UNWRAPPED

Discovering God’s Gifts to the Body of Christ

Overseer Justin T. Cohen, Ph.D.

2012, Pennsylvania, Justin T. Cohen, Ph.D.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Endorsements

Preface

Chapter 1 – an Overview of Pneumatology

Chapter 2 – Salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Chapter 3 – God Still Has Gifts to Give

Chapter 4 – An Introductory Exposition of Romans 12

Chapter 5 – Prophecy

Chapter 6 – Ministry

Chapter 7 – Teaching

Chapter 8 – Exhortation

Chapter 9 – Giving

Chapter 10 – Leading

Chapter 11 – Mercy

Chapter 12 – The Motivational Gifts in Action

Chapter 13 – An Introductory Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12

Chapter 14 – Word of Wisdom

Chapter 15 – Word of Knowledge

Chapter 16 – Faith

Chapter 17 – Gifts of Healings

Chapter 18 – Working of Miracles

Chapter 19 – Prophecy

Chapter 20 – Discerning of Spirits

Chapter 21 – Different Kinds of Tongues

Chapter 22 – Interpretation of Tongues

Chapter 23 – An Introductory Exposition of Ephesians 4

Chapter 24 – Apostle

Chapter 25 – Prophet

Chapter 26 – Evangelist

Chapter 27 – Pastor

Chapter 28 – Teacher

Chapter 29 – The Bishop

Chapter 30 – Manifold Gifts

Bibliography

Epilogue

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of my earthly father,

Frank Bambara,

whose hard work provided me with my academic foundation,

example provided me with my ethical foundation,

and encouragement provided me with my motivational foundation.

I was able to show him the cover design the day before he died.

Until the very end, he exhorted me.

Acknowledgements

There are so many people in my life that have influenced me and my ministry unto all of whom I am grateful. I understand that this is unusually long for an Acknowledgements section; however I do not know if I will ever again have the opportunity to publicly and permanently make these statements, therefore I will take the risk!

The best way to handle this is chronologically as I encountered the relationships until the FGBCF section when most relationships developed concurrently.

My parents, Frank and Marie Bambara who raised me in Roman Catholicism from which I received over 10 years of daily theological instruction. They also encouraged me in my gifts, talents, and abilities. In addition to all the routine parental duties, they instilled in me the discipline and love of learning. At an early age they purchased for me a 28 volume set of the Funk & Wagnall’s Encyclopedia, which I would read as if they were individual books.

For some strange reason, they cannot understand why I think I know everything, but it was they who initiated the whole lifelong process. Priceless!

My U.S. Navy family, ADM Henry G. Ulrich III, who believed in me, gave me a second chance, and facilitated the relationships which led me to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

James Urban, who led me to the Lord and under whose Lay Chaplaincy ministry I was saved. “Thank you,” to Cliff Andrews, William Neal, and Charles Peoples who mentored me in my administrative career skills as well as personally.

My New Life Christian Fellowship family, Bishop Paul Zink, Pastor Sharon Zink, Pastor Duane Erickson, Pastor Melanie Erickson, who fostered my call to the ministry and encouraged me in the discovery and exercise of my spiritual gifts. During my four years in Bible College, NLCF was my home church and training ground for ministry. “Thank you,” Bishop Zink for a ministry that raises sons and daughters to reach the world. “Thank you,” to Pastor Duane for your patience with me and wisdom in counseling.

My Jacksonville Theological Seminary father, the Late Dr. Harold Vick, who provided me not only with quality theological education, but educational mentoring, career counseling, and ignited in me the passion to teach. I received more than an education; I received an impartation of spiritual gifts and the heart of the founder and President to go forth and duplicate.

My Assembly of God family, the relationships within which I served in several urban/home missions capacities; Pastor Richard Smith at Faith Assembly of God, Pastor Rick Dodridge at Teen Challenge, and my home church at the time; Pastors David and Marcia DiPietro at Kensington Assembly of God, under whose ministry was the entire backdrop of a several years, which consummated in the best day in my life, my wedding day - the wedding ceremony being conducted by Pastor David DiPietro. My gratitude is extended to them for all they did for us.

My lovely wife, Elder Latoya Cohen, to whom I have been married now for 11 years. She is my partner and number one cheerleader as well as the love of my life. Latoya has tolerated various tests and trials in this ministry marriage and for her, I will be eternally grateful. It has been through her encouragement that this book became a reality. A thousand “Thank You’s” would never be enough for Latoya and all that she has been to me! I appreciate and value her as God’s number one gift in my life.

Finally, My Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Family! There is absolutely no way that I could express what God has done in the past 9 years of being in the FGBCF. My Fellow Pastors and the District Overseers in the State of Pennsylvania, led by Bishop Stanley K. Smith of whom I am grateful for accepting, receiving, and believing in me – and putting me to work!

Bishop Aretha Morton, State Bishop of Delaware; “Thank You,” for being a Spiritual Mother and allowing the FGBBI to expand its territory into its second state. “Thank you” Elder Janesta Ray and the entire Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral family.

Bishop Tyrone Sellers of Metropolitan New York; “Thanks to you and First Lady Sellers,” for facilitating the expansion of FGBBI. We value your friendship and support!

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Bishop, Bishop Jesse N. Gavin under whose advisement and counsel the FGBBI ministry was given foundational direction, proper protocol oversight, and regulatory nurturing to give birth properly. “Thank You,” for believing in me and all your encouragement.

To Bishop Tommie L. Triplett, who coordinates a School of Ministry, second to none: “Thank You,” for your encouragement and sharing your passion for education with me. You have been a model to which I look for direction when preparing to provide training to my Region, State, and District.

To Bishop Earnest Palmer who has always had a patient and listening ear and who also shared encouragement and his passion for education with me. In his capacity at The Full Gospel Baptist Publishing, he has been a rock solid confidant for which I am appreciative.

To my Spiritual Father and ministry covering, Bishop Andy C. Lewter, who serves as the Bishop of Christian Education, under whose tutelage I am blessed to exercise my spiritual gifts to the fullest extent. The Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, who has adopted us as their own brother and sister because we share the same Spiritual Father, we thank you! Bishop Lewter is always there for me; he is a true Pastor and Spiritual Father.

Last and certainly not least, I saved the best for last:

To Bishop Paul S. Morton, the International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and a gem in the Kingdom of God. “Thank You,” for being obedient to God and not man when you birthed the FGBCF. I was ready to quit the ministry, but then I met you and was introduced to the FGBCF. Through your ministry, both Kingdom-wide and personally, the Lord directed me and brought me to the place where I now am and as a result every area of my life is phenomenally better than it was 9 years ago. Thank you for the personal times of encouragement, one of the fruits of which is this book.

Endorsements

It is rare that we find a book that addresses the topic of spiritual gifts in a way that encourages individuals to recognize their gifts as a much-needed asset and tool for winning and developing souls in the Body of Christ. General Overseer Cohen takes a comprehensive topic and conceptualizes it in such a way as to inspire church leaders and/or laypersons to study and grow in their spiritual gifts. This book is a must-read for those in leadership who develop strategies relating to church growth and a must-read for individuals who simply want to learn more about the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to them to advance the Kingdom of God.

Bishop Bobby L. McCarter

State Bishop of Mississippi

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

Overseer Cohen provides an in depth look at the gifts of the spirit relevant to the 21st Century.  His description of the spiritual graces that God has bestowed on the Body of Christ is practical and beneficial for Christian edification and divine exaltation.  This book will inform and inspire you to utilize your spiritual gifts to glorify God.  I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all believers who are seeking to serve the Lord in a greater capacity.

Overseer Lanier Twyman

State Overseer of the District of Columbia

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

Clearly, Dr. Cohen has rung the bell and took us to school—in ministry! He delivers a timely and relevant message to the Body of Christ in “Unwrapped.” Using an easy-to-digest and methodical framework in the identification and administration of gifts, he equips every believer with an accurate understanding and balanced appreciation of what God has provided for Kingdom operation and advancement.

This book is a must-read! It’s priceless and perfectly packaged with knowledge, wisdom, understanding and instruction. All there’s left to do is “…unwrap it!”

Bishop Wesley T. Cherry, Sr.,

Bishop of Auxiliary Bishops, FGBCF

Word Alive Church Intl, Pastor (TheWordIsAlive.com)

Overseer Justin Cohen, through extensive ecclesiastical study, has identified how the Church should operate.  He challenges the mindset of those who do not believe miracles can still happen and those who believe that the acts of the Apostles are not for this present day operation. In Unwrapped: Discovering God's Gifts to the Body of Christ, Cohen helps readers to discover their purpose and function integrative to the Body of Christ at large. This persuasive writing is sure to enhance the functionality of the church, locally and globally. This is a great guide for the spiritual development and enhancement of congregations.

Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon

Senior Pastor/CEO, Praise Temple of Shreveport

Shreveport, LA

General Overseer Cohen has effectively addressed a somewhat controversial subject, the Spiritual Gifts, and explained them with descriptions true to the Biblical text and background in such a way that both are easily understandable and personably applicable.

By expounding on the Full Gospel Distinctives, relative to the doctrines of the Holy Spirit, it is now easier for the reader to assimilate those practices properly. I recommend "Unwrapped" for anyone who desires to discover God's gifts for themselves and the benefit of the Body of Christ as a whole.

Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D. Min.

Bishop of Christian Education

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship

I've known Overseer Cohen for about eight years. I've watched him from a distance; he's always so quiet and never seemingly in the forefront. It was always obvious to me that education was important to him, if for no other reason than just looking at his spiritual father, Bishop Andy Lewter, who is the epitome of academia in the body of Christ.

It's rare, however, to find one who values education but also has the heart to serve. Usually one is an academic or a servant - seldom both. In this book, Overseer Cohen captured what I've often said about being a great “Leader- Servant” - it is not enough to just have a heart to serve but you must know the art of serving. After reading this book, the reader will know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether he is a true servant.

From one who has given his life to serving other men and helping to make their dreams a reality – “Thank you,” Overseer Cohen, for writing what could very well be seen as the “’Bible’ for Service.”

Bishop Gregory Cooper

Southern Regional Bishop

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

Rarely is an individual able to offer a work that provides General Overseer Cohen has done a balance of information and revelation as. This book has been written to impact the Body of Christ in a manner that stirs the intellect, while simultaneously nourishing the spirits of men and women. It is a scholarly book with academic protocols thoroughly satisfied, yet, it is practical and user friendly for laymen. I enthusiastically endorse and encourage it to be read as a product of one of the brightest minds affecting Christian Education today. Special care and quality treatment is also given within this book to the applicable FGBCF Distinctives to enlighten and edify the readers.

Bishop W. Oshea Granger

Southern Atlantic Regional Bishop

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

The City of Philadelphia prides itself on being community oriented and providing personal and professional development for its citizens. Such developments are highlighted in your debut book, “Unwrapped,” as you discuss the importance of community service. You describe the act of community service and mentoring as continuous goals and how it provides the opportunity to discover gifts, talents, and abilities.

On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, It is my pleasure to send you my congratulations on the release of your first book, “Unwrapped – Discovering God’s Gifts to the Body of Christ.” And wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

Hon. Michael A. Nutter

Mayor

City of Philadelphia

Preface

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

I can recall the timeframe when I accepted the call to ministry. I had been ignoring it for quite some time - 10 years to be exact. The Lord came to me in a vision of me preaching to a crowd of young people about the love of God when I was 11 years old.

Ignoring my relationship with God and the associated “Call” was easy to do as teenager because there were so many distractions, particularly music, sports, and the party lifestyle.

It was this party lifestyle that landed me in trouble while I was in the U.S. Navy. This trouble caused me to respond to the message of salvation, after which I was reminded of the call to ministry. It would be about 3 years until I would accept that call.

Many questions flooded my mind about preparation for ministry. In the Pentecostal / Charismatic church that I joined upon accepting the call and enrolling in Bible College at Jacksonville Theological Seminary, there was no definite course of action or prescribed tract by which a “calling” is identified, discerned, developed, and released.

In most Full Gospel Baptist churches, there is a bit of a formal structure. There are catechisms, initial sermons, etc. There are clear distinctions in our ecclesiology relative to the positions of deacon, minister, elder, and so on. In the loose, “Spirit-led church,” this was absent. There was mentorship, supervision, and encouragement; however, it was informal and undefined. It was more “relational” than “organizational.”

This scenario caused me to begin an extensive study of “the church” and how it was supposed to operate. I discovered a Biblical ecclesiology with all its position descriptions and principles. The Bible was clear on the gifts, talents, and abilities with which God endows His children. Also clear were the qualifications for church leadership. It was during this time that God revealed to me that it was my responsibility to teach this to others and assist them in discovering their God given gifts, talents, and abilities.

I felt a little awkward. I asked God “Why is it my gift to help others discover theirs?  Isn’t that an excuse for me, because I do not yet know mine?” I posed the question that way because it felt like a cop out, a lame excuse for someone who did not know what to do themselves. I was influenced by the old cliché “Those who can’t do, teach.”

Fortunately, I did not give up hope and continued studying. Eventually, one of the courses which was required at seminary was what is now renamed, “The Gifts and The Calling of God,” by Dr. Harold Vick, the President of JTS. I not only had the pleasure of taking the class, but I received several hours of personal impartation from Dr. Vick during which he affirmed and confirmed that God wanted to use me to help others discover their God given purposes in ministry.

My studies continued after graduation from JTS and were the basis of my Master’s Thesis for which I earned a Th.M. from Carolina University of Theology. It was this process of thesis development which resulted in the “Spiritual Gifts Discovery Workshop.” Through this workshop, churches have been equipped and edified with encouraged believers, who tapped into their talents and put them to work in ministry at their local church.

Adapting the thesis and Spiritual Gifts Discover Workshop into a book was an idea and vision from several years prior. Because of the daunting task of reformatting an academic paper, PowerPoint slides, and a workbook for a non-academic and non-presentation book, I had delayed.

Finally, upon the encouragement of several key people in my life, I hunkered down to complete the task. Occasionally fueled by other’s misunderstanding of the gifts, ecclesiology, and in particular the Episcopacy, the process was interesting as well as challenging. The Holy Spirit revealed fresh new truths to me concerning details about which I thought I already knew and about which there was no further information or revelation available.

I also learned a few things about myself. Some of my own gifts, talents, and abilities have been defined and refined. I gained a renewed appreciation for the “craftsmanship of God” - how He uniquely creates, endows, develops, and deploys His children as they function together in the Body of Christ.

The church is like a jigsaw puzzle in which each of us, as a piece, fits with others to produce a whole. An interesting feature is that only God knows the picture on the outside of the box! Our responsibility as His children is to connect where we were assigned, fit where we were designated, and function how we were designed.

God has some good works for you to do. He has had them planned well in advance. He had you in mind when He created them. He created the good works and then He created you. He did not create the works for you; He created you for the works.

My desire and prayer is that this book will improve your relationship with Jesus Christ as you discover how He created you to be uniquely you.

General Overseer Justin Cohen, Ph.D.

Section I

Previewing the Package

Chapter 1

An Overview of Pneumatology

God is Spirit. In an attempt to understand the gifts and ministries afforded the children of God, you must first have a correct understanding of the Holy Spirit. The study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is called “pneumatology.” The word “pneuma” is a Greek word that means “breath” and is usually translated as “spirit.” The suffix, “logy,” is a Greek word that means “the study of.”

The Holy Spirit and the doctrines related to the Holy Spirit are not restricted to the New Testament. The Holy Spirit, as part of the Triune God, has eternally existed. A study of the Holy Spirit begins in the Old Testament because the Holy Spirit is God.

The Holy Spirit is God

Throughout the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is associated and considered to be equal with both God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). An example is the Holy Spirit’s role in creation;

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

“By His Spirit He adorned the heavens;” (Job 26:13a)

“You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30)

The Apostle Paul states:

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" (Galatians 4:6)

Other indications that the Holy Spirit is equal are:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” (II Corinthians 13:14)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)

Note in the above scripture, Jesus used the singular word “name,” not the plural term “names.”

Because He is God, The Holy Spirit Has Divine Qualities.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8)

The Holy Spirit is omnipotent.

“But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD,” (Micah 3:8a)

The Holy Spirit is omniscient;

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10)

The Holy Spirit is eternal.

“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)

The Holy Spirit is sovereign (this is also related to His will);

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

The Holy Spirit is holy.

“and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4)

The Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a “person.” He has attributes such as a mind, will, and emotions. The Holy Spirit has the capacity to think, desire, and feel. The Holy Spirit’s has the ability to know because He has a mind and the capacity to think;

“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:27)

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” (I Cor. 2:10-11)

The Holy Spirit has the ability to choose because He has a will and the capacity to desire;

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6)

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (I Corinthians 12:11)

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,” (II Thessalonians 2:13)

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)

The Holy Spirit has the ability of sentiment (attitude and response) because He has emotion and the capacity to feel.

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” (I Thessalonians 1: 6)

The Various Names of the Holy Spirit

Throughout the scriptures, the Holy Spirit has various designations. The following list, although not exhaustive, are those designations related particularly to His character and nature, which will aid us in our study of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of:

Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11)

Counsel (Isaiah 11:2)

God (Genesis 1:2)

Glory (1 Peter 4:14)

Grace (Zechariah 12:10; Hebrews 10:29)

His Son (Galatians 4:6)

Holiness (Romans 1:4)

The Holy God (Daniel. 4:8,9,18; 5:11)

Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19)

Judgment (Isaiah 4:4)

Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)

LORD (Judges 3:10)

Lord GOD (Isaiah 61:1)

Love (2 Timothy 1:7)

Might (Isaiah 11:2)

Power (2 Timothy 1:7)

Prophecy (Revelation 19:10)

Prophets (1 Corinthians 14:32)

Revelation (Ephesians 1:17)

Sound Mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

Truth (John 14:17 and 16:13)

Understanding (Isaiah 11:2)

Wisdom (Exod. 28:3; Deut. 34:9; Proverbs 8:14)

The Holy Spirit is a Communicator.

Because it is God’s desire to be known and to disclose His character, nature, mind, will, and emotions to us, God, through His Holy Spirit, speaks to us.

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2a)

The speaking of the Holy Spirit through people will be the focus of our study of the Gifts of the Spirit in later chapters. God has always provided standards by which we can determine if a message is divine in origin or not. There are three attributes of communication that can be ascribed to the role of the Holy Spirit in His capacity as the voice of God; they are: revelation, inspiration, and illumination.

Revelation

When the Holy Spirit communicates that which was previously unknown, it is called “revelation.” It is also the disclosure and informing an individual or group of facts about which they had no other means of receiving other than directly from God. Direct messages from God are revelation.

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25)

Revelation is the method by which the Holy Spirit communicates.

Inspiration

When the Holy Spirit communicates through and individual, either mentally or emotionally, it is called “inspiration.” The purpose of inspiration is the expression of God’s ideas. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of scripture.

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)

The phrase “is given by inspiration of God” is only one word in original Greek. It is the word “theopneustos” (Strong’s # 2315), which means “divinely breathed in.”

It is not simply the ideas or concepts, which are inspired, the words themselves are also. Jesus indicated that His words (and subsequently the entire Bible) were “divinely breathed in.”

“.The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63b)

Inspiration is the method by which the Holy Spirit communicates. This is helpful to understand in order to comprehend the operation of Spiritual Gifts.

Illumination

Illumination is the Holy Spirit’s assistance to our cognitive abilities. When the Holy Spirit communicates by providing clarification of that which was written or spoken, it is called “illumination.” The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to give understanding and an explanation of the meaning. By “shining a light” upon the scriptures (which are inspired), they come alive to us and result in revelation.

Conclusion

We now understand:

1.  The Holy Spirit has always existed with God the Father and God the Son.

2.  The Holy Spirit was not only present, but was the agent of creation.

3.  The Holy Spirit is how God has spoken in the past.

4.  The Holy Spirit reveals, inspires, and illuminates.

Our understanding will be the clarifying foundation of how the Holy Spirit communicates in the present.

Chapter 2

Salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

In an attempt to understand the gifts and ministries afforded the children of God, you must have a correct understanding of Soteriology (the study of the doctrine of salvation) and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

In this and following chapters, reference will be made to the Doctrinal Distinctives of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of which I am connected. The “Full Gospel Distictives,” (Policy and Procedures Manual, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, Revised Edition) by which they are referred, not only provide a clear, concise, and well rounded Biblical understanding, but also represent this author’s conclusive position as best as possible.

I was formerly part of a denomination whose teachings differentiated between that spiritual experience which was called “salvation” and that spiritual experience which was called, “the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” It was especially emphasized that the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” was a separate, distinct, and subsequent event. You could be “saved” but not have been “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” It was as if the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” was an optional condiment such as whether you would like gravy on your mashed potatoes, dressing on your salad, ketchup on your fries, etc. It was not necessary; but it was a desirable additive.

