DOCTRINES

SPIRITUAL GIFTS: ARE THEY FOR TODAY? Pt 1 & Pt 2

    What does God’s Word say about the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spiritual gifts? Are they for today?
   God gave Jesus power. As it is written, 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-Acts 10:38. Jesus was anointed by God. He spake boldly with all wisdom and power. It is written, AND THEY WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS DOCTRINE: FOR HIS WORD WAS WITH POWER-Lk 4:32. AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, AND SPAKE AMONG THEMSELVES, SAYING, WHAT A WORD IS THIS! FOR WITH AUTHORITY AND POWER HE COMMANDETH...-Lk 4:36. ...THE POWER OF THE LORD WAS PRESENT TO HEAL THEM-Lk 5:17. FOR OUR GOSPEL CAME NOT UNTO YOU IN WORD ONLY, BUT ALSO IN POWER...-1 Thes 1:5.
   Jesus gave power to His disciples. AND WHEN HE HAD CALLED UNTO HIM HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES, HE GAVE THEM POWER AGAINST UNCLEAN SPIRITS, TO CAST THEM OUT, AND TO HEAL ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND ALL MANNER OF DISEASE-Mt 10:1. AND HE ORDAINED TWELVE...THAT HE MIGHT SEND THEM FORTH TO PREACH, AND TO HAVE POWER TO HEAL SICKNESSES, AND TO CAST OUT DEVILS-Mk 3:14,15. AND HE...BEGAN TO SEND THEM FORTH BY TWO AND TWO; AND GAVE THEM POWER OVER UNCLEAN SPIRITS-Mk 6:7. Jesus told them to HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS: FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE-Mt 10:8. He also...GAVE THEM POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL DEVILS, AND TO CURE DISEASES-Lk 9:1. Jesus told His disciples, AND INTO WHATSOEVER HOUSE YE ENTER, FIRST SAY, PEACE BE TO THIS HOUSE. AND HEAL THE SICK THAT ARE THEREIN, AND SAY UNTO THEM, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS COME NIGH UNTO YOU-Lk 10:5,9.
   After Jesus had risen from the dead, He told His followers, ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH-Mt 28:18. ...BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER...FOR JOHN TRULY BAPTIZED WITH WATER; BUT YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST NOT MANY DAYS HENCE. BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY GHOST IS COME UPON YOU...-Acts 1:4,5,8. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:17,18.

    The purpose for these gifts is witnessing. God’s Word tells us in Acts 1:8-BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER...AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME. We receive this power to witness, to glorify God, to edify the church, and to save souls. As it is written, GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS...-Mt 28:19. ...GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE-Mk 16:15. The Lord tells us, AND THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME AMONG ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. AND YE ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS. In the very next verse Jesus tells us, AND, BEHOLD, I SEND THE PROMISE OF MY FATHER UPON YOU: BUT TARRY YE IN THE CITY OF JERUSALEM, UNTIL YE BE ENDUED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH-Lk 24:47-49. Over and over we see the words "power" and "witness." Wait for the power, then go and witness. The power was to enable them to speak with boldness and to do signs and miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead. These would confirm the Word-ref Mk 16:20. Again, in Acts 1:4-Jesus told His disciples...THAT THEY SHOULD NOT DEPART FROM JERUSALEM, BUT WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER.

    It is written, AND WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS FULLY COME, THEY WERE ALL WITH ONE ACCORD IN ONE PLACE. AND SUDDENLY THERE CAME A SOUND FROM HEAVEN AS OF A RUSHING MIGHTY WIND, AND IT FILLED ALL THE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE SITTING. AND THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM CLOVEN TONGUES LIKE AS OF FIRE, AND IT SAT UPON EACH OF THEM. AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE. AND THERE WERE DWELLING AT JERUSALEM JEWS, DEVOUT MEN, OUT OF EVERY NATION....(When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language-NIV.) AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED AND MARVELED, SAYING ONE TO ANOTHER, BEHOLD, ARE NOT ALL THESE WHICH SPEAK GALILEANS? AND HOW HEAR WE EVERY MAN IN OUR OWN TONGUE?...WE DO HEAR THEM SPEAK IN OUR TONGUES THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD. AND THEY WERE ALL AMAZED, AND WERE IN DOUBT, SAYING ONE TO ANOTHER, WHAT MEANETH THIS? OTHER MOCKING SAID, THESE MEN ARE FULL OF NEW WINE. BUT PETER, STANDING UP WITH THE ELEVEN...SAID ...HEARKEN TO MY WORDS: FOR THESE ARE NOT DRUNKEN, AS YE SUPPOSE...BUT THIS IS THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHET JOEL; AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAITH GOD, I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH: AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS....The apostles preached unto the people, testifying of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus...WHEREOF WE ALL ARE WITNESSES. When the people heard this, they asked...WHAT SHALL WE DO? THEN PETER SAID UNTO THEM, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU-Acts 2:1-8,11-17,32,37,38.
   Let us return to some Scriptures previously covered. What happened on Pentecost? Jesus told His disciples...WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER....YE SHALL BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST (thus the term: "the baptism of the Holy Spirit")....YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER...-Acts 1:4,5,8. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES...THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:17,18. ...YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME...-Acts 1:8. God gave the disciples this power to enable them to do the works He had prepared for them: to witness, to confirm the Word, to edify the church, and to glorify Him.

