HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT....BY BARBARA PERRY

HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
BY BARBARA PERRY

Mark 1:8 "I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (see also Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16; John 1:33)

When John the Baptist was asked by his followers if he was the Messiah, he replied, "No ... He who is coming after me is mightier than I ... . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

The word baptize (baptizo – Strong’s #907) means:

To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
To cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
To overwhelm

An example that shows the meaning of baptizo is found in a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) submerged in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. The first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.

This is what John is saying here. Jesus, the Messiah, when He comes, will totally immerse, submerge, cleanse, and overwhelm you in the Holy Spirit.

Some will ask, "Didn’t we receive the Holy Spirit when we were saved? Yes you did.

After the resurrection but before the ascension Jesus appeared to the disciples and "He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘"Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22) At that time they received the Holy Spirit. But many days later as He was ready to ascend to the Father He said, "for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."" (Acts 1:5) If all that was needed was to receive the Holy Spirit why would He have later said He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit?

Even Jesus, the Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, did not begin His public ministry until the Holy Spirit had descended and remained on Him.

John 1:33 "And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit." (see also Luke 3:22; Mark 1:10; Matt. 3:16)

By comparing the Holy Spirit to water, baptism with the Holy Spirit could be explained like this. You take a drink of water and the water is inside of you, but if you go to the ocean and wade out into the water over your head, the water is now surrounding you totally, and if you relax and float the water will carry your weight. The word is also used in describing a sunken ship as referred to on the previous page #1. The water not only surrounds the ship but it penetrates every part of it.

When we are saved we receive the Holy Spirit in us, but when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, He totally surrounds us and fills us and if we just relax and let Him, He will carry us wherever God would have us go, to do whatever God would have us to do, and He gives us the power to do it.

In the event in John 20:22 Jesus ties the receiving of the Spirit with the forgiveness of sins. In Acts, He states the purpose for being baptized with the Holy Spirit. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

The word "power" (dunamis – Strong’s #1410, from which we get our word dynamite) means:

Strength, power, ability

inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth
power for performing miracles
moral power and excellence of soul
the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth
power and resources arising from numbers
power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts.

You shall be witnesses. The word for witness (martus—Strong’s #3144) is the one from which we get our word martyr. He is not saying that we all will die a martyr’s death for Him in the sense that we would think of it, although some of us might. What He is saying is we can die to our own wills and desires and reputation and let Him live His life through us by the power of the Holy Spirit, telling what we know of Him by our life and the power of God that flows through us.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples continued in one accord with prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:14) Jesus had promised them they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit so they began to pray for its fulfillment.

We find the beginning of the fulfillment of this promise in Acts 2:1-40, the Day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

The promised pouring forth, or baptism of the Holy Spirit, had begun. We also find here the first record of speaking in tongues as promised in Mark 16:17 "And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues."

The reaction of the crowd was divided, some were amazed and others were mocking. The disciples must not have been standing there quietly speaking, but rather speaking with a lot of emotion and excitement, for some people thought they were drunk. Peter stands up and replies.

For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; EVEN UPON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. Acts 2:15-18

Peter goes on to say: Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself."

Repent, for the forgiveness of your sins, and then you shall receive the Holy Spirit. Salvation is the necessary first step to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He goes on to say it is not just for the disciples on that day, but is for all that God shall call to Himself. That includes you and me.

Jesus is the one who does the baptizing. Acts 2:33 Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.

The baptism with the Holy Spirit brings us power, as well as the ability to prophesy, see visions, and dream spiritual dreams, all for the purpose of being God’s witnesses to the world. (Acts 1:8; 2:15-18) There are also the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, gifts that Jesus has for us.

1 Cor. 12:7-11 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

These manifestations are commonly referred to as "the gifts of the Spirit" and are manifestations of the person of the Holy Spirit as we allow Him to live through us. Through their operation, the Church becomes the functioning Body of Christ on the earth. As long as Christ was on earth, He could only be in one location at a time. After He poured out His Spirit upon the church, it became possible for Him to manifest Himself through an unlimited number of believers. In a very real way the Church is His eyes, His ears, His feet, and His hands, chosen to carry on His work here on earth. These gifts are given to individuals according to the will of the Holy Spirit to be used at the time they are needed, for the good of the brethren.