There are also denominations, which teach that the experience of the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” is packaged with water baptism, both of which are required for and constitute salvation. Their false standard is that water baptism is efficacious for salvation and that the person must arise from the water speaking in tongues.

We see the error of that teaching due to the historical record of the salvation of the Gentiles in Caesarea;

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”  (Acts 10:44-48)

The sequence is as follows: Peter preached the Word which brought conviction, repentance, and belief (which results in salvation); the Holy Spirit was “given” (concurrent with salvation); then water baptism followed.

Lack of water baptism does not condemn a believer; only a lack of belief:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)

Speaking in tongues is another controversial issue. We have as previously mentioned those who believe that if you do not speak in tongues, you are not saved. Another position is that speaking in tongues is “the initial physical evidence” of having received the “baptism in the Holy Spirit.” Again, as an experience subsequent to salvation, this implies that there are other evidences other than physical - of the physical variety - there are more in number which happen later (after the “initial”). With that in mind, let us ensure we have an understanding of what we mean when we use the terms “salvation” and/or “saved.”

An Overview of Salvation

To aid in an understanding of the doctrine of salvation, an explanation of the various processes and stages in the salvation experience is helpful. These events occur simultaneously. Theologians have created and defined these terms due to the need for understanding how the factors relate. There is more than one aspect of life that is affected.

Conviction: a new understanding

The activity of the Holy Spirit by which an individual recognizes their guilt is called conviction. Conviction takes place when the righteous and holy standards of God are understood and compared with one’s own condition of falling short.

“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24a)

“….. I would not have known sin except through the law” (Romans 7:7d)

That realization and revelation result in the recognition for the need of a savior and comprehending that you cannot save yourself.

“For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Psalm 51:3)

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

Repentance:  a new decision

The activity of being convicted by which you make a conscious decision to turn away from your sins is called “repentance.” It takes place when you feel sorry for your sins and confess it to God.

“… but that your sorrow led to repentance”  (II Corinthians 7:9a)

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation”  (2 Corinthians 7:10a)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)

In Hebrew, the word, repent, is “nacham” (Strong’s # 5162), which means “to be sorry.” In Greek, the word is “metanoeo” (Strong’s # 3340), which means “to think differently” or “to reconsider.” Because we are three-part beings, repentance takes place in and affects the mind because it involves recognition, in the will because it involves a decision, and in the emotions because it involves a feeling.

Faith: a new belief

The activity of the individual who has repented by which they turn to God is called “faith.” Faith is exercised as one receives the mercy of God and the gift of salvation.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

In order to exercise faith, there must be the knowledge of the object (the focus or recipient of) in which belief will be placed and the agreement in the accuracy of that object.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Conversion:  a new direction

The result of repentance and faith is called “conversion.” It takes place as you repent and exercises faith. It also means to “turn,” “twist,” or “revert.” A person turns from sin and to God. It is one action, but relative to sin, they turn from and relative to God they turn to. The main idea of conversion is that an exchange takes place which results in a change taking place.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

Regeneration:  a new nature

The act of the Holy Spirit that imparts new spiritual life is called “regeneration.” It takes place upon conversion (which required repentance and faith on behalf of the receiver), when an individual receives Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. At this juncture, the person not only receives the gift of eternal life, but a new nature as well. He becomes a partaker of the divine nature; this is also referred to as being “born again.”

“by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”   (II Peter 1:4)

You can, then, say that you are a new creation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  (II Corinthians 5:17).

Justification: a new standing

The action by which a person is declared righteous is called “justification.” It takes place upon conversion because God imparts a new condition: a right standing before Him. He sees us as being in full compliance with the law. Justification is made upon the basis the righteousness of Christ being credited to us.

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”   (Romans 8:33-35)

Through justification all accusations, condemnations, and separations are removed.

Adoption: A new position

The action which places an individual into position as a child in the family of God is called adoption. Adoption takes place at salvation and defines the new relationship between the individual, God, and other believers.

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)

Because “now we are children,” we have the capacity to grow.

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2)

Because one has been redeemed, they are now also adopted, having now all the privileges and responsibilities of a child of God, as if we were born naturally into the family of God.

“…to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:5 – 7)

Sanctification: a new process

The process by which we are separated from the old nature and dedicated to the new nature is called “sanctification.” The process of sanctification is initiated at salvation and is a continual process throughout the life of the believer. It is through the process of sanctification that our character and nature is transformed to be more Christ like.

“….. since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:9 – 10)

Sanctification is the process by which we are “out with the old and in with the new.”

“…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22 – 24)

Conclusion

A person, convicted by the Holy Spirit, repents of his sins, exercises faith, is born again (converted and regenerated), and then, placed in right standing and right relationship with God to continue the separation and dedication process which has already begun.

An Overview of the “Baptism in the Holy Ghost”

It is by and through the Holy Spirit that we are saved.

The steps of salvation in the preceding section of this chapter are steps which are orchestrated by God via the Holy Spirit. The following is an exposition of some of the “Full Gospel Distinctives,” which contribute to the Pneumatological position of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Chapter 3

God Still Has Gifts to Give

God’s desire is that all His children walk in their purpose. He has endowed His Church with gifts, talents, and abilities which He expects them to recognize, accept and utilize.

There is much confusion and division in the Body of Christ relative to Spiritual Gifts. There are three distinct theological positions in the body of Christ today relative to Spiritual Gifts:

Cessationism: The gifts of the Spirit ceased to operate either around the time of the writing of the last New Testament book or the death of the last apostle, John. The phrase used to identify this position is “God used to…”

Revivalism: The gifts of the Spirit had been active, disappeared, and then reappeared. The phrase used to identify this position is “We ignored it for a while until recently.”

Continuationism: The gifts of the Spirit have continued throughout history, are presently active today, and will continue to be so during the Church Age. The phrase used to identify this position is “God always has, still does, and always will.”

The position of Cessationism is incorrect for the following reasons:

1)  It is based upon the false assumption that the gifts were only foundational and only the Apostles operated in the gifts.

2)  It is based upon the false assumption that God now requires the church to function only by natural talent, ability and means.

3)  It is based upon the circular reasoning and logical fallacy that the gifts have ceased because we now have the Bible, as if the Gifts of The Spirit were “place fillers” or plugging a hole until an unspecified time. The Scriptures contain no indication of cessation. The Bible, which is cited as their authority, does not support this claim.

4)  It is based upon the refusal to acknowledge church history.

5)  It is founded in “modernism,” which attempts to rationalize or dismiss the supernatural which is recorded in Scripture.

6)  It is based upon their revision of history, which they refer to as “experience.” They have not experienced the charismatic, so they conclude that it must have ceased. The most disturbing aspect of the cessationist counterclaim is that Charismatic/Pentecostal/Full Gospel believers elevate experience over the Scriptures, while they do the same thing. This is inconsistent.

The position of Revivalism is incorrect for the following reasons:

1)  It is based upon the false assumption that the gifts ceased for one or more periods of time.

2)  It is based upon the false assumption that God allowed the church to function only by natural talent, ability and means for one or more periods of time.

3)  It is based upon the refusal to acknowledge church history.

4)  It is based upon spiritual pride indicated by the attitude of superiority about themselves in comparison to the church between A.D.100 and 1901.

Although there have been several points in church history where the gifts may had been ignored but then acknowledged, this does not mean that the gifts disappeared and then reappeared or were “rediscovered.” This is the “revivalist” position.

Some Spirit-filled denominations that have adopted the “revivalist” position (i.e. that the gifts have been revived as stated above), would have you believe that God via His Holy Spirit, was not “moving” for about 1900 years, and then one day since the early 1900’s, we are began  experiencing a “last days outpouring.” We hear tales of Agnes Ozman, John Alexander Dowie, the Bonnie Brae House (aka William J. Seymour’s Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa St.), etc.

The eschatological errors in the “revivalist” thinking is beyond the scope of this book, so I will not go into much detail but as to emphasize that error begets error. The process by which we come to a theological conclusion is equally important as the theological conclusion itself. If we start with a faulty premise or have a faulty factor in the process, we will always achieve an incorrect conclusion.

Therefore, to assume that the Holy Spirit was not speaking and the gifts not operating for any period of time during church history and were somehow “reactivated” necessitates adjustments in other areas of Theology to make the assumption fit. This, in turn, causes errors in those other areas.

Church History clearly refutes any notion that charismatic gifts faded away after the apostolic era. Other than diminishing somewhat during the Middle Ages (probably due to the increasing formalism), it is obvious that spiritual gifts were never completely absent from the church.

Scores of statements to this effect were recorded by church leaders such as Irenaeus, who wrote around A.D. 150:

"...we hear many of the brethren in the church who have prophetic gifts, and who speak in tongues through the spirit, and who also bring to light the secret things of men for their benefit [word of knowledge]..." (Refutation and Overthrow of False Doctrine, Pg. 174)

Elsewhere, he said:

"When God saw it necessary, and the church prayed and fasted much, they did miraculous things, even of bringing back the spirit to a dead man." (Ibid.)

Near the close of the second century, Tertullian cited similar incidents, describing the operation of prophecies, healings and tongues, and in A.D. 210, Origen reported many healings and other charismatic gifts, as did later writers such as Eusebius, Firmilian, Chrysostom, and others, continuing throughout many centuries.

The Encyclopedia Britannica says that spiritual gifts such as glossalalia (speaking in tongues) has occurred in Christian revivals of every age. In the same vein, Souer's History of the Christian Church (Vol 3, Page 406), cites a reference to the famed leader of the protestant reformation of the 16th century:

"Dr. Martin Luther was a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, and interpreter, in one person, endowed with all the gifts of the Spirit."

A mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit brought about what was called the "Pentecostal Movement" in the early 1900's, where many churches experienced a revival of the Holy Spirit's power and spiritual gifts. Later in the 1960's, spiritual gifts began to emerge in all kinds of churches and mainline denominations throughout the world, in what was called the "charismatic renewal." Spiritual gifts were suddenly manifested wherever believers or congregations were receptive and open to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit.

Today, the charismatic gifts remain available as a part of God's plan for His Church and are increasingly being manifested within fellowships and believers around the world. They are sometimes called God's "power tools," given to the Body of Christ as valuable helps to accomplish works of ministry.

In light of understanding both Cessationism and Revivalism, permit me to provide an exposition of some of the “Full Gospel Distictives” which contribute to the Pneumatological position of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

Distinctive I

We believe the Full Gospel includes: (A) the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost; (B) the baptizing Power of Jesus Christ for salvation because of Calvary, and (C) the filling/controlling power of the Holy Ghost for service and Holy victorious living because of Pentecost. (Ephesians 5:18, Acts 20:27).

Distinctive II

We believe in the perpetual and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ until the end of this Church Age, which will be consummated by the return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13, I Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12).

“Perpetual and Continuing”

By “perpetual and continuing,” it is clearly meant to communicate their ongoing nature. All Spiritual Gifts had a definite starting point (Pentecost) and have not ceased since that point in time. Ignorance regarding and/or failure to operate in all God’s gifts does not indicate that they ceased (neither permanently, nor temporarily). They are active now and will continue into the future. A future generation’s potential ignorance or failure to practice/operate in the gifts will neither cause nor indicate cessation.

“Ecclesiastical Value”

The primary beneficiary of all Spiritual Gifts is the church. The Greek word is “ekklesia” (Strong’s# 1577) which means “the called out” or “meeting.” In other words, we are those who are called out to meet together. We are a community, and as such, there are the dynamics of mutually beneficial interaction.

Spiritual Gifts are the vehicle by which worth and significance are shared, imparted, and deposited by others to others. This worth and significance is referred to as “value.”

Every member has value and is significant, important, and adds meaning to the group as they exercise their God-given talents, abilities, and Spiritual Gifts.

Value is realized because we fit together, supply, and work with each other which causes growth. Growth only takes place when everyone is functioning properly and contributing according to their ability;

“from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16)

Since value is both given and received among the members of the church, a believer will not reach his full potential outside the church. We need each other. The church is the place where you can both give and receive blessings and function in the purpose for which God created you. The church is the context in which value is given, received, exercised, and realized.

“All Spiritual Gifts”

There is not a finite and complete list of all gifts, talents, and abilities in one central location in the Bible. The three major sections are in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and I Corinthians 12. Although the doctrinal statement cites only these three passages, it does not imply or infer that all gifts are included or that the only gifts to which the statement refers are those three sets.

“All” means all, and as such, any other gifts not specifically included in the scripture citations are included. The scripture passage citations were not intended to be restrictive, but exemplary.

We must also avoid the potential error of “semi-cessationism” or “semi-revivalism,” either of which would state that only some of the gifts ceased or only some of the gifts were revived. The selection of which gifts ceased, which gifts did not cease, which gifts were revived, and which gifts were not revived are addressed within the argument surrounding Strong versus Moderate Cessationism neither of which are within the scope of this text.

“Edification”

The Greek word which is translated “edify” is “oikodome” (Strong’s# 3619) or “oikodomeo” (Strong’s# 3618), both of which mean “to construct, to structure, to build, and to embolden.” It is an architectural term. When we think of building and architecture, there are some analogies which can serve as illustrations. Buildings must have a foundation, infrastructure, internal and external support, and above all, be safe. These characteristics are the end result. Edification, on the other hand, is the process by which those features are achieved. The emphasis is upon the means by which all things come together to achieve the intended outcome.

To borrow a phrase from famous architect, Louis Sullivan, the mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright, “form follows function.”  The purpose dictates the design. The Body of Christ has a purpose Divine in origin. This purpose (or group of functions) results in the unique structure of the Church.

The Body of Christ is like a building, but it is a never ending project. Both individually and collectively, the church is in a continual state of being “under construction.” Edification is an ongoing reality by which everyone utilizes their gifts, talents, and abilities to build each other and Christ’s Body, the Church.

“Until”

As we await the end of the Church Age, the work of the church continues. Pending the return of Christ, the church does not cease to function. In anticipation of our blessed hope (Titus 2:13) the gifts continue to operate. There will be a specific time in the future when the gifts will cease. That will be the end of the Church Age.

When Apostle Paul refers in I Corinthians 13:10 to a point in time when “that which is perfect” is come,” he is referring to a time of maturity. This time of maturity happens at death for the believer and at Christ’s return for the Church Age as a whole.

Now that we have covered the “what” relative to Spiritual Gifts, let us now move on to the “Who,” as explained in the following Full Gospel Distinctive;

Distinctive III

We believe in the Divine personhood of the Holy Spirit and His present-day ministry to Believers, including the sovereign distribution of spiritual gifts, which empowers Believers for service in the Contemporary Church (I Corinthians 12:7-11).

“Divine Personhood”

As a matter of Pneumatological significance, we affirm that the Holy Spirit is part of the Triune Godhead. The Holy Spirit shares Divine characteristics with the Father and the Son.

As explained in Chapter 1, the Holy Spirit is also a person in the sense of possessing the qualities of personhood such as thinking, feeling, desiring, etc.

“Present-Day”

“Current” is another word used to describe one of the existing functions of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit functions in the very same way He did at the onset of this current dispensation (from Pentecost to present). This age of grace/Church Age dispensation has not changed. God has not changed nor has the manner in which He interacts with us. On Pentecost, in the past, and in our present, the Holy Spirit is the same.

“Including”

The Holy Spirit has multiple functions as described in the Bible. The soteriological functions of the Holy Spirit such as conviction, and regeneration are important, but are not the only functions to which the Holy Spirit is limited. The purpose of this phrase in this Distinctive is not to ignore the other functions and ministries of the Holy Spirit, but to acknowledge this function as well.

It is also not intended to communicate that the present-day ministry of the Holy Spirit is limited to the distribution of gifts but to acknowledge the inclusion thereof.

“Sovereign Distribution”

The characteristic which governs the Holy Spirit’s decisions is referred to as “sovereignty.” The gifts of the Holy Spirit are “distributed to each one individually as He wills. (I Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit of God is self governed. His will is supreme and autonomous. The decisions made by God require no outside influence, opinion or instruction. External factors are of no persuasion to His choice.

Sovereignty does not imply whim or impulse, because we know that the Holy Spirit of God is self-existent; the outcome of His options will never be inconsistent with His character and nature. God is a God of order. Everything God does has a design, plan, and purpose.

The allocation process of Spiritual Gifts is referred to as “distribution.” The Holy Spirit delivers gifts, talents, abilities and manifestations of Himself. He is literally sharing a part of Himself with the recipients and as such, the recipient is in no need of any special qualification or prerequisite. The Will, Plan, and Purpose of the Holy Spirit reigns supreme in the distribution.

Distribution also implies multiple recipients. There is not only one person or group to whom the Spiritual Gifts are limited. The unrestricted nature of the believer to whom Spiritual Gifts are to be endowed is discussed with more detail in the next Distinctive, number IV.

“Empowers”

The Holy Spirit takes a Christian and gives him power to do what at one point, he was unable to do. This, of course, implies that the recipient did not have that power previously.

We were promised by Jesus that we would receive power:

“…Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

“..But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit is the One who authorizes service in the Kingdom of God. He sanctions the use of the believer and endues him with the unction to function.

The original Greek word that was translated as “power” is “dunamis” (Strong’s#1411) which means “force” or “strength” as opposed to another Greek word “exousia,” which implies authority. The powers which God gives us via the Gifts of the Spirit are not for the purposes of ruling or lording over another, but for the purpose of serving.

“Service”

Loving acts which are a blessing to the Body of Christ are service. The topic of service and servant hood is inexhaustible. The whole point of Spiritual Gifts is to function humbly and effectively to build the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God.

We are empowered for a purpose: to serve, or as Apostle Peter instructed, “to minister.”

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

An understanding of the “Love Chapter” (I Corinthians 13) and the teaching of the Apostle Paul regarding the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are important principles by which gifts should be exercised. We should use our spiritual freedom, which includes the exercise of Spiritual Gifts, to serve one another in love;

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Contemporary Church”

This is not intended to differentiate or make a distinction that the church of today is markedly different to the church of yesteryear. The Contemporary Church should function as the Church has throughout her whole history. This terminology is not to imply or infer that there may have been a point in time where form, function, and operation of Spiritual Gifts were not needed. The purpose of this terminology is to emphasize the need for the power of God and that His gifts are ever-present and always have been. It is not just the Contemporary Church that needs power.

The fact that there may have been periods of time in Church History when there was the neglect of Spiritual Gifts in favor of a more liturgical or ritualistic format does not make the church or its members in those times any less than those of us now. The Church has always needed the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Now, we address Distinctive# IV which describes the “Why.”

Distinctive IV

We believe in Jesus Christ as the Sovereign Giver of spiritual gifts to the church. We further believe spiritual gifts are given for the perfecting of the Saints, for work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the Body of Christ and are given without regard to ethnicity, social class, or gender (Ephesians 4:7-12; Galatians 3:26-28).

The focus of dissecting this particular distinctive will be upon the disregard of ethnicity, social class, and gender in God’s decision-making process of who He will endow with a Spiritual Gift.

“Without regard to ethnicity, social class, or gender”

We have already laid the soteriological foundation that explains that salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are the same therefore, the distribution of the Gifts of the Spirit follow the same criteria.

Salvation is a gift that is given without regard to ethnicity, social class or gender.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Paul explains that the basis of righteousness is not ethnicity.

“For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11)

When preaching to Greek philosophers in Athens, Paul stated;

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,” (Acts 17:26).

Peter received a revelation regarding ethnicity also.

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:34+35)

On the day of Pentecost, women, including the mother of Jesus, were in the upper room and were recipients of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14)

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter quotes from Prophet Joel and states that “daughters” and “maidservants” will be recipients of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and would prophesy.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.” (Acts 2:17-18).

Philip the Evangelist had daughters who prophesied.

“Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” (Acts 21:9)

Paul addressed a cultural custom by giving instructions on how, in that cultural context, a woman should prophesy. He did not state that a woman could not prophesy, only that in that particular cultural context how she must do so.

“But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head” (I Corinthians 11:5a)

Some other women in ministry include:

Miriam, a Prophet (Exodus 15:20)

Deborah, a Prophet and Judge (Judges 4:4)

Huldah, a Prophet (2 Kings 22:14)

Tabitha, ministry of helps (Acts 9:36)

Apostle Paul recognized and commended several women in his epistles for their services and exercise of Spiritual Gifts, such as: Lydia, Chloe, Nympha, Apphia, Mary, Persis, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Priscilla, Euodia, Syntyche, Phoebe, and Junia.

