Breathingbook

God’s church is tempted in many ways, none the least than when they are given gifts from a supernatural God, but are not given understanding.

The obvious place any Christian should look for any explanation is in God‘s Word, but if someone is unskilled as to how to find that information, it can be a challenge. No more challenging than when an unskilled believer sees scriptures pointing to the gifts in the bible, but then someone tells them it’s not good to ask such questions or God doesn’t use those gifts anymore, because they’ve become obsolete. It is true that a new believer asking questions about spiritual gifts is not what’s most important for them to learn first – basic doctrine is far more important – but every believer needs to know the scriptures about spiritual gifts and understand them. Unfortunately, if they don’t, they’re very likely to go looking where they ought not go for some kind of answer.

We need to love all the brethren with compassion and gentleness.

Knowing scripture is vitally important, but let’s reign in all the scriptures together to a full knowledge of them and include what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. As we stand upon the infallibility of Scripture, let’s look at all of it as current for today and not allow fear about past abuses of the gifts to thwart us in our cause. God is a good God and He will supply what we need according to His will (Phil 4:19).

Let us not turn from the challenge of teaching proper doctrine about Spiritual gifts, but instead embrace it. Let us not retire to traditions of the past, as the Jews did in their day, and missed the coming of their Messiah, but boldly approach the throne and lay this issue at Jesus’ feet and follow through faithfully.

Not only is inquiring about gifts not a bad thing, but it’s very important for believers to approach God for answers. Howbeit, His answer might sometimes be “No” but we learn none the less.

Due to the fact that spiritual gifts can be counterfeited by fallen angels, (evil angels can give special powers and authority to mankind Lk 4:5-7, Gen 6:2-4; Job 1:6,2:1; Psa 97:6-9, or Demons, Fallen angels, Little gods), it is imperative that those who have been given gifts or currently operate in the gifts know God’s Word for themselves so they cannot and will not be deceived. For whenever a believer doesn’t understand or know the scriptures about the gifts they operate in, they become more at risk for pure deception from darkness.

We really do need to all help one another.

Although spiritual gifts can look “fun” and thrilling at times, they most certainly are not something to be used for entertainment.

Spiritual gifts are for glorifying God and leading others to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit doesn’t fall upon believers so everyone can clap and then go out for pie. The Holy Spirit falls so Christ came do His work through us and save the lost.

Popular shows, like Harry Potter, promote witchcraft for it’s supernatural powers and portray it as something playful and fun, never revealing the demonic forces behind it. It’s wrong to wink and nod at such tactics. God is Holy. Whenever the gifts are operating purely from God, that is God manifesting Himself.

Think about that… God in the Spirit is showing up! When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord, he trembled in the fear of the Lord and cried out in agony!

Isa 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Let us reverence God and His Holy Word. Yes, God IS playful and is the designer/creator of dance, singing, laughter, etc., but He is Holy and will always be Holy. His Character does not change.

God’s Word is our safety net. We’ve got to rely on God’s Word to know God’s Word. We’ve got to trust in what God’s Word says.

The Church at Corinth is an excellent example of this. Paul’s first prayer in for the Corinthians is that they become enriched by Jesus, in all utterance and knowledge… That they come behind in no gift as they wait for the return of Jesus Christ. And Paul wrote this because there WAS abuse of gifts in the Corinthian church!

1 Cor 1:4-7 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This speaks of the desire that all the gifts be in working order, according to all knowledge of God. That means, basically, that all God’s provisions for the gifts are good (Jam 1:17), and the knowledge of His Word is imperative.

Whenever someone tells you something that doesn’t align with God’s Word, go with God’s Word every time and you’ll do okay. God will help you.

God’s Word says,

Gal 1:8-10 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

So search the scriptures and stay in alignment with them. Don’t align with what you see someone else doing who says they have a certain gift. Even at mankind’s best, we are imperfect, fallible, sinful beings.

Only Jesus is perfect.

Be diligent to search out the scriptures where the gifts of God are either taught or exemplified. If you know where these scriptures are, let’s all be diligent to explain the gifts to those who ask. Share what God’s Word says.

The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Rom 11:29

Trust God. He is faithful.

Beware of fallen angels.

If you’ve noticed this posting has been revised, you’re right. I’m sorry I missed it the first time and needed to get it right before God.

Peace out, y’all!