The word "gift" is a good word. It reminds us that these blessings cannot be earned but are freely given by God to His children. A gift is not a reward for good behavior but a sign of relationship. The gifts of the Spirit are not toys; they are God’s love gifts to the church. We should never use them for selfish or frivolous purposes. A person does not "own" a gift. If a person needs healing, we should expect God to manifest this gift through us to the person that needs it.

God does not give a gift permanently to an individual and they become the official "healer". This would lead to pride and a limiting of God. The gift is given by God, manifested through us as His representative, and received by the one in need. As a person exercises the gifts, certain gifts may be expressed more frequently and effectively through them. It is then often said that they have a ministry in those gifts, but this does not prohibit any other believer from manifesting the same gifts.

THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS

To manifest the Body of Christ on the earth.
To assist in the evangelization of the world. (Mark 16:15-18)
That people might believe. (John 2:11)
To edify Christians. (1 Cor. 12-14)
As a demonstration of His power. (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:4)
To establish believers. (Romans 1:1)
For the common good of the Body. (1 Cor. 12:7)

INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE GIFTS

Do not be ignorant concerning them. (1 Cor. 12:1)
Earnestly desire them. (1 Cor. 14:1, 12)
Do not neglect them. (1 Tim. 4:14)
Stir them up. (2 Tim. 1:6)
Seek to excel in them. 1 Cor. 14:12)

MISUSE OF THE GIFTS

The gifts can be misused. Paul is very clear that tongues can be exercised at the wrong time (1 Cor. 14:23). Prophets are to manifest their gifts in their proper order, and under certain circumstances to remain silent (1 Cor. 14:29-32). It is our responsibility to be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to how, when, and where we should exercise the gifts, and not let our own thoughts and desires get in the way.

THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

The nine gifts of the Spirit can be divided into three groups: the vocal or saying gifts, the revelation or knowing gifts and the power or doing gifts.

THE VOCAL GIFTS – TONGUES, INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES AND PROPHECY

The end result of the public use of the vocal gifts should always be the edification of the church.

TONGUES is a supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker.

It is not understood by the speaker and almost always not understood by the hearer. It has nothing to do with linguistic ability or intelligence. It is the manifestation of the mind of the Spirit of God using the human speech organs.

Our voice, or as the Bible calls it, our tongue, is our chief means of expression. James 3 compares the tongue to the rudder of a big ship, able to control the whole vessel with very little movement.

James asks, "who can tame the tongue?" The answer is: the Holy Spirit. He says, "I want to rule the most important means of expression you have, the ability to speak. I want to tame and purify that with which you sin the most, your tongue."

Speaking in tongues has nothing to do with emotion. You will not be in some strange frame of mind when you speak in tongues. It is not some weird way out thing. It isn’t hysteria or any form of suggestion. You don’t make your mind go blank or go into a trance. There is no compulsion when you speak in tongues. God does not compel, He inspires. It is the enemy that compels. If anyone says "God makes me do it", it is likely it is not God at all. Usually it is just the flesh.

Speaking in tongues is you speaking inspired by the Holy Spirit and it is always under your control. Your consent is always needed before you manifest any gifts of the Spirit.

There are two settings for speaking in tongues. One is out loud in public meetings for all to hear and always requires an interpretation. The other is in your private prayer closet and does not require interpretation. This second one is what we refer to as your prayer language.

OF WHAT USE IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES?

Speaking in tongues is one of the evidences we find in scripture of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Speaking in tongues is the normal evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and can be expected to be the normal happening. If someone does not speak in tongues, it does not mean they have not received the baptism. It is received by faith the same as salvation. Some people need prayer for the release of their prayer language. All can speak in tongues as a prayer language even if all don’t speak publicly.
Tongues are used for men to speak supernaturally to God. 1 Cor. 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

When your words just can’t express to God the praise and love you feel so deep inside you, praise Him in tongues.

Romans 8:26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

When you have a prayer need and you have prayed all you can find to say in English the Holy Spirit will pray through you in tongues the prayer that needs to be said.
With tongues we may exalt God. Acts 10:46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.
Praying in tongues edifies us. 1 Cor. 14:4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself;

We can edify others by preaching, teaching etc., but this is God’s special way for us to edify ourselves. It is a good thing to edify yourself. Are you doing it? Paul edified himself more than all of Corinth. 1 Cor. 14:18-19 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

The private use of the gift of tongues is really more important than the public use. Paul says he speaks in tongues more than any yet he indicates that he uses it very little in public meetings.