    Therefore, we are not to be ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY OF OUR LORD...FOR GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER...-2 Tim 1:8,7. God commanded His disciples to go and preach, to raise the dead, and heal the sick. Then He gave His disciples the power to accomplish what He commanded. 1 Cor 12:1,4,8-11-NOW CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BRETHREN, I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT. NOW THERE ARE DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT.
   1. FOR TO ONE IS GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT THE
   WORD OF WISDOM;
   2. TO ANOTHER THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE BY THE SAME SPIRIT;
   3. TO ANOTHER FAITH BY THE SAME SPIRIT;
   4. TO ANOTHER THE GIFTS OF HEALING BY THE SAME SPIRIT;
   5. TO ANOTHER THE WORKING OF MIRACLES;
   6. TO ANOTHER PROPHECY;
   7. TO ANOTHER DISCERNING OF SPIRITS;
   8. TO ANOTHER DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES;
   9. TO ANOTHER THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES:
   NIV-ALL THESE ARE THE WORK OF ONE AND THE SAME SPIRIT, AND HE GIVES THEM TO EACH ONE, JUST AS HE DETERMINES.

    There are those who would mislead you through the traditions of men and misunderstanding of God’s Word. They may say that the spiritual gifts have passed away and are not for today; however, this is not true.
   The Bible shows us these gifts are from the time of Pentecost until Jesus Christ returns (which happens immediately after the Tribulation). During the Millennium, the spiritual gifts will pass away. As it is written, 1 Cor 13:8-CHARITY NEVER FAILETH: BUT WHETHER THERE BE PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL; WHETHER THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE; WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH AWAY (the spiritual gifts shall pass away). 1 Cor 13:10 shows this will happen when Jesus Christ returns. Verse 9 is referring to right now—from the time of Pentecost until Jesus returns: FOR WE KNOW IN PART, AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (we have gifts in part). Verse 10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME (when Jesus is come back), THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART (the gifts of the Spirit) SHALL BE DONE AWAY. The disciples did not have complete understanding of all things. For instance, they did not understand when Jesus would return or how far into the future the fulfillment of His prophecies would be. Verses 11-12-WHEN I WAS A CHILD (right now), I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN (when Jesus returns), I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS (put away the gifts). FOR NOW (from Pentecost until Jesus returns) WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY; BUT THEN (when Jesus has returned) FACE TO FACE: NOW (from Pentecost until Jesus returns) I KNOW IN PART (there are gifts in part); BUT THEN (when Jesus returns) SHALL I KNOW EVEN AS ALSO I AM KNOWN. God’s Word tells us there are spiritual gifts now, but there will not be when THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME (when Jesus is come)-1 Cor 13:8-12.

5-SPIRITUAL GIFTS SHALL CEASE DURING THE MILLENNIUM

    During the Millennium, spiritual gifts will no longer exist. Jesus will be on the earth. The people will see Him face to face.

    1 Cor 13:8-CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH: BUT WHETHER THERE BE (gifts of) PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL (or pass, or cease, or be done away); WHETHER THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE (or be stilled); WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH (or pass) AWAY.
   1 Cor 13:9-FOR WE KNOW IN PART (our knowledge is partial), AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (or partial).
   1 Cor 13:10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT (or the perfect, or perfection) IS COME, THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART (or partial, or imperfect) SHALL BE DONE (or pass) AWAY (or disappears).
   1 Cor 13:11-WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE (or talked) AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD (or thought) AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT (or argued, or reasoned) AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY (or have finished with, or did away with) CHILDISH THINGS.
   1 Cor 13:12-FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH (or in) A GLASS, DARKLY (or dimly, or obscurely, or a poor reflection); BUT THEN (it will be) FACE TO FACE: NOW I KNOW IN PART (or partly); BUT THEN SHALL I KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM (fully) KNOWN (or as God has fully known me-JNT).