For an in-depth analysis of the subject of woman in ministry, I encourage you to read the following book: Shattering The Stained Glass Ceiling. (Lewter, Andy C. Tommie Triplett, Earnest L. Palmer) by Bishop Andy C. Lewter.

Distinctive VIII

We believe in Jesus Christ as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, who brings men and women at salvation into relationship with Himself and His Body, the Church. We further believe that it is the baptism of the Holy Ghost that places one into the Body of Christ. All Believers have been baptized by Christ with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33; I Corinthians 12:13).

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Mathew 3:11)

“I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’”(John 1:33)

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” (I Corinthians 12:13)

We see, then, that at the time of salvation, Jesus baptizes an individual with the Holy Ghost and he is placed into the Body of Christ.

Apostle Peter recounts that the Holy Spirit is “given” or “imparted” at the time of salvation. The Holy Spirit is referred to as “the same gift” that was given “when we believed.”

“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.  Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:16-17)

The term “Baptized in the Holy Ghost” is an interchangeable and alternate term for salvation. It is an idiomatic phrase highlighting the methodology by which a believer is brought into a saving relationship with Christ.

“...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5+6)

It is an expression of the process by which the Holy Spirit indwells.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27)

Distinctive IX

We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Ghost for all Believers and that the Holy Ghost verifies and validates the Believer as part of the Body of Christ (Romans 8:9).

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” (Romans 8:9)

Jesus taught us that the Holy Spirit would be “in” us.

“...the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)

Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians that believers are a “temple.”

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (I Corinthians 3:16 + 6:19)

The illustration of a temple helps us to understand that we as the children of God are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We are a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit.

Distinctive X

We believe in the spirit-filled life as desirable, valuable, and an issue of obedience for all Believers who are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost. We acknowledge that within the Body of Christ, the term, “filled with the Holy Ghost” is often used interchangeably with the term, “baptism of the Holy Ghost.” When referring to the controlling presence and power of the Holy Ghost, as a result of the submissive will and desire of the Believer, we allow such alternation of terms.  We believe it is the will and command of God that every Believer be “filled,” “walk in,” be “led by,” and “live in” the power of the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 18, 25).

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:16, 18, 25)

The distinction between the terms “baptized” and “filled” needs to be explored. The term “baptized” is more specific to salvation. That believer, after salvation, is “filled” and needs to continually be so. The interchange of terms is acceptable only when specifically meant to communicate that aspect of the indwelling Holy Spirit to which we are surrendered and controlled.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Distinctive XI

We believe all Believers are baptized with the Holy Ghost and all Believers should be filled with the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 5:18).

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” (I Corinthians 12:13)

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18)

Compendium on Distinctives VIII and X

We believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are distinct, separate, valid, and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost which may occur simultaneously at salvation.

A) Being filled with the Holy Ghost may and should occur subsequent to salvation in obedience to Biblical exhortation.

B) The baptism of the Holy Ghost occurs once and for all at salvation.

C) Being filled with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing characteristic of the believer’s consecrated holiness (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33; I Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 5:18).

D) We believe in speaking in tongues, as our heavenly language that builds us up in our most holy faith. Tongues are an indicator, not a qualifier. (Jude 20, Acts 19:2-6; Acts 2:1-4; I Corinthians 14:14-15)

Conclusion

It is only by the Holy Spirit that we can confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;

“Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:3)

Understanding the previous sections regarding Salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, knowing now that they are simultaneous, bring us to the following conclusion as stated.

Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost are synonymous. It is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost that places you into the Body of Christ. Being “born again” and “baptized with the Holy Ghost” are two sides of the same coin. All born again believers have received the Holy Spirit upon receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We must continue to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit.

It has been erroneously taught that all Christians are endowed with a  Motivational Gift from Romans 12 and that only professional clergy are endowed with a Ministry Gift from Ephesians 4, but the Gifts of the Spirit from I Corinthians 12 were reserved only for Pentecostal / Charismatic / Spirit Filled / Full Gospel type Christians.

Since all believers have been baptized with the Holy Ghost at salvation,

the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:8-10) are available to all believers.

If a new believer is not taught the Biblical and Scriptural truths of the fullness of salvation which includes the Gifts of the Spirit, they will remain unutilized due to not knowing that at they exist. This is the reason why we must understand and preach the Full Gospel.

SECTION II

THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS

Chapter 4

An Introductory Exposition of Romans 12

and the Motivational Gifts

The first set of Gifts which we will explore is commonly referred to as the “Motivational Gifts.” In order to understand them, we must first understand the scriptural context into which they are introduced. The 12th chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans provides us with a much needed foundation for any successful ministry.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

The mercy of God is so good, that you should desire to desire to live a life which is sacrificial. You should present yourself to God as a “living” sacrifice. A “sacrifice” is supposed to die. How then, is it possible to be both “living” and dead?

The spiritual analogy here is that we are to continue to die. We must be the “living dead.” There are actions, attitudes, emotions, and desires to which we must die so that we can serve God effectively, efficiently, and fully.

The Apostle Paul goes further to explain that this is not an extreme requirement, but one that is “reasonable”.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Serving God requires a change. In order to be effective for the King in His Kingdom, we must no longer identify with and practice the “world’s ways.” We have to be transformed in the mind. To repent means to “change one’s mind.” It is exactly this mental repentance that causes the “renewing” of our minds or “renovation of your intellect (thoughts, feelings, and desires).” When we are transformed and our mind is renewed, we will live in such as way as to be an embodiment or living witness of what God’s will is. We will live in a way that others can observe our lifestyle of service and get a revelation about God’s Character, Nature, and Will.

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

Humility is essential for effective Christian ministry. Our opinion of ourselves should be based upon a scriptural understanding of our fallen condition and how we have been redeemed by Christ. Our identity as a child of God, because we are in Christ, should be our understanding of ourselves. We have to have a right mind (think soberly) to be sure to not compare ourselves with one another. God has given each one of us faith and He does not practice favoritism.

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:4,5)

In this analogy, we are reminded that in each of our physical bodies, there are many parts (“members”). In the physical body, each part is different and has its own unique function, yet is interdependent and works in conjunction with the other parts. Together, they function as a complete body.

The Body of Christ is the same way. “We, being many” indicates that each individual person is analogized to a part of the body in the physical sense. Together, we as parts constitute the Body of Christ and are interdependent (“members of one another”).

“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; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”   (Romans 12:6-8)

The Greek word translated into English as “gifts” is “charisma” (Strong’s # 5486), which means “religious qualification,” “miraculous faculty,” or “spiritual endowment.”

You are different from everyone else because God has given you a different grace. Each of us is uniquely designed by God. You are uniquely “you.” God has endowed you with a grace to serve and contribute to the Body of Christ in a unique way.

The Greek word translated into English as “grace” is “charis” (Strong’s # 5485) which means the “divine influence in the heart and it’s reflection in the life.” Because you have a personal relationship with God, He has a personal influence in your heart. Because you are unique individual, you reflect this influence through your life. Your personality, actions, and attitudes are reflections of God’s influence.

The gifts listed in verses 6 through 8 are: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy. An analysis of each of these qualifications, faculties, and endowments are in the following chapters of this section.

The remainder of Romans 12 teaches us how to function in the body and how to treat one another. Whatever our gifts, talents, abilities and graces are, they must function guided by the following principles:

Love and Goodness (vs. 9 and 21)

Affection and Graciousness (vs. 10)

Diligence, Fervency, and Servanthood (vs. 11)

Hopefulness, Patience, and Prayerfulness (vs. 12)

Generosity and Hospitality (vs. 13)

Compassion (vs. 15)

Humility (vs. 16)

Forgiveness (vs. 17-20)

The list of gifts in verses 6 to 8 are referred to as “Motivational.” They are a “charis” or reflection of God’s influence on your life via your personality, actions, and attitudes. These gifts are indicative of your motivations. Though each of us is created differently, but there are some broad categories into which we can classify everyone.

Motivational Gifts can also be thought of as a personality type or disposition. We are not using the term “personality” in the secular psychological sense; we are using it to describe a person’s individual traits. Each person has an outlook on life and temperament which influences his interactions and reactions in life.

Each of us are the sum total of all our life experiences. Gender, generation, culture, etc. are all influential factors in how our personalities are formed. The purpose of studying the Motivational Gifts does not discount or dismiss all the other factors which influence an individual’s development. It must be noted that the Motivational Gift bestowed upon you by God is also a factor in the shaping of your personality.

Motivation Gifts are designed to be a blessing to someone else. The emphasis that Apostle Paul places on each gift is to be of a benefit to others and is, therefore, not your gift. You do not possess the gift. You are not the owner of the gift; you are the steward. God did not gift and grace you for yourself; He gifted and graced you for others. It is God’s gift to that other person through you.

The following chapters will give an explanation of each of the Motivational Gifts. Compare yourself with the characteristics of each to determine how God has uniquely created you to be a blessing to the Body of Christ. You may discover some descriptions about yourself which you knew, but were never able to verbalize. Somewhere throughout the following chapters in this section you will be exclaiming “That’s me!”

Chapter 5

Prophecy

“…if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;”

(Romans 12:6)

Prophecy: (Strong’s# 4394): propheteia:  prediction (scriptural or other): - prophecy, prophesying.

According to Vincent’s Word Studies, prophecy in the New Testament, as in the Old, the prominent idea is not prediction, but the inspired delivery of warning, exhortation, instruction, judging, and making manifest the secrets of the heart. We need to make a distinction between this Motivational Gift and the “Office of Prophet,” both in the Old Testament and New Testament. In this context, we are using the term prophet or prophecy as a Motivational Gift that emphasizes the characteristic of perception and inspired speech.

The Motivational Gift of Prophecy is “the special ability to perceive and communicate truth and divinely inspired utterances in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification.”

Old Testament prophets proclaimed truth and exposed and predicted judgment concerning the sins of God’s people. Today the motivation of a prophet would be to use scripture to reveal the unrighteous motives and actions of others.

Distinctive differences about the Prophecy motivation

-  Not all prophecy-motivated people prophesy with the utterance gift (I Corinthians 12)

-  Not all who have public utterance in prophecy are motivationally-driven in prophecy.

- The motivational gift of prophecy does not mean one is in the office of a Prophet (Ephesians 4).

As a “perceiver,” the person who has the Motivational Gift of Prophecy, has the following personality characteristics:  “discerning, critical, authoritative, determined, convicting, courageous, confronting, and uncompromising.”

Attributes

1) Strong convictions.

2) Antithetical thinker, “All or nothing” mentality.

3) Discerning of other’s motives.

4) Willing to face persecution and being misunderstood.

5) Called to intercessory prayer.

6) Outspoken and blunt, “tells it like it is”.

7) Very few close friends.

8) Perceived as intolerant and judgmental.

9) Dramatic, persuasive, and articulate communicators.

10) Uncompromising in their presentation of truth.

11) Passion that God's purposes are vindicated.

12) Expose sin or deception in others.

13) Desires repentance, reconciliation, producing good fruit.

14) Defends absolute truth. Intolerant or relativism.

15) Discerning of biblical truths others fail to realize.

16) Admired for their God-given confidence and honesty.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of the gift

1) Extremist viewpoints causing loss of credibility.

2) Perceived as too harsh, blunt, insensitive, condemning and judgmental.

3) Tendency toward pessimism (e.g. the glass is half empty; in contrast to the exhorter who sees the glass half full.)

4) Intolerant of differing opinions.

5) Difficulty in seeing all sides of an issue / failure to recognize partial good.

6) Hasty in conclusions / taking information out of context in order to prove their points.

7) Expect immediate repentance / failure to recognize the progressive process.

8) Sometimes fails to separate the sin and the sinner.

9) Can assume that they are always hearing from God.

10) Might expect instant acceptance from others.

11) Resists evaluation of themselves.

The Prophet motivated person desires to see God’s Truth established in every situation, confirms and reinforces revealed truths, and also encourages obedience to God and His Word. Their perceptiveness enables them to get straight to the heart of a matter and they are direct in their communications with others. They can be idealistic and, therefore, impatient or intolerant of those who may not enthusiastically embrace the Prophecy Motivated individual’s high standards.

The Prophecy-Motivated person has discernment, insight, and sensitivity for the Truth and may, as the Holy Spirit wills, operate in the supernatural manifestation gift of the discerning of spirits.

Complimentary Gifts

•Mercy

•Exhortation

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Preaching / Exhortation

• Counseling

• Bible Teacher

• Writer

Chapter 6

Ministry

“or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;”

(Romans 12:7a)

Ministry: (Strong’s# 1248):  diakonia: attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate): - (ad-) minister (ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service (-ing).

This Motivational Gift is also listed in I Corinthians 12:28 as “helps.” The root word translated as “helps” means “to participate in relief.” The Ministry or Server motivated person will always be found (but not limited to) the ministry of Helps.

The Motivational Gift of Ministry (service) is the ability to identify unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired goals.

As a “server,” the person who has the Motivational Gift of Ministry has the following personality characteristics:

People with this Gift are usually;

• Available

• Willing

• Helpful

• Reliable

• Dependable

• Loyal

• Humble

• Supportive

Attributes

1) Serves behind the scenes wherever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others.

2) Searches for opportunities to assist people in their work.

3) Motivated to meet needs a quickly as possible.

4) Sensitive / alert concerning the likes and dislikes of others.

5) Discovers practical tasks needed to be done and enjoys doing them without being asked.

6) Has need for approval. Responds well to appreciation.

7) Disregards themselves for the sake of others.

8) Discerning of God's purpose and meaning in fulfilling regular and needed hands-on tasks.

9) Finds pleasure in meeting every day responsibilities.

10) Enjoys routine church tasks that others find mundane.

11) Desires private appreciation rather than public praise.

12) Rather perform a task themselves rather than find someone else to do it.

13) Does not mind working alone.

14) Has a need to stay busy.

15) Will use their own funds to get a job done quickly.

16) Discerning of ways to serve prior to others.

17) Works well on short term goals

18) Has endurance. Able to continue work for a long time.

19) Prefers not to be served by others.

Misuse/Misunderstanding of gift

1) Will over-commit.

2) Finds it hard to say “no”.

3) Will set their own agenda and take matters into their own hands without authorization.

4) Proud of what they do.

5) Unappreciative of their own gift / feelings of insignificance.

6) Resentful of lack of appreciation.

7) Be pushy until the tasks are completed.

8) A “Martha”; concerned more with serving than spiritual matters or spiritual disciplines.

9) Critical of those not serving or passionate for service.

10) Might interfere with God’s discipline by meeting someone’s need.

11) Providing service or help that was not requested.

12) Will not share tasks or delegate.

Complimenting Gifts

•Hospitality

•Mercy

•Helps

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Deacon / Deaconess

• Community Service

• Sexton

• Church secretary

• Teacher’s Aide

•Armorbearer

Chapter 7

Teaching

“…he who teaches, in teaching;” (Romans 12:7b)

Teaching: (Strong’s #1321) didasko: A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb “dao”  (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): - teach.  (Strong’s #1319) didaskalia: instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching.

The Motivational Gift of Teaching is the ability to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that causes learning in others. Teacher motivated believers protect the body of Christ from false teachings.

Distinctive Differences about the Teacher Motivation

The motivational gift of teacher does not mean to stand in the “office” of a Teacher (Ephesians 4). Not all who are in the office of Teacher are motivationally-driven as a teacher. The motivational gift of teaching is not limited to church leaders.

As an imparter of knowledge, the person who has the Motivational gift of Teaching has the following characteristics;

People with this Gift are usually;

• Organized

• Articulate

• Disciplined

• Authoritative

• Analytical

• Practical

Attributes

1) Presents material systematically.

2) Enjoys research.

3) Desires knowledge.

4) Enjoys reading.

5) Desires believers to be built in their understanding.

6) Prefers discipleship more than evangelism.

7) Uses biblical examples more than real life illustrations.

8) Insists on the correct pronunciation of words.

9) Insists on citing the correct context for a scripture verse.

10) Investigates the teachings of others.

11) Has strong convictions that have been well researched.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of this Gift

1) Reliance upon human reason and intellect rather than the supernatural anointing of the Holy Ghost.

2) Prayerless instruction.

3) Studying not also for their personal life, but only to prepare a lesson.

4) Overestimating the capacity of their students.

5) Pride in their knowledge and education.

6) Lack of balance by not following the leading of the Holy Ghost and Gifts of the Spirit.

7) Impatience with uninterested students.

8) Non-teachable, “already know it” or “already heard it”.

9) Overly critical of other teachers. Easily dismisses less educated teachers.

The Teacher-motivated person is driven by the desire that others learn. They will always manifest themselves by being an example or imparting knowledge. They are determined to provide explanations which cause learning and growth.

Complimentary Gifts

• Word of Wisdom

• Word of Knowledge

• Brings balance to the office of the Prophet

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Teacher

• Counselor

• Educational Administration

Chapter 8

Exhortation

“He who exhorts, in exhortation;” (Romans 12:8a)

Exhortation: (Strong’s # 3870) parakaleo: to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, exhortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray.  (Strong’s# 3874) paraklesis : imploration, exhortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.

The Motivational Gift of Exhortation is the ability to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the Body of Christ in such a way that they feel helped and healed.

When we look at the Greek root word, which is translated into English as “exhortation,” we find that one of the underlying meanings is “to call” or “invite.” The exhorter is one who encourages someone to move towards something - usually an attitude or action.

Another aspect of exhortation also means “to pray.” The exhortation motivated individual will always have an uplifting and encouraging prayer.

Another facet in this gift is the one of comfort and consolation. The exhortation-motivated individual is going to comfort you and make you feel helped and healed, but not by having a pity party with you; the exhorter will always make you see the bright side of any given situation. They will always point out the silver-lining in the cloud and bring a cheerful perspective to any situation.

Of significance is that the Greek word “paracletos,” which is of the same origin as our root word for exhortation, is the Greek word that is used in reference to the Holy Spirit, particularly when Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “Comforter.”

People with the motivational Gift of Exhortation are usually;

• Confrontational

• Encouraging

• Optimistic

• Positive

• Supportive

• Motivating

• Challenging

• Reassuring

Attributes

1) Emphasizes God’s promises.

2) Calls people to a higher level.

3) Has faith in people’s ability to change.

4) Perceives trials as opportunities.

5) Likes to prescribe practical action steps.

6) Enjoys personal counseling.

7) Has a reputation for being positive.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of the gift

1) Tendency to oversimplify problems.

2) Speaks more than listens.

3) Perceives rejection of their advice personally.

4) Too quick to speak or respond.

5) Takes scripture out of context.

6) May avoid necessary confrontations.

Exhortation is an important aspect of the Preaching, Prophesying, and Pastoral ministries. (I Corinthians 14:3; I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:2).

An exhorter is not just one who is on the sidelines, but one who is there with us, encouraging and helping us.

Complimentary Gifts

• Giving

• Intercession

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Prison Ministry

• Intercessor

• Visitation

• Greeter

• Hospitality Ministry

• Counseling

• Altar Worker

Exhortation is a significant gift in the church, which is listed as one of the requirements for leadership (Titus 1:7-9; 2:14-15). It is essential for worship. Believers need exhorters who will draw close beside and urge them to carry on, so that individually and corporately, they can develop into all God intends them to be.

Chapter 9

Giving

“…he who gives, with liberality;…” (Romans 12:8b)

Give: (Strong’s #3330): metadidomi:  to give over, that is, share: - give, impart.

The Motivational Gift of Giving is the ability to freely contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. The giving motivated person has the ability or motivation to give liberally and cheerfully of time, talent, and treasure.

The giver-motivated believer will be found fulfilling Romans 12:13 “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

People with this Gift are usually

• Charitable

• Accountable

• Responsible

• Conscientious

• Resourceful

• Generous

• Disciplined

• Provident

Attributes

1) Gives freely.

2) Desires to give secretly.

3) Committed tither.

4) Able to motivate others to give.

5) Has faith for resources regardless of financial circumstances.

6) Unmotivated by emotional appeals.

7) Desires to partner with ministries unto whom they contribute.

8) Desires to give their best.

9) Concerned about the effective use of their support.

10) Desires that their giving will be an answer to a prayer.

11) Are hospitable as a form of giving.

12) Gives sacrificially.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of the gift

1) Sporadically giving.

2) Pride in size of donations.

3) Measuring spiritual success by material assets.

4) Giving a moral lecture with the donation.

5) Using gift to control people and ministries.

6) Ulterior motives in giving.

7) May cause people to look to them instead of God.

8) Waiting too long to give.