Just think, we can praise God, and build ourselves up at the same time.
We pray in tongues so that our spirit can pray separate from our understanding because our understanding does not always know how to pray. 1 Cor. 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
The gift of tongues spoken in a public meeting along with the gift of interpretation results in the edification of the church and is then equal to prophecy. 1 Cor. 14:12, 13, 5, 26 so also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

In our private devotions we may edify ourselves as much as we want, but in a public meeting we must keep quiet unless there is an interpretation. 1 Cor. 14:27-28 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.

If you give a message in tongues in a public meeting you must pray that you may interpret. 1 Cor. 14:13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
Speaking in tongues is a sign to unbelievers. 1 Cor. 14:22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers; It can also be a sign to believers who are questioning the reality of their faith.

Praying in tongues is not meant to be a substitute for reading the word, but should be used as a supplement to regular prayer and Bible study.

1 Cor. 12:30 says "do all speak with tongues?" and the implied answer is no. How do we reconcile this with the teaching that everyone can speak in tongues as a private prayer language?

In Corinthians Paul is dealing with the spiritual gifts in the context of public meetings not as private prayer. The subject of the private prayer language and the gifts of the Spirit in a public meeting are two different things.

1 Cor. 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or three at the most. Does this mean after the third person it is no longer the Holy Spirit? It is safer to be strictly scriptural although on occasions when it went over three it has undeniably been the Holy Spirit. Paul was dealing here with meetings in which people just spoke in tongues on and on, interrupting or speaking over others, with no consideration for their fellow believers.

We must remember that in 1 Cor. 14 Paul was dealing with the abuses of the spiritual gifts and was addressing particular problems they were having. Mostly it was they were not being considerate or courteous of one another and they were thinking more highly of themselves then they ought.

The gift of tongues is the most controversial of the nine. The apostle Paul said in 1 Cor. 14:5 "Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues." and in 1 Cor 14:39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. Paul’s thoughts are quite clear. He wishes that all spoke in tongues, and he instructs us not to forbid speaking in tongues.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES is the supernatural ability to deliver a prayer or message which was previously given in a tongue unknown to you, and do it in the language of the hearers.

God calls it interpretation not a translation. To translate you would have to understand the language spoken and give a word for word translation. Interpretation carries the meaning of "to explain thoroughly" and includes the concept of application.

It is possible to interpret your own message in tongues.

THE PURPOSE OF THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

In order that the gift of tongues might be understood so the church might be edified, and so the one who spoke in tongues might understand what he has said.
It is not necessary for us to understand everything we say in our prayer language. We are edified just by praying in tongues, but sometimes God feels it would be profitable for us to know what we have just said. If you want to know what you have said, just ask God to give you the interpretation.
The gift of tongues plus the gift of interpretation may have the same result as prophecy. 1 Cor. 14:5

End of Part I of III

Posted by Education Moderator (Member # 3471) on March 20, 2006 04:31 PMMarch 20, 2006 04:31 PM:

PROPHECY is a supernatural utterance in a language known to the speaker.

Our intellect should not be active in prophecy. We are speaking the mind of God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and not from our own thoughts.

Prophecy is not a private gift. It should always be brought before a group of believers (although it may only be for one or more individuals who are present) so that it may be judged.

Paul presents the gift of prophecy as being of the greatest benefit to the church. 1 Cor. 14:1, 4, 5 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

This is the gift that we are not to despise. 1 Thes. 5:20 do not despise prophetic utterances

Everyone may prophesy. 1 Cor. 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted.

Prophesy communicates facts and those facts must always agree with the facts as found in scripture.

Prophecy convicts unbelievers of sin. 1 Cor 14:24 but if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all.

Prophecy is to be judged. 1 Cor. 14:29 And let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.

WE ARE TO JUDGE THE PROPHECY - NOT THE PROPHET!!

Prophecy must always do one or more of the following: comfort, edify, or exhort. (1 Cor. 14:3)
True prophecy will always agree with the word of God. (2 Tim. 3:16; Isa 8:19, 20; Deut. 4:2; Proverbs 30:5, 6)
True prophecy will always exalt Jesus. (John 16:13-15)
True prophecy will always produce good fruit in the characters of believers. (Romans 14:17)
Predictive prophecy should come to pass.
If any prophecy promotes disobedience to God’s word, it is not from God. (Deut. 13:1-5)
True prophecy promotes liberty not bondage or spiritual dictatorship (Romans 8:15)
True prophecy will bring new life. (2 Cor. 3:15)

Directive prophecy – We need to be careful of personal, directive prophecy, especially outside the ministry of a mature submitted Christian. Directive prophecy should confirm that which God has already revealed to you. Your guidance must also agree with scripture. Don’t do anything on the basis of directive prophecy alone.