    1 Cor 13:8 tells us about the Millennium. CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH. This is telling us that love is the most important thing. True love does not fail. It will never end.
   BUT WHETHER THERE BE (gifts of) PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL (or pass, or cease, or be done away); WHETHER THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE (or be stilled); WHETHER THERE BE KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH (or pass) AWAY. This is telling us that there would come a day in which the spiritual gifts of prophecies, of speaking in tongues, and of knowledge would cease, or be done away, or vanish. The question then arises, when would that day be?
   1 Cor 13:9-FOR WE KNOW IN PART (our knowledge is partial), AND WE PROPHESY IN PART (or partial). From the time that this was written to the current time, we "know and prophesy in part or partially." The word "fragmentary" may be applied.
   1 Cor 13:10-BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT (or the perfect, or perfection) IS COME, in other words, when Jesus is come or when Jesus is returned, immediately after the Tribulation, something will change. Some consider that the perfection mentioned here denotes "maturity" and is not the actual coming of Jesus, but the perfection of the church. Depending on one’s understanding, this could represent the exact same time or another time.
   THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART (or partial, or imperfect) SHALL BE DONE (or pass) AWAY (or disappears). When Jesus has come, the spiritual gifts will cease, or be done away with, or vanish.
   This is further confirmed in Zech 13:2-5, as it indicates to us that during the Millennium, the Lord will cause the prophets to pass out of the land. The prophets will be ashamed. They will not wear a rough garment to deceive. They will say, "I am no prophet." And if any prophesy, they shall be killed by their mother and father.
   1 Cor 13:11-WHEN I WAS A CHILD, which is right now, I SPAKE (or talked) AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD (or thought) AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT (or argued, or reasoned) AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, which is when Jesus shall reign on the earth, I PUT AWAY (or have finished with, or did away with) CHILDISH THINGS. In other words, the spiritual gifts are put away, finished, or done away with. Again, some, equate this with the maturity of the church. Note, the "in part" and the "child" are symbolically related together.
   1 Cor 13:12-FOR NOW, this covers from the time that Jesus went to be with His Father to the time Jesus returns, WE SEE THROUGH (or in) A GLASS, DARKLY (or dimly, or obscurely, or a poor reflection). Seeing through a glass darkly or dimly is illustrating the same thing as in verse 9, as it says, "in part."
   BUT THEN, this is talking about the time Jesus returns and reigns on the earth, "then" (it will be) FACE TO FACE. When Jesus is here, when that which is perfect is come, then "face to face." The saints and the world will be face to face with Jesus. "Then" those things which are in part, that is the spiritual gifts, shall be done away or vanish.
   NOW, which is talking about the time when Jesus left to the time He returns. Now there are the spiritual gifts in part. "NOW" I KNOW IN PART (or partly); BUT THEN, when Jesus has returned and reigns on the earth, SHALL I KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM (fully) KNOWN (or as God has fully known me-JNT).
   1 Cor 13:13-AND NOW (which covers from the time Jesus departed to the time He returns) ABIDETH FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY (or love), THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY (or love).
   The Scriptures clearly show that during the Millennium, "when Jesus has returned," the spiritual gifts shall cease. ...PROPHECIES, THEY SHALL FAIL…TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE…and KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH AWAY-verse 8. But, right now, these things are in part. FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY...-verse 12. Glory to God.
   It may be summarized this way. Love is eternal. It never fails. The spiritual gifts shall cease. They exist only for a specific time.

• CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH-1 Cor 13:8

• FOR WE KNOW IN PART-1 Cor 13:9

• NOW I KNOW IN PART-1 Cor 13:12

• WE PROPHESY IN PART-1 Cor 13:9

• I WAS A CHILD-1 Cor 13:11

• I SPAKE (or talked) AS A CHILD-1 Cor 13:11

• I UNDERSTOOD (or thought) AS A CHILD-1 Cor 13:11

• I THOUGHT (or argued, or reasoned) AS A CHILD-1Cor 13:11

• NOW WE SEE THROUGH (or in) A GLASS, DARKLY-1 Cor 13:12

• NOW ABIDETH FAITH-1 Cor 13:13

• NOW ABIDETH…HOPE-1 Cor 13:13

• NOW ABIDETH…CHARITY (or love)-1 Cor 13:13

• CHARITY (or love)…THE GREATEST-1 Cor 13:13

• PROPHECIES…SHALL FAIL-1 Cor 13:8

• TONGUES…SHALL CEASE-1 Cor 13:8

• KNOWLEDGE…SHALL VANISH-1 Cor 13:8

• THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART SHALL BE DONE AWAY-1 Cor 13:10

