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To be "ignorant" in Greek, according to Strongs definitions of Greek words is; agnoeo (ag-no-eh'-o); not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination):

So many people today are ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. Not so much because they can't comprehend it, but that they lack the correct teachings and desires for what God has for their lives. If they just wanted truth, no matter what they had been told in the past and they would seek for it, then the bible says that they will find it. God does not want us to be ignorant! Many people who were never taught about spiritual gifts have been filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, and most of these also have come to the understanding and learned to operate in the gifts of the Spirit.

But as we have come to the realization that the gifts of the Spirit are for today and are in operation in the Church as they were in the first century Church, we then need to seek what God may have for us individually. If we are going to do that, then we must first turn to the scriptures to see what gifts God offers and how they work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-12 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to other divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will".

Many times, as believers in all the gifts of the Spirit, we will ask people what gift they believe they have received from God. If they do not know we may encourage them to seek God in this matter, so that they will know. But many times, even those who do move in gifts will limit themselves to one gift and seek no farther. But it is said in this scripture that gifts are given to people "severally, as he wills". There are many people who have several of the gifts, and some have moved in all the gifts at some time in their ministry. Many of the gifts are much more effective when put together with another gift. For example, many have the gift of healing and have prayed and laid their hands on people and seen them recover. But the gift of "healing" is brought to a new level of ministry when it is linked with the gift of "Faith". Because now this person of God can believe for greater things to happen in the area of healing, deliverance, and salvation, as faith will be imparted to others as well. These gifts will be brought to even another level as the gift of "the Word of Knowledge" or "the Word of Wisdom" is added. Through these gifts God will give knowledge of those who are in need of healing so that they may be called out, faith imparted, and healed. This increases their faith for healing in their own bodies, because they can see that God has pointed them out by the gift of His Holy Spirit. Or through wisdom God can speak into the life of the man or woman of God things to do or say to the people that will increase their faith for healing. The combination of gifts has the opportunity for God to use an individual to meet many more needs in a congregation, crusade, or evangelistic meeting. It is kind of like the "Jelly Belly", jellybeans that have different flavors. You can combine different flavors together and make different desert flavors. If you combine the peanut butter and a chocolate jellybean, you will get a "Reece's Peanut butter cup" flavor. Or a chocolate and a coconut jellybean will give you a "Mounds" bar flavor. And the list goes on and on. The combination of the gifts of the Spirit will give us greater experiences. So we do not have to be content with what we have in the area of spiritual gifts, especially if God is calling us to do great things for him

The gifts of the Spirit are an inspiration given by the Holy Spirit. Many times people feel that God has to grab a hold of their tongue and make them speak whatever he wants them to say. When many people will interpret tongues or give a Word of Prophecy, they feel that they need to speak it out loud in King James language. "Thus saying the Lord unto His children!..." But whether a person will speak in King James, current English, or even stumble somewhat with words, that which is coming out of them should be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Some people will use bigger words than others, and some will be very basic in their wording. The Holy Spirit will use our own language, ways of wording, and style of speaking to deliver His message to His people, as He inspires us through the gifts of the Spirit, speaking to our spirit.

Word of Wisdom

One pastor had told of how God had spoken to him to ask the loan officer of the bank in which the church was trying to get a loan through, "Is there someone in heaven you want to see?" This made no sense to him. But when he finally got up the nerve to do it, as he was going to walk out the door, the man began to break down and cried. It happened to be that his wife, who was a Christian, had passed away a little time ago and he was still grieving. This man was so touched by this Word of Wisdom that he made a way to give the loan that he had just minutes before denied. And God was also able to minister to this mans heart through the same Word. God in his wisdom knew both how to touch this man and meet the needs of the Church at the same time. So we understand that a Word of Wisdom is God's wisdom and not man's. For God knows all things and he knows the solution to every situation. So he will speak his wisdom to man by this gift. It will be used either to give direction, guidance, council, confirmation for something, or encouragement to the people of God with wisdom that is straight from the throne of God, or from his written Word. This is supernatural and not the wisdom of man, but a word of wisdom from God, through men.

Word of knowledge

The gift of the Word of Knowledge is similar to the Word of Wisdom, as both are spoken to the Church body or to an individual through the gift of the Holy Spirit. But the Word of knowledge is something that is given to encourage or challenge a person in their spiritual walk, by God's knowledge as it is given to men. It is information that God will give a person about somebody, letting them know by the Holy Spirit things they are battling, things they are lacking, or to encourage them of things God wants to do with their life in the near or far future. God knows all things! So whatever knowledge he decides to reveal to an individual, he can do so through this gift. Many times I have seen this gift in operation or moved in it myself as a pastor. The Holy Spirit will speak to the person being used in this gift with a still small voice. Most people the first time they will be used in this gift question within their own hearts whether or not it is God speaking it to them or if it was just some crazy thought that came to their mind. But when they speak it out they find that it was right on with what that person was dealing with in their life. Again fear will be our worst enemy against the gifts. But tremendous things can happen to bring great encouragement as we will take the step of faith and speak it out.

