:1 – Note: Every Bible student knows that the latter rain refers to the Holy Spirit.)

Step #7            No Confusion Should Gather Around the Candidate.  (More than one person can be laying on hands, but only one ministering believer should be giving the candidate instructions.)

Pray the prayer of faith:  Dear Lord Jesus: I thank you that you shed your blood on Calvary’s cross for my sins.  I ask for forgiveness for my sins and I do acknowledge you as my Lord and Savior. I ask you to baptize me in the Holy Spirit.  I claim by faith the baptism in the Holy Spirit right now.  Thank you Jesus, Amen.

Now, begin to praise Jesus, but not in your language.  You will be using your vocal chords and lips and you will be speaking as on the day of Pentecost, but the Holy Spirit will be giving you a new language to praise God.  You will have another hot line to heaven with which to pray and praise the Lord.

Start reading the book of Acts and 1 Corinthians, chapters 12, 13, and 14.  The Word and Jesus will become more real in the coming weeks.  When the enemy comes with thoughts in your mind, resist him with the Word of God and pray in the Spirit.

Lest anyone fall into spiritual pride at receiving the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, remember that the Great Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, is sandwiched between the two Great Spiritual Gifts chapters.  And lest we forget the purpose of the Gifts, remember that the Great Resurrection Chapter, 1 Corinthians 15 immediately follows the Gifts chapter.  The purpose of the Gifts include power to live the resurrected life we have in Christ. 

Luke 11:9-14 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. 

In my experience there are three camps in the Christian community regarding the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. They are:

• The infilling is available to every believer. These are the Christians who actually pursue the infilling of the Holy Spirit and by faith have a prayer language known only to God.
• The infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence in speaking with other tongues is a valid, present-day gift, but it’s not for all Christians. These are the Christians who acknowledge the speaking in other tongues, but they themselves do not.
• The infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence in speaking in other tongues is not for today. The need for it went away when the apostles died and the canon of scripture was completed.

Determine which camp you are in. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Rest in Christ. The objective is to be conformed into the image of Christ, to love the Lord, to draw near to Him. Whichever camp you are in, respect the views of others, and don’t cause them to stumble. We should not be ignorant of the subject matter, but once we’ve settled it our heart we move forward. Should more light come on the subject in our own lives, then let that cause us to study the scriptures more deeply to know what is the will of the Lord. Amen. 

PART 3 – UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Spiritual Gifts are those special abilities given by Christ through the Holy Spirit which God intends Christians to use in fulfilling His Purpose in the Earth. Major teaching chapters on this subject are 1 Corinthians 12 and 14.

CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

1.   They are received, not achieved.

2.   They are given to fulfill Christ’s purpose in the earth (Acts 1:8).

3.   They differ from natural talents; they are completely supernatural.

4.   They are different from the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

5.   A Believer can be given more than one gift; we are to seek the best gifts (plural) (1 Corinthians 12:31).

6.   They are given to us by “measure” (Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:3), and just like faith, can be increased.

7.   There are at least three things to consider concerning the measure of your gifts.

• We each must relate to our gifts honestly and realistically (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 4:10-11).
• The measure of our gifts can increase (Luke 19:26).
• Be careful not to step beyond your measure of the gift (2 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 12:3).

8.   We must be careful of the enemy’s (Satan’s) attempt to confuse us with counterfeit gifts (Acts 16:16-18).

9.   They are meant to be permanent and to be used throughout our lives (Romans 11:29).

10. The Gifts of the Spirit are distributed throughout the Body of Christ. Jesus had the fullness of the Holy Spirit “without measure.” (John 3:34). Collectively the Body of Christ can be likewise, though no other individual alone has the fullness of the Holy Spirit “without measure.”

 John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him [Jesus].