• I BECAME A MAN-1 Cor 13:11

• I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS-1 Cor 13:11

• THEN (we shall be) FACE TO FACE-1 Cor 13:12

• BUT THEN SHALL I KNOW (fully) EVEN AS ALSO I AM (fully) KNOWN-1 Cor 13:12

    There is no question that the Bible does talk about prophets and prophecies in the latter days. This can be seen in Jere 23, but many other places in Jeremiah also discuss related things.
   There is no question that the Bible does talk about YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY in relation to the past and the latter days, regarding Joel chapter 2 as well as Acts 2:17.
   There is no question that the spiritual gifts have manifested themselves in many fruit-bearing, love-filled, born-again Christians.
   However, be warned. The Bible also clearly shows that many prophets and prophecies during the latter days will be false and not of God. This can be found in Jere 23, Mt 24, Mk 13, and many other passages.
   There is also no question that many born-again people, including Bible teachers and professors, preachers, and well-known, anointed ministers of God have given false prophecies that are clearly not in harmony with God’s Word. This has happened in homes, churches, on the radio, on television, and in the Bible schools, colleges, and universities. Some of these false prophecies have been printed in newsletters published by the same person that made them. As a result, some people have been led into believing things that are not in harmony with God’s Word.
   In addition, many deceived people are coming forth and saying, "God told me to tell you this or that." It was not God at all, but the person’s own emotions that prompted him to speak.
   Only God’s Word is infallible. All these things are to be judged by God’s Word.
   Such are things in this Laodicean church age. People are deceived and being deceived. It will get worse as birth pains of a woman.

    Let’s examine the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10. The first is the word of wisdom. Webster’s New World Dictionary says of wisdom: the quality of being wise, good judgment. Solomon asked God, GIVE ME NOW WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE-2 Chr 1:10. The words SPIRIT OF WISDOM are mentioned in Ex 28:3. Regarding Jesus, the people asked, WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THIS WISDOM?-Mt 13:54. It is written, THE CHILD (Jesus) GREW, AND WAXED STRONG IN SPIRIT, FILLED WITH WISDOM-Lk 2:40. During the Tribulation, we are told, I (God) WILL GIVE YOU A MOUTH AND WISDOM, WHICH ALL YOUR ADVERSARIES SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO GAINSAY NOR RESIST-Lk 21:15. THE FATHER OF GLORY, MAY GIVE UNTO YOU THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM-Eph 1:17. UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES-1 Cor 13:2. IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD-Ja 1:5.

    The second gift mentioned is the word of knowledge. Webster’s defines this as: the fact or state of knowing, range of information or understanding. In the Greek this means: be aware of, perceive, understand. Solomon also asked for this gift. We can pray for God to give us REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM-Eph 1:17. Paul said it was of benefit to them if I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU EITHER BY REVELATION, OR BY KNOWLEDGE...-1 Cor 14:6. Hebrews speaks of the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH-Heb 10:26. Twice, we see the word "revelation" appearing with knowledge. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, GO, CALL THY HUSBAND, AND COME HITHER. THE WOMAN ANSWERED AND SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND. JESUS SAID UNTO HER, THOU HAST WELL SAID, I HAVE NO HUSBAND: FOR THOU HAST HAD FIVE HUSBANDS; AND HE WHOM THOU NOW HAST IS NOT THY HUSBAND-Jn 4:16-18. As a result, the woman believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

    The third gift mentioned is faith by the same Spirit. Every born-again Christian is given a measure of faith. Jesus is the "Author" and "Finisher" of our faith-ref Heb 12:2. Where does this faith come from? The Bible tells us, FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD-Ro 10:17. Yet we see there is a gift of faith. Something which is over and above the measure of faith we receive in proportion to the Word. Paul tells us, THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF...ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS-1 Cor 13:2. Jesus saw a fig tree, but there was nothing on it. Then Jesus said, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY. AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES SAW IT, THEY MARVELED, SAYING, HOW SOON IS THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY! JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO THEM, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH, AND DOUBT NOT, YE SHALL NOT ONLY DO THIS WHICH IS DONE TO THE FIG TREE, BUT ALSO IF YE SHALL SAY UNTO THIS MOUNTAIN, BE THOU REMOVED, AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA; IT SHALL BE DONE-Mt 21:19-21.