Faith

Every Christian should have faith. For the bible says in Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him:" Although many Christians have faith, the gift of faith is an extra boost that many will receive by the Holy Ghost. Through the gift of Faith they may see many saved, healed, set free, encouraged, and more. Those with this gift bring a real strength to the body of Christ during hard times, and when faced with decisions or in taking steps of faith. They may lead others into a life of faith through their exampleship and the inpartation of faith. Their faith is not a blind faith, but an anointed faith by the gift of the Spirit. And although there is not a lot of recognition of this gift in the body of Christ, we need to understand that this gift plays a very important role in the Church. Especially when dealing with newer Christians that need a lot of encouragement and are weak in faith. Those who have this gift can boost the faith of all that come in contact with them. And after all, it is faith that pleases God.

Healing

There have been many healings that have taken place through praying Christians, and those who have faith. Faith is always a key factor in the life of the person in need of healing. But those who have the gift of healing not only have the anointing to see healing take place, but such an anointing strengthens the faith of that person in need of the healing. Because they feel the anointing and they begin to believe that God is there to heal them. And he does just that! Those who have the gift of healing must be humble. God will not give this gift to a proud person. Just as with all the other gifts as well. God demands all the glory through all the gifts of the Spirit. And if a person would want to take credit by flaunting their spirituality, then God would not give then the gift. Those that are used by God to see supernatural healings must pray to remain humble, as many people may flock to them for a healing. In this they will tend to give too much credit to the man, rather than to God. We must pray that we could be counted worthy of such a gift as this and others like it. But humility is very important with all gifts, as God demands all the praise. Fasting is also a very important part in the lives of those who will be used both in healing, working of miracles and other gifts.

Working of miracles

This is a gift that we hear very little about, especially in America. But be assured that it is in operation in the Church just as the others are. The very first thing that Jesus did in his ministry was a miracle. In the second chapter of John we can read the story of how Jesus turned the water into wine. Then in Matthew 8:26 Jesus rebuked the winds and sea to calm them. Matthew 14:25 he walked on the water. Matthew 17:27 was the miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth. Luke 5:4-6 the catching of the fish as Jesus directed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. And then the raising of Lazarus from the dead in John 11:43,44. But Jesus had promised in John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

We can read of many miracles that took place in the book of Acts. The opening of the prison doors in Acts5:17-19. Peter prayed for Tabitha and she was raised from the dead in Acts 9:40. Saul was met by Jesus on the road to Damascus and was blinded in Acts 13:9-11. Paul's personal handkerchiefs were sent to sick people and they were healed as they received them in Acts 19:11,12. And Paul was bitten by a very poisonous snake and lived without any sign of harm in Acts 28:3-5.

There are always many stories being told from ministries and missionary works of great things that God is doing around the world. We seem to think that God does not do what he did in the Old Testament any more. But those of false religions have put many missionaries to the test, just as the prophets of Baal put Elijah to a test. One missionary I know was asked if his God was so great, then show that he could do what an African which doctor could do and walk across hot coals. Of course the witch doctors would walk very fast across the path of hot coals. But this missionary by the guidance of the Holy Ghost walked out barefoot onto the hot coals, standing in one place for a long period of time as he preached the gospel to the native people. And there was no harm done to his feet. God has used the gift of miracles many times to bring to foolishness things done by false gods, and proving to an ignorant people that he is that almighty God and creator of all things.

Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:1 "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy."

1 Corinthians 14:3 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort."

We need to understand that there is a distinct difference between those who have the gift of prophecy and those who are called Prophets. Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Here Paul is referring to an office given to each of these and not just a gift. Those that hold any of these offices should be used in gifts of the Spirit, but those others which are used in the gifts don't have to hold any office.

A Prophet, being one in a position of authority and a voice for God to speak to his people or even to those in government authority positions is more likely to be one who travels and ministers, similar to how an evangelist would, but with a slightly different message. His would be of things to come rather than of things already done and established. Or it would be a message of warning or rebuke to whomever God may lead them to speak to.

Someone who is used in the gift of prophecy does not have to be in a place of authority. It can come through young converts to older converts, as they yield to God's gifting. God will reveal through this gift to the Church or to an individual, things that God has planned for the future. These are not usually world events, but things having to do with that specific body of people; Doors that God will open, callings that he may have, destiny for the Church or individual, or direction for revival. God knows how to encourage his people. As a pastor I do the best that I can, but I do not want his job! That is what the gifts are for. And those who try to explain away these gifts as being not for today are attempting to do what he wants to do for us. God is much more capable than we are to encourage his people, but yet he uses us to do it through.

More on this subject will be discussed at the end of this study in the "Five-fold Ministry".