Complimentary Gifts

• Hospitality

• Intercession

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Stewardship Committee

• Financial Advisory Board

• Benevolence Fund Committee

• Fundraising  Committee

• Missions Committee

The Bible goes to great lengths to teach about Stewardship. The Giver-motivated believer has been gifted by God to naturally exemplify those principles. The Giver is usually the one who will not use an offering envelope because of his desire for his giving to be a private issue between them and God.

One reliable way to de-motivate a Giver-motivated person is to emotionally manipulate him with forceful appeals. This will cause him to shut down because the natural motivation is being stifled by the feeling of obligation.

Chapter 10

Leading

“…he who leads, with diligence;…” (Romans 12:8c)

Lead: (Strong’s #4291):  pristemi: to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: - maintain, be over, rule,  to place before or to set over, meaning to administrate, superintend, to organize or to facilitate.

This motivational gift is also listed in I Corinthians 12:28 as “governments” (KJV) or “administrations” (NKJV). The root word translated as either “governments” or “administrations” is the Greek word “kubernesis,” which means the helmsman of a ship, to steer, to guide, or to govern.

The Motivational Gift of Leadership is the ability to understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a group within the Body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.

As an “Administrative Prophet”, the person, who has the Motivational Gift of Leadership, has the following personality characteristics:

People with this Gift are usually;

• Organized

• Efficient

• Goal Oriented

• Thorough

• Self Motivated

•Able to foresee needs

Attributes

1) Able to envision the finished project.

2) Able to create order out of organizational chaos.

3) Organizes people, tasks, or events, managing details carefully and thoroughly.

4) Recognizes the available resources to get the job done.

5) Discerns other’s abilities and assign tasks accordingly.

6) Will assume a responsibility if no leadership exists.

7) Prefers to be under authority in order to have authority.

8) Will not take responsibility unless delegated by authority.

9) Will endure criticism / lack of understanding from coworkers to accomplish the ultimate goal.

10) Desire to move to new challenges when a task is completed.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of the gift

1) Long range vision of goals can cause valid suggestions and complaints to be overlooked.

2) Perspective of the big picture can cause improper explanation of tasks.

3)  Can regress into "using" people to accomplish goals.

4) People viewed as resources; projects seem more important than people.

5) Overlooks major character flaws in those who are useful to reaching their goals.

6) Becomes upset when others don’t share same vision or goal.

7) Develops callousness due to being a target for criticism.

8) Responds to criticism with criticism.

9) Loses interest in job once it is completed.

Complimentary Gifts

The person with the motivational gift of leadership is unique because their ability to identify the gifts, talents, and abilities in others causes all gifts to be complimentary to the situation in which the administrator is in leadership.

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Church secretary

• Head deacon/deaconess

• Finance committee

• Treasurer

• Project coordinator

• Office manager

• Sunday School Superintendent

An Old Testament Example

Nehemiah is the best example of an individual with the motivational gift of Leadership.

Here is a brief list of Nehemiah’s characteristics:

• goal-oriented

• full of faith

• lead by example

• knew when to delegate

• personally involved

• good prayer life

• courageous

• worked well under pressure

• diplomatic

• good planner

• not easily discouraged / endured criticism

• attentive to details and timing

• discerning; knew when to wait and when to act

• recognized the ability in others and utilized it

The person with the motivational gift of leadership is an “Administrative Prophet” and must follow the instruction to be diligent which is another word for careful. The leader must always treat every task and everybody with care.

Chapter 11

Mercy

“… he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:8d)

Mercy: (Strong’s # 1653) eleeoo: to be compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace): - have compassion (pity on), have (obtain, receive, show) mercy (on).

The Mercy-motivated person is sensitive toward those who are suffering, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, so as to feel genuine sympathy with their misery, speaking words of compassion, and caring for them with deeds of love to help alleviate their distress.

The Motivational Gift of Mercy is the ability to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who are suffering and in distress.

The Mercy-motivated person has the ability to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds, which reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering.

People with this Gift are usually;

• Empathetic

• Attentive

• Caring

• Compassionate

• Comforting

• Fair

• Meek

• Gentle

• Sensitive

• Responsive

• Tolerant

• Kind

Attributes

1) Expresses love, grace and dignity to those facing hardships or crisis.

2) Sensitive to the needs of others and discerning of the cause of the need.

3) Desires to remove the hurts of others.

4) Cheerfully serves in difficult or unsightly circumstances.

5) Patiently serves the needy without grudging or complaint.

6) Easily detect insincerity or wrong motives.

7) Concerns themselves with individual or social issues in which people are treated unjustly.

8) Senses the pain of individuals and groups, often by just walking into a room.

9) Recognizes the mental / emotional aspects of those in need.

10) Discerns, feels, and occasionally actually suffers the distress of other people.

11) Desires to intercede in prayer for those who received help.

12) Tolerates individual differences.

13) Sensitive to words and actions that may hurt others.

Misuse / Misunderstanding of the gift

1) Enabling those who need to make difficult life changes.

2) Not maintaining objectivity in a situation.

3) Easily feels unappreciated.

4) Easily offended and overreacts to criticism.

5) Lack of firmness misinterpreted as indecisiveness, weakness of character or lack of courage.

6) Inability to say "no" to others.

7) Non-confrontational.

8) Service misinterpreted by opposite sex as romantic interest.

9) Takes on too many issues of others and gets overwhelmed.

10) Inability to discern God’s purpose in another’s suffering.

11) Tempted to replace God’s discipline with their mercy.

12) Emphasis on immediate priorities (people's needs) may appear as disorganization.

13) Needs to understand that an important avenue to receive mercy is through repentance.

Complimentary Gifts

• Intercession

• Hospitality

• Helps

• Servant

Applicable Ministry Areas

• Chaplaincy

• Deaconate

• Counseling

• Community services

• Hospital visitation

• Benevolence

• Outreach to poor

• Prison ministry

• Healing

• Recovery groups

The individual with the Motivational Gift of Compassion/Mercy empathizes for other people. To alleviate hurt or embarrassment, they will always support the “underdog.”

Chapter 12

The Motivational Gifts in Action

Because the Motivational Gifts are best conceptualized in terms of personality type, it would be helpful to provide an illustration.

While studying under Dr. Harold Vick of the Jacksonville Theological Seminary, the topic of Motivational Gifts and personality types were in frequent discussion. Dr. Vick illustrated how each of the Motivational Gifts would be personified by their reactions to the following scenario:

You are attending a Birthday Party. Someone is carrying the Birthday Cake into the room while everyone is about to sing “Happy Birthday,” however, before a word is sung, the person carrying the cake trips and falls. He and the cake are splattered about the floor!

Each one of the Motivational Gifts is present at the time and you can identify them based on their reactions and responses to the accident;

Prophecy:   “I knew that was going to happen, I warned them to be careful.”

Ministry:   “Let me help clean this up.”

Teaching:   “You were holding the cake improperly; let me show you how you should have held the cake and how you should walk while carrying a cake.”

Exhortation:   “Oh, well, it’s ok, we don’t need cake, and we’ll still have a great time!”

Giver:   “Let me go buy another cake.”

Leader:   “Ok, let’s clean this up, you go get a mop, you go get a broom, you go get some paper towels.”

Mercy:   “Oh, it’s ok, we have all made mistakes, don’t feel bad” (while sitting on the floor crying with the person who fell and dropped the cake)

SECTION III

THE MANIFESTATION GIFTS

Chapter 13

An Introductory Exposition of I Corinthians 12

and the Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The second set of Gifts is commonly referred to as the “Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit” or simply, “Spiritual Gifts.” We use those terms interchangeably, however, clarifying explanation of the terms is required. In order to understand them, we must first understand the scriptural context into which they are introduced. The 12th chapter of the Apostle Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians provides us with a much needed foundation for any successful ministry.

One of the most important principles in Biblical interpretation is the consideration of context. Context is the text surrounding a word or passage. A scripture or passage’s context is the words, phrases, or passages that come before and after a particular word or passage in a speech or piece of writing which help to explain its full meaning. With that in mind, the lessons in 1 Corinthians 12 need to be understood in context. This requires an understanding of what was previously taught.

An overview of I Corinthians provides the background and context for our study of the Gifts of the Spirit. The Church at Corinth had several serious problems, some of which were reported to Paul; others were raised by the Corinthians themselves in a letter to Paul. The two major categories of problems, upon which we will focus, are relationships and order.

In an introductory paragraph in his letter, the Apostle Paul noted to the Corinthians that they “were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge…” (vs. 5) and “so that you come short in no gift,…” (vs. 7a). He was commending them for operating in the gifts and graces of God.

This commendation was short-lived, as Apostle Paul addressed the following relationship problems within the church:

Sectarianism (factions) (1:10-17 and 3:1-5)

Apostolic Relationship (4:14-21)

Lawsuits (6:1-11)

Marriage (7:1-40)

Legalism (8:1-13)

After several other topics of correction, we are led to chapter 11 where the issue of order is addressed during The Lord’s Supper. Not only was this an issue of order, but one of relationship. Certain believers were not being considerate of others.

Chapter 12 needs to be understood in the context of what has come before it and after it. Chapter 13, usually referred to as the “love” chapter, is sometimes taken out of context, leaving its context and isolated. It is about the correct motive for the operation of Spiritual Gifts. Chapter 14 is about the proper order for the operation of Spiritual Gifts.

Chapters 1 through 11:  Relationships and Order

Chapter 12:  Explanation of Manifestations (information)

Chapter 13:  Motivation of Manifestations (inspiration)

Chapter 14:  Operation of Manifestations (application)

Manifestations: Unity in Diversity

Apostle Paul addressed the manifestations of the Holy Spirit;

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:” (I Corinthians 12:1)

“Now”

Verse 1 begins with the word “now.” This word in Greek actually means “moreover,” so the implication is that what is about to follow is actually used to add a further piece of information that supports the previous statement. The explanation of the Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit needs to be viewed as a continuation of the plea for correct relationships and order.

“concerning”

“About, regarding, with respect to, pertaining to, with reference to”

“spiritual gifts”

The Greek word translated into English as “spiritual” is the Greek word “pneumatikos,” which in this context means “not carnal, but supernatural,” or “ethereal,” but more specifically, “Divinely supernatural.” It can, therefore, be understood that what will be referred to as “gifts” are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Of particular note is that, in this verse, the word “gifts” is in italics. This indicated that the word was not in the original language, but inserted by the translators to aid in understanding. This was done based on the use of the word “gift” in verse 4.

Thus, the literal, word for word translation is:

“Now concerning spiritual brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”

Keeping in mind context, I believe that the insertion of the word “gifts” and the corresponding comma were incorrect. The context was relationship and order. Paul was attempting to explain the behavior of “spiritual brethren.”

While it is true that we should not be ignorant about the manifestations, God does want us to know about and understand the gifts, the real emphasis here is that the Corinthians were to be informed about the behavior of those believers in their midst, through whom the Holy Spirit would manifest Himself in various ways.

In the very same way, that inconsideration of others was out of order during the Lord’s Supper. It was equally out of order to be dismissive or inconsiderate of those through whom the Holy Spirit divinely communicates via inspired utterances or behavior. The instruction is clear: Do not be ignorant (lack of knowledge ) about spiritual people. Do not be ignorant (disinclined) toward spiritual people.

“You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.  Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.”

(I Corinthians 12:2-3)

This is an interesting transition passage. Paul first reminded the Corinthians that they were once deceived. There was a point in time when they were following dumb (voiceless) pagan images. Focusing on the aspect of voice communication, Paul stated that as a consequence of (therefore) their previous deception of following idols with no voice, he had to instruct and make known to them the criteria by which a believer could determine the true motivation behind and nature of a vocal utterance.

An interesting use of two distinct phrases in verse 3 provides comparison and contrast resulting in clarification: “speaking by the Spirit of God” and “say…but by the Holy Spirit.” The first phrase, “speaking by the Spirit of God,” emphasizes the function of the person who is speaking. A literal translation is “uttering as an instrument or intermediary of the rational disposition of the Deity.” Paul instructed that no one who would function in that capacity would communicate a message that Jesus is accursed.

The second phrase, “say…but by the Holy Spirit,” emphasizes the motivation of the person who is speaking. A literal translation is “communicate in word or writing only when inspiration and influence is given from the consecrated breath of God”

The comparison and contrast provides clear guidelines by which to determine if a verbal expression is from God. Does the utterance confirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ? A truly spiritual person can be identified by his correct utterances.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (Verse 4)

The word translated as “gifts” is the Greek word “charisma,” which means a freely given Divine gratuity, spiritual endowment, religious qualification, or miraculous faculty. The emphasis of the verse is that there is a distinct variety of attributes, but there is only one inspiration and motivation for each of them, the Holy Spirit of God.

“There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.” (Verse 5)

The word translated as “ministries” is the Greek word “diakonia” which is where we derive the word “deacon.” It literally means “to attend to, to render aid or relief, and to serve.” The emphasis of the verse is that there is a distinct variety of active roles, but there is only one who controls and is authority over them, the Supreme Lord.

“And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (Verse 6)

The word translated as “activities” is the Greek word “energema”, which is where we derive the word energy. It literally means the effect resulting from work or the showing forth of action.

The emphasis of this verse is that there is a distinct variety of results from work, but it is actually God working through and manifesting Himself by empowering whatever activity is done. In other words, there is a whole lot of work going on, but it is God doing the working. God is both the cause and the effect.

Same Spirit, Same Lord, Same God

In verses 4 through 6, it is emphasized that the real Gift is the Holy Spirit. There may be many manifestations, but they are manifestations of the same Holy Spirit. If you were to receive a Swiss Army knife as a gift, how many gifts do you receive? Obviously, the answer is one. There is only one knife.

However, the knife might have many features such as a big blade, small blade, screwdriver, corkscrew, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick, etc. There are many ways to utilize that one gift. There are multiple manifestations of the gift. The Holy Spirit is the One Gift who manifests Himself multiple ways.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” (Verse 7)

Verse 7 is the basis for referring to “gifts” as “manifestations.” More correctly, “manifestations” is a clarifying word, so we interchangeably utilize the full phrase “Manifestation Gifts” to refer to the Gifts of the Spirit. The word translated as “manifestation” is the Greek word “phanerosis,” which means exhibition, expression, or a bestowment. It is by this definition that the term “gift” is interchangeably utilized. Once again, for clarity, we will be utilizing the term “Manifestation Gift.”

The Holy Spirit is THE Gift to us from God at salvation. The manifestations are not the gift; they are expressions of THE Gift.

The next thought is that “each one”, which is better translated as “everyone,” is a potential recipient and operator of a spiritual manifestation. Everyone has been endowed with a gift from God because all born-again Christians have been endowed with THE Gift of the Holy Spirit.

The final thought and emphasis is the phrase “for the profit of all.” The purpose of any gift from God is not to place the focus on the possessor, but the giver (God) and the recipient (others).  Divisive self-centeredness is counterproductive to the intention and purpose of the Manifestation Gift.

In each of the descriptions of the Manifestation Gifts, we must always remember the overarching principle of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Without the proper motivation of love, all of the Manifestation Gifts are rendered ineffective.

Chapter 14

Word of Wisdom

“for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,…”

(I Corinthians 12:8a)

Word: (Strong’s # 3056): logos: Something said (including the thought); by implication a topic  (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or  motive; by extension a computation;  Expression  - account, cause, communication, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon,  shew,  speaker, speech, talk, thing,  tidings, treatise, utterance, work.

Wisdom: (Strong’s # 4678): sophia: Wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual).

The term “word” in the phrase “Word of Wisdom,” indicates that it is a portion or limited amount of wisdom. This wisdom is God’s wisdom and is therefore inexhaustible. Through this supernatural expression, God communicates a portion of His unlimited wisdom.

Wisdom can be defined as accumulated knowledge gained through experience. God has the ultimate accumulation of knowledge. He is omniscient! Through the Word of Wisdom, God shares with us His experience. This Divine counsel only comes from God. No amount of meditation or human preparation will suffice.

The Word of Wisdom is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the ability to know the mind of God in such a way as to receive insight as to how knowledge may best be applied in a particular circumstance.

In the time of need, the Holy Spirit will express a Word of Wisdom so that the situation and circumstance will be interpreted properly by revealing God’s purpose in order to act according to God’s will.

The Word of Wisdom provides the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments, sensibility in thinking, judgment, or action insight, and perception regarding the surrounding circumstances. Because wisdom is the application of knowledge, the Word of Wisdom builds with the material which knowledge provides and uses it advantageously.

The Holy Spirit desires to impart to us practical skills in the affairs the church. Whatever problems the church may face, it is God’s Will to provide Divine direction toward a solution. The Holy Spirit will make a proclamation or declaration to meet the need of the occasion. Even in the midst of disagreement and doubt, spiritual insight is available! Upon providing the supernatural understanding of a problem, God will always reveal a corresponding Divine solution.

Through the Word of Wisdom, the Holy Spirit will provide insight into the future by revealing unforeseen circumstances. He will provide good judgment to determining the plan of action in order to avoid undesirable consequences. This is a manifestation of God’s love, grace, and mercy because He desires to provide protection for us.

Many times, the Word of Wisdom complements the Word of Knowledge by providing supernatural insight on how to properly apply the revelation that was given by the Word of Knowledge. Without the proper motivation of love as explained in I Corinthians 13, the Manifestation Gifts are rendered ineffective.

Here is a Scriptural example of when and how the gift of Word of Wisdom was manifest in Acts 15:5-31:

1.  A problem arose (verses 2-5)

2.  The group consulted with one another (verse 6)

3.  There was dispute (verses 7-12)

4.  James receives a Word of Wisdom (verses 19-21)

5.  The Word of Wisdom revealed a solution

6.  The solution from the Word of Wisdom caused a unanimous decision (verse 22)

7.  The resulting application of the solution from the Word of Wisdom brought joy and encouragement (verse 31)

Chapter 15

Word of Knowledge

“…to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,”

(I Corinthians 12:8b)

Word:              (Strong’s # 3056): logos: Something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation;  Expression  - account, cause, communication, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon,  shew,  speaker, speech, talk, thing,  tidings, treatise, utterance, work.

Knowledge:  (Strong’s # 1108): gnosis: knowing (the act), that is, (by implication) knowledge: knowledge, science.

The term “word” in the phrase “Word of Knowledge” indicates that it is a portion or limited amount of knowledge. This knowledge is God’s knowledge and is, therefore, inexhaustible. Through this supernatural expression, God communicates a portion of His unlimited knowledge.

Knowledge can be defined as the observation and recognition of facts within the range of one’s senses; acquaintance of a personal nature, which includes the responses of the one with the knowledge. God has the ultimate range, He knows everything! He is omniscient! Through the Word of Knowledge, God shares with us His recognition of facts. This Divine Counsel only comes from God. No amount of observation, study, or human preparation will suffice.

The Word of Knowledge is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the ability to receive, accumulate, analyze, clarify, and communicate information and ideas given by the Holy Spirit which are pertinent to the growth and well-being of the Body of Christ.

Word of Knowledge is the discovery of truth or facts apart from natural means. Apostle Paul has used the term, “knowledge,” in the sense of mysteries, revelations, and prophecy such as in I Corinthians 13:2 and 14:6. So, we can safely infer that the knowledge spoken of in “word of knowledge,” is of a supernatural nature and not merely human, natural knowledge. Believers who receive a Word of Wisdom can attest to the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The will testify that the knowledge, information, and ideas were not their own.

St. Augustine distinguishes knowledge from wisdom in as much as it is the “rational cognizance of temporal things,” so; we can conclude that rational cognizance can have supernatural origins.

The Word of Knowledge is superior to man’s own thoughts. A person’s imagination can conjure thoughts and deceive them that it is a supernatural Spirit-inspired Word of Knowledge. This is why it is important to “test” the nature of the expression. Because the Word of Knowledge is not only received, but communicated, it also includes the supernaturally- inspired utterance of facts received. The Holy Spirit enables the believer to not only receive, but communicate the mind of God and specific facts about a specific situation by speaking forth a portion of God’s limitless knowledge.

A Word of Knowledge can also manifest in preaching and teaching because it can be a supernatural illumination of the facts and truths of the Gospel. It, also, consists of the supernatural ability of insight and recognition of the principles in Scripture accompanied by the ability to communicate them.

The primary intention of this manifestation is to edify the Body of Christ. The application could be accomplished by natural means, if it is factual. The application could be accomplished via the complimentary gift of Word of Wisdom, if the application is not naturally obvious.

Again, without the proper motivation of love as explained in I Corinthians 13, the Manifestation Gifts are rendered ineffective.