    The fourth gift is referred to as the gifts of healing. Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead. He gave His disciples the same authority. After Jesus rose from the dead, He commanded the disciples to LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER-Mk 16:18. The disciples did heal the sick and raise the dead. AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH...THEN GIFTS OF HEALINGS-1 Cor 12:28. Jesus does the healing. It is written, I AM THE LORD THAT HEALETH THEE-Ex 15:26. THE LORD...WHO HEALETH ALL THY DISEASES-Ps 103:2,3. In the Old Testament, it is written, WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED-Isa 53:5. Then, in the New Testament we read, BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED-1 Pe 2:24. HE SENT HIS WORD, AND HEALED THEM-Ps 107:20. Jesus healed ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL-Acts 10:38.

    Let us remember, the gifts are for the purpose of witnessing, to confirm the Word. A CERTAIN MAN LAME FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB WAS...LAID DAILY AT THE GATE OF THE TEMPLE. THEN PETER SAID...IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH RISE UP AND WALK. AND HE TOOK HIM BY THE RIGHT HAND, AND LIFTED HIM UP: AND IMMEDIATELY HIS FEET AND ANKLE BONES RECEIVED STRENGTH. AND HE LEAPING UP STOOD...WALKING, AND LEAPING, AND PRAISING GOD. AND ALL THE PEOPLE SAW…THEY WERE FILLED WITH...AMAZEMENT-Acts 3:2,6-10. Peter then preached unto them Jesus. MANY OF THEM WHICH HEARD THE WORD BELIEVED; AND THE NUMBER OF THE MEN WAS ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND. BE IT KNOWN...THAT BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH...BY HIM DOTH THIS MAN STAND HERE-Acts 4:4,10. Through the healing power of Jesus and the preaching of the cross about 5000 people believed.

    The Bible tells us, JESUS CHRIST (is) THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOR EVER-Heb 13:8.

    This message is a continuation of part one, The Spiritual Gifts: Are They For Today?
   The fifth gift is the working of miracles. Jesus turned water into wine. As it is written, THIS BEGINNING OF MIRACLES DID JESUS IN CANA-Jn 2:11. GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH…THIRDLY TEACHERS, AFTER THAT MIRACLES-1 Cor 12:28. GOD WROUGHT SPECIAL MIRACLES BY THE HANDS OF PAUL-Acts 19:11. Jesus multiplied bread and fish, which fed a great multitude. Then the Bible tells us, MANY OF THE PEOPLE BELIEVED ON HIM, AND SAID, WHEN CHRIST COMETH, WILL HE DO MORE MIRACLES THAN THESE WHICH THIS MAN HATH DONE?-Jn 7:31. The gifts are given by God to win the lost to Jesus. By miracles the Word is confirmed. As it is written, THE PEOPLE WITH ONE ACCORD GAVE HEED UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH PHILIP SPAKE, HEARING AND SEEING THE MIRACLES WHICH HE DID-Acts 8:6.

    The sixth gift is prophecy. We are to EAGERLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY THE GIFT OF PROPHECY-1 Cor 14:1 NIV. HE THAT PROPHESIETH SPEAKETH UNTO MEN TO EDIFICATION, AND EXHORTATION, AND COMFORT....HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIETH THE CHURCH. 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. NOW, BRETHREN, IF I COME UNTO YOU SPEAKING WITH TONGUES, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, EXCEPT I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU…BY PROPHESYING-1 Cor 14:3-6. PROPHESYING SERVETH NOT FOR THEM THAT BELIEVE NOT, BUT FOR THEM WHICH BELIEVE. LET THE PROPHETS SPEAK TWO OR THREE, AND LET THE OTHER JUDGE. IF ANYTHING BE REVEALED TO ANOTHER THAT SITTETH BY, LET THE FIRST HOLD HIS PEACE. FOR YE MAY ALL PROPHESY ONE BY ONE, THAT ALL MAY LEARN, AND ALL MAY BE COMFORTED. AND THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROPHETS. IF ANY MAN THINK HIMSELF TO BE A PROPHET, OR SPIRITUAL, LET HIM ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE THINGS THAT I WRITE UNTO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. WHEREFORE, BRETHREN, COVET TO PROPHESY-1 Cor 14:22,29-32,37,39. AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS…FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST-Eph 4:11,12. AND GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH…SECONDARILY PROPHETS-1 Cor 12:28.
   Jesus prophesied during His ministry. In Mt 24, Mk 13, and Lk 21, Jesus gave many signs of the latter days. Jesus foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples. Jesus showed that He knew what would happen no matter what He did. ART THOU THE CHRIST? TELL US. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, IF I TELL YOU, YE WILL NOT BELIEVE: AND IF I ALSO ASK YOU, YE WILL NOT ANSWER ME, NOR LET ME GO-Lk 22:67,68. AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY...PROPHESIED-Acts 19:6. HAVING THEN GIFTS DIFFERING ACCORDING TO THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN TO US, WHETHER PROPHECY, LET US PROPHESY ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF FAITH-Ro 12:6.

