Prepare Yourself for Jesus’ Return (part 12)

Spiritual Gifts

10.1.2023

Review

This is the 12th lesson on preparing yourself for Jesus’ return.

We are living in an unprecedented time just prior to Jesus’ return.

 

We’ve talked about the time period we are in as the time period at the close of the age of grace and the time just before Jesus returns.

There is coming a wave of Holy Spirit power to the Church to enable us to minister to people before Jesus returns!

Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV)

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

If you have been born again, you are a candidate to receive the Baptism with the Holy Spirit!

And with the Baptism with the Holy Spirit comes the potential to be used in spiritual gifts, which are the power of God in manifestation!

I was raised in the Southern Baptist church which believes in cessationism.

But at almost 18 I came back to Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit.

If you have been in a cessation church, I encourage you to search the book of Acts, and tell God you are open for more! There is more. And the baptism with the Holy Spirit is the door into it.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

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.”

Luke 24:49 (NKJV)

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 (NLT)

And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.

Luke 24:49 (TPT)

And I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you. So stay here in the city until the mighty power of heaven falls upon you and wraps around you.

Acts 1:3-5 (NLT)

During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:1-3 (NLT)

1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.

Acts 2:4 (NLT)

4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

Rick Renner

When the wind of the Spirit blows upon a near-dead church, it can blow life back into that congregation again. When all of our organizing is done and is nearly perfect, yet we still lack power, it is the wind of the Holy Spirit that can blow strongly upon us and cause a vision or organization to come alive with the life of God. If you are someone who desires a “quiet” relationship with God, I must warn you that when the Holy Spirit’s wind blows, it is rarely a quiet affair. It is usually noisy and attention-attracting—or as we’ve seen, it’s a powerful force that sweeps downward from Heaven like the roaring of the sea. When God formed man, He formed him perfectly. But man had no breath in his lungs until God breathed the breath of life into him (see Genesis 2: 7). Likewise, when the Church was assembled on the Day of Pentecost, it had no power until the Holy Spirit breathed into that assembly. When that loud “boom” exploded overhead in the room where they were gathered, the power of God came upon 120 disciples, and they became an empowered, mighty force in the earth as a result. Wind is a good word to describe the power of the Holy Spirit. Change happens when winds blow—and when the Holy Spirit moves, He brings change like wind. Energy is produced by wind—and when the Holy Spirit moves in this manner, He supplies supernatural energy. He empowers us to do what we could not naturally do on our own. Oh, how we need the supernatural wind of the Holy Spirit!

— Sparkling Gems from the Greek Vol. 2: 365 New Gems To Equip And Empower You For Victory Every Day Of The Year by Rick Renner

https://a.co/chHxTxK

I discussed three things that happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon you:

1. Boldness

2. Understanding

3. New way to pray!

If you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, then you are a person thst can be used in spiritual gifts.

Jesus ministered by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 3:21-22 (NKJV)

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Luke 4:16-21 (NKJV)

So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus had the Holy Spirit without measure.

John 3:34-36 (NKJV)

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

Jesus operated in seven of the nine spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.

Seven operated in the OT.

Nine operate in the church today.

Spiritual Gifts

It seems that we are at the very end of the church age, and God will be bringing to the church a new level of Holy Spirit power.

John 14:12-14 (NKJV)

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. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV)

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

They operate as the Holy Spirit wills, not as you will.

You cannot pick and choose.

You can only make yourself available.

Three things that create an atmosphere for spiritual gifts to manifest:

Love

1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV)

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (AMPC)

EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching).

Unity

Acts 5:12 (NKJV)

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.Unity

Acts 1:14 (NKJV)

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 2:1 (NKJV)

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:42-46 (NKJV)

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV)

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Acts 5:12 (NKJV)

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.

Desire

1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV)

But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

(TPT)

But you should all constantly boil over with passion in seeking the higher gifts.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Zechariah 10:1 (NKJV)

Ask the LORD for rain

In the time of the latter rain.

The LORD will make flashing clouds;

He will give them showers of rain,

Grass in the field for everyone.

There are three major classifications of spiritual gifts…

Revelation Gifts – Reveal Something

The