Discerning of spirits

Many people have claimed to have this gift in operation in their lives. Although this may be a fact, many have confused the gift of discerning of spirits with discernment. Discernment is when you know something about a person because you are familiar with people of their nature. Like when you might look at someone and say " I would bet that that person works on a Coffee Bean farm in Columbia". If you have been to Columbia and know how they act and talk or carry themselves then you may recognize those things in their lives. So when people act a certain way, wear certain clothes, use certain phrases, etc., we may recognize some of those things from the lives of others and make an association between the two. This is discernment. But discerning of spirits is when the Holy Spirit speaks to us about someone in the Church or a visitor or someone else we may be in contact with, showing us spirits that control them, torment them or even have possessed them. But we must remember the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit: To edify the body of Christ. If this gift will ever edify the body, then it is because these spirits are being revealed to a person who knows how to pray for those people. Why else do we need to know what spirits our brothers and sisters are battling against? It is not so we can warn the rest of the church a brother has a problem in a certain area of his life that could possibly affect others. God reveals it for the purpose of deliverance. I find it interesting that in all the gifts of the Spirit that deliverance is not mentioned. Deliverance was a very large part of Jesus' ministry. But I believe that this is one area we should see deliverance, which is when these spirits can be discerned by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

One requirement for being used in the gifts of the Spirit is holiness. Especially with this gift in particular, because if a person has a problem with sin in their own life, then they will not be able to discern the same spirit in the life of someone else. For example, if I was cooking a pizza and then someone walked in behind me and with their own pizza and sat it on a counter without me seeing, I would not be aware that they brought in a pizza because I would not be able to smell it over the one I have cooking. But if my house was clean and they were to walk in with that pizza then it would be likely that I would smell it. In the same way, if we keep our spiritual house clean, then we will be able to smell every devil that comes in or around us.

Divers tongues and interpretation of tongues

1 Corinthians 14:21-23 "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?"

This is a scripture that many will use to show that we are not to speak in tongues in the Church. But Paul is not saying that we should not speak in tongues in Church. He is informing the Corinthian Church that there needs to be order. If people just speak in tongues out loud as if they are preaching a message to the Church then nobody will be edified and the unsaved would think we are nuts. So he gives direction to the Church in this area to help bring order. But lets look at this portion of scripture and the verses that follow these.

Paul first mentions that tongues are a sign to the unbeliever. If we remember in Acts 2, people were amazed when they heard them speaking in their own foreign languages as they were praising God. This was a sign to them that something real was happening, and it caused thousands to get saved that day. But at first they thought they were all drunk. So Paul then goes on in Corinthians to say that if the unbeliever comes into Church and hears everyone speaking in tongues that they will think they are all out of their minds. Today there have been many cases that people of foreign languages have come into Christian Churches and heard someone, as they were speaking in tongues in their native language. While that person had no idea what language they were speaking. But the fact is that most of the time when people are speaking in tongues, nobody has a clue as to what is being said. Therefore if an unbeliever was to come in to a Church and hear people they may think that they are out of their minds. So then he continues in the next verse. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth." There is no contradiction here between these verses. Paul is telling the people of God that those who come into the Church may not understand tongues. So in that case there even needs to be an interpreter or Prophecy. If someone was to prophesy over a sinner and tell them things in their life that only God could possibly know about, then they will be convinced of their sin and repent. If we would speak in tongues in there face they would call us crazy. But to speak in tongues as worship towards God is between that person and God, and most likely not offensive to others.

1 Corinthians 14:26-28 "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." It is important to remember that the gift of tongues for the individual and the gift for the Church are used separately. The individual gift is for our personal edification and a prayer language in which the Holy Spirit helps us pray for things we don't know what or how to pray for. In these scriptures Paul is again encouraging the Church to speak in tongues whenever we come to together. He is referring to tongues for the edification of the Church. But in the following scriptures Paul speaks of tongues for the edification of the individual. This is the personal gift God has given us to help us in our time of prayer.

1 Corinthians 14:2-4 "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church".

Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered".

Paul said that he spoke in tongues more than them all, yet he spent mush of his time in prison while writing these letters. He was not in Church, and there was nobody there to interpret for him. That is because tongues are for the individual first, as well as for the Church.

Tongues as one of the gifts of the Spirit for the edification of the Church has a different purpose. As the Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 14:16-19 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." Paul did not discourage speaking in tongues. His was informing the Church that it does no good for the listener. But yet it is a gift of the Spirit. So he says that 2 or 3 should speak in tongues, and then there should be an interpretation.

1 Corinthians 14:12-15 "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also". It is true that we must seek for an interpretation when tongues are spoken out in the Church, as spoken to the Church. And if there is no interpretation we should pray that we might have the interpretation ourselves. He then says that will pray and sing both with the Spirit and with the understanding. It is possible that even in our personal prayer times, that we may speak in tongues and then as we pray in our understanding the interpretation comes. Then he says others can say Amen to our prayers. 1 Corinthians 14:16-17 "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified".

Speaking in Other Tongues

Have Tongues ceased

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away".