The Nine Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

1.   Word of Wisdom

2.   Word of Knowledge

3.   Discerning Of Spirits

4.   Faith

5.   Working of Miracles

6.   Gifts of Healings

7.   Prophecy

8.   Various Kinds of Tongues

9.   Interpretation of Tongues

They are arranged in groups of threes as follows:

1.   The Revelation Gifts

[The Word of Wisdom; the Word of Knowledge; Discerning of Spirits]

2.   The Power Gifts

[Faith; Working of Miracles; Gifts of Healings]

3.   The Inspiration (Vocal) Gifts

[Prophecy; Diverse (Various) Kinds of Tongues; Interpretation of Tongues]

The Most Important Gift:  Within each category there is an order of importance, or priority.  The more distributed a gift, the lesser the gift.  This is not to say that any gift is unimportant.  Whatever gift is needed by the Church and is manifest by the Holy Sprit, is at that time the most important gift.  However, all things being equal, the Gift of the Word of Wisdom is the most important of the nine gifts, it reveals the mind of God for a situation.  Note this as you read through the following explanation of the nine Gifts of the Spirit. 

1 Corinthians 12:1-13, 31 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. 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. 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[s] 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. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

 The Three Revelation Gifts

 #1 The Gift Of The Word Of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom is a supernatural revelation by the Spirit of God concerning the divine purpose in the mind and will of God. The supernatural ability in the Spirit to impart special and specific information, insight, guidance or counsel, which brings life changing illumination. 

The gift of the Word of Wisdom is just that, the Word of Wisdom and not Wisdom itself, spoken of for example in 1 Corinthians 2:6-7; Ephesians 1:17-18; The Book of Proverbs; Daniel 1:4.

There are two types of Wisdom, one is earthly, James 3:14; 1 Corinthians 2:4 and the other, is divine, James 3:17; 1 Corinthians 2:6-7.

Biblical (Divine) wisdom comes from God and His written Word through research and studying but does not automatically qualify one’s ability to operate in the gift of the Word of Wisdom. Conversely, operating in the gift of the Word of Wisdom does not mean that an individual has “great wisdom.” You can be spiritual (manifest spiritual gifts) but very immature (lacking Christ-like character) or you can be very mature but not very spiritual. Of course the preference is to be both spiritual and mature!

Why the “Word” of Wisdom?  A word is a “part” of a sentence.  We do not receive all of the wisdom of God, but only a partial amount. So, just as a word is a part of a sentence, the Word of Wisdom is a part of the wisdom of God manifested in the life of a believer, for an occasion, as the Holy Spirit wills. 

Biblical References For The Gift Of The Word Of Wisdom

• Daniel 2
• Acts 27:21-25
• 1 Kings 3:16-28
• Acts 8:26-29
• Acts 11:28-30
• Acts 21:10-11 

Acts 27:21-25 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

#2 The Gift Of The Word Of Knowledge

Through the Word of Knowledge the discouraged can be comforted, the saints gladdened, lost property recovered, the enemy defeated, and the Lord Jesus Christ glorified.  The God-given ability to receive a spontaneous knowledge of facts or details about a person or situation that has not been discovered through natural inquiry – a supernatural revelation by the Holy Ghost.

This supernatural gift is different from being knowledgeable:

1.   The Word of Knowledge can reveal the cause of sickness or demonic oppression in an individual.

2.   It can reveal root problems when counseling.

3.   It reveals secrets of the heart for repentance.

4.   It gives insight for intercessory prayer.

Many gifts can work closely with other gifts.  The Word of Wisdom can work with the Word of Knowledge, just as the Gift of Faith can work with the Working of Miracles and Gifts of Healings, and the Gift of Divers Tongues can work with the Gift of the Interpretation of Tongues.  Let us not limit God!

Biblical References For The Gift Of The Word Of Knowledge

• 1 Kings 4:2-3
• 2 Kings 5:20-27
• 2 Kings 6:8-12
• John 4:18, 29
• John 1:47-48
• Acts 5:1-18
• 1 Kings 19:4, 14, 18
• 1 Samuel 9:3-4, 6, 19-20
• 1 Samuel 10:21-23
• Acts 9:10-12
• Acts 10:9-20

1 Kings 19:4, 14, 18 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 

Acts 9:10-12 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 

#3 The Gift Of Discerning Of Spirits 

The God-given ability to know whether the spiritual source behind certain behavior is divine, human or satanic. The Discerning of Spirits gives insight into the spirit world. 

