The gifts of the Holy Spirit are miracles from God.
For centuries there has been confusion about the miracle-working gifts of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul knew that when he spoke to the church in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 12:1 (NLT) he wrote, “Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this.”
Paul wanted Christians to live overcoming lives. He knew the Lord wanted Christians to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and to operate in the gifts of the Spirit—but also to operate under the guidance of the Word of God.
When my wife and I became Christians, we desired everything God had provided for us. Needing to find a Holy Spirit-led church, we visited a Pentecostal church where we experienced a plethora of spiritual activities.
Prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues were operating in various locations at the same time. Confusion set in for us, so we went to God’s Word and read what Paul said about the operation of the gifts of the Spirit and miracles. We decided to go to another Pentecostal church.
The pastor explained the use and operation of the gifts of the Spirit and miracles like the apostle Paul did in the Book of 1 Corinthians. Our visit was wonderful, and we became members of the church. That experience has given me a desire to help others understand the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul teaches the proper working of speaking in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14:13, 18 (NLT) he wrote, “So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. … I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you.”
But in a church meeting, I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than 10,000 words in an unknown language.
Christians must pursue the miracle gifts of the Holy Spirit. Although the gifts are wonderful, we must never value the gifts more than we value Jesus Christ. {eoa}
David Friend is an award-winning author. He has written several books on quality Christian living. He is a teacher, pastor, business owner and veteran.
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