Those who oppose Spiritual gifts in the Church today will use this Scripture to attempt to prove that they all have ceased. They will say that "that which is perfect" is the New Testament, and now that we have it we do not need the gifts. But this is the only scripture they can use to support this idea, and it is a very weak argument. In looking at this passage, Paul said that "We" know in "part". And then in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." Paul is saying that now both himself and we know things only in part. But "then" we will know all things clearly. But Paul did not live long enough to see the completion of the New Testament, nor did he ever anticipate it. If we assume that this is talking about the New Testament, then we also would have to assume that we know and have more than Paul did, who wrote most of the epistles to the Churches. Paul was speaking here of a time to come when we can see things in there completeness. Can anyone say today that they know all things clearly, and nothing in part. If anyone might say yes, then they are proud and in error. But what Paul is speaking of in the passage is either the time of the second coming and the reign of Christ, or the afterlife when we are with Christ, whichever comes first for each Christian. Because then there will be no need for the gifts, because we will be with Jesus. "That which is perfect" is the time when Christ will rule and reign in his kingdom, which is a time that has been long awaited by the Jews.

The theological term for those who believe that tongues and the gifts have been done away with is "dispensationalism". They believe that because of great opposition and persecutions, the disciples and Christians in the book of Acts needed extra help to get the Church on its feet. But after things had settled down a bit, and the New Testament had been given, then there was no longer a need for tongues and the gifts. But if this were true, then all the thousands of Christians that were persecuted and killed after this period, as well as those in communist and Muslim countries today who are serving God without a bible are being ripped off. The opposition for many has not changed. God knew the persecutions that the church was headed for, and He was equipping them and all others with what they needed, whether being persecuted or not.

If tongues have ceased, then has knowledge vanished also? God would not tease the Church with a gift, only to take it away. And at what point in history would those who believe such a thing assume that he took it away. Why is it okay to believe that God would not take away the gift of salvation, but he did the gift of the baptism with other tongues following. Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. This baptism of the Spirit is both a "gift" and a "promise" to us, our children, to all afar off, and as many as God will call. God is still calling people, and they are still receiving the promise.

Salvation, the Holy Ghost, Tongues, and the gifts of the Spirit are still all being poured out upon those who will receive. But so many people would rather sit in a church that doesn't accept most of these gifts, because they don't understand the purpose of them, and many people are frightened by the supernatural experiences of God. So they let their fears and inability to understand keep them from the gifts of God. But the Bible says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children". I don't believe as the Apostolic, that God has rejected those who have refused the gift of tongues and the gifts of the Spirit, being that they have accepted his forgiveness of sins and making Him Lord of their lives. But, although these people may be good Christians, I do believe that they are missing out on many tremendous blessings that God has for his Church, and an outpouring of His Spirit. Today we can hear of many moves of God's Spirit in Churches throughout the world. Some have even happened in Baptist churches or other churches that did not believe in speaking in other tongues. But as a few people get hungry for God and worship from the depths of their hearts, many are getting baptized in the Holy Spirit. All of the greatest revivals in history came through an outpouring of God's Spirit and the gifts, much like on the day of Pentecost. And if we reject this move in our lives or in our churches, then we will not only miss out on God's greatest gifts to man, other than salvation itself, but will also lack what we need to see fruitfulness and all the gifts of the Spirit in operation.

The Promise

The promise of the Holy Ghost was first given by prophecy in the book of Joel 2:28-32. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Then Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost and confirmed the fulfillment of this prophecy in Acts 2:16-21. "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved".

In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire".

In the gospels, Jesus had told his disciples several times that, after his death and resurrection, he would send the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost.

John 14:16-18 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

We can see in this scripture that Jesus is speaking of something yet to come. He isn't saying that they shall soon be saved. But rather that they will receive something much greater than they presently had, even though they were saved. And this gift, which is the Holy Spirit, would be with them forever. But he said it would happen through the baptism of with the Holy Ghost and with Fire.

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you".

John 16:7-8 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment". The word "expedient" means, "to be profitable". So He is saying to His disciples that they will benefit more by His death than if He were to stay with them, because if He will depart, then the Holy Ghost can come.

Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high".

Acts 1:4-5 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence". Here in the book of Acts, the promise that was prophesied by Joel and John the Baptist was about to be fulfilled. God's Holy Spirit was about to be poured out upon the people in Jerusalem. They were going to be baptized, which means immersed in God's Spirit. Doesn't this sound a little more intense than the religion that most people get every Sunday morning? This was God's way of having church! But yet in the second chapter of Acts, we can see that many people had accused them of being drunk when they heard them speak in other tongues, as they glorified God. Jesus had promised that things would only get better, and now it had all begun. Jesus said that they would receive power! The purpose of the baptism was not just a single purpose, but had many. The promise was being fulfilled. And in Acts 2:39 it says, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call". This wasn't just a one-time experience, but was promised to us, our children, our children's children, and whomsoever God calls to be saved. And even though there were skeptics on the day of Pentecost, and even though it may have seemed strange and unusual, they finally realized that God was involved, and they also got saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. And even today, God does the same with many who were taught against this doctrine, that when they finally realize that God is involved, although many of them may already be saved, they get baptized in the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. But tongues are not all you get! But yet tongues do have a purpose.