Here is a Scriptural example of when and how the gift of Word of Knowledge was manifest in Acts 9:1-18:

In this passage, Ananias knew:

1.  Saul’s location (verse 11)

2.  That Saul was praying (verse 11)

3.  That Saul had a vision (verse 12)

4.  That Saul was chosen (verse 15)

5.  That Saul would suffer for the Lord (verse 16)

Chapter 16

Faith

“to another faith by the same Spirit,”

(I Corinthians 12:9a)

Faith: (Strong’s # 4102): pistis: Persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher),  especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, fidelity.

Faith is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the ability to believe and discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purpose of God with the accompanying ability to act upon that belief and discernment.

The supernatural gift of faith is different than saving faith, or the belief and assurance one exercises in repentance unto salvation. The Apostle Paul distinguished this particular manifestation of faith from that which is characteristic of all Christians. He proceeds to discuss miracles and healings, so we can imply that this manifestation gift is a particular variety associated with the expectation of God’s supernatural involvement in routine circumstances.

“Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:5)

This gift is imparted for the purpose of accomplishing a supernatural task. A believer will have the ability to go pass the normal limitations in the power of God and lay hold of and gives life to God’s Will to execute an amazing work. Supernatural faith has complete confidence in God’s ability to overcome difficulties; it is an unusual measure of trust in God beyond that exercised by most Christians.

Because it is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, there is no human energy exercised. The Christian does not have to exercise more faith, try harder to believe more, or convince himself by using his own power, thoughts, feelings, or desires. It is all imparted by the Holy Spirit.

The object of this supernatural measure of faith is God, not the result. It is an unwavering belief in God’s character, nature, faithfulness, and ability. When no empirical evidence is available, it is a belief that God is reliable.

The Manifestation Gift of Faith includes the ability to communicate and build faith in others. Believers operating in the supernatural gift of faith are an encouragement to others by their example of believing and receiving miraculous results. They are positive inspirations to the Body of Christ.

The Manifestation Gift of Faith, if not manifested and properly motivated as taught in I Corinthians 13, renders the manifestation ineffective.

Chapter 17

Gifts of Healings

“…to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,”

(I Corinthians 12:9b)

Gifts: (Strong’s # 5486): charisma: A (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: - (free) gift.

Healings: (Strong’s # 2386): iama: a cure (the effect).

The need for healing is obvious since we are in this flesh and experience the results of the Fall. Healing is the love and compassion of God expressed in a real, physical, and tangible way.

The Gifts of Healings is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the ability to serve as a human instrument through whom God brings a cure to an illness or restoration of health apart from natural resources.

This is a powerful gift because it is a demonstration of God’s power over the routine of nature.

“Deliverance” is a shade of meaning in the Greek word “charisma,” which is translated into English as “gifts.” This is especially applicable to the manifestation, called “healing.”

The unique aspect is that both words are plural. It implies that there is more than one gift and there is more than one type of healing. This is logical because Scriptural accounts denote other methods by which individuals were healed. We also know that there are various types of sicknesses and diseases.

An overview of the New Testament reveals that there were several different Greek words that would be translated into English as “sick,” “ill,” “disease,” etc.

Here are a few of those translations:

In each of the scriptures where one or more of those words appear, they were in the context of that sickness or disease being healed. It is obvious from these accounts that there are many types of healings needed and neither is beyond God’s ability.

There are also multiple methods by which God chooses to manifest the healing:

In the ministry of the twelve apostles, it should be noted that this supernatural manifestation of healing was not an inherent characteristic of their ministry. They did not possess or have the gifts of healings continuously at their disposal; it was as the other manifestations of the Holy Spirit – according to His Will. They could not heal “at will.”

An example of this is:

“Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.”  (II Timothy 4:20)

Although this chapter is not intended to be a lengthy study of the doctrine of healing in general, it should be noted that not every healing that takes place is a result of the manifestation of this gift of the Spirit. God, in His sovereignty, will heal anyone at anytime and needs not utilize a manifestation Spiritual Gift through an individual.

Chapter 18

Working of Miracles

“to another the working of miracles,…”

(I Corinthians 12:10a)

Working: (Strong’s # 1755): energema: effect: - operation, working.

Miracles: (Strong’s  # 1411) : dunamis: force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (by implication a miracle itself): - ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty wonderful)  work.

The word “dunamis,” which is translated “miracle,” is defined as “an event of supernatural power, perceived by the senses, accompanying a servant of the Lord in order to draw attention to the Lord and His message.”

The Working of Miracles is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the ability to serve as human intermediaries to perform supernatural and powerful acts that are perceived by observers’ senses to have altered the ordinary course of nature.

Although the Gifts of Healings are miraculous, apparently the Paul had in mind that there were other miraculous manifestations worthy of separate and specific mention.

Perhaps these miracles are the continuation of the commission of Matthew 10:8a:

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons…”

or the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus contained in Mark’s version of the Great Commission:

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

A testimony of the fulfilling of the commissions was proclaimed by the writer of Hebrews:

“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Hebrews 2:4)

We know that this manifestation authenticates the ministry, message, and messenger. There are recorded instances of the Working of Miracles as a removal of obstacles to the preaching of the Gospel as when the apostles were freed from prison (Acts 5:19) and again when the false prophet sought to turn away the proconsul (Acts 13:11).

The Working of Miracles is a supernatural manifestation of the power of God that alters, changes, suspends, or in some other way governs the ordinary course of nature. It is an orderly intervention that may be negative and destructive.

Other manifestations of the Working of Miracles were translated as:

Power - translated “miracle” 9 times

Wonder - 16 times; something astonishing.

Sign - 70 times, meaning “miracle” 60 times

In the ministry of the apostles, there is a conspicuous absence of the Working of Miracles that demonstrates power over the forces of nature. That manifestation seems to be an exclusive mark of Jesus’ Messianic ministry. As with the other Gifts of the Spirit, God is the source of the manifestation, not the faith of the servant through whom God chose to work.

The term “workings” is often associated with the conflict between God’s Kingdom and that of the worldly or satanic realm. Therefore, this manifestation is a demonstration of God’s power to defeat the enemy.

The ministry of deliverance is included within the spectrum of the Working of Miracles, as in the casting out of demons (Luke 11:20; Acts 16:18). In contemporary application, the instantaneous elimination of addictions, habits, and dependencies, without the normally occurring withdrawal symptoms, is well within the scope of deliverance ministry that demonstrates the Working of Miracles.

The Manifestation Gift is rendered ineffective only as an expression of the grace, mercy, and love of God, who will remove any obstacle to bless His children.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth

to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (II Chronicles 16:9a)

Chapter 19

Prophecy

“to another prophecy,…”

(I Corinthians 12:10b)

Prophecy: (Strong’s # 4394): propheteia: prediction (scriptural or other): - prophecy, prophesying. (Strong’s# 4396): prophetes: “an inspired speaker.” (Strong’s# 5346): phemi: “to show or make known one’s thoughts.”

Prior to delving into this manifestation, it should be noted and clarified that this supernatural manifestation gift of the Holy Spirit is different from the Old Testament Prophets (Hebrews 1:1) the Motivational Gift of Prophet (Romans 12:6) and the Ministry Office Gift of Prophet (Ephesians 4:11).

Based upon the two specific root words, the more precise definition of this manifestation will be understood to be one of inspired communication. To prophesy means to speak for God.

The gift, opportunity, and ability to be a mouthpiece for God have evolved through the dispensations of the Old Testament. Under the Old Covenant, only particular individuals, specifically called by God to prophesy, did so. Now in the New Covenant and dispensation of the Church Age any believer can be used by God at any time He wills to prophesy. Some may even be called to a Ministry Gift position in the Body of Christ as prophet; however, this gift is a sovereignly-distributed manifestation in God’s timing.

Prophecy is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer has the facility to perceive, receive, and communicate an instantaneous message from God via a Spirit inspired declaration for the purposes of exhortation and edification.

The one who prophesies speaks under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit and will confirm and reinforce previously revealed truth. Prophecy does not contain any revelation that is extra-Biblical and, therefore, does not possess the same divinely-imparted characteristics of Scripture. No prophetic utterance rises to the level of Scripture and is neither infallible nor inerrant.

All prophetic utterance must be judged by Scripture using discernment.

“Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.”  (I Thessalonians 5:20-21)

Prophecy will never contradict Scripture because God cannot contradict Himself.

The Spiritual Gift of Prophecy makes known the thoughts of God. Exhortation, edification, and comfort are always on the Mind of God. Prophecy communicates these thoughts through inspirational speech.

Prophecy may be spontaneous, but also may include inspired preaching. The preacher should perform adequate sermon preparation, but there will be times when the Holy Spirit inspires the preacher to extemporaneously communicate a divinely anointed utterance that was not in his “notes.” The Holy Spirit brings to the preacher’s mind that which he had not thought personally. This also is the Manifestation Gift of Prophecy.

Prophecy is forth telling, not foretelling. The Manifestation Gift of Prophecy does not contain an overwhelming amount of prediction. Predictive prophecy was a feature and function of the Old Testament Prophets, Jesus, and the Book of Revelation.

The Manifestation Gift of Prophecy may contain directions or warnings. These functions of clarification or cautious counsel are as close to prediction that this Spiritual Gift will come.

There are three Manifestation Gifts which were controversial enough to cause confusion and disorder. Those gifts were Tongues, the Interpretation Of Tongues, and this gift of Prophecy.

Explanation, rules, and guidelines needed to be communicated for their proper operation.

In Chapter 14 of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul gives some clarifying insight on the Manifestation Gift of Prophecy:

1.  Should be especially pursued (vs. 1)

2.  Provides exhortation and comfort (vs. 3)

3.  Edifies the church (vs. 4)

4.  He who prophesies is greater than the speaker of tongues (vs. 5)

5.  Beneficial to the unbeliever (vs. 24-25)

6.  Limited to two or three at a time (vs. 29)

7.  Should be judged (vs. 29)

8.  Provides learning and encouragement (vs. 31)

9.  He who prophesies is able to control himself (vs. 32)

10. Should be earnestly desired (vs. 39)

The Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit of Prophecy, just as the other gifts, is for the benefit and well being of the Body of Christ. The gift should not bring attention to any one individual, including the one prophesying. A proper manifestation of this gift will also not cause embarrassment of any member of the body of Christ.

Misuse of this gift has led to people receiving “personal prophecies,” similar to having one’s horoscope read to them, or even worse, having to be “called out” for a particular sin or shortcoming.

While the Holy Spirit may lead a preacher or altar worker to pray for an individual specifically, the Holy Spirit will not publicly embarrass one of His children. The Holy Spirit may “target” an individual to receive exhortation, edification, direction, or comfort but not rebuke, exposure, or humiliation. Misuse of this gift is manipulation dangerously close to divination and witchcraft.

Just as the Holy Spirit will lead one in the other gifts, the one through whom God uses to manifest the supernatural gift of Prophecy will do so with self control, Christ like character, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 20

Discerning of Spirits

“to another discerning of spirits,…”

(I Corinthians 12:10c)

Discerning: (Strong’s # 1253): diakrisis: judicial estimation: - discern (-ing), disputation. From another root word (Strong’s# 1252)  diakrino to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and  reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively to discriminate (by implication decide), or (reflexively) hesitate: - contend, make (to) differ (-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger. (Strong’s # 2919): krino: to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

Spirits: (Strong’s# 4151):  pneuma:               a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. The Greek word and root words translated as “Spirits” make a distinction that the term “Spirits” is not merely used in the sense of the essence of life (which would be the word “zoe”) or the sentient (feeling) capacity. This word “pneuma” is limited to the meaning of a messenger (angelic or demonic) and the message (rationale, disposition, or motivation).

Discerning of Spirits is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer is able to recognize and distinguish with assurance whether or not a behavior, speech, or intention is motivated by the Holy Spirit.

It is the supernatural enablement of perception, permitting identification of the nature and character of spirits and the ability to differentiate. The Discerning of Spirits enables a believer to recognize the cause of a manifestation, activity, or word because of his ability to see beyond the natural and know by which spirit a person is speaking or acting.

The purpose of the Discerning of Spirits is protection from evil spirits and false teachings.

We have a command to be discerning. God through His grace and mercy has given us the gift of Discerning of Spirits so that we will be equipped to obey this following instruction;

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  (I John 4:1-2)

We are in need of the gift of Discerning of Spirits in the Body of Christ today much more than was stated by the apostle, Paul, to his son in the ministry Timothy;

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,”  (I Timothy 4:1-2)

We have a few scriptural examples to clarify this gift for us. The first is in Acts 8:18-24. Simon Magus desired to purchase the gift of the Spirit. He was a believer who had been following Philip and from all outward appearances, he seemed passionate about spiritual things. However, Peter supernaturally perceived, by the gift of the Discerning of Spirits the true motive of Simon.

The next example is that of the slave girl woman who was demon possessed and used by masters to engage in fortune telling. In Acts 16:16-18 we are told that for several days she followed the apostles and was saying “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Is that not what the apostles were? Was she not speaking the truth?

The problem was not what she was saying; it was the spirit that was motivating her was wrong. It is possible to say the right thing, but be motivated by the wrong spirit. Paul, by the Discerning of Spirits, recognized that what was being said was not Holy Spirit inspired. He, then, cast out that spirit.

The Manifestation Gift of Discerning of Spirits is “as the Spirit wills;” it occurs in the Body of Christ when triggered by an event or a situation. This is a supernatural manifestation gift and as such cannot be “turned on” at will by a believer. The discerner does not seek something to discern.

Many people in the Body of Christ have what I refer to as “the gift of suspicion” and are always on the lookout for a demon. That mentality is not the Discerning of Spirits; it is a misuse of the routine discernment with which we are to carry ourselves regularly. Due to a lack of understanding and spiritual immaturity, the deficiencies or problems of others may be oversimplified and described as “a spirit of _________.”  (Fill in the blank).

Many problems in people’s lives are a result of the works of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:19-21. Others may be legitimate physical or mental disorders. Referring to any of the above as a “spirit of ___x___” is incorrect and not the function of the Manifestation Gift of Discerning of Spirits.

The supernatural manifestation of the Discerning of Spirits is a practical demonstration of God’s protection of His bride, the Body of Christ. As explained in I Corinthians 13, we must discern in love.

Chapter 21

Different Kinds of Tongues

“to another different kinds of tongues,…”

(I Corinthians 12:10d)

Kinds: (Strong’s# 1085):  genos: kin (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively, individually or collectively): - born, country (-man), diversity, generation, kind (-red), nation, offspring, stock.

Tongues: (Strong’s# 1100):  glossa: the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired): - tongue.

Prior to delving into this manifestation, it should be noted and clarified that this supernatural manifestation gift of the Holy Spirit is different from the Miracle of Tongues experienced on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4 – 12) or the private personal prayer language (Romans 8:26; I Cor. 14:15; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20).

While all tongues have similarities and overlapping characteristics, each of the types of tongues is distinct from the other in purpose and operation. All are the gifts of an unlearned language, but all are not manifested the same way.

The gift of Kinds of Tongues, as listed in I Corinthians 12:10, is one of the most misunderstood and controversial manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this chapter is not to be divisive, but to bring clarity to a blessing that God intended to edify His people.

Based on the specific root word of “glossa,” it is implied that it is a language and that it is not a language which has been naturally received or learned by the speaker thereof.

Kinds of Tongues is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer is supernaturally empowered to worship and/or speak to God in a language that they have neither learned nor understand, the corresponding interpretation of which will edify the body of Christ and serve as a supernatural sign to the unbeliever.

Because of the “unscriptural manifestations” of this gift, defining it can best be accomplished by explaining what it is not. This supernatural means of communication can best be explained by Biblically describing how it is supposed to operate.

Paul explained in much detail in the 14th Chapter of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians the proper manifestation of the gift of Different Kinds of Tongues. Apparently, this manifestation, along with the corresponding Manifestation Gift of Interpretation of Tongues, caused more confusion than the other seven.

Such is the case today in our churches. From I Corinthians 14, we discover that the manifestation of Kinds of Tongues has the following guidelines and restrictions:

1.  It is not a message from God to the church or from believer to believer (vs. 2 + 16)

A common misunderstanding and misuse of this spiritual gift is the so-called, “message in tongues.”   Paul specifically states that the speaker was speaking to God. The speaker was not speaking to anyone else. The proper manifestation of Kinds of Tongues is a praise or thanksgiving to God. God does not speak to anyone through an individual via tongues.

2.  It is not learned or understood by the speaker (vs. 2)

The thanksgiving and praise to God is supernaturally communicated in a spiritual language which the speaker does not know, did not learn, and does not understand (unless accompanied by interpretation by themselves or another).

3.  It is not speaking with natural ability (vs. 2)

Just like the other Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the unknown, unlearned language does not originate with the mind, ability, intellect, or skill of the speaker. It is a supernatural utterance given at the time of the manifestation with no prior thought on behalf of the speaker.

4.  It is not more important than prophecy (vs. 4-5)

Understanding resulting in edification is the main principle of all the Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Kinds of Tongues is no exception. The Corinthians seemed to place an inordinate emphasis on Kinds of Tongues and elevated it to be more important or more spiritual than the other manifestations. Paul puts Kinds of Tongues in its proper perspective by stating that prophecy in an understood language is actually more beneficial and to be sought.

Modern Charismatic/Full Gospel / Spirit Filled / Pentecostal churches sometime fall into the same delusion as the Corinthians in emphasizing Kinds of Tongues and elevating it to be the defining mark of an individual or congregation’s spirituality.

5.  It is not a revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching (vs. 6)

As previously stated, tongues is directed toward God. The false notion of a “message in tongues” usually implies a new revelation, information, exhortation, or instruction. A legitimate, Holy Spirit-inspired manifestation of Kinds of Tongues does not contain any of the above.

6.  It is not to be sought for any reason other than to edify the church (vs. 6, 12, 26)

All things should be done for the purpose of edifying the church. The Manifestation Gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for benefit of the individual through whom God manifests them. Our desire for Spiritual Gifts is a good desire; however, we need to ensure that we are correctly motivated. Our desire should be for the building of the Body of Christ - both the individuals therein and as a whole.

7.  It is not to be sought without interpretation (vs. 13-17)

Kinds of Tongues are useless without the corresponding gift of Interpretation of Tongues. The purpose of the manifestation is to bring fruitfulness to individual’s understanding. The goal is that the other individuals may be encouraged and built up by understanding your praise and thanksgiving to God so that they may be in agreement with it.

8.  It is not more valuable than speaking in an understood language (vs. 19)

Once again, the proper perspective for the Manifestation Gift of Kinds of Tongues is given. Understanding and teaching are more important than thousands of words in tongues.

9.  It is not a sign for believers (vs. 22)

Kinds of Tongues are a sign to the unbeliever. They are an evidence of God’s supernatural power and inspiration. The believer does not need a sign. With the corresponding interpretation, a manifestation of Kinds of Tongues will convince and convict the unbeliever to repent and worship God. Tongues and Interpretation always direct attention to God.

10.  It is not unlimited, there may only be two or three at most (vs. 27)

If everyone in the church was simultaneously speaking in tongues, the unbeliever or the uninformed would conclude that everyone was insane (vs. 23). Therefore, God places limitations on the amount of individuals through whom He will manifest Kinds of Tongues. There should be no more than three and each one must manifest and be interpreted separately.

Since all manifestations of the Holy Spirit are as the Spirit Wills, He has already informed us of His self-imposed limitation. Therefore, if there are more than three manifestations of Kinds of Tongues with the corresponding interpretation, something is out of order.

11.  It is not to be spoken publicly or out loud if there is no interpreter (vs. 28)

If the manifestation of Kinds of Tongues is genuinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, there will be an interpretation either by the speaker (vs. 13) or another person. The same Holy Spirit who inspires the manifestation of Kinds of Tongues is the same Holy Spirit who will inspire an Interpretation of Tongues.  He will not inspire one without the other.

12.  It is not to create confusion (vs. 33 + 40)

A genuine demonstration of the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit of Kinds of Tongues will be exercised properly with a corresponding interpretation and will not cause confusion. Disorder and chaos is inconsistent with the character and nature of God.

Confusion is always the result of an improper manifestation of the believer’s personal prayer language. Occasional outbursts occur when a believer is emotionally overwhelmed and raises the volume of their prayer language tongue to the degree where it is heard by others.

If an emotional outburst in tongues is not followed by an interpretation, something is out of order. The emotionally ecstatic believer should pray for the corresponding interpretation or should have spoken to themselves to avoid confusion.

This does not exclude the practice of believers with the prayer language gift from praying in tongues publicly or corporately. Prayer language tongues do not need to be interpreted.

By providing guidelines, Paul provided the best means to understand the nature and operation of this Manifestation Gift of Kinds of Tongues.

Chapter 22

Interpretation of Tongues

“…to another the interpretation of tongues.”

(I Corinthians 12:10e)

Interpretation: (Strong’s # 2058): hermeneia: translation: interpretation.

