Source Ministries International

Q & A

Q.  I have a question on the gifts of the Spirit. Were the instantaneous miraculous gifts for the 12 disciples working in the 72 sent out? Do the gifts manifest today? I realize the body of Christ is divided on this subject. 2/20/17

A. Hello, I would love to discuss this sometime in detail by phone. There is not enough Biblical evidence to indicate that the spiritual gifts themselves were operating in the 12 or the 72 disciples. However, the anointing of God’s Spirit was upon both the 12 and the 72 granting them power for miracles and ministry. (Mark 3:14-15)

It was not until the Holy Spirit was given to all believers in the Acts chapter 2 that the gifts of the Spirit were made available. The gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:6-11 are derived from the Holy Spirit who permanently resides in the believer once he/she receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Spiritual gifts are an expression of God’s grace, whereby He gives to each believer the gifts necessary for the work of the ministry. God has endowed Christians with Spiritual gifts for the purpose of ministry (not for show or personal gain), but to make Christ known and minister His life to hurting humanity.

The simple rule based on 1 Corinthians 14 regarding the Spiritual gifts is seek not and forbid not. We are to seek Christ and all the things that we need will then be added unto us. (Matthew 6:33) All of the Spiritual gifts are in Christ, who is in us by the Holy Spirit.

These gifts are referred to as the gifts of the Spirit, because the Source of the gifts is the Holy Spirit Himself. When it comes to life situations we are to desire the best gifts, which are the ones that the Holy Spirit deems best for our particular situation. He will manifest the gifts through us according to His purposes for us.

Although some have tried to use various scriptures to indicate that these Spiritual gifts have ceased, their arguments are inconclusive. Furthermore, there is much more Biblical evidence in support of the ongoing activity of the Spiritual gifts today. For example Romans 11:29 says that, “The gifts and calling of God have not changed.” And Hebrews 13:8 tells us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The Apostle Paul himself reported that, “the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12). Furthermore, Paul said that the Corinthian church, even in it’s carnal state “came behind in no gift” (1 Corinthians 1:7).

Then there is Hebrews 2:3-4, which speaks of the gifts working through the believers. But more importantly, history shows that the Lord has been manifesting through believers with various gifts of the Spirit ever since the Holy Spirit was imparted to the church in Acts 2.

That is exactly what Jesus prophesied when He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12). So, the signs and wonders that Jesus did when was on Earth, He intends to do in all of those who receive Him. His indwelling presence within us, will enable us to exercise the gifts of His Spirit to minister to others.

I personally have witnessed thousands of instances of God’s miraculous manifestations through the gifts of the Spirit, including those in my own life, family, and ministry. It is important to note that the gifts of the Spirit generally manifest in a quiet gentle manner, rather than the more boisterous forms sometimes indicated by some today. Jesus is a gentle shepherd and the Holy Spirit speaks in a still small voice. Even so come Lord Jesus and make your presence known! Thank you God for how you have so wonderfully provided for the needs of your creation!

https://www.sourceministries.net/go/2009/06/bermuda-a-blessing-in-disguise/