The Promise is unto you

In John 14:16-18, Jesus was telling about the promise of the Holy Ghost, when He said, "Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive..." The world cannot receive the Holy Ghost. But they can receive Salvation. Then after they have become Christians, they can receive they Holy Ghost. But in their present state they cannot receive the Spirit. The promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is given to those who are already saved. In Acts chapter 8, Philip preached Christ in Samaria and many were saved, for they had believed on the Lord Jesus and were baptized. But when the disciples had heard about this, they immediately sent Peter and John down there to pray for them to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and they did. We can see here that Salvation came first, and then the Holy Ghost, which was a separate experience and gift from God. But yet they felt the urgency to pray for them to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, so Peter immediately went to pray for them to receive it.

Who are the gift of Tongues for?

The gift of speaking in other tongues is a gift that God has purposed for every born again believer. In Luke 11:13 Jesus said that the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask for it. People are still asking, and receiving. But many don't want to believe in this gift, because it seems too strange to them. It makes them uncomfortable, so they choose to not believe. They figure that they have done just fine without it, so there is no need to seek any farther. But I am sure on the day of Pentecost that the people who were in Jerusalem that saw what had happened were also very uncomfortable. But yet most of them, but not all, could not deny that this was of God, and they received it also. Jesus had already said in Mark 16:17&18 that, "These signs will follow them that believe...they shall speak with tongues". Then in Acts 2:39 Peter said it was for all who will hear God's call to Salvation, even our children who are not yet born or of age to understand the gift. Then we have seen already how in Acts 8:14-18, Acts 10:34-48, Acts 11:15, and Acts 19:1-7, that people many years after Pentecost were still receiving this gift. But one important fact in these scriptures is that people were coming to Christ without even knowing about the Holy Ghost. It was after they had gotten saved that they were prayed over to receive the gift. If they didn't need this gift in order to get saved, then why did the Apostles pray for them to receive it? It wasn't because they had to have it in order to be saved. And it wasn't because they were living in a hard time. Because it was about a century later that persecution had gotten the hardest. But it was simply because it was a gift to all those who will believe. There is a lot that every believer in Christ can benefit through this gift, and that is why the Apostles prayed for every believer to receive it. If it is a gift from God then what Christian should not want it, and why should we not want others to have it as well?

The Purpose

Many people who oppose speaking in tongues will assume that the purpose of tongues was only to preach to those of other languages. But the bible says in Acts 2:11-13 "Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine". Those who were speaking in tongues were not preaching to them, but were praying and began to speak in tongues. They did not know what they were saying, but were under the power and fire of the Holy Spirit. They were all speaking in tongues at the same time, and what they spoke was words that gave glory to God and all he has done. But Peter stood up and began to preach to them all. It is evident that they all understood him and asked him what they must do to be saved. They were not communicating in several different languages through the gift of God. This gift was to the believer, and was only a sign to the unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 14:22 "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:" But when it came down to those who were not saved to get saved, they talked to Peter in the common language, which was Greek. They all had their own languages from their own lands, and that is what they heard when they spoke in tongues. But their communication was in one language. And we can see the continuation of this gift being poured out where they spoke in tongues and there was no need to preach in tongues. Peter had already been preaching to them and then the Holy Ghost fell on them. Acts 10:44-46 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God".

This proved to be an evidence to the Jews, because they saw that the gentiles received the same gift from God that they had. This does not prove that God only did this a few times, but that God is no respecter of persons, and what he did for others he will do for us. Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. There was nobody to preach to here, and no other reason for them to speak in tongues, except that it was God's gift to all who will receive. So if the purpose was only a sign to the unbeliever, than what was it to the believer?

There are many benefits of being filled with the Holy Ghost, but the primary purpose is Power. In Luke 24:49 Jesus told his disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they are endued (clothed) with power. And in Acts 1:8 "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is Come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth". Jesus understood that if we are going to live a righteous life and be effective witnesses, then we need more than just our own abilities. But if were going to overcome temptations, weaknesses, fears, and stand where we could not stand before, and speak what we could not speak, then we need God's power within us. And He has promised exactly that in these scriptures. This is not to say that those who do not speak in tongues do not live holy lives. But we must have the Holy Spirit, in which all Christians will agree. And although all Christians do have the Spirit of God in them, they do not all have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Most would assume that they do have the baptism, but deny speaking in tongues as being for today or as an evidence of this baptism. But I will show later in this chapter that tongues have always been the evidence. The word power in Greek is dunamis, from which our word dynamite. God's purpose of filling His people with this power is so that we could fulfill the great commission of Matthew 28:19, which is confirmed in the second part of Acts 1:8 when He says that they will be witnesses unto Him to the Whole world. This is the power to witness without fear, having complete faith and boldness.