IF YOU DESIRE TO PROPHESY

Submit yourself to God and draw near to Him, He is the one who illuminates you in your Spirit to bring forth His word in the midst of believers.

Ask … Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.

Expect to prophesy. As you fellowship with the Lord, you may find thoughts and words of inspiration coming into your mind that you have not heard and did not compose. If they are according to scripture, then share them with the church. You may see a picture in your "mind’s eye". As you start to talk about the picture the words will come. Some see words as if written down and just read them.

PRACTICE – gifts mature with practice

Check your motives – Your reason for desiring any gift of the Holy Spirit should be to edify the Body of Christ. The user of the gift is responsible for its proper use, misuse, suppression or control. 1 Cor. 14:32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets

The prophet, not God, is responsible for any disorderly use of the gift, no matter how much the prophet may claim that God made him do it. God is not the author of confusion or compulsion.

Prophecy is not fortune telling.
Prophecy is not inspired preaching.
Prophecy is not witnessing.

WOMEN MAY PROPHECY – 1 Cor. 11:5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying … Joel 2:28 & Acts 2:17 and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Prophecy is for the edification of the church.

THERE ARE RULES – Only two or three are to speak in one meeting (1 Cor. 14:29). Prophecy is not to take over the meeting; there must be room left for the teaching of the word along with praise and worship. It should always be judged in terms of the witness of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the brethren and it must always agree with the word of God.

All should desire to prophesy. Expect to prophesy. The gifts are manifested through God’s ability, not ours.

THE REVELATION GIFTS—THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE, THE WORD OF WISDOM, DISCERNING OF SPIRITS

The revelation gifts are the God given ability to receive from Him facts concerning anything about which it was humanly impossible for you to know. These gifts become vocal when they are shared with others.

THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE is supernaturally given information which the speaker did not know previously. It is usually past or present information rather than future.

It is the gift of a word of knowledge, not the gift of knowledge.

It is not guessing, not fortune telling, not deep insight into the Bible, not knowledge based on experience. It is a supernatural knowing of a fact.

It is not amplification of human knowledge, or the knowing of everything about something. It is not knowledge that can be acquired by study. It is not something you acquire, but a gift. You contribute nothing, it is all received.

It is not the deep knowledge of the Bible and theology. It is not that knowledge of God that comes from long experience of His ways.

It is a supernatural revelation from God of a fact unknown to you by natural means.

What is its use?

It can aid us in prayer for those in need of help, physical or spiritual.
It can reveal facts in private lives where God wants to bring spiritual correction
God can use this gift to reveal sickness that needs prayer for healing.
When manifested toward an unbeliever this gift can bring forth conviction and repentance leading to salvation.

THE WORD OF WISDOM is the sudden supernatural giving of wisdom to meet a particular situation, or answer a particular question, or the supernatural ability to know how to use the Word of Knowledge. It can be spoken in prophecy or while counseling.

It is the gift of the WORD of wisdom, not the gift of wisdom. It is not gained through training or experience. It is the revelation of the best course of action, at a given time, in certain circumstances. It is often used in connection with the word of knowledge and discernment of spirits.

Often in a manifestation of the spiritual gift of the word of wisdom something flashes. There is a knowing it was God; an awareness that what was said was beyond that of which you are capable. One is very conscious that the supremely right thing has been said and the true course of action indicated. There is a calm peace that the will of God has been revealed.

Examples of Jesus and the Word of Wisdom

Jesus with the woman caught in adultery. John 8:7"He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."This reply left her accusers powerless against her.
Jesus’ reply concerning paying taxes. Matt. 22:21 "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." When He said this the Pharisees marveled and went away.

There are some who regard themselves as having the gift of wisdom and consider themselves unable to make a mistake. THERE IS NO SUCH GIFT!!! It is a word of wisdom. Its manifestation depends entirely upon the will of God.

DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS is the supernatural ability to discern the kind of spirit motivating a person, and the true nature of the source of any supernatural manifestation

With this gift the believer will immediately know what is motivating a person or situation. He will discern if it is the operation of the Holy Spirit. He will know whether it is the person’s own thoughts, feelings, and desires from his soul, or if he is allowing an alien spirit to oppress him and is bringing thoughts from that wrong spirit.