Tongues: (Strong’s# 1100):  glossa: the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired): - tongue.

An investigation into the root word, which is translated as “interpreta1tion,” reveals that it could mean either translation or interpretation. In I Corinthians 14, the phrases “he interprets” (vs. 5) and “may interpret” (vs. 13) uses the Greek word, “diermeneuo”  (Strong’s # 1329), defined as “to explain thoroughly, to expound, and to interpret.” Translation is a word for word rendering of “that which is written.”

Interpretation is a thought-for-thought rendering of that which is spoken.

An expression of the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit of Kinds of Tongues is spoken. Speech is interpreted, not translated. An explanation of the meaning of a spoken expression is thought-for-thought, not word for word.

The proper translation of the word “hermeneia” and “diermeneuo” is Interpretation.

The Interpretation of Tongues is the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit by which a believer makes known, in an understood language, the expression that was communicated through the Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit of Kinds of Tongues.

When the Holy Spirit manifests Himself through a believer with a supernatural utterance as the Kinds of Tongues, it must be interpreted so that edification of the church can take place and everyone’s understanding will be made fruitful.

The Interpretation of Tongues is not an interpretation of your personal private prayer language as described in Romans 8:26; I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 6:18, or Jude 20. Prayer language does not need to be interpreted because it is not a manifestation of Kinds of Tongues and is not intended for the edification of the body of Christ, but for self-edification.

The Interpretation of Tongues is the process by which that which was spoken in a manifestation of Kinds of Tongues is changed or conversion to another form - from one language to another. The one who interprets provides an explanation of the meaning.

This supernatural Manifestation of the Holy Spirit cannot be accomplished in the mind of the interpreter. It is a supernatural utterance given by the Holy Spirit. The Interpretation of Tongues into the language of the hearers is no less of an anointed utterance than the Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Prophecy, or the utterance in tongues which is being interpreted.

The interpretation may be done by either the one who manifested Kinds of Tongues or another person. The Greek grammar permits both. We are instructed that we should pray that we interpret, if we were the one through whom the Holy Spirit manifested kinds of Tongues.

We have extensively reviewed the guidelines regarding the proper manifestation of Kinds of Tongues, so we can be sure that the same rules apply to the Interpretation of Tongues.

Of particular concern is the false concept of the so called “message in tongues.” We have already established the fact that the manifestation of Kinds of Tongues is directed to God (I Corinthians 14:2). The corresponding interpretation must also be in the third person – directed to God. The proper manifestation of the Interpretation of Tongues is an explanation of the meaning of the tongue speaker’s expression to God.

The Interpretation of Tongues is not from God to church, but that which was spoken by the tongues speaker to God into the understood language of the church. Prophecy is a message from God to the people, not Interpretation of Tongues.

Kinds of Tongues are a supernatural Holy Spirit inspired utterance from man to God.

The Interpretation of Tongues is an expression of the meaning and content of what was uttered from man to God.

Kinds of Tongues are a sign to the unbeliever (verse 14:22).

The Interpretation of Tongues is edification to the believer. (verse 14:5)

SECTION IV

THE MINISTRY GIFTS

Chapter 23

An Introductory Exposition of Ephesians 4

and the Ministry Gifts

The third set of Gifts which we will explore is interchangeably referred to as “offices,” “ascension gifts,” or “Ministry Gifts.” It is needful to provide some background information in order to understand the nature of these gifts and the functional position they hold in the Body of Christ.

The apostle, Paul, does not provide any qualifications for the offices mentioned in Ephesians 4:11; we must go to other passages to learn some general qualifications for church leadership.

The New Testament church was a newly created entity as divinely planned by God. As with any new organization, a structure which never existed needed to be created. New functions, positions, and roles were defined which never existed; others developed and evolved.

In the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts, particularly the 6th chapter, we read an account of the requirement to create a new position that filled a need. The new position / function / role was that of “Deacon.” The Greek word, “diakonos,” is translated both as deacon and as minister. There is no Biblical distinction between the two. Since the qualifications that were outlined for deacons in Acts 6:3 are not as extensive as the qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:8-12, we can conclude that positions, roles, functions, and titles evolved over time.

During the time of this progressive revelation and evolution of titles, positions, and functions, there were some terms used interchangeably. The words Bishop, Overseer, and Elder were sometimes used to describe one distinct function of the same position. Eventually, the Bishop became a separate function with jurisdiction over more than one church, the Overseer was the lead Elder of one congregation, and an Elder functioned with other Elders in the congregation.

The same progressive process can be said for what we will refer to as the “Ministry Gifts” mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. To discover the qualifications for these gifts, we must go to the following passage:

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (I Timothy 3:1-7)

Timothy was the Bishop (pastor / overseer) of the church in Ephesus to which the letter to the Ephesians was written. In the letter, Paul lists the Ministry Gifts. In I Timothy, Paul lists the qualifications for the Ministry Gifts. Paul also provides qualifications for Elders to the Bishop of Crete, named Titus;

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you - if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  (Titus 1:5-9)

These qualifications for an Elder, Overseer, or Bishop are the same qualifications you must have to fulfill any one of the Ministry Gift offices as listed in Ephesians 4:11. One possible reason for the equal qualifications for all functions is that it is from those Elders functioning in Ministry Gift positions that Bishops were chosen.

Other instructions are given to Elders in I Peter 5:1-2, where they are tasked with feeding and tending to the believers in their care. These are two of the functions of an Elder, both of which are obviously indicative of a leadership role.

In order to be in the office or role of one of the Ministry Gifts, one must first be an Elder.

The Ministry Gifts which we are about to describe have purpose:

“…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12)

“Equipping of the Saints”

It is obviously implied that the saint need to be equipped. The question presented is “equipped for what?” The answer – for the work of the ministry. Ministry is work. In Acts 6, we discovered that work needed to be done, so men needed to be assigned “over this task.”  There are many things to be done and someone has to do them. There are good works to perform:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”  (Ephesians 2:10)

God has work for the saints to do and someone needs to teach them how to do it.

Each of the Ministry Gifts is placed by God into relationship with the Body of Christ to minister the Word of God in her unique way. This is why the Body of Christ, as Ministry Gifts are the primary recipient’s of the Apostle Paul’s advice to his spiritual son, Timothy regarding the Word of God:

“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (II Timothy 3:16)

“Edifying of the Body of Christ”

The Ministry Gifts serve the church with the Word of God which is effective for:

Doctrine: systematic theological instruction of principles formulated from the Bible

Reproof: a critical reprimand of error or admonishment

Correction: an alteration which causes improvement

Instruction: training, coaching, and mentoring

The purpose and function of the Ministry Gifts is to lead the Body of Christ into “good works” and training them to utilize their gifts, talents, and abilities to do so.

There is an unlimited time frame of existence for the Ministry Gifts in the very same way there is no expiration date on the Motivational Gifts or the Manifestation Gifts;

“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”  (Ephesians 4:13)

Although it has been over two thousand years, the church has not yet met that goal. We have still not reached unity, full knowledge, perfection, or full Christ likeness. Therefore, we are still in desperate need for every Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher to utilize their gifting in the ministry of the Word to propel the Body of Christ into its destiny.

A reminder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Distinctive #4:

We believe in the perpetual and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ until the end of this Church Age, which will be consummated by the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Ministry Gifts are needed until Jesus returns! They protect us from erroneous theology and people

“…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,” (Ephesians 4:14)

The vast majority of the New Testament epistles are focused on the correction of error. Most epistles were written for the sole purpose of addressing false teachings and providing the right answers. As we saw in the example of Simon, (Acts 8:18) there are individuals who have wrong motives. Jesus taught that there will be false prophets (Mathew 7:15). Our defenses against them are the Ministry Gifts.

The Ministry Gifts function in the Body and for the Body.

“from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Paul utilized the same analogy of the “Body of Christ” as in I Corinthians 12:12-27. The Body consists of many parts; each one is as important as the other and we are interdependent upon each other for the proper functioning of each other and the whole. The phrases “every joint supplies” and “every part does its share” introduce us to the wonderful concept of cooperation.

The Ministry Gifts assist the Body of Christ by doing their part so that others can do their part. When all parts are functioning properly and contributing according to the manner intended by God, the result is growth.

It is absolutely unnecessary to fly to another “Church Growth Conference” to see how some other church has done it or to learn a step-by-step formula. The ultimate Church Growth formula is contained in Ephesians 4:16 – when “every joint supplies” and “every part does its share.”

When the Ministry Gifts are exercising their gift by coaching others to exercise their gifts, a self-perpetuating cycle is set in motion - the “edifying of itself in love.” This “snowball effect” is referred to in physics as “synergy,” which literally means “working together”.

This perpetual growth cycle happens when all gifts function together and obtain a result that was not attainable independently.

Please allow me to introduce you to your “Good Works/ Church Growth Coaches” – the Ministry Gifts of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher.

Chapter 24

Apostle

“…and He Himself gave some to be apostles…” (Ephesians 4:11a)

Apostle: (Strong’s# 652 – apostolos) and (Strong’s# 649 - apostello) - a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), ( messenger, he that is sent. Set apart, that is, (by implication) to send out (properly on a mission) literally or figuratively: - put in, send (away, forth, out), set [at liberty].

The gift of Apostleship is one which is controversial in the modern church; however a proper understanding of church history will clear up most confusion.

There were apostles who were commissioned by Christ (“Apostles of Christ”).

There were apostles who were commissioned by the Church (“Apostles of the Church”).

The gift and office of Apostle is one that developed over a period of time in the early church. For that reason, this gift will be described as it developed through the Book of Acts.

For a short time frame, the only apostles were the Apostles of Christ.

During this timeframe in the early church, Jerusalem was the center of all activity.  Due to the missionary endeavors of the Apostles of Christ, the activity of the church was decentralized due to the establishment of other churches in other cities. Other apostles were added to the ranks. They were commissioned by the church and were referred to as the Apostles of the Church. The Apostles of Christ were the “leaders” of the early church.

In Acts 1:15-26, we have the historical record of the replacement of Judas.

These 12 apostles led the church from Pentecost forward.

Acts 6 – The Apostles of Christ create the office of Deacon.

Acts 7 – Stephen engages in evangelistic ministry

Acts 8 – Phillip engages in evangelistic ministry

Acts 9 - Saul converts

Acts 10 - Peter preaches in Caserea

Acts 11:22 – Jerusalem church sends out Barnabas.

Acts 13 - Barnabas – becomes called to Apostleship, who along with Paul (already an Apostle) sent from Antioch.

Acts 12 - John Mark – was with Barnabas and Saul

Acts 15 – Jerusalem Council

Acts 15:22 – Judas/Barsabas and Silas

Acts 19:22 – Erastus sent with Timothy into Macedonia from Ephesus.

It is obvious from the Book of Acts that there were more apostles than the original twelve. There were “Apostles of the Church” who operated in missionary and church planting functions.

The Apostles of Christ were a unique group with unique qualifications as follows:

1.  Chosen by Jesus Himself

2.  Have seen the Lord and witness to His resurrection

3.  Endued with miraculous power

The Apostles of Christ also had unique functions as follows:

1) Establish the Church (missionary church planting)

2) Govern the Church (oversight, supervision, doctrine)

3) Produce New Testament Scriptures (verbally then written)

Their unique ministries were never to be duplicated.

The subsequent Apostles of the Church did not have the above qualifications.

The functions of establishing and governing are important and continue to be so. Although the Apostles of Christ are no longer living, in their Holy Spirit guided wisdom, they assigned their two primary functions to two separate and distinct offices:

the Apostle of the Church and the Bishop.

The Missionary Church Planting function was continued by the Ministry Gift of Apostle (aka Apostles of the Church).

The Governing function was continued by the newly created office of Bishop.

What the governing functions of the Apostles of Christ were to the church initially, the Bishops assumed for the church in succession.

The miraculous power continued as the Manifestation Gift of Miracles and is available as the Holy Spirit wills to all believers.

The Apostle of the Church

The Ministry Gift mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 is the Apostle of the Church. Barnabas, John Mark, Judas/Barsabas, and Silas are examples of Apostles of the Church recorded in the Book of Acts. These Apostles were not Bishops.

The Ministry Gift of Apostle is an Apostle of the Church who functions in the role of a commissioned ambassador of the church, who is gifted to be a missionary church planter,

evangelizes new areas, establishes new churches, and trains new church leadership.

The Ministry Gift of Apostle would be a person who is comfortable in other cultures. Because the United States is multi-cultural, it is possible to exercise the gift of Apostle here. One need not be sent only to foreign soil to be functioning as an Apostle. The passion for lost souls in other cultures that spurs the desire and capability to learn another language and adapt to uncomfortable circumstances would be characteristic of one who is called to function in the office of the Ministry Gift of Apostle of the Church.

All the Ministry Gifts are for the “perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,” so the Ministry Gift of Apostle is one who not only leads in that special work to which they are called but trains believers to do so as well. The Ministry Gift of Apostle will be found training others in cross-cultural communication, evangelism, church planting, and missions.

Chapter 25

Prophet

“…some prophets,…” (Ephesians 4:11b)

Prophet: (Strong’s #4396)  “prophetes” - A compound of the root word “phemi” (Strong’s# 5346), which means to show or to make one’s thoughts known. To speak, say, or affirm; a forthteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet: - prophet.

The Ministry Gift of Prophet is another controversial gift in the Body of Christ due to a misunderstanding resulting from equating it with the Old Testament Prophets. This is a common mistake committed by cessationists who not only believe that the Manifestation Gifts have ceased, but so have some of the Ministry Gifts.

The second misunderstanding is a result of improperly equating the believer, who is gifted with the Motivational Gift of Prophecy to be equivalent to the Ministry Gift of Prophet. The third misunderstanding is the result of improperly equating the believer through whom the Holy Spirit may use to express the Manifestation Gift of Prophecy to be equivalent to the Ministry Gift of Prophet.

Such misclassifications are understandable due to the words themselves being the similar, however the context in which each one is used dictates their meanings and each one is different.

The Ministry Gift of Prophet is a function or office and is not the same as the Motivational Gift or Manifestation Gift of Prophecy. There are similarities in characteristics, but not in application. The Ministry Gift of Prophet may be used by the Holy Spirit and exhibit the Manifestation Gift of Prophecy, but those occasions are not the foundation to their office. The Ministry Gift of Prophet may possess the Motivational Gift of Prophecy, but that is not the basis of their office. The Ministry Gift of Prophet will certainly be used by the Holy Spirit in expressions of the Manifestation Gifts of Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, and Discerning of Spirits.

Because of the potential confusion of terms, it is important to understand that not everyone who has the Motivational Gift of Prophecy will be in the permanent function or role of Ministry Gift of Prophet. By the same token, not everyone who communicates by the Holy Spirit via the Manifestation Gift of Prophecy will be in the permanent function or role of Ministry Gift of Prophet.

The Ministry Gift of Prophet is one who functions in the role as God’s spokesperson by communicating God’s character and God’s mind relative to Kingdom causes and personal responsibilities.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, God’s spokesperson declares unto men that which was received by inspiration related to the cause and Kingdom of God and to human salvation. The New Testament Ministry Gift of Prophet is continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and by God’s authority through inspired speech pleads the cause of God and urges the salvation of men.

The Ministry Gift of Prophet is one who is empowered to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate the hearers. This includes the correction of the church and the proclamation of moral truths, which are connected to the character of God.

Some would attempt to equate a preacher to one who functions in the role of a New Testament Prophet. This is possible; however it is not a finite rule. A Prophet may be a preacher, but not every preacher is definitely in the office of Prophet. One who fulfills the role and function of the New Testament Prophet is not one who is uncontrolled. Prophets are in control of their gifts and are able to function decently and in order.

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”  (I Corinthians 14:32)

The Prophet is an establishmentarian and preserver of order, not a disrupter of order. The only order which would be interrupted by a Prophet is any “order” established by those who failed to consult God.

As one who is capable of counseling, the Ministry Gift of Prophet aids the members of the Body of Christ in hearing from God and advising them as to the correct path of God’s will. Where there is the desire to know the Thoughts, Desires, and Will of God, the Prophet will be present. Especially when the desire is not present, the Prophet will speak because that is when it is the most needed.

Chapter 26

Evangelist

“…some evangelists…” (Ephesians 4:11c)

Evangelist: (Strong’s #2099 - euaggelistes) from the root word (Strong’s #2097 – euaggelizo) - a preacher of the gospel: - evangelist. to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: - declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

The Ministry Gift of Evangelist is probably the easiest to understand, but we must first explain a common misunderstanding and also describe what the Ministry Gift of Evangelist is not.

An unfortunate practice does exist in some ecclesiastical circles of referring to a woman who may be called to ministry as an “Evangelist.” This title is to appease and somewhat recognize a “called and anointed” woman as such without fully endorsing her as an Elder. This is also a result of the misunderstanding of the Ministry Gifts.

Like the other Ministry Gifts, one must first be an Elder to perform the function and role. To refer to a female non-Elder as an Evangelist in an attempt to maintain an non-Biblical sexism, while yet partially affirming her calling, gifting, and anointing, is dishonest and unfair.

An individual should only be referred to as an Evangelist who is an ordained Elder and is fulfilling the function and role as the Ministry Gift of Evangelist. Any individual who does not meet those qualifications, yet has similar qualities, should be referred to as one who has the “gift of evangelism” or one who is “evangelistic,” but not an Evangelist.

The Ministry Gift of Evangelist is one who functions in the role of a proclaimer of the good news of Jesus Christ, guide to the way of salvation, and solicitor of discipleship.

The Ministry Gift of Evangelist is essential to the Body of Christ for it to grow numerically. The Evangelist proclaims the gospel to the lost and is the midwife in the Church. Through the ministry of the Evangelist, new souls are birthed into the Kingdom. The Evangelist is passionate about the lost and reaching them with the Gospel. They are also compassionate toward the lost and care for them.

As a preacher of salvation, the Ministry Gift of Evangelist is a bold, compelling, and persuasive communicator who will urge individuals to take action by following Christ and committing to the process of discipleship. An Evangelist is capable of thoroughly explaining God’s plan of salvation because he understands the entire stereological process of Conviction, Repentance, Faith, Conversion, Regeneration, Justification, and Sanctification.

The Evangelist is comfortable in many areas of society and is a witness in businesses, schools, door to door, street witnessing, hospital visitation, and prison ministries. As such, the Evangelist must also be an apologist who is capable to defend the faith:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (I Peter 3:15)

The Ministry Gift of Evangelist is in the position to have the most interaction with unbelievers with objections to the Christian faith. The Evangelist should equip himself as instructed by the above scripture to always have an answer.

The Evangelist is similar to the Ministry Gift of Apostle of the Church in that both gifts reach the lost, but the Evangelist differs in that they do not engage in church planting and raising up indigenous leaders.

The Evangelist is similar to the Ministry Gift of Prophet in that both gifts are passionate preachers, but the Evangelist differs in that they do not engage in the confrontational exhortations of correction and direction as the Prophet does.

Remembering that all Ministry Gifts are for the “perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,” the Ministry Gift of Evangelist functions in the Body of Christ by training believers in the area of evangelism. All church members should be involved in some way with evangelism, but not everyone will function in the role as an Evangelist.

Notable contemporary Evangelists are Billy Graham, Gregg Laurie, Reinhard Bonnke, and Ray Comfort whose “Way of the Master” broadcasts are wonderful training in evangelism.

Evangelists, from whom we can learn in the Bible, are Stephen, whose sermon in Acts 7:1-51 is an excellent example of explaining salvation history and Phillip, who is referred to as an evangelist in Acts 21:8 and whose multi- cultural evangelistic encounters are described in Acts 8.

The Ministry Gift of Evangelist is one who solicits from a new convert a commitment to discipleship. The Evangelist is not only concerned with leading one in a sinner’s prayer for salvation, but is also concerned about the newly born again believer’s spiritual care. The Evangelist will follow up on the “baby Christian” to ensure he is nurtured, attending a local church, receiving new believer’s Bible study and learning basic Christian disciplines, such as prayer and worship.

The Evangelist is an important function in the church because he leads people to Christ and is the catalyst for church growth, providing the influx of new life needed by the church.

Chapter 27

Pastor

“…and some pastors…”  (Ephesians 4:11d)

Pastor: (Strong’s # 4166) poimen: Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd (literally or figuratively):  shepherd, pastor.

The most familiar Ministry Gift is that of the role and function of the Pastor. It is definitely the most ubiquitous gift in the Body of Christ because each church has at least one.

The most fundamental collective unit in the Body of Christ is the local congregation which needs leadership, oversight, and care. This is the blessing of the Ministry Gift of Pastor.