When the disciples had realized that Jesus had been risen from the dead, they were all very excited. But yet even this excitement wasn't enough to get them to go into all the world as Jesus had previously told them. They just wanted to be with Jesus. After the crucifixion Peter had denied Jesus three times, the disciples had gone back to their old lifestyles, and then even though Jesus had told them several times that He would be risen from the dead, some, such as Thomas, had doubted His resurrection. But after the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, not one of them was the same as before. All those disciples who once feared for their own lives now stood up with boldness as they couldn't do earlier. Those who could not have the faith to believe now were able to have faith. On the day of Pentecost Peter preached a sermon that brought thousands to repentance, as well as the other disciples throughout the book of Acts. There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever, that they had received a power on that day which was not their own. They had received the power to preach and testify, the power to overcome temptations and weaknesses, and found complete satisfaction, being full of God's Spirit.

The Evidence

On the day of Pentecost, the one thing that stood out to those who had seen what was happening was as the Bible says in Acts 2, that they all spoke in tongues, as the Spirit gave the utterance. Then, even several years later, others being filled with the Holy Ghost had also all spoke in other tongues.

Acts 10:44-46 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God". How did they know that they had received baptism of the Holy Ghost? Because they heard them speak in other Tongues! This is the initial evidence of someone who receives the baptism.

Acts 19:6-7 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve". Here were a bunch of Christian disciples who were serving God, but had not heard about the Holy Ghost. But yet, again, years after the second chapter of Acts, they had the same experience that all the others had. These men were doing the work of God and preaching Jesus, just like many Christians in the world today. They love God and do their best to live a good life pleasing to God. But they do not realize that God has more for them, if they will seek and receive it.

Acts 8:14-18 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money". What was it that Simon had seen? Simon was a sorcerer. He was very interested in the supernatural. He saw an evidence of the supernatural when they had received the Holy Ghost, so he offered money to get the same power that he saw in the disciples. The only initial evidence given in the bible of this experience, that is supernatural, is the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Other gifts may follow after the initial gift. And he also saw that this was done by the laying on of the hands of the Apostles. So he ask that he could have the same gift, that he could also lay his hands on people to see this same supernatural experience. And although his motives were wrong and selfish, there was definite evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And there always has been.

1 Corinthians 12:30 "Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

Paul is asking the church, "do all have the same gifts of the Spirit?" Tongues are listed in this chapter as one of the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit were given, as Paul tells in this chapter, for the edification of the Church. The Greek word for gift in this chapter is "Charisma", which was given for the edification of the whole church. The Greek word for gift in the second chapter of Acts is "dorea", which was given to the believers for their own personal edification. 1 Corinthians 14:2 "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries". Key word here is "No Man" understands him. That eliminates the idea that tongues were given only to preach to those of other languages. This gift was not for the purpose of preaching, but for edification of the Christian, to glorify God through the Spirit, and only as "an evidence" to unbelievers. But the gift given to a person when first receiving the baptism is different from the gift for the edification of the Church. One is for the individual and the other for the Church. Most people miss this fact, which is evident when looking at the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 14:14-19 "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue".

He is not saying here that we are not to speak in tongues when we are in Church. But that as a minister it would do no good to stand in front of people and speak aloud in tongues before the congregation. They would not receive anything from that. But when used as worship as Paul said here or as a gift with an interpretation it can be very powerful. This is not saying don't speak in tongues in Church unless there is an interpretation. But if one speaks in tongues out loud as he is speaking to the Church, then there must be an interpretation so that the Church may be edified. But when we worship God in one accord, we may also speak in tongues, because all know that we are not speaking to man, but to God.

Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered".

When a Christian prays in an unknown tongue, they don't have a clue to what they are saying. But the bible tells us here that other than worshipping God, that the Spirit prays for us, things which we know not to pray for and in a way that we don't know how to pray. Now, think about it! That is an awesome gift! And could it be considered a gift, if it was only a one-time experience, as some believe? The scripture says that when we pray in an unknown tongue, we are speaking to God, and not to men. Paul was in no way teaching against this gift, but rather had said, "I thank God I speak in tongues more than ye all". He was only trying to bring order to their gatherings, so that not only may the individual gets blessed, but that the whole Church could be blessed through the gifts of the Spirit. There had to be some order for this to happen. Because if everyone was speaking in tongues, as they were, then there could not be any prophesy, individual tongues with interpretations, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom spoken. There just had to be some order. Therefore Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:39-40, "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order".

1 Corinthians 14:3-5 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying". It is God's desire that every Christian would speak with tongues. It is his gift to all that will receive. It wasn't a gift for only a chosen few, but for all. And Paul said to the Church, "Forbid not to speak with tongues", because he understood it as the evidence of the Holy Ghost in the life of a Christian, and the power of God within us to overcome and reach the world for Jesus. Not everyone has the ministry gift of tongues for the edification of the Church, but everyone can speak in tongues. This is God's promise! Paul said here that he would that we all speak in tongues, but rather that we prophecy, unless we interpret. He is saying that he wants all to speak in tongues, because we will all be edified individually by that. But in the Church it is better that we prophesy, unless we interpret, because then the Church will receive a message through the Holy Spirit for their edification as a body. These are two different ways we need edification. We need it individually so we can grow in faith, and as a body, so we know we are blessed together and share vision and purpose for God's glory.