It is the supernatural ability to recognize that which is spiritual from soulish or demonic. It is not mind reading, not judging, not discrimination, not the ability to detect, not spiritualism, but it is the gift of discerning of the spirit which is motivating and directing action, deed, or thought. The spirits can be self (soulish), Satanic, or the Holy Spirit.

This is the church’s defense against deception. Satan always tried to counterfeit the real including the gifts of the Spirit. We are not expected to accept every word spoken through what appears to be a spiritual gift or in any other manifestation or even through preaching. We are only to accept what is quickened to us by the Holy Spirit and is in agreement with the Bible. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are pure, but the channels they come through are at varying degrees of yieldedness and sanctification. One manifestation may be 75% God and 25% the person’s own thoughts.

There can be the right words with the wrong spirit motivating them such as the slave girl in Acts 16 who operated with a spirit of divination.

Discerning of Spirits can also be used on the offensive in the sense that once an evil spirit is detected it can be cast out. It does not necessarily follow that the power to cast out demons is granted at the same time.

It is not only discernment of demons but of all spirits. It has to do with spirits not people. People can be motivated by spirits, but the gift still has to do with the spirit and not the person. Be careful that you don’t have a "gift of suspicion". In the realm of the spirit there are good spirits as well as bad. If you have discerning of spirits operating you will see angels as well as demons.

We can Discern: The Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34), Good angels (Acts 12:1-11), Evil Spirits (Acts 16:16-18), or Human spirits (Luke 9:53-55)

The existence of the gift of discernment of spirits shows there is a real existence of demons and deceiving spirits manifesting themselves through human beings.

THE POWER GIFTS-FAITH, GIFTS OF HEALINGS, AND MIRACLES

FAITH - The gift of faith is a supernatural endowment by the Holy Spirit of knowing that that which is uttered or desired by man, or spoken by God, shall eventually come to pass.

In some the gift gives them an unswerving belief and trust in God in spite of the most adverse circumstances. In some it results in the accomplishment of mighty works of divine power.

This is faith that dares, and faith that expects great things from God.

It is not natural faith as when a farmer sows seed or when we turn on the lights. It is not saving faith. It is not the fruit of faith – faithfulness

This is the gift of faith, extraordinary faith at a given moment for an extra ordinary purpose. It is a sudden surge of faith, usually in a crisis, to confidently believe without a doubt, that as we act or speak in Jesus’ name it shall come to pass. It is to trust God for the impossible.

If the disciples in the storm tossed boat had remained calm and assured in spite of their dangerous situation, they would have been manifesting the gift of faith. Daniel in the lion’s den resting peacefully was the gift of faith. If he had slain the lions with a gesture, it would have been the gift of miracles.

This is faith to receive the astounding promises of God. Abraham staggered not at the promise …. But was strong in the faith, giving glory to God. (Romans 4:20)

The gift of faith seems to be the special gift given to God’s servants in positions of unavoidable danger and distress. Faith calmly faces the danger knowing God is working. It is often manifested secretly, silently, over long periods, but none the less surely and miraculously.

THE GIFTS OF HEALINGS – the supernatural curing of injuries, handicaps, and diseases without the aid of natural means or human skills. It is God healing supernaturally without any natural aid, doctors, medicine, etc.

Plural – physical, mental, spiritual

Healing can be instantaneous or progressive. In John 9:7 Jesus said to the blind man, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). And so he went away and washed, and came back seeing. Upon his act of obedience he was healed.

Mark 8:23-25 And taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes, and laying His hands upon him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I am seeing them like trees, walking about. "Then again He laid His hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. In this case Jesus laid His hands on him twice before he was healed completely. It was a progressive healing.

Everyone is interested in the gifts of healings since the need is so widespread. It is the most widely accepted of the nine gifts.

A Christian does not have to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to pray for the sick. Jesus said, "These signs shall follow them that believe, they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." Mark 16:17-18 Any believer can pray for the sick and see them healed by the power of Jesus, but healing seems to be released with more effectiveness after the receiving of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In James 5:15 we also read of healing with the anointing of oil and prayer by the elders.

We don’t have to say long prayers for the sick. When we have the faith to say it, a word of command can be effective; be healed, in Jesus’ name. Jesus healed with a word or a command.

