Just as we are all gifted with different abilities from birth, I believe we are gifted with spiritual abilities upon our entering into the new life of the indwelling Holy Spirit and relationship with God via Jesus. Some are born with athletic talents, some are musically inclined. Some are both, some are neither. But we all have something or some things we are naturally just good at, and some things we aren't incredible at too. Upon spiritual birth, we are given another set of talents. Some are able to uncover mysteries that baffle most others. Some people have an incredible gift of praying with power. There are many kinds of gifts, spiritual and natural. They do exist today, but there aren't any that are "better" than any others. God gives us each what he knows we can use best, for his glory.
So don't envy others who have different gifts, just pray that God gives you wisdom, insight, skill, and timing in your use of whatever he has given you. If you don't know, ask God to somehow show you what you're good at and what he wants you to do with your abilities. Certainly be praying for God to increase whatever you have as you use it for him, and especially that you'd be humble about whatever you have. It's not like you chose your talents at birth; God chose them for you. Remember where all good things come from.
I Corinthians 14:1-4,19 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For everyone who speaks in a tongue, does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who who prophesies edifies the church:angel:.... In the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct other then ten thousand words in a tongue.":rolleyes:
Ephesians 4:11-16: For it was He {Jesus} who gave some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.....Speaking the Truth **IN LOVE**, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up **IN LOVE** as each part does its work!":applause:
yes they exist and yes we should pray for the gifts, absolutely.
The phrase "word of knowledge" is used when the Holy Spirit quickens you about something. Maybe you are praying for someone and you all of a sudden KNOW something.
There are times I am praying for someone at the altar and my body will give me signs...for example:
my head will begin to hurt, I will then ask the person if they suffer from migraines, the answer is usually yes....that is what is called a Word of Knowledge.
When someone has the revelatory gifts, this is a part of it.
mislady...Yes ! Yes !...an please dont let no one tell ya any differant...you as well as others have a gift or two that the Lord Jesus has given when born again of the Holy Spirit...Read the books & chapters listed on this thread and may the Holy Spirit inlighten & reveal to you your Gifts...God bless...xo
Is this the way the Lord would have us relating to our brothers and sisters in Christ?
We will find out in the grand scheme of things who is correct. If God has given you a gift, you should use it, and He will guide you when and where.
If He hasn't given you such a gift, then use whatever talents and gifts and the High calling calling He has given you.
Regardless of our beliefs on this issue, we are called to love others and esteem them better than ourselves. Why not use these differences to encourage each other to press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus?
We are not at war with one another, and Satan loves to divide and conquer the body. One thing we do know is that everything is to be done orderly, even our conversations with others.
Let your peace be known to all.
If you believe God's word is true, He will give you what you need to live and minister to others. We are all on this very intimate journey with Christ our Lord. Regardless of what one believes on this issue, and it certainly has divided down through the ages, we are going to spend eternity together.
If The Lord has given one a special gift to be use as He sees fit to further His kingdom, and another has a special talent or gift, they are both to be used to His glory. Each man must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling and remove the beam from his or her eye before he sees the speck in others.
I am finding these forums to be quite interesting, and am surprised at the way Christians respond to each other on issues such as this.
I thank everyone for sharing their different opinions on this topic.