    The seventh gift is discerning of spirits (the ability to distinguish between spirits-1 Cor 12:10 NIV). Jesus often cast out demons. He would talk to the spirits and command them. The Bible mentions different spirits, such as: A FAMILIAR SPIRIT-Lev 20:27; A LYING SPIRIT-1 Ki 22:22; A PERVERSE (dizziness) SPIRIT-Isa 19:14; THE SPIRIT OF DEEP SLEEP-Isa 29:10; THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT-Mt 12:43; A DUMB SPIRIT-Mk 9:17; FOUL SPIRIT (a dumb and deaf spirit)-Mk 9:25; A SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY (crippled by a spirit)-Lk 13:11; A SPIRIT OF DIVINATION (a spirit by which she predicted the future)-Acts 16:16; THE EVIL SPIRIT ANSWERED-Acts 19:15; JESUS REBUKED THE DEVIL-Mt 17:18; HOWBEIT THIS KIND GOETH NOT OUT BUT BY PRAYER AND FASTING-Mt 17:21.

    Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said, THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS-Mk 16:17. Jesus gave the disciples power to cast out devils. It is written, LORD, EVEN THE DEVILS ARE SUBJECT UNTO US THROUGH THY NAME-Lk 10:17. 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-Acts 16:18.

    The Bible tells us, WE WRESTLE…AGAINST... PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES-Eph 6:12. God’s Word also states that THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS; CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD-2 Cor 10:4,5. Jesus healed ALL THAT WERE OPPRESSED OF THE DEVIL-Acts 10:38. For we are COMPLETE IN HIM, WHICH IS THE HEAD OF ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER-Col 2:10.