A person can be healed through another’s faith when he is too ill and weak to exercise his own faith. Mark 2:3-5

Healing can come through the faith of the sick person alone (Mark 9:22, 29) or the combined faith of the sick person and the one ministering (Mark 5:25-34).

Many, many times more then one gift of the Spirit is used when praying for the sick. The one who feels led to pray should take time to ask God how He would have him proceed. Other gifts of the Spirit such as the word of knowledge or the word of wisdom, faith, miracles, or prophecy may all be manifested in conjunction with the gift of healings.

The gifts of healings are a wonder in the sense that they cause the observer to wonder. They attract attention and cause people to listen to the gospel that might not have otherwise paid attention.

MIRACLES is supernatural ability to perform acts which override or contradict natural laws. It is a sovereign act of the Spirit of God irrespective of laws or systems.

A miracle has no other explanation other than the power of God and will override the laws of nature.

2 Kings 6:5-6 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick, and threw it in there, and made the iron float. Iron will always sink in water, only the power of God can cause the iron to float. Mark 4:39 And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. Jesus calmed the wind and the waves with His words. This also could only be the power of God.

The raising of the dead and the multiplication of the loaves & fishes to feed the 5000 were miracles. Jesus did many, many miracles during His earthly ministry.

Conversion is a supernatural act in the spiritual realm. We do not call it a miracle because it takes place in the spiritual realm. A miracle is a supernatural act in the natural realm.

Miracles were not done to force or frighten unbelievers into believing, they were done to encourage those who already believed or wanted to believe.

MOVING IN THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT IS NOT A MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY. EVEN THE NEWEST BELIEVER CAN MANIFEST THE GIFTS. REMEMBER THEY ARE GIFTS; IT JUST TAKES A YIELDED VESSEL. DETERMINE TO BE THAT VESSEL. WHEN YOU COME TO A MEETING OF BELIEVERS EXPECT GOD TO USE YOU IN THE GIFTS. THEN STEP OUT IN FAITH. DON’T BE AFRAID OF MISTAKES, LEARN FROM THEM.

End of Part II of III

Posted by Education Moderator (Member # 3471) on March 20, 2006 04:35 PMMarch 20, 2006 04:35 PM:

MOTIVE OR FOUNDATIONAL GIFTS

There is another grouping of gifts found in Romans 12 which have become known as the motive gifts or foundation gifts.

Romans 12:4-8 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Every born again Christian has a desire to minister to others. Many times we try to operate in an area of ministry to which we have not been called. We try to copy ministries we admire because we are uncertain of our own

place in the body. This can lead to frustration and discouragement. In order to minister with effectiveness we must know where we belong in the body. Identifying your motive gifts can be a first step in learning to function more effectively in the body of Christ.

Just identifying our gifts is not enough. We must also be willing to sacrifice our time and energy.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

We all have very busy lives that are filled with good and fun things. When we are willing to use our time and abilities to serve the Lord and His people, we become a living sacrifice which is acceptable to God.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We must keep our minds renewed by God’s word.

Romans 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

Grace is the key to our gifts. Grace means that God gave us a gift in spite of what we deserve. It is God’s ministry; He just allows it to flow through you.

Remember your gift is yours. Sometimes, when God gives us a focus, we think others should share that focus and we can become quite overbearing as we try to get others to join us. For example, if you have a motive gift of serving you might try to get everyone you know to work cleaning the church windows thinking because you see the need they should also.

Romans 12:4-6 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly.

As we look at the gifts you will recognize that certain traits of more then one gift are operational in your life. But there will be one or two with which you identify the most closely. Once you have identified your gifts you will notice them flowing through all your spiritual activity within the body. For example, if you counsel others and your motive gift is mercy, you will be a merciful counselor.

Natural talents are inherited at birth. Through education, training, and practice they improve. Spiritual life is not necessary for their development. These talents are often used in church work but they are to be distinguished from the spiritual gifts. Your spiritual gifts may be similar to your talent, but the inner motivation will be different, and the effectiveness will also be different.

When a person gets saved he has the responsibility to learn and obey scriptures, confess sin, and let the Holy Spirit control his life. The result of this life style will be spirit controlled attitudes and actions resulting in love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, the fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23. All Christians should bear this fruit regardless of temperament, natural talents, or spiritual gifts.