This is one area in which people tend to become very “spooky.” This gift is not intended for one to go around trying to discern everything people say or do. The Discerning of Spirits is not “discerning of devils” nor is it the “discerning of evil spirits.”  The Discerning of Spirits is not limited to demonology.  It has to do with spirits, both good and bad.  It is supernatural insight into the realm of spirits.

Biblical References For The Gift Of Discerning Of Spirits

• Mark 9:25
• Matthew 16:15-23
• Acts 8:23
• Acts 13:9-12
• Acts 16:16-18
• Isaiah 6

The three REVELATION GIFTS reveal something.  Listed in order of importance, they are:

1.   The Word of Wisdom – a revelation of the mind of God

2.   The Word of Knowledge – a revelation of things in the present or past

3.   Discerning of Spirits – giving insight into the spirit world, but limited to a single class of object – spirits

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Acts 16:16-18 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Wouldn’t these Revelation Gifts be useful in your personal life and in the local church? How excellent for the God of the universe to be sharing a specific word to you for your benefit, your family’s benefit, and to benefit the Christian community? Would a Word of Wisdom from God be a good thing? Of course it would. Don’t discount these Revelation Gifts, rather, seek after the gifts, and ask God to impart them unto you, and see what the Holy Ghost will do in you and through you.

The Three Power Gifts

#4 The Gift Of Faith

The Gift of Faith is a supernatural endowment by the Spirit whereby that which is uttered or desired by man or spoken by God shall eventually come to pass.  The God-given ability to believe for the extraordinary or impossible within the will of God in a particular situation, both short and long term.

There are different kinds of faith in the scriptures.  There is saving faith that comes before salvation.  There is the faith that God has given to every person, and general faith that all believers have.  There is faith (or faithfulness) associated with the Fruit of the Spirit which concerns a persons character.  The manifestation of the Gift of Faith comes after the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, and is not specific to salvation or character, but to power.

The great Faith Chapter, Hebrews 11, describes the faith of many of the saints of old.  The majority of the chapter deals with what might be called “successful” faith experiences.  But all of the saints in this chapter had the Gift of Faith.  Even those at the end, those who were destitute, wanderers, persecuted and died, they too endured and looked forward to the promise of God, by faith, by the Gift of Faith.  Through good times and bad times, the saints of God, through faith, lived successfully, loving God and receiving the Spirit’s Gift of Faith.

Biblical References For The Gift Of Faith 

• Acts 16:16-18
• Genesis 6: Noah
• Genesis 22: Abraham
• Matthew 14:23-31
• Daniel 6:16-17, 19-23
• 1 Kings 17:2-6
• Galatians 3:5
• Hebrews 11

• Acts 4:22
• Acts 3:1-10
• Matthew 14:15-27
• John 4:43-54
• John 2:1-11
• Acts 19:11
• Acts 20:7-12
• Acts 9:36-41
• Luke 7:11-17
• 1 Kings 17:12-16
• Acts 5:1-5

 Acts 4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

#6 The Gifts Of Healings

The supernatural ability to serve as a human channel in ministering divine healing and restoration of health apart from natural means. The purpose of the gifts of healings is to deliver the sick and to destroy the works of the devil in the human body.

Jesus had a healing ministry.  He also gave his disciples authority to heal the sick (Matthew 10:8).  While any reasonably intelligent Christian or ChristianMinistry is not opposed to medical science, surgeons, or physicians, the spiritual gifts of healings are entirely separate from medicine.  Christians thank God for skilled persons in the medical community who strive for knowledge and understanding, and seek to improve the quality of life of mankind.  But let us not confuse the diligent application of those associated with the healing sciences with the spiritual gifts of healings.  Supernatural healing comes not by diagnosis or by prescribing treatment, but by the laying on of hands, anointing with oil or sometimes just by speaking the Word.

