Evaluating the operation of Spiritual Gifts. 3. GIFTS TO DO: A GIFT OF FAITH (1 Corinthians 12:9 ): Definition: The mysterious surge of confidence which sometimes arises within a person faced with a specific situation or need (the late John Wimber). This can apply personally, or for others, or for Christian projects, i.e. finance for church building. Faith here is translated from the Greek word pistis meaning: faith, faithfulness, steadfastness (Youngs); firm persuasion, the conviction which is based upon hearing, not upon sight or knowledge; a firmly relying confidence in what we hear from God in His Word(Bullingers). Examples: Daniel in the lions den (Daniel 6 ). Financial provision for church buildings, projects, etc. Ross Tooley (Y.W.A.M.) standing in a queue to buy an airline ticket with no money in his pocket. THE GIFTS OF HEALING (1 Corinthians 12:9 ): Definition: To supernaturally bring cure for the sick, physical, spiritual and emotional; to make whole in the fullest sense of the word; saving from disease and its effects (Rodney Francis). Notice this Gift is in the plural: Gifts. Healing in 1 Corinthians 12:9 is translated from iama meaning: healing (Youngs); a cure, healing (Strongs); healing, (the termination denoting the complete act; the result or product of the act)(Bullingers). Healing was a vital part of Jesus ministry. He taught His disciples to follow His example and also heal the sick. It should be an ordinary part of our lives and ministries. Example: Paul on the island of Melita (Acts 28:1-9 ). THE GIFT OF THE WORKING OF MIRACLES (1 Corinthians 12:10 ): Definition: A remarkable or surprising event that happens by the direct intervention of God, not following the general known laws of nature (Dr. David Yonggi Cho, South Korea). The word working is, of course, an action word and is translated from the Greek word energema meaning: an energy, inworking (Youngs); to be in work, to be effective, active, operative, to energize or be energized(Bullingers). The word miracles is translated from the well-known word dunamis meaning: act of power (Youngs); special miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself) (Strongs); capability, power to do anything; then, power, might in action ... a miracle as wrought by divine power; a work, with reference to the power required for its performance(Bullingers). Examples: Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:25-33 ). Joshua commanding the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14 ). Jeans dad praying for the child who was healed of a club foot. The man thrown out of the meeting in Ruatahuna, N.Z. Late Rev. David Sugar (Fiji Islands) delivering deaf and dumb people. Frank Skierski (U.S.A.) praying for broken down machinery. This Gift is desperately needed to impact an unbelieving Christendom and an even more unbelieving world! So here we conclude a very brief overview of the nine beautiful Gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you are desirous of flowing more freely in these Gifts, apply yourself to the following practical pointers: Ask God to help you. Set aside time so that God can speak to you. Confess any sin, fears, doubts or unbelief that is in your life, so you can be a much more effective instrument in His hand. Cultivate a strong desire for the Gifts. Expect God to use you. Work alongside people who are already flowing well in the Gifts. Learn as much as you can. Seek an impartation for a greater release of the Gifts. Always remain teachable. Work within the guide-lines/frame-work set by the Leadership of your local church. Special thanks goes to Rev. Alistair Taylor (U.K.).
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:15:59 +0000
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