The Benefits of the Holy Ghost

Every born again believer should know the benefits that come with salvation. But not all know the benefits that come through the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is a benefit of salvation. In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus had commanded his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost had come. Then in Acts 1:8 He said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth". This benefit was mentioned under the purpose of the Holy Ghost. But there is still a whole lot more to this gift. Over the past several years, I have worked with many new converts in Christ, who at first had struggled with many different temptations. Many of them were not raised in Christian homes, but had hard lifestyles before they had gotten saved. They could not understand the Bible when they would read it, could not seem to pray effectively, or had a difficult time getting the boldness to witness to those around them. After recognizing their not having the gift of the Holy Ghost, I would tell them of their need for it. Then after they would obtain a desire for the gift and receive it, everything changed. Every one of them that had received the gift had expressed their new ability to overcome temptations, because God had taken them away. They tell how they could read and understand the Bible like never before, how they could pray effectively and feel the presence of God as they prayed, and how they had a boldness to stand up against sin and witness to others as never before. What a blessing it is to have this kind of blessing and evidence in our lives. There have been many of people that I have witnessed to over the years that have said that they had tried to serve God, but they couldn't do it. They were correct. Because even God has said in Zech 4:6 that it is "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts". Not one of us can serve God by our own power or abilities. It is only by the Spirit of God. I'm not saying that those who have not received the gift of the Holy Ghost do not have the Spirit of God, because I believe they do. But the baptism is an overflowing power of God in our lives, a gift to be overcomers and effective witnesses for Jesus. It is a power that far surpasses our own abilities. And those who struggle in their Christian life need to be filled with this gift continually through prayer. For we are leaky vessels and need to be refilled from time to time. Because the pressures of life tend to poke holes in us spiritually and we need the Holy Ghost to patch us up and fill us again. Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness". This scripture is talking about the Apostles and Christians who were already baptized with the Holy Spirit in the second chapter of Acts. But here in chapter 4 they are being filled again. They did not lose the gift. They just had another experience with the overflowing of God's Spirit in their lives, which we all need often. Sometimes the old man that was crucified rises up again and needs to be put back down, and we need to be refilled with the power of God. Throughout the Centuries it has been recorded how that many in the Church would pray for Christians to receive the unction of the Holy Spirit. Whether tongues followed in their experience is not recorded. But they did understand a further experience from what many did have that was necessary for every believer. Not for salvation, but for zeal.

The second benefit, as mentioned under "The Evidence", is the gift of speaking in tongues. We are exhorted by Paul to use this gift whenever we pray and worship God, for our personal edification. Then, the Holy Ghost was also given for the edification of the Church, through the gifts of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will". God will also give to every man that receives the gift of the Holy Ghost one or more of these gifts listed for the edification of the Church. God has given these gifts so that the Church can receive all the encouragement, direction, spiritual and physical help that they need from him. We need all we can get from God! And if we will study any revival throughout history, we will see that the greatest movements in the twentieth century were all of the Pentecostal nature. There have been many Christian groups and organizations that may have been very successful and grown tremendously over a period of time, but they were not Book of Acts revivals where people flooded in, got saved, delivered, and filled with the Holy Ghost.

If we will or have received the gift of Tongues, then we should use it for our own Spiritual edification. And be open and ready to be used by God to bring edification to the Church through the gifts that he offers. Seek and you will find!

The five-fold ministry

Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

The longer that I have been in the ministry it seems the more and more I hear people mention the need of the five-fold ministry within the Church. Although this is a true statement, many who speak of the need for it think they have it in operation within their Churches when they really don't. We need to look closely at each in order to see exactly what these are. But although there is a need for all five, there is also a need for all nine of the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts are for all the members of the body of Christ, while the five-fold ministry is the leadership of the Church.

Those who were the disciples of Jesus all became Apostles to the Church because of their walking with Jesus and being commissioned to make disciples and send them out to pastor churches themselves. In doing this they became Pastors of Pastors. This is what makes an Apostle, when they become overseers of churches, taking on the responsibility of leading them and continuing to disciple them even while they lead people themselves. Pastors are not beyond spiritual growth and still need direction at times in their ministry. Apostles are there to offer their wisdom through years of experience in the ministry with various situations to help advise, teach, or even correct the younger Pastors in the ministry. An Apostle will usually be a pastor of a Church himself.

We can see in the scripture that in the five-fold ministry that Prophets are included. But not that all who prophesy are part of the five-fold ministry. A prophet is one of a leadership position or an elder who has gained the respect of people. Many Churches think that they have the five-fold ministry in operation because they have those who have the gift of prophecy. The gift of prophecy is a really important part of each individual church, but every church may not have prophets. Because although a prophet should have a church that they call home, they may be traveling as an evangelist would, doing the work of God in other Churches that need help in the office of a prophet or wherever God leads. This is when the gift of prophecy is mostly needed in the church. In todays society people are afraid to be called prophets, as many are also afraid to prophesy as a prophet of God to the Church or to the nations. There is always a fear of either being rejected or being wrong. That is why this office takes great humility and a lot of prayer and fasting. If a person desires the office of a Prophet they must pray to God and ask for the humility and anointing to do his will and to hear his voice.