    The eighth gift is divers kinds of tongues (the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues-1 Cor 12:10 NIV). Jesus spoke these words before He ascended to His Father. THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE…THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES-Mk 16:17.
   The day of Pentecost came. The disciples (about 120) were in the upper room. Then SUDDENLY THERE CAME A SOUND FROM HEAVEN AS OF A RUSHING MIGHTY WIND...AND THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM CLOVEN TONGUES LIKE AS OF FIRE, AND IT SAT UPON EACH OF THEM. AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.
   The multitude said one to another, HOW HEAR WE EVERY MAN IN OUR OWN TONGUE, WHEREIN WE WERE BORN?-Acts 2:2-4,8. The Bible says that GOD HATH SET SOME IN THE CHURCH…DIVERSITIES (different kinds) OF TONGUES. HAVE ALL THE GIFTS OF…TONGUES?-1 Cor 12:28,30. THOUGH I SPEAK WITH THE TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (love), I AM BECOME AS SOUNDING BRASS-1 Cor 13:1. The disciples were able to speak in the various languages of the crowd; thousands were baptized that day.
   A person may pray to God in tongues. In some cases, a message may be given by the Holy Spirit to the church in an unknown tongue. Afterward, it is interpreted as God’s Spirit speaks through an interpreter. It is written, 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. BUT HE THAT PROPHESIETH SPEAKETH UNTO MEN TO EDIFICATION, AND EXHORTATION, AND COMFORT-1 Cor 14:2,3. For instance, one may speak in an unknown tongue followed by an interpretation. Note the three parts of this verse:
   1) speaketh to edification
   2) speaketh to exhortation
   3) speaketh to comfort
   The chapter continues, HE THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE EDIFIETH HIMSELF; BUT HE THAT PROPHESIETH EDIFIETH THE CHURCH. 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.
   NOW, BRETHREN, IF I COME UNTO YOU SPEAKING WITH TONGUES, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, EXCEPT I SHALL SPEAK TO YOU EITHER BY REVELATION, OR BY KNOWLEDGE, OR BY PROPHESYING, OR BY DOCTRINE? AND EVEN THINGS WITHOUT LIFE GIVING SOUND, WHETHER PIPE OR HARP, EXCEPT THEY GIVE A DISTINCTION IN THE SOUNDS, HOW SHALL IT BE KNOWN WHAT IS PIPED OR HARPED? FOR IF THE TRUMPET GIVE AN UNCERTAIN SOUND (does not sound a clear call), WHO SHALL PREPARE HIMSELF TO THE BATTLE? THEREFORE IF I KNOW NOT THE MEANING OF THE VOICE, I SHALL BE UNTO HIM THAT SPEAKETH A BARBARIAN (foreigner), AND HE THAT SPEAKETH SHALL BE A BARBARIAN (foreigner) UNTO ME. EVEN SO YE, FORASMUCH AS YE ARE ZEALOUS OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SEEK THAT YE MAY EXCEL TO THE EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH (try to excel in the gifts that build up the church). WHEREFORE LET HIM THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET. FOR IF I PRAY IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS UNFRUITFUL (when praying in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful). WHAT IS IT THEN? I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT, AND I WILL PRAY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO…ELSE WHEN THOU SHALT BLESS WITH THE SPIRIT (if you are praising God with your 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? FOR THOU VERILY GIVEST THANKS WELL, BUT THE OTHER IS NOT EDIFIED.
   I THANK MY GOD, I SPEAK WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YE ALL: YET IN THE CHURCH I HAD RATHER SPEAK FIVE WORDS WITH MY UNDERSTANDING, THAT BY MY VOICE I MIGHT TEACH OTHERS ALSO, THAN TEN THOUSAND WORDS IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE.
   BRETHREN, BE NOT CHILDREN IN UNDERSTANDING: HOWBEIT IN MALICE BE YE CHILDREN, BUT IN UNDERSTANDING BE MEN. IN THE LAW IT IS WRITTEN, WITH MEN OF OTHER TONGUES AND OTHER LIPS WILL I SPEAK UNTO THIS PEOPLE; AND YET FOR ALL THAT WILL THEY NOT HEAR ME, SAITH THE LORD. WHEREFORE TONGUES ARE FOR A SIGN, NOT TO THEM THAT BELIEVE, BUT TO THEM THAT BELIEVE NOT: BUT PROPHESYING…FOR THEM WHICH BELIEVE. IF THEREFORE THE WHOLE CHURCH BE COME TOGETHER INTO ONE PLACE, AND ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES, AND THERE COME IN THOSE THAT ARE UNLEARNED (do not understand), OR UNBELIEVERS, WILL THEY NOT SAY THAT YE ARE MAD? (BUT IF AN UNBELIEVER OR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND COMES IN WHILE EVERYBODY IS PROPHESYING, HE WILL BE CONVINCED BY ALL THAT HE IS A SINNER AND WILL BE JUDGED BY ALL-NIV): AND THUS ARE THE SECRETS OF HIS HEART MADE MANIFEST (laid bare); AND SO FALLING DOWN ON HIS FACE HE WILL WORSHIP GOD, AND REPORT THAT GOD IS IN YOU OF A TRUTH...LET ALL THINGS BE DONE UNTO EDIFYING.
   IF ANY MAN SPEAK IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE, LET IT BE BY TWO, OR AT THE MOST BY THREE, AND THAT BY COURSE; AND LET ONE INTERPRET. BUT IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER, LET HIM KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH; AND LET HIM SPEAK TO HIMSELF, AND TO GOD. WHEREFORE, BRETHREN…FORBID NOT TO SPEAK WITH TONGUES. LET ALL THINGS BE DONE DECENTLY AND IN ORDER-1 Cor 14:4-8,11-28,39,40.

    The ninth gift is the interpretation of tongues. It is written, I WOULD THAT YE ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES, BUT RATHER THAT YE PROPHESIED… EXCEPT HE INTERPRET, THAT THE CHURCH MAY RECEIVE EDIFYING-1 Cor 14:5. WHEREFORE LET HIM THAT SPEAKETH IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET. IF ANY MAN SPEAK IN AN UNKNOWN TONGUE…LET ONE INTERPRET. BUT IF THERE BE NO INTERPRETER, LET HIM KEEP SILENCE IN THE CHURCH-1 Cor 14:13,27,28.