Pastoral ministry is not confined to the context of a church because the Body of Christ is one of relationships. The Pastoral ministry is relational and takes place in multiple contexts. As illustrated from the Greek, the Pastor is figuratively referred to as a “shepherd.” From that analogy, we can gain much insight as to the nature, function, and role that the Pastor fills as exemplified in Psalm 23 where the Lord is compared to a shepherd.

“I shall not want.”

The Pastor ensures that the spiritual essentials are provided.

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures;”

The Pastor creates an environment of rest in a place safe to feed (be taught by the shepherd).

“He leads me beside the still waters.”

The Pastor guides to safe places of refreshing. Sheep can easily drown in moving water; their wool is like a sponge. Still waters are safe for sheep to be in and drink from.

“He restores my soul;”

The Pastor brings mental, volitional, and emotional healing and restoration.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

The Pastor guides through teaching about the ways of God.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me;”

The Pastor provides security and an assurance of protection.

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

The rod represents authority which the Pastor lovingly exercises. The authority is delegated because he should be under authority. The staff represents guidance which the Pastor provides. Authority and guidance result in security and comfort.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;”

The Pastor plans for and sets up spiritual meals (teaching) for the sheep. The Pastor provides a safe place for teaching although opposition may be present.

“You anoint my head with oil;”

A shepherd would use oil and spices on the sheep to protect them from harmful insects. The Pastor covers the flock of God under the anointing for their protection.

“My cup runs over…”

The Pastor is generous toward the sheep and seeks for ways to be a blessing.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;”

The Pastor is good to the sheep and not abusive. The Pastor does not deal with the sheep based upon what they deserve.

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

The Pastor provides a spiritual place where the sheep can call home. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep. We conclude that the Pastor is one who sacrificially cares for those under his protection.

The Ministry Gift of Pastor is one who functions in the role of responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the Body of Christ through sacrificial care, protection, and guidance of other believers by attending to their spiritual needs.

As the caregiver to the Body of Christ, the Ministry Gift of Pastor will function in many roles. Unfortunately in the contemporary church, there has been a confusion of Pastoral Ministry of the Office of Pastor. Most churches have the Office or official position of “Pastor” and at times it is filled with someone who does not have the Pastoral gift.

It should be noted that from our Psalm 23 illustration and analogy, we do not see preaching or leading services as a description. Although they may be a task performed by one in the position of Pastor, it does not define or restrict them. Homiletic ability is important, but the Biblical emphasis is on the care that the Ministry Gift of Pastor is to provide.

The ability and function of teaching is emphasized in the analogy of shepherd. Jesus’ three responses to Peter in John 21 provide more insight:

Vs. 15 - “Feed My lambs” – Jesus’ instruction regarding the young - was to feed.

Vs. 16 – “Tend My sheep” – Jesus’ instruction regarding the mature – take care of their needs.

Vs. 17 – “Feed My sheep” – Jesus’ instruction regarding the mature – teach and train.

The specific Greek words used by John to describe what Jesus meant are interesting. The Pastor is to simply feed the spiritually young until they reach an age of maturity at which time the nature of the relationship changes to one of not only providing for their needs but teaching and training as well.

As the leader of multiple sheep, the shepherd at times has to train the sheep how to function together as a group. All Ministry Gifts are tasked with “perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry.” The Pastor leads by identifying the uniqueness of the individual and coordinating his place in relationship to the others. The Pastor is also responsible for the spiritual reproduction of the sheep by teaching and training them in the ministry to one another so that the Body of Christ grows.

In modern culture, we have turned the Pastoral ministry into an official position similar to a CEO of a corporation who is expected to be a “jack of all trades” and govern every detail of the church organization. The Bible does not describe the Ministry Gift of Pastor as one who is akin to the manager of a business. The New Testament example is a team of Elders and Deacons who serve the flock by attending to the routine business of the group.

The Ministry Gift of Pastor is one who, like the apostles in Acts 6, prioritized their God given assignment to that of prayer and the ministry of the word, so they could attend to the spiritual needs of the believers and provide Pastoral Care.

The ministry of the word is of utmost importance as both a gift and function of the Ministry Gift of Pastor. A qualification that Paul describes to his spiritual son Timothy, the Bishop of Ephesus, is that one must be “apt to teach” in I Timothy 3:2 and II Timothy 2:24. The Greek word translated in English, “apt to teach,” means “instructional.”

The Ministry Gift of Pastor is one who is instructional in the sense that others learn from his example. Teaching takes many forms, one of which is informal and relational.

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion

but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;”  (1 Peter 5:1-3)

The Ministry Gift of Pastor can be summarized and defined in one word: “care.”

Chapter 28

Teacher

“…and teachers.”  (Ephesians 4:11e)

Teacher: (Strong’s # 1320) didaskalos: an instructor (generally or specifically): - doctor, master, teacher, from the Greek root word which means to communicate and cause learning.

The teacher is the instructor in the Body of Christ both in formal and informal contexts. Some would advocate that the Ministry Gift of Teacher is not a separate Ministry Gift with its own function and role. The phraseology in Ephesians 4:11 uses “and some” before the other three Ministry Gifts. The phrase before Pastor is the single word “and” which is different from the other Greek words that are translated as “and.” In this case it is copulative, indicating that the Pastor AND Teacher are joined together.

While I personally agree with that interpretation because the Ministry Gift of Pastor’s primary function is to teach, there are Biblical examples that the Body of Christ is gifted with those whose role and function is to instruct. Some would advocate for a “Four-fold ministry,” as opposed to a “Five- fold ministry.” Either view is acceptable.

The Pastoral ministry includes teaching and the teaching ministry is pastoral.

It should also be noted that the Ministry Gift of Teacher is similar to the Motivational Gift of Teaching, however different in function and role. A believer may be Teacher- motivated, but not be in the official office of, or placed in the Body of Christ as one who is the Ministry Gift of Teacher.

The Ministry Gift of Teacher is one who functions in the role of responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the Body of Christ through the instruction, communication, and explanation of God’s Word which causes learning and growth in the hearer.

All Ministry Gifts are equally important in function and role. There is however, an emphasized mandate for the teaching ministry due to the need for the believer to grow and be protected against false teachings from both inside the church and outside the church.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  (II Timothy 2:2)

The Bible describes the necessity and purposes of the Ministry Gift of Teacher:

-  To entrust the Gospel of Christ to faithful believers in order that they may know, guard, and teach the true Biblical faith and righteous standards. (II Tim. 3:15; Jer. 2:8; II Tim 1:14; I Tim 4:6; II Tim 2:2; Rom. 6:17)

-  To show believers the vital necessity to “contend earnestly for the faith” and to give them the means by which to defend it against all false theologies. (Jude 3; Acts 20:29 - 31; Gal. 1:9; I Tim. 4:1; Titus 1:9; I Tim. 6:3-4)

-  To lead believers into continual growth in character via Godly teaching (Jos. 1:8; Ps. 1:2-3; Ps. 119:97-100; Mt. 28:20; I Th. 4:1; I Tim. 1:5; II Tim. 3:16)

-  To equip believers to strengthen and bring to maturity other believers, so that together they may reflect Christ’s image in the home, the local congregation, and the Body of Christ at large. (Ephesians 4:11 – 16).

-  To bring believers to a deeper understanding and experience of God’s kingdom on earth and its conflict with satan’s power. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

-  To motivate believers by the eternal truths of the gospel to be wholeheartedly committed to evangelizing the lost and preaching the gospel to all nations in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

-  To deepen the believer’s experience of Christ’s love, personal fellowship, and gifts of the Spirit by urging them to follow the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit and by teaching them to pray, fast, and worship, as they long for the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ with the spiritual intensity of the first century church. (John 17:3, 21, 26; Eph. 3:18-19; Rom. 8:14; Acts 2:4; Mat. 6:9 + 16; II Tim. 4:8; Titus 2:13)

It is obvious from these purposes of Biblical training that the teaching ministry must be performed by those who are fervently loyal to Scripture as God’s fully inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word and to the Holy Spirit and His ministry of truth, righteousness, and power. (II Tim. 1:13-14; Ezra 7:10)

True Biblical training emphasizes true righteousness (knowing, being, and doing) rather than the mere apprehension of Biblical facts and truths. The great doctrines revealed in Scripture are redemptive truths, not academic ones. As issues involving life or death, they demand a personal response and decision from both teacher and believer. (James 2:17; Phil. 1:9).

Barnabas and Saul (Paul) were identified as functioning in the office of Ministry Gift of Teacher in Acts 13:1. Apollos definitely functioned in the office of Ministry Gift of Teacher. It was noted that he was “an eloquent man mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24) and he was a defender of the faith as he “vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 18:28).

The Ministry Gift of Teacher is one who communicates in such a way as to causes learning and understanding in others. While the ministry is educational, it is primarily pastoral because it is relational. The Teacher instructs informally as well as formally.

The informal role of the Ministry Gift of Teacher is one of mentor. Understanding is facilitated and gained by example and advice. The Teacher expresses Biblical truths in a manner easy to understand. Just as the Pastor prepares appropriate food for the sheep, the Teacher provides appropriate instruction for each believer in their care.

The Ministry Gift of Teacher fulfils many of the Biblical mandates listed above by imparting systematic knowledge and establishing truth and doctrine.

SECTION V

MANIFOLD GIFTS

Chapter 29

The Bishop

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.”

(I Timothy 3:1)

Bishop: (Strong’s# 1985): episkopos: a compound word deriving from “epi” meaning over or upon and “scopos” meaning to peer, or watch. The implication is the function of looking diligently and taking oversight.

A study of the gifts which God has placed in the Body of Christ would not be complete without an insight into the Sacred Office of the Bishop. A brief overview of the history of the Episcopacy is essential in understanding the character and nature of the function and office.

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship has tied them to the historical and established practice of the universal church by acknowledging the Office of Bishop and implementing the operation thereof. The unique positions about doctrine and practice are contained in the “Full Gospel Distinctives.” The most applicable are:

Full Gospel Distinctive V

We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as an independent entity under the Lordship of Christ, through pastoral authority, with regards to:

A) Government, polity, operations (Titus 1:5, Acts 15:1 – 35)

B) Discipline (I Corinthians 5:5, Matthew 18:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15)

C) With the added value of the Episcopacy as a covering. (Titus 1: 5, Acts 15:1-35)

The historical church as recorded in the Book of Acts and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers indicate that the churches operated both independently and under the covering of an Apostle. The Apostles of Christ (see chapter 24) were the first generation of church leadership. They were directly commissioned by Christ to found the church.

In the exercise of their governmental authority, the Apostles of Christ selected and designated the successive generation of leaders to carry on their Episcopal (overseeing) work and authority by appointing them to the newly created office of Bishop.

While the missionary church planting authority continued through the Ministry Gift of Apostle of the Church, the governing functions continued through the Bishopric. What the Apostles of Christ were to the church initially, the Bishops were and continue to be to the church from that point forward.

The early church was a “missionary church.” The Apostles embarked on missionary journeys, planted churches, ordained elders and overseers (“prebuteros”), and consecrated individuals unto the Bishopric in the distant cities in which the new churches flourished.

The authority delegated to the recipients of the governing function of the Apostles of Christ is referred to as “Apostolic Succession” which indicates the transmission of Divine empowerment.

The initial Bishops, as recipients of Apostolic Succession (delegated authority), were empowered to transmit and delegate their Episcopal function and authority to consecutive Elders, thereby, perpetuating the office and maintaining a unbroken chain of authority back to the Apostles of Christ and in essence, to Christ Himself.

Apostolic Succession is, therefore, an ecclesiastical genealogy

through which authority is delegated.

The wisdom of the Apostles of Christ demonstrated by the process of selection, delegation, and appointment proved valuable due to the presence of many individuals in the early church who were not legitimate and propagating false doctrine.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (II Corinthians 11:13)

Simon, in Acts 6, tried to become either an apostle or Bishop improperly. The majority of the New Testament is dedicated to establishment of legitimate authority and correct doctrine. The need for establishing and identifying legitimate leadership in the church was obviously a problem. The solution was instituting the Episcopacy and the office of Bishop thereby safeguarding the transmission of correct doctrine, practice, and authority without compromise or corruption.

Clement, of Alexandria, indicated that the Apostles foresaw the risk of discord, appointed men to continue their work, provided for their successors, and initiated an approved continuation process to carry on the ministry as instituted by Christ.

We can therefore state that the validity and authority of the Christian Ministry is derived from an unbroken chain of Bishops back to the Apostles of Christ.

The missionary endeavors of the early church are recorded not only in the Bible, but in early church history. Some of the geographical areas in which churches were established and through which Apostle their Apostolic Succession is traced are as follows:

Simon Zealotes:  Egypt, Cyrene, Libya

Thomas:  India, Syria

Phillip:  Ethiopia

James (Son of Alphaeus):  Spain

James (brother of Jesus):  Jerusalem

Peter:  Antioch, Rome

Bartholomew:  Persia, Armenia

Jude Thaddeus              :  Armenia

This list is not exhaustive, but gives indication of the historical roots of many churches and the lines of Apostolic Succession that exist in addition to the commonly recognized lines through Peter and Paul. The original apostles and their successors, the Bishops, continued to expand the church through missionary efforts. These churches, each established under Apostolic Succession, with Bishops under Apostolic Succession, continued in relative isolation due to geography, culture, and language barriers.

Over time, the Bishopric evolved from leading a single church confined to one city, to being the leader of multiple churches in a larger geographical area.

The concept of a unified, organized, hierarchical pyramid structure of the early church is a myth. Beyond the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, as the church grew and expanded, the communication and cooperation between geographical areas decreased. This, however, does not negate the Apostolic Succession, which had been established.

By the 3rd century, there was no unified Christianity. This was the goal of Roman Emperor Constantine, who for motives questionable or not, determined to unify the Christian churches. In a few years, he had brought Christianity from one of many small, sects to the status of “Official Religion.” The marriage of religion and politics was complete and Constantine convened the first ecumenical or "worldwide" council to settle matters of faith and order. The Council of Nicaea, in attempting to legislate Christian unity, succeeded rather in starting a trend that would alienate the smaller, less influential churches (who all maintained equally valid Apostolic Succession) from the mainstream of "orthodoxy."

This orthodoxy was to be defined by a terrible conspiracy of the political and the ecclesiastical. Therefore, if the Roman Empire was to expand, church doctrine was an issue to be addressed. This began the lack of integrity in the state church. In the Roman Empire, the role of the Bishop had changed to the point where Bishops reserved themselves to area-wide concerns as opposed to individual churches and Emperor Constantine granted Bishops legal rights and authorities.

Regardless of the lack of integrity in Romanism, this in no way negates their Apostolic Succession. By the same token, any churches that were not in accord with Rome maintained theirs as well.

For the sake of brevity, we move along about 600 years and the divergence between Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity had progressively grown worse over time and resulted in the “Great Schism” in 1054. Churches and Bishops continued in their lines of Apostolic Succession regardless of their differences.

For hundreds of years, the church continued to the Protestant Reformation. It was from that point that anything remotely associated with what we would now call the Roman Catholic Church was to be completely avoided. Two issues of particular note for our concern are that of the continuation of Spiritual Gifts and the Episcopacy (Office of Bishop).

It was not until the Reformers that the concept of the cessation of Spiritual Gifts, the denial of Apostolic Succession, and elimination of the Bishopric were proliferated. For centuries, the Protestant church with all its splinter groups, denominations, divisions, and fragmentations moved forward with church, avoiding any connection with 1600 years of history. The notable exception is the Church of England, also known as Anglican, who separated from Romanism for other reasons but continued in Apostolic Succession. The Eastern churches had already continued.

The Office of Bishop was established by the Apostles of Christ and has continued throughout history. It is a scriptural office, function, and most of all, gift.

Even after the Protestant Reformation, groups other than Anglicans recognized the need for the function, role, and position of Bishop. With their roots in the Pentecostal revival of the early 20th Century, many fellowships instituted the Office of Bishop, such as: United Methodist, Church of God in Christ, Church of God, etc.

With respect to the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, the influencing factors in the Episcopacy include Bishop Paul S. Morton’s personal history in the Church of God in Christ, in which the Bishopric exists. The Bishopric is consistent with Biblical terminology and church history.

In 1992, Bishop Paul S. Morton was consecrated to the sacred Office of Bishop. Not ignorant of church history, the consecration was performed under Apostolic Succession.

Bishop Morton’s lineage can be traced as follows through the Petrine line as follows:

-  In 1919, Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti was consecrated as a Bishop and later became Pope Pius XI.

-  In 1924, Pope Pius XI consecrated Bishop Carlo Duarte Costa.

-  In 1954, Bishop Carlo Duarte Costa consecrated Bishop Federico Y. Durand.

-  In 1990, Bishop Federico Y Durand consecrated Bishop George A. Stallings.

-  In 1992, Bishop George A. Stallings consecrated Bishop Paul S. Morton.

Unfortunately, in many churches and denominations, there seems to be a proliferation of the title “Bishop” without any regard to the historic manner in which the office has been obtained in the past. Apostolic Succession is the mark of a legitimate Bishop.

In the Full Gospel Distinctive V, we believe in the added value of the Episcopacy as a covering, the authority of which never overrides the autonomy of the local church. Whatever influence the Bishop may have is done solely through the office of the Pastor via voluntary submission. The basis is relationship.

“Added Value”

With a Scriptural and historical understanding of Apostolic Succession and the Office of the Bishop, we can see the intention of God to bless, protect, and guide His church. The Bishop must be qualified as follows;

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”   (I Timothy 3:2-7)

Additional qualities are listed by the Apostle Paul to Titus:

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”  (Titus 1:7-9)

Examine a combined list from I Timothy and Titus;

We see then, that the Office of Bishop is to be filled by one who has the character, integrity, and experience to lead. The Bishop is a leader of leaders. Those in the Ministry Gift roles look to the Bishop for wisdom and guidance.

The Office of Bishop is the gift of God to the Body of Christ

through valid Apostolic Succession to serve as a protective covering to those individuals functioning in the roles of Ministry Gift offices and their ministries by providing spiritual and practical resources in the context of relationship.

The availability of this wisdom and guidance is the “added value.” The accessibility to an individual with the above attributes is of great worth. Any individual functioning in the Ministry Gift role of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, or Teacher realizes that they need guidance, mentorship, resources, advice, and counsel. They realize that they cannot lead their own ministries and people on their own.

Avoiding Division

We must be careful in our understanding, implementation, and recognition of the Office of Bishop to avoid a sectarian mindset as mentioned by Paul to the Corinthians:

“Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided?” (1:12-13)

“For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?”  (3:4)

“Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours” (3:21)

It is important to avoid the childish syndrome of “my father is better/ bigger/ stronger than your father” (i.e. “boasting in men”). The Office of Bishop is not to cause divisions in the Body of Christ, but actually to promote unity. It is when we are carnal that we, with pride identify with a particular leader.

While it is acceptable to appreciate the gift of the Office of Bishop and the relationship with that Bishop, it is an excess to venerate any person and compare that person with anyone else.

“Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (10:32-33; 11:1)

We should follow the Bishop as we follow Christ.

Clarification as related to Apostles of the Church

A final note of contemporary concern is the all too common confusion of the Ministry Gift of Apostle in relation to the Office of the Bishop. This is rooted in the misunderstanding of the distinction between the Apostle of Christ and the Apostle of the Church (“Ministry Gift of Apostle”).

There are no longer Apostles of Christ, for they were the founders of the church.

The only type of Apostle that exists past the creation of the Office of Bishop is the Ministry Gift of Apostle as stated in Ephesians 4:11 and is equal to the other four Ministry Gifts listed.

The application of a hierarchical structure to ministry is not advisable because ministry is relational and connectional; however, if we are to do so, the only function or role that would be “over” anyone would be that of the Bishop. A simple review of the Greek word which is translated into English as “Bishop” will reveal that the Bishop is the only one who is “over” anything or anyone. If we were to ascribe a subordinate role to any of the leadership in the New Testament Church, it would not be the Office of Bishop.

The Office of Bishop is not subordinate to a modern Ministry Gift of Apostle of the Church. It would be more appropriate to state that an Apostle is subordinate to a Bishop.

What a blessing to the Body of Christ is the Office of Bishop. Truly, it was the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit to lead the Apostles of Christ to create this new position to which was delegated, through Apostolic Succession, Episcopal function and authority to perpetuate order throughout the centuries past, present, and future.

For an in depth study of the Bishopric

it is recommended that you enroll in the Episcopal Studies module

via the Full Gospel Baptist Online Bible College at  www.MySeminaryOnline.com

As taught by the Bishop of Christian Education, Bishop Andy C. Lewter, D.Min.

this ten lesson module will thoroughly teach the Office of Bishop

and you will earn a “Certificate of Episcopal Studies ”.

