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As I earlier mentioned, the subject of spiritual gifts is largely under-taught in the church today. This is to the detriment of the church and its effectiveness in both ministry and outreach. In moving in the Word of Knowledge, I have spoken words to people that I had no conception or knowledge of, only to have them break down in tears at the specificity of the Word spoken to them. I have also seen healings and deliverances manifest in clear demonstrations of God’s power.
Sometimes it is easier to communicate spiritual gifts to those from a non-Western background. Africans, Asians, and South Americans readily understand the reality and the currency of the spiritual world today and the manifestations of these activities among men. These are glibly labeled ‘superstition’ and ‘myth’ in the West, but even now, the occult thrives in the same Western world.
Spiritual gifts are for the church age and Paul discusses their currency and relevance again and again in the epistles e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:1,
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
In 1 Corinthians 14:5 and 39
5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
The early church understood that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts were important for the effectiveness of the church. This has almost been lost in the West and we are reduced to motivational speeches on Sunday instead of the power of the gospel. What are we to do? Pastors must teach and develop spiritual gifts and lead by example. Laypeople should pray for their pastors and urge them to teach about spiritual gifts. Let us know how your church approaches the subject. I’ll return to the 16 avenues to healing in my next posts.