But the fruit is not the gifts. A motive gift is a supernatural gift of grace measured and given out by God to each true Christian. It is a specific spiritual ability for service to the church. It may seem similar to your natural talents, or may appear to be the natural outcome of spirit controlled behavior. It is a special present from the Holy Spirit so you might render effective service to the body of Christ.

THE MOTIVE GIFTS – PROPHECY, SERVICE, TEACHING, EXHORTATION, GIVING, LEADING, MERCY

Prophecy – is the grace of God expressing divine insights. The motivational gift of prophecy is not the gift of the Spirit named prophecy in 1 Cor. 12, or the office of Prophet found in Ephesians 4:11-12, but it may operate in conjunction with these. If you have the motive gift of prophecy you will want to bring out the truth in all situations. You will feel that honesty should be top priority at all costs and that men everywhere should repent. It is usually very vocal. Everything is black or white, not gray and scriptures are the only standard used.

Serving – is directed towards meeting practical needs. This gift is also called helps. It expresses with actions rather than words. You will notice that you have a strong desire to please and do not mind performing the most menial tasks as a labor of love.

Teaching – enables one to instruct and explain. Character and obedience are produced in the listener. You will have a great desire to study to show yourself approved. You will want to be accurate and have a strong, authoritarian personality. You have the ability to sway people.

Exhortation – means to encourage, comfort. The exhorter is people directed and God conscious. If you are an exhorter you will notice personal experiences of people and will be concerned to see them make the right decision based on the word of God. You will find it easy to communicate your faith in a persuasive way.

Giving – is to support others by sharing. Givers share all; knowledge, time, life and self, material things and finances. If you are a giver you will find it easier to give than to receive. You will be motivated to give again and again. You will notice the needs of others and be willing to even give sacrificially.

Leading – is the motivation to coordinate and manage. This gift causes others to follow as leadership is recognized in the leader. It causes a person to be willing to serve and cares for those who work under his oversight. If you are a leader you will see what things need to be done and who is the right person for the job. You will find yourself able to complete tasks.

Mercy – is the outward demonstration of compassion. Compassion reflects a deep genuine love that is not only felt but carried out in action. If you have the gift of mercy you will have a love for the unlovable. You will be drawn to people in trouble and hurting. People who have this gift are willing to do things that require great giving of themselves to others.

WHEN SEEKING GOD’S PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

Do the things which you already know are His will for you. Pray, confess, read, meditate, etc. We know we are supposed to do them and don’t need a dramatic divine revelation concerning them.

There might be some things you have noticed a special inspiration or anointing to do. Consider the things God has blessed as you did them. You might have written a note or a letter to someone that really encouraged them at just the time they needed encouraging. You could be a budding exhorter. Letter writing might not be your final ministry, but part of a step by step leading.

Or you might be drawn to say hello to that very unkempt lady that came into the service today, befriending her when no one else seemed to notice her. Perhaps you have a mercy motive gift.

You don’t have to beat doors down to find your place. You do not have to compete with other Christians. Christ took the struggle on Calvary. He has made a place for you and you do not have to get insecure about that place. You can function well there and no one can take it from you because He gave it to you. It is going to open up for you. Your responsibility is to keep pressing on toward the mark, being faithful in the little routine things.

You may notice there are others who you feel are able to do better than you. You could decide you are not needed and just give up because they are there. God is just as concerned with you finding your place as He is with them. He has a place for both of you

which will flow together in harmony. There is no room for competition in the body of Christ.

He has a wonderful plan for you. You are safe and secure where He has called you. Be faithful. Stay built up in the faith. Continue in spite of obstacles which arise in your path. Be faithful in the little things. Be faithful with finances. Be faithful in all you do. A faithful person not only starts projects, he finishes them.

Allow for God’s timing. He is really good at making things work together. When you are in His will, you are on His timetable.

That time table will have you prepared for whatever step is next in your walk with Him. Trust Him. Be willing to work hard, to go the second mile, to do things right even when there is no reward. Stay single minded. When you cannot see the whole race, keep your mind on finishing and winning.

Heb 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior you have been entered in the race. This is not a sprint, it is a marathon that will last for your whole life. God has given us His written word which contains all the instructions and tools we need in order to finish our race victoriously. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit, along with the manifestation gifts, is one of those tools. If you have not yet received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit you need to do so. Just pray and ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit as He has promised. Believe in faith that you have received it. Begin to expect the manifestation gifts to operate through you.

I rejoice with you in this exciting journey the Lord has us on. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus offering to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)

May God Richly Bless You

Barbara Breuing Perry