Posted on Jan 10, 2017 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: devotion, discerning of spirits, faith, healings, Holy Spirit, interpretation of tongues, manifestation gifts, miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues, word of knowledge, word of wisdom
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 – But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 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 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.
At Revive Outreach Church, we believe the Holy Spirit still operates through believers using the manifestation gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10. We do not believe these gifts belong to any one person, but that the Holy Spirit chooses how and when to administer them. We take care to heed the Apostle Paul’s direction in 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, where he provides clear instruction regarding the operation of these gifts within the church body. In fact, he states emphatically in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Posted on Jan 9, 2017 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: devotion, Holy Spirit, manifestation gifts, spiritual gifts
Perhaps the most misunderstood and in some cases abused of all the spiritual gifts are the manifestation gifts. The majority of believers fall into two distinct groups regarding the operation of these gifts. The first view, which we will focus on today, sees these gifts as having ceased. They support this view using 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, which states, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” They interpret “that which is perfect” to be the completed Bible thus making the manifestation gifts no longer necessary.
Posted on Jan 4, 2017 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: administration, devotion, exhortation, gifts of the Spirit, giving, helps, Holy Spirit, mercy, ministry gifts, service
Romans 12:6-8 – 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 12:28 – 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.
Like the motivational gifts, God has provided the church ministry gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. The scripture references above from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 list the six ministry gifts. They are service, exhortation, giving, administration, mercy, and helps. Let’s take a brief look at each of these and discover what they mean to the church.
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Posted on Jan 3, 2017 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: apostle, devotion, equipping, evangelist, Holy Spirit, motivational gifts, pastor, prophet, teacher, witness
In the last 20 years, motivational speaking has developed into big business within American culture. People flock to conference centers around the nation to hear someone encourage them to make better choices, to change the direction of their lives, and to chase their dreams. Companies bring in big names to pump up productivity and increase morale among the rank and file. Many times, those who left pumped up are back to the old routine in no time. Why? Because there was not a change of heart only a momentary emotional change.
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Posted on Jan 2, 2017 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: devotion, faithfulness, fruit of the Spirit, gentleness, goodness, Holy Spirit, joy, kindness, longsuffering, love, peace, self-control
I love fruit! Peaches are my favorite with pineapples a close second. A basket of ripe and healthy fruit is a joy to behold. The beautiful colors and the sweet aromas beckon the hungry forward to try a bit of everything. Galatians 5 teaches us of a spiritual fruit basket, produced by the Holy Spirit in us, which can brighten our days and bring true contentment to our lives.
Galatians 5:22 and 23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love (1 John 3:16), joy (1 Peter 1:8), peace (John 14:27), longsuffering (Ephesians 4:1-3), kindness (2 Timothy 2:24), goodness (Galatians 6:10), faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-24), 23 gentleness (Colossians 3:12,13), self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Against such there is no law.” This fruit manifested in our lives will impact the decisions we make, our interactions with the world around us, and lead us ever closer to the abundant life Jesus promised us (John 10:10).
What is the secret to producing the fruit above? Walking with the Holy Spirit each day! Galatians 5:24 and 25 tells us, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
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