An Evangelist is simply one who has the authority given by leadership and a call from God to travel to churches and minister to them in word, through the gifts, and under a special anointing. It is true that we are all called to evangelize the world, to spread the gospel message and win souls. But the Evangelist will come in with an anointing to not only see salvations, but also healings, deliverances, and to operate in several of the gifts to a people that he does not know. He or she has the ability to bring a refreshing to the church with fresh messages, a different style, a different anointing and gifts. And if prophecy, Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Discerning of Spirits, or even the spoken message deals with or challenges people, then they will know that the Evangelist must have heard from God.

Pastors are the shepherds of the flock of God. Pastors have a great responsibility to care for and feed the people of God. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. What greater responsibility could a person have than for the souls of the people of God? With this responsibility comes the necessity to instruct, teach, correct and rebuke. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Timothy was a disciple of the Apostle Paul, and was also a pastor of a church himself. Paul's instruction to Timothy is to guide God's people into righteousness, fruitfulness, and show them how to live and experience the power and blessings of God. And when they go astray lead them back. If they are doing wrong correct them. If they bring harm to others rebuke them. And when they are discouraged, encourage them and bring them hope. These things are done through sermons, discipleship, bible study and leading people into God's presence through prayer, praise and worship. Pastors have to deal with the people every day and are under more attack by the enemy than any of the five. People can forget about the evangelists and Prophets after they leave. But the Pastor cannot preach and go like they can. The Pastor will have to deal with the sin in the Church, backbiting people, rebellious people, those who don't want to accept that they need to sit under his leadership, etc. The list goes on and on. Pastors have the heaviest load and many times get the least respect from the people of God, until they can learn that he has been placed over them by God. Any person that feels they are called to Pastor a Church better know that they heard from God. And then once they know they heard from God, they better be ready for the lies of the enemy when these hardships come that will try to tell them that they are not called, or they missed the will of God. God's grace will be upon every man and women of God, and the office of a Pastor can be very fulfilling for those who are called. But every office has it's moments where we must learn to trust God through hard times.

A teacher is one with a gift to teach and guide people into truth through the scriptures. Most Pastors will be teachers. Not always with method or style, but at least with knowledge and understanding of God's word. As we can see in the scripture, Paul said some "pastors and teachers". He put the two together. A pastor must have the ability to teach in order to guide the people. But there are also those who are not called to be pastors, but have a gift to teach. Teaching can be done in a classroom setting or it can be done one on one. There are so many ignorant Christians in the world today. That is why we have teachers. God does not want an ignorant people. It is important that we not only know what we believe, but why we believe it. A pastor has so many responsibilities. Even though he can teach, if one has the call to teach he will relieve the pastor of a lot so that he will have time to minister in other areas of his calling. This is what makes the body of Christ complete. Just as with Israel, when Moses became overwhelmed with all the needs of the people. He was then advised to break down Israel into the 12 tribes and delegate authority to one Man to take care of each tribe. Teachers will be leaders! And they are placed in the Church to back up the Pastor and help him with the needs of the Church, specifically by teaching others how to live for God and be faithful.

I believe that all five of these areas need to be in operation in every Christian Church. Unfortunately this is not the case. But if people will get serious with their relationship with God and be open to receive what he has for their lives, then God will build the church. And these five will be part of his construction crew to build great things for God. The gifts of the Spirit are also a very important part of the structure!

Slain in the Spirit

This is a term used to describe when God moves upon a person by the power of his Spirit, causing them to fall to the ground. Other terms used have been "Overwhelmed by the Spirit", or "Falling under the Anointing". Whatever someone may call it, it is the same thing when Gods love fills them so much that they cannot stand. Many people will come against this experience for two main reasons. First it just freaks them out. And second, they don't believe that it is Biblical.

2 Chronicles 5:12-14 "Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God." When the temple was being dedicated the musicians and singers were playing and singing and the glory of God filled the temple. The priests could not stand upon their feet because the glory of God was too strong. This same glory has visited many Churches throughout the world even in this past and present century. The glory will visit us as a Church and will visit us individually. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." We as Christians have the Spirit of God who dwells within us. But there may be times as we dedicate ourselves to him that his glory will fill us, as we are the temple or the place of dwelling for the Holy Spirit. He no longer lives in a temple or with the Arc of the Covenant, but with and in his people. With such glory, no man would be able to stand. Some may even be knocked backwards at times. God loves to demonstrate his power to and through his people. He did it all through the Word of God. And the bible says that God is the same and he never changes. And for God to cause a person to fall out in the Spirit is a very small thing with him.

Numbers 24:4 "He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:"

"The Gifts of the Spirit"

Word of Wisdom

Word of knowledge

Faith