READ THE BIBLE with Amanda Grace--The Gifts of The Spirit: Have You Opened Your Gifts yet?

Romans 12:6-8

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10

New King James Version

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [a]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28-30

New King James Version

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Ephesians 4:11

New King James Version

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

So The Gifts of the Spirit Are:

The Gift of Administration

The Gift of Apostleship

The Gift of Discernment

The Gift of Evangelism

The Gift of Exhortation

The Gift of Faith

The Gift of Giving

The Gift of Healing

The Gift of Interpretation

The Gift of Knowledge

The Gift of Leadership

Gift of Mercy

The Gift of Miracles

The Gift of Pastor/Shepherd

The Gift of Prophecy

The Gift of Service

The Gift of Teaching

The gift of Tongues

The Gift of Wisdom

Interestingly enough the number 19 Biblically appears to be associated with God’s divine order and judgment.

Many of you have not unwrapped your gifts yet fully in which our creator Almighty God has placed in you.

Many people operate in more than one gift of the Spirit that all work in tandem with each other to enable that individual to continue in the assignment that the Lord has Given them.

And in this hour in this time, people are going to see an acceleration of the giftings God has given them, they will experience a concentration of this, accelerated growth as they continue to draw near to the Lord.

Why? Because it is VERY necessary now that followers of Jesus Christ operate in these giftings to accomplish the Will of God on the Planet in this hour.

These gifts are given to us for the Glory of God to Glorify Him to demonstrate His Power His Goodness. 

And we are going to take an in-depth look at these Gifts of The Spirit because to operate in them you must understand them.

THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION:

Definition: the process or activity of running a business, organization, etc. the management of public affairs; government.

Being able to effectively and successfully manage a business or group and keep up with day-to-day operating activities, keeping things running in an orderly fashion.

Administration is indeed a gift and ability that God equips those with who would be placed in a position of managing. Administration requires a gift of leadership as well it goes hand in hand.

An example in the Bible is Nehemiah, he had a gift of administration and oversaw and encouraged the people to rebuild the wall and gate that had been destroyed in Jerusalem.

THE GIFT OF APOSTLESHIP:

The spiritual gift of apostleship can be easily confused with the office of Apostle.  The office of Apostle was held by a limited number of men chosen by Jesus, including the twelve disciples (Mark 3:13-19) and Paul (Romans 1:1).  The office of Apostle included these chosen men being faithful eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry, the miracles he performed, His Teachings,  and His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 9:1). These men were indeed called by Jesus Himself (Galatians 1:1).  The Apostles were given authority by Jesus to operate in Spiritual Authority, having been given authority over unclean spirits, to establish the church which included writing Scripture and performing miracles (John 14:26, 2 Peter 3:15-16, 2 Corinthians 12:12).

There are no more that hold the office of Apostle today, but the gift of apostleship continues on.  Jesus gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers at His ascension (Ephesians 4:7-12), and these represent a specific category of apostles.  They do not have the authority to write Scripture as the original Apostles did.  Deuteronomy 4:2 states 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

They have the assignment of establishing the church – the foundation has already been set.

The mission for those with the gift of apostleship today is to plant new ministries and churches, go into places where the Gospel is not preached, reach across cultures to establish churches in environments that present challenges or may not be the most favorable, raise up and mentor leaders, call out and lead pastors and shepherds, and much more.  They often have many different gifts that allow them to fulfill their ministry. They can instruct Shepherds and leaders  They are influencers. They are typically entrepreneurial (which means the gift of administration is a part of this) They take risks and perform difficult tasks.  Missionaries, church planters, some Christian scholars and leaders of Institutions, and those leading who are at the helm of -- multiple ministries or churches often have the gift of apostleship. See also (Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1)

 

Romans 16:3-4 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Acquila and Priscilla appeared to teach Appollos, however, Acquila can be used as an example of one who has the gift of Apostleship.

THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT:

Also known as The Gift of Discerning of Spirits:

1. Discerning comes from the Greek Word Diakrisis which means to a distinguishing, discerning, judging.

We see this gift noted in 1 Corinthians 12:10 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Hebrews 5:13-15:

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are [a]of full age, that is, those who by reason of [b]use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

So to discern spirits is to be able to correctly judge good from evil to distinguish good from evil.

The Lord through the Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment, which is really an ability, to enable certain Christians, followers of Yeshua, Jesus, to clearly be able to recognize and distinguish between the influences of the Lord God, satan, the world, and the flesh in a given situation. To be able to understand what is of God and what is not of God. The church needs individuals with this gift to warn believers, to sound the alarm in times of danger in order to keep them from being led astray by false teaching, by manipulations as that serpent of old, the devil, will mix a little bit of truth with a whole LOT of lie. (I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6; 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1)

There is a significant part of the church that has attempted to suppress this gift, place it on the back burner, play down the importance of this.

However, in a world where the enemy is utilizing so many different devices, vices, voices, technology, and tools believers need this ability sharpened now more than ever. These giftings being shooed away by a portion of the church has not only allowed the enemy to slither his way in and bring the temperature to lukewarm.