    God gives us gifts to do His work. Paul tells us, MY SPEECH AND MY PREACHING WAS NOT WITH ENTICING WORDS OF MAN’S WISDOM, BUT IN DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND OF POWER-1 Cor 2:4. THEY…PREACHED EVERY WHERE, THE LORD WORKING WITH THEM, AND CONFIRMING THE WORD WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING-Mk 16:20. FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT IN WORD, BUT IN POWER-1 Cor 4:20. Paul prayed for the brethren, that God would FULFILL...(in them) THE WORK OF FAITH WITH POWER-2 Thes 1:11.
   Some receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit by doing nothing. Such was the case at Pentecost and also in the following verses. It is written, WHILE PETER YET SPAKE THESE WORDS, THE HOLY GHOST FELL ON ALL THEM WHICH HEARD THE WORD. FOR THEY HEARD THEM SPEAK WITH TONGUES, AND MAGNIFY GOD. THEN ANSWERED PETER, CAN ANY MAN FORBID WATER THAT THESE SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AS WELL AS WE? AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED (note, in verse 47, Peter specifies baptism with water)-Acts 10:44,46-48.
   Some pray to God and receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. HOW MUCH MORE SHALL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?-Lk 11:13.
   Others may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. AND WHEN PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY SPAKE WITH TONGUES, AND PROPHESIED-Acts 19:6.
   The Bible warns us, LAY HANDS SUDDENLY ON NO MAN (do not be hasty in the laying on of hands), NEITHER BE PARTAKER OF OTHER MEN’S SINS: KEEP THYSELF PURE-1 Tim 5:22.
   Do you thirst for the baptism of the Holy Ghost for the purposes God gives us in His Word? IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK. HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, AS THE SCRIPTURE HATH SAID, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER-Jn 7:37,38. BY ONE SPIRIT ARE WE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY…AND HAVE BEEN ALL MADE TO DRINK INTO ONE SPIRIT. HAVE ALL THE GIFTS OF HEALING? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? DO ALL INTERPRET? BUT COVET EARNESTLY THE BEST GIFTS-1 Cor 12:13,30,31.

    Once you have received your gift from God, NEGLECT NOT THE GIFT THAT IS IN THEE, WHICH WAS GIVEN THEE BY PROPHECY, WITH THE LAYING ON OF THE HANDS OF THE PRESBYTERY-1 Tim 4:14. STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD, WHICH IS IN THEE...FOR GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND-2 Tim 1:6,7.

    In this last generation, there is often a lack of emphasis on the reason for spiritual gifts. They are to confirm the Word. God empowers His people with heavenly gifts and does miracles for the purpose of witnessing and winning the lost to Jesus. Also to edify the church and as a witness to the unbelievers. Many in these last days do not understand this. The church often neglects to preach that the gifts are for God’s purpose. They are to be used to glorify God.

    Virtually any believer can receive spiritual gifts, yet many are hindered from receiving them because they have been taught (by the traditions of men) that the gifts are not for today. But Jesus says, YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE-Jn 8:32. Earlier in this message we covered 1 Cor 13:8-12, which explained the gifts are for today. Nevertheless, they will pass away during the 1000 year reign of Christ.

15-BEWARE OF THOSE WHO SEEM TO HAVE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, BUT ARE NOT TRULY
BORN-AGAIN: TONGUES ARE NOT EVIDENCE OF SALVATION

   Beware of those who seem to have spiritual gifts, but their life does not reflect the fruits of a truly born-again person.
   Beware of those who have not turned from all willful sin, who are not abiding in obedience to the Gospel.
   Beware of those who are going to churches that are not proclaiming the finished work of Jesus Christ.
   Beware of those who attend churches that do not believe Jesus Christ will return to this earth and rule for 1000 years.
   Beware of those who do not believe in water baptism by immersion after believing in Jesus and repenting-ref Acts 2:38; Lk 7:29,30. We must repent of all sin if we are to be saved.
   Beware of the doctrine that does not believe the Rapture comes prior to the Tribulation.
   The Bible tells us, THOUGH I SPEAK WITH THE TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS…AND THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY, AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES, AND ALL KNOWLEDGE; AND THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (which is love), I AM NOTHING-1 Cor 13:1,2. Note the words, SPEAK WITH TONGUES…HAVE NOT LOVE. SPEAK WITH TONGUES…I AM NOTHING.
   This verse shows us that a person may speak with tongues, yet if he does not have love, he is nothing. In other words, he is not saved even though he speaks with tongues. Tongues are not a sign of salvation as some incorrectly teach by misusing Scripture. Some even go so far as to say, if a person does not speak in tongues, he cannot be saved. God forbid. In making such a statement, he is saying that some of the greatest ministers and evangelists of this century are not saved. He is saying that some of the finest scholars of Bible prophecy are not saved. It is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. A person’s fruits are the evidence of his salvation, not speaking in tongues. Many speak in tongues, but their lack of love, bad fruits, hardness to correction from God’s Word, and other sins testify they are not walking with God. Often such people also give false prophecies that sound nice, but are in direct contradiction to God’s Word. They mislead those that follow them; they lead these people down the road to hell. They deceive those that do not have a good understanding of the Scriptures. They expound false doctrines and false teachings. Beware.