Freely You Have Received -- Freely Give - PART 93

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: The second on the list advanced in the scriptural records is the gift of prophecy. Note that this gift is not the gift of teaching, although prophets have been known to be teachers.  Today, many of the denominational established churches do not make allowances for the exercise of this gift within the congregation. Other religious institutions seemingly exercise this gift in a manner that could be perceived as someone being high on something. The good news is that there is still an abundance of evidence that the real gift of prophecy emerges from the Holy Spirit. This is the topic of discussion here.

Remember, the Words of encouragement in the scriptures that indicate that we ought to desire spiritual gifts? If we truly desire a particular gift and we ask our Father for that particular gift for our own edification, then our heavenly Father would certainly not withhold His spiritual gifts from His children. The same principles apply to the body of Christ. Various gifts are distributed to some members because they are necessary to advance the gospel message. These gifts are manifest and in operation where the members of the body of Christ are responsible for multiple tasks. As alluded to above, the gift of teaching observed by the actions may go hand in hand with the gift of prophesy, but not necessarily so. This is why it is important to read the scriptures so that we are informed of these types of differences.

And then there are the Gift of miracles.  An example can be found in Acts chapter 8.  Philip was one of the seven selected by the people to serve the church in administering daily needs. As the scriptures point out, the required credentials were that the seven selected individuals were (1) honest men, (2) filled with the Holy Spirit and (3) and full of wisdom. Philip along with six others were presented before the Lord. Prayer was offered and the apostles lay their hands on the seven. It is recorded that the seven were appointed. It is also noted in the scriptures that the Word of God increased.

Philip, now recognised as a deacon went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ (God manifest in the flesh as a Son ) to the Samaritans. The people heard Philip the deacon / preacher and they paid attention to the gospel message, particularly when they saw the miracles that he did. Unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them. Others taken with palsies, and lame were healed. Understandably, this was a time of great joy in that city.

Here, Philip, an honest man filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom is now the deacon, the preacher and the miracle worker. Philip exercised Jesus over the demonic powers so that they would come out of those people who were possessed. Philip watched as people were healed. It did not finish there. Philip baptised the believing Samaritans into the name of Jesus. Of course, all of the miracles performed were in the name of Jesus. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit were in operation in and through Philip who was and is a member of the Holy Spirit’s own body. His only begotten son JESUS.

All of these gifts via the holy Spirit of Jesus were manifested in one man who was an honest man. Philip was filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom before he became an appointed deacon, preacher , evangelist, miracle worker, exorcist, healer and baptiser. If we use Philip as a role model, pray tell, what God may have in store for you and me. The gifts to us and the calling of God for us to believe are given to us freely.

Freely we have received and freely shall we give. Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and let me love that soul for you.  May I forever do my part to bring that soul to you. Stand in the offering plate. Today is the day of salvation.