Chapter 30

Manifold Gifts

The talents and abilities which God dispenses to His children to be a blessing to the Body of Christ are many. We have classified and expounded on three major groups of gifts, but there are others alluded to in Scripture of significant mention. We will classify these gifts as “Manifold Gifts” simply for the sake of organization.

When we understand that the Church is indeed a “body” as illustrated by Paul, the degree of cooperation and dynamics required for its function become clearer. The following functions or gifts are listed in alphabetical order, not importance. The list is not intended to be all inclusive of every function, roll, job title, or position that has not already been mentioned, but to highlight those which are more commonly identified but perhaps not commonly understood.

Celibacy

The gift of celibacy is to be voluntarily unmarried without regret and with the ability to maintain controlled sexual impulses so as to serve the Lord without distraction.

“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord - how he may please the Lord.”  (I Corinthians 7:32)

In the Roman Catholic Church, celibacy is recognized and celebrated, however it is mandated. Celibacy is a gift and was intended to be voluntary. In Protestantism, the Gift of Celibacy is not accepted nor celebrated because it is misunderstood, if understood at all. It may even be ridiculed by our popular culture.

The gift of celibacy is to remain single and enjoy it - to be unmarried and not experience too much sexual temptation. Jesus taught in Matthew 19:11-12 and Paul in I Corinthians 7:7-8, that it is a gift from God. Celibacy enabled Paul to accomplish God’s will unencumbered by marital and family responsibilities. Celibacy enabled him to use his other gifts more fully to serve God and His church.

Helps

The ministry or gift of Helps is sometimes marginalized or generalized because of the misunderstanding of all that it entails. It is one simple word, but with a lot of meaning. The function of this gift may not be as sensational as a Manifestation Gift of the Holy Spirit or as publicly prominent as one who is in the spotlight functioning in a Ministry Gift role or office; however it was important enough to be specified by Paul in his repeat of other gifts in I Corinthians 12:28.

The Greek word and its related root words which are translated into English as “helps” has the  deep meaning of “participating in relief” by not only performing a task for someone to be a blessing to them but to endure an inconvenience, suffering, or hardship in place of another.

The gift of Helps is the umbrella under which much practical ministry tasks occur in the Body of Christ. It is in the context of the exercise of the ministry gift of Helps where believers can utilize their natural gifts, talents, and abilities to relieve others of inconveniences and put their skills to work.

It is important that all believers know their Motivational Gift, correctly identify their personality type, and develop their God given skills. Where would the Church be without accountants, electricians, cooks, carpenters, custodians, janitors, drivers, lawyers, marketing, etc.?  The list could go on indefinitely about all the tasks that are required to successfully operate and advance a ministry.

Each of those skills is important and God desires to use individuals with those skills in the Kingdom. When “natural” skills, talents, tasks, and abilities are submitted to God and offered to Him for His use, they become “supernatural” and are considered a ministry referred to as the gift of Helps.

Hospitality

The gift of hospitality is to warmly welcome people, even strangers, into one's home or church as a means of serving those in need of food or lodging. The Greek root words are “philos,” which means love and “xenos,” which means stranger. A literal translation would be “fond of guests.”

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”  (1 Peter 4:9)

The Gift of Hospitality is one of serving. A person with the Gift of Hospitality would probably have the Motivational Gift of Servant combined with the Motivational Gift of Mercy.

In our churches, this gift is sometimes referred to or grouped together with other functions under the banner of “The Ministry of Helps,” however; it is specific enough to be defined separately. While hospitality is certainly needed in the church building, it is also a function of the home.

While some members are endowed with the Gift of Hospitality, it is a required qualification for those in ministry leadership. To provide an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging, and fellowship involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home (or church) for the sake of the Gospel.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”  (Hebrews 13:2)

People with this gift provide a safe and comfortable environment where people feel valued and cared for, where relationships can develop, and they are able to set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.

Intercessor

The gift of Intercessor is one who intervenes in prayer on behalf of others. The Intercessor is one who “stands in the gap” for extended periods of time on a regular basis praying for others and the needs of others (Ezekiel 22:30).

In the Gospel of Luke, we are introduced to Anna who

“served God with fasting and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).

In the Epistle to the Colossians, Paul introduces us to Epaphras who was “always laboring fervently” in prayer on behalf of the Colossians for whom he had a “great zeal” (Colossians 4:12-13). We see that Intercession is a means of serving God and it a service to others, so it is a gift of ministry.

In his book, The Five Traits of an Effective Intercessor, Bishop William H. Murphy, who serves as the Bishop of Intercessory Prayer for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, describes the qualities of one who stands in the gap for others as follows:

1) Always praying: They possess a dedicated lifestyle of preparing for and committing to prayer. They are disciplined mentally, physically, and spiritually to facilitate a life separated unto prayer.

2) Pray in the Spirit: They pursue the Fruit of the Spirit in their own lives to better able to perceive the mind and will of God to pray correctly motivated by a genuine love of God and His people.

3) Watchful in the Spirit: They will be observant and alert, cognizant of the enemy’s tactics, sensitive to circumstances and situations, attentive to changes, ever alert, looking and watching for promptings to prayer.

4) Pray Unselfishly: They will operate in humility recognizing that their position of responsibility to pray for others is not about themselves but a God given assignment. They pray according to God’s will not their ideas remembering that they are standing in the gap on behalf of someone else.

5) Pray for Leadership: They understand the need to pray for leadership due to the attacks on leadership, they understand the call to pray for leadership due to the vulnerability of leaders, and they understand the purpose to pray for leadership so the leader will be protected and effective.

Intercession is a position, function, or role in which one so called continually operates. It is a ministry that serves God and serves others. The five qualities indicate that the function and role of an Intercessor is a gift of God to the Body of Christ.

Psalmist

The main purpose for which Christians gather is the praise and worship of God. The gift of the Psalmist provides gifts, talents, and abilities to aid us in doing so. Psalmistry includes: musicians, singers, and dancers. Collectively, they are referred to as “worship arts.”

We know that “the Lord inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3). This means that our praise is what God is enthroned upon, if you translate the verse literally. It also has the implication of a figurative meaning that communicates that God’s Presence is manifest when His children use music, singing, and dance to praise and worship unto Him.

Through the skillful and worshipful playing of a musical instrument, the dedicated use of one’s voice in singing, or the inspired use of one’s body in dancing, the congregation is inspired and the worship is enhanced. Psalmists aid us in drawing closer to God through their glorification of God with their skills.

The Book of Psalms is poetic literature which was sung. Singing is an integral aspect of the praise and worship of God. David was a noted psalmist and the musician who soothed King Saul, when he was troubled. We are exhorted by Paul:

“admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  (Colossians 3:16)

Music, singing, and dancing give the believer the desire and capability to express personal faith. Those with musical, singing, and dancing talents inspire the believers to do the same. The gift of Psalmist utilizes their artistic skills to glorify God, which uplifts the souls of worshipers, brings the worshipers closer to the Lord, and ushers in the presence of God.

Bibliography

Brandt, Robert L.. Spiritual Gifts

Springfield, MO: Global University, 1978

Bruce, F.F.. The Letter of Paul to the Romans: an Introduction and Commentary.

Grand Rapids, MI: Send the Light, 1985.

Bugbee, Bruce L.. Network Leader’s Guide.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.

Burgess, Stanley M., and Eduard M. Van Der Maas. The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2002.

Clowney, Edmund P., The Church.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Davidson, Ivor J.. The Baker History Of The Church From Jesus to Constantine, A.D. 30-312.

Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004.

Day, J. E.. Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985.

Farrand, William. Counselor, Teacher, And Guide

Springfield, MO: Global University, 1983

Ferguson, Sinclair B.. The Holy Spirit.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Foulkes, Francis. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary

Grand Rapids, MI: InterVarsity Press, 1983

Fortune, Don, and Katie Fortune. Discover Your God-Given Gifts.

Old Tappan, NJ: F.H. Revell Co., 1987.

Hamar, Paul A. The Book of First Corinthians.

Springfield, MO.: Gospel Publishing House, 1980.

Holy Bible, The New King James Version New Open Bible Study Edition.

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1990.

Horton, Stanley M.. The Book Of Acts

Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing. House, 1981.

Horton, Stanley M.. What The Bible Says About The Holy Spirit.

Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1992.

Judisch, Douglas. An Evaluation Of Claims To The Charismatic Gifts.

Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1978.

Keener, Craig S.. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Lance, Fran. The Gifts of the Spirit: A Study of Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ.

Lynnwood, WA: Aglow Bible Studies, 1982

Littauer, Florence. Personality Plus.

Tarrytown, NY.: Revell, 1992

Lewter, Andy C., Triplet, Tommie, Palmer, Earnest. Shattering The Stained Glass Ceiling.

New Orleans, LA: Full Gospel Baptist Publishing 2003

MacArthur, John. The Charismatics: A Doctrinal Perspective.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

Morris, Leon. The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: First Corinthians

Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1985.

Middleton, Charles L.. Four Views Of The Baptism In The Holy Spirit In A World Of Diversity

Detroit, MI: Charles L. Middleton Ministries, 2009

Murphy, William H.. The Five Traits of an Effective Intercessor.

Pontic, MI: William H. Murphy Ministries, 2007

NKJV Exhaustive Concordance: New King James Version

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1992.

Ortberg, John, Laurie Pederson, and Judson Poling. Gifts: The Joy Of Serving God

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.

Radmacher, Earl D.. NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version.

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2008

Rees, Erik. S.H.A.P.E.: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose For Life.

Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006.

Strong, James. The New Strong's Complete Dictionary Of Bible Words.

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1996.

Sumrall, Lester Frank. Gifts And Ministries Of The Holy Spirit.

Springdale, PA: Whitaker House, 1993.

Sumrall, Lester Frank. Gifts Of The Holy Spirit.

Southbend, IN: Sumrall Publishing., 2000.

Wagner, C. Peter. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow.

Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1979.

Wagner, C. Peter. Finding Your Spiritual Gifts: Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire.

Ventura, CA: Gospel Light, 1995.

Wagner, C. Peter. Discover Your Spiritual Gifts.

Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2005.

Whitlock, Luder G., R. C. Sproul, Bruce K. Waltke, and Moisés Silva. New Geneva Study Bible: New King James Version.

Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995.

Epilogue

My Dear Family in Christ:

I pray that this study of the Gifts to the Body of Christ was a blessing to you. My hope is that you not only gained an understanding of the various talents and abilities with which God has endowed His people, but that you grew closer to Jesus Christ in the process.

Just as the Lord said to Jeremiah, He also has said to you that “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and anointed you…” My friend, you are not a mistake. There is no such thing as an illegitimate child. There may be illegitimate parents, but not children. There is a reason for which you were born. If there was no purpose for your existence, God would not have allowed you to be born in the first place. There is also a reason for the parents to whom you were born, the city you were born in, the family He placed you in, the life experiences you have had, and your likes and dislikes.

You have been designed by the Creator to be exactly the way you are. His desire is that you be uniquely you. I am sure you have heard the cliché phrases such as “you are an original, do not die a copy” or “if two people are exactly alike, then one is not necessary.” As cliché as they may be, they are true. I encourage you to discover yourself. Throw off everyone else’s expectations and characterizations of you that are not in line with God’s design, plan, and purpose for your life. Submit yourself to Godly leadership so that you can develop.

My favorite scripture is Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

God had good works planed for you before He created you. He did not create you, and then think of good things for you to do, He thought of the good work, and then designed you to match the works. You are a solution to someone’s problem. God wants to use you to be a blessing to people.

Now, that you have studied the Motivational Gifts, Manifestation Gifts, and Ministry Gifts, it is time to pray and seek the Lord so that you may discover yourself. You already are what God wants you to be and do; all you must do is become what you already are. The process of becoming yourself is a lifelong spiritual journey of dying to self, renewing the mind, and being conformed into the image and likeness of His Son.

God has invested so much in you, up to and including the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ dying in your place for your sin, so that you can be in correct relationship with Him. Do not be like the unjust steward in Matthew 25:14-30. God gives us an investment “according to your ability” (verses 15). We are not all given the same gifts, talents, abilities, and responsibilities. We are only held accountable for ourselves. Do not compare yourself with anyone else, God will only ask you for an account of yourself.

Please do not live a life that someone other than God has designed and planed for you, that includes what plans you may have had for yourself. Take time to re-evaluate your life as you discover how God has gifted you. There may be some people, places, and things that need to change. In Hebrews chapter 11, we are encouraged to live a life full of faith and pursuing the plans that God has for us. We are then given a serious instruction;

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,…”  (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

To discover your Spiritual Gifts and live a life according to His plans for you, there are three principles which must be integrated into your life:

1) Subtraction: lay aside every weight and sin.

2) Action: run the race.

3) Attraction: look unto Jesus.

I encourage you to begin seeking more opportunities to serve in your local church. Commit your natural talents to the Lord and the accountability of your Pastor. It is through serving that we discover our gifts. While there are many tasks that need completion in your church, not all of them are spectacular, the majority of them are routine. You do not need to be called, gifted, and anointed to run the vacuum, clean the toilets, and take out the trash.

There is no anointing to fold bulletins, change diapers, or clean the van. There is, however the heart of a servant, which you must allow God to develop in you.

What will happen in your faithfulness to routine tasks is the refinement of your character so that you can more clearly and accurately hear from God and evaluate yourself in the discovery of your Spiritual Gifts.

Get started in service in your local church, so that God can guide you. He will not guide you if you do not move, so you must take the first steps in faith and believe that your steps are ordered by Him and He will lead you along the way.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Serving God by serving others is the best way to discover your Spiritual Gifts. The principles that we must practice from the above scripture are invaluable; trust Him and acknowledge Him. The resulting promise is wonderful; you can be assured of direction from God. The Hebrew word which is translated into English as “direct” is the Hebrew word “yashar,” which actually means that God Himself will clear your path, straighten things out, even things up, and cause your life to be a right fit, pleasant, and prosperous!

I pray God’s richest blessing upon you as you seek to discover your Spiritual Gifts by serving Him to your fullest potential!

General Overseer Justin Cohen

Stay Connected!

For Ministry Engagements:

Overseer Justin Cohen, Ph.D.

P.O. Box 307

Upper Darby, PA 19082

Voice: 800-787-5309

Fax: 800-787-5185

Overseer@fgbbi.org

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The Full Gospel Baptist Publishing has officially launched its expansive Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and commentary materials to Full Gospel Churches all over the country.

These materials represent the “official” publication of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Publishing, established by the Fellowship more than four years ago. Since its inception with an online presence, the Full Gospel Baptist Publishing, Incorporated has helped meet the needs of those in Christian Education within the local churches.

The Sunday School materials follow the International Sunday School lessons for teens through adults. Though printed and shipped from R H Boyd facilities in Nashville, TN,  the lessons provide commentary through the input of an editorial group of Full Gospel Baptist pastors and church leaders.

Each lesson conforms to the Full Gospel Baptist Distinctives, as compiled by the Department of Church Training and Development. The materials include: teachers’ Manuals, student books, and supplementary materials which can be adapted to any class format.

Of particular note are the age and interest appropriate materials for youth. These materials can be used in the traditional Sunday School format or in sessions that are conducted mid-week. These materials are often accompanied by CD’s and DVD’s that create enhanced interest in this category of attendees.

The Vacation Bible School Series is excellent and should be part of every church offering during the Summers or during Spring Breaks. They are topical and designed to match the dynamics of youth and adult interests.

For the convenience of churches, materials may be ordered online or directly from The Full Gospel Baptist Publishing Office, using the contact numbers below.

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Biography

Rev. Justin Cohen was born and raised in the Oxford Circle section of Northeast Philadelphia. Raised in the Catholic denomination, he attended private Christian grade school and high school. Pastor Cohen received the call to ministry in a vision at the age of 11, but rejected it throughout his teen years of rebellion. At the age of 18, he left Philadelphia temporarily, enlisting in the United States Navy as an Inventory Manager, determined to pursue a career in business, but God had another plan:

During a crisis period in his life, Rev. Cohen received his “personal salvation” receiving Jesus Christ as his Savior through the personal ministry of a faithful deacon) at Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL., where he was eventually water baptized and discipled.

Pastor Cohen finally obeyed the call of God to ministry under the ministry of Bishop Paul D. Zink of New Life Christian Fellowship. Upon successful ministerial internship under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. Harold Vick and graduation from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 1995, he returned to Philadelphia and ministered as an Urban Missionary assisting several inner city Assembly of God ministries and ultimately founding “Master’s Commission” which consisted of the Master’s Commission Bible Institute, and a short term inner-city urban home missions base.

In 2001, He and his wife founded World Harvest and began conducting evangelism and outreach/mission ministries in multicultural inner city areas domestically and short term missions work internationally. World Harvest is a parachurch ministry which encompasses their Evangelistic/Outreach, Pastoral, Chaplaincy, Counseling, Preaching, Teaching, and Missions efforts to establish, equip, and edify churches.

With a heart for community ministry, Rev. Cohen is a member of the Philadelphia Police Clergy, the Past President of the Frankford Ministerium, and member of Philadelphia Mayor’s Faith-Based Advisory Committee.

Formerly licensed as an Assembly of God minister, Rev. Cohen was ordained by the World Harvest Minister’s Network under the late Rev. Dr. Lester Sumrall of South Bend, IN.

Rev. Cohen is a 2004 graduate of the Carolina University of Theology, earning a Master of Theology degree with a specialization in Ecclesiology and a 2012 Ph.D. candidate in Apologetics from International Bible College and Seminary. His dissertation work focuses on the worldviews of urban young adults.

In 2003, Rev. Cohen joined and affiliated his ministries under the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship and has experienced tremendous blessings ever since. Rev. Cohen has served the Fellowship in the State of Pennsylvania Director of Elders & Ministers. He currently serves as the State Director of Christian Education and also the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Christian Education.

As a General Overseer, in the Christian Education Department under Bishop Andy C. Lewter, his responsibilities include Provost of Academic Affairs, the President of the Full Gospel Baptist Bible Institute (with Four- Branch Campuses in three States), the Dean of Students for the Full Gospel Baptist Online Bible College, the Editor of the Theology Digest, and Vice President of the National Accrediting Association of Theological Schools.

His lovely wife, Latoya, who is a native of St. Mary, Jamaica, has a heart to see women set free and children saved. Latoya is a 2003 graduate of Valley Forge Christian College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Standard Teacher Diploma from the Evangelical Training Association. She has earned a Diploma in Christian Counseling from the American Association of Christian Counselors.

First Lady Latoya has over 12 years of ministerial experience, including six years of full time employment as a teacher in private Christian schools, an Ordained Elder, and serves in the ministry with Dr. Cohen as the Executive Administrator of both World Harvest and the Full Gospel Baptist Bible Institute.

Dr. Cohen’s God-given mandate is to be a Pastoral resource, developing Ministers and Ministries both spiritually and practically, empowering them to fulfill their call through preaching, teaching, counseling, mentoring, educational resources, and encouraging relationships.

For Additional copies of Unwrapped

Please visit the website

www.Unwrapped4u.com

which contains the link to purchase paperback copies via Amazon

For Ministry Engagements

Overseer Justin Cohen, Ph.D.

P.O. Box 307

Upper Darby, PA 19082

Voice: 800-787-5309

Fax: 800-787-5185

Overseer@fgbbi.org

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Endorsements

Preface

Chapter 1 – an Overview of Pneumatology

Chapter 2 – Salvation and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Chapter 3 – God Still Has Gifts to Give

Chapter 4 – An Introductory Exposition of Romans 12

Chapter 5 – Prophecy

Chapter 6 – Ministry

Chapter 7 – Teaching

Chapter 8 – Exhortation

Chapter 9 – Giving

Chapter 10 – Leading

Chapter 11 – Mercy

Chapter 12 – The Motivational Gifts in Action

Chapter 13 – An Introductory Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12

Chapter 14 – Word of Wisdom

Chapter 15 – Word of Knowledge

Chapter 16 – Faith

Chapter 17 – Gifts of Healings

Chapter 18 – Working of Miracles

Chapter 19 – Prophecy

Chapter 20 – Discerning of Spirits

Chapter 21 – Different Kinds of Tongues

Chapter 22 – Interpretation of Tongues

Chapter 23 – An Introductory Exposition of Ephesians 4

Chapter 24 – Apostle

Chapter 25 – Prophet

Chapter 26 – Evangelist

Chapter 27 – Pastor

Chapter 28 – Teacher

Chapter 29 – The Bishop

Chapter 30 – Manifold Gifts

Bibliography

Epilogue