We believe in natural healing and thank God for it.  But we also believe in supernatural healing. One person administers gifts of healings to another.  When we exercise faith and believe God, on our own, and we are healed, it is a blessing from God, but not necessarily the gifts of healings being manifested.  All of the nine gifts are supernatural, spiritual, and manifested through one person to another (or others).

Biblical References For The Gifts Of Healings 

• Acts 10:38
• 1 Corinthians 12:28-30
• The ministry of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels
• Matthew 4:24
• Matthew chapters 8 and 12
• Mark 1
• Luke 4:40
• Acts 28:8

The POWER GIFTS all do something.  In order of priority, they are: 

1.   The Gift of Faith – The gift to receive miracles; a process

2.   The Gift of Working of Miracles – The gift to work miracles; an event 

3.   The Gifts of Healings – The gift to work miracles – but limited to one area – physical healings

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 

1 Corinthians 12:28-30 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 

Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Would you or your church benefit from the operation of the Power Gifts? Many times when someone is sick, or we’re facing a giant issue where great faith is needed, or if we could receive a miracle, what a joy that would be! Well, dig into the Gifts of the Spirit, explore them, understand them, and one day you may well participate in them, making that difference in your life and the lives of others which comes through the operation of the Power Gifts.

The Three Gifts Of Inspiration  (The Three Vocal Gifts) 

#7 The Gift Of Prophecy

The Gift of Prophecy is supernatural utterance in a known tongue.  It is the God-given ability to sense the mind and will of God, either past, present or futuristic, for a person, group or situation and to communicate it accurately through divinely anointed speaking. 

Having the Gift of Prophecy is not the same as being a Prophet, as recorded in Ephesians chapter four. The Gift of Prophecy in the local Church is limited to exhortation, edification and comfort. Also it is the only gift out of the nine that has such wide scope for ministering to and blessing the Body of Christ: Paul encourages everyone to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1, 31).

There are three methods of Prophesying:

1.   The Office of the Prophet: Ephesians 2:30; 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 13:1.

2.   Prophetic Preaching: 1 Peter 4:11.

3.   Prophetic Presbytery:1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 6:1-2; Acts 13:1-3 as used in:

a)      Prophetic revelation and confirmation of those called into leadership ministry in the Church.

b)      Ordination to the five-fold ministry (see Ephesians 4:11).

c)      Confirmation and activation of membership ministries in the Body of Christ.

d)     Progress in Christian Maturity.

e)      The Spirit of Prophecy: This is an anointing arising from Christ within the believer, which takes place on occasions of special anointing: Rev. 19:10.

Biblical References For The Gift Of Prophecy 

• Acts 21:8-11
• 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:1, 3, 4, 6, 22, 24, 31, 39
• 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
• Romans 12:6
• Joel 2:28

 Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

#8 The Gift Of Divers (Various) Kinds Of Tongues

Divers kinds of tongues is supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker, not understood by the mind of the speaker nor necessarily always understood by the hearer.  It is a God-given ability to communicate in an unfamiliar language (either human or divine) and is used in the public assembly. 

Every believer can speak in tongues, since every believer can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  But not every believer will have the gift of divers tongues to give an utterance in the public assembly.  Thus there is a difference between being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues, and giving utterance in the public assembly – the gift of divers (various) tongues.

In the hierarchy of the Gifts of the Spirit, the vocal gifts are the least of the gifts.  This is not to say that they are useless, but that they are the most widely distributed and most frequently used.  It is also a gift that requires another gift to “complete” it, that being the gift of the interpretation of tongues.  Every message in tongues in the public assembly requires an interpretation, either by someone other than the one who spoke in tongues, or, if no one interprets, the one who spoke the message in tongues is to seek God for the interpretation.  It must be interpreted.

Biblical References For The Gift Of Divers (Various) Kinds Of Tongues 

• 1 Corinthians 14:18, 39b
• Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46
• Acts 19:6 9:
• Mark 16:15-18