The church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation…

Many in Scripture had this gift. Joseph, Nathan the Prophet, Ezekiel, and many others operated in this gift

In today's age, this is a must a necessity for Believers to properly distinguish and not fall into confusion where you are calling good evil and evil good.

THE GIFT OF EVANGELISM:

All Christians are called to GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE Gospel to every creature

 (Matthew 28:18-20)

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.

However, some are given an extra measure operating in faith and effectiveness in this area. The spiritual gift of evangelism is found in Ephesians 4:11-12 where Paul says that Jesus “gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” The Greek word for evangelists is euaggelistes which means “one who brings good news.” This word is only found in two other places in the New Testament: 

Acts 21:8 8 On the next day we [a]who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

2 Timothy 4:5. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

So evangelists are called to bring the good news to the nations of the Gospel, That the Word became flesh, and Yeshua came to the earth to be the Passover lamb, to die at Calvary for our sins, to purchase us back to our father in heaven and reconcile us through Christ Jesus. And that those who believe in Him shall be saved.

Romans 10:9 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Evangelists are endowed with the ability through the Holy Spirit to clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. They have a burden in their hearts for the lost for the brokenhearted and will go out of their way to share the truth of The Gospel with them. Evangelists have an ability to overcome the normal fear of rejection that may make others hesitate to freely share the Gospel. They engage non-believers in meaningful conversations about Jesus in ways they can relate to. Their gift allows them to communicate with all types of people which makes them very effective in many different environments, circumstances, peoples, and tongues. The disciples were evangelists, Philip in the book of Acts was noted as an evangelist. They are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in approaching those in need of hearing the good news of Christ Jesus.

THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION:

The gift of Exhortation is also known as the gift of encouragement.

The Greek word for this gift is parakaleo. It means to beseech, exhort, call upon, to encourage, and to strengthen.

The primary means of exhortation is to remind those hearing the message of the powerful and amazing work of God in Christ, particularly when Jesus, Yeshua, went to the Cross as the Passover lamb as the sacrifice, as the atonement and took on all sin because God so loved the world. That we ere purchased with the highest price back to our Father in Heaven, by the blood of Jesus, who died and rose again!

This gift is given By The Lord God to people in the church in order to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those who are going through difficult trials, those the enemy is attempting to sway. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others. They can also challenge and rebuke them in order to nurture spiritual growth and action. The purpose of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually and consistently building up the body of Christ which therefore glorifies God. (Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24; 14:21-22; 15:32)

THE GIFT OF FAITH:

Yes, faith is a Gift. Faith is also a verb, not a noun. There must be an action behind faith. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26)

The spiritual gift of faith is not to be confused with saving faith. All Christians have been given saving faith by grace. What is saving faith? 

Ephesians 2:8-9 has the answer: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. 9 It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast., However, not all are endowed with this special gift of faith.

The word for faith in the New Testament Greek is pistis which means to 'believe', the verb is PISTUEO, FAITH means- belief, firm persuasion, assurance, firm conviction, faithfulness. So as I said earlier faith is a verb, you must ACT on your faith. The book of ACTS, which is really where the new testament begins, is all about the disciples ACTING on their Faith and ACTIVATING and UTILIZING the power they were given by God through Christ Jesus first then the Holy Spirit.

The gift of faith is a trust that comes through cultivating a closer relationship with the Lord. There is a difference between believing God is Faithful and KNOWING God is faithful. And when you have gone through the wilderness and trials with the Lord, you know in your heart of hearts deep in your soul that HE IS FAITHFUL!

This TRUST and CONFIDENCE in the Lord allows those with this gift to live boldly for Him and manifest that faith in mighty ways.

If we look at the Scriptures the gift of faith works hand in hand with acts of faith, great acts of faith.

As I stated above the book of acts is rich with these accounts.

Acts 3:1-9 Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

2 And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb, was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple.

3 He, when he had seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.

4 But Peter with John fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us.

5 But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive something of them.

6 But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise, and walk.

7 And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and forthwith his feet and soles received strength.

8 And he leaping up, stood, and walked, and went in with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

Jesus, Yeshua, spoke of faith, here are two accounts from Scripture:

Matthew 21:21  And Jesus answering, said to them: Amen, I say to you, if you shall have faith, and stagger not, not only this of the fig tree shall you do, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Take up and cast thyself into the sea, it shall be done.

Luke 17:5-6 

5 And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith.

6 And the Lord said: If you had faith like to a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou transplanted into the sea: and it would obey you.

This gift is given by the Lord to some in the church to edify, encourage and build up the church in their confidence and trust in God. Those with the gift of faith trust that God is sovereign, that He is faithful, and that He is good. The Lord is taken at His Word by those with this gift, faith like a child. They place their lives in His hands trusting His Will first and foremost. They expect God to move, they expect to see the power of God at work, the miraculous. 

I Corinthians 12:9  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [a]the same Spirit,

Hebrews 11:1-11: Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By faith we understand that the [c]worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Faith at the Dawn of History

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Faithful Abraham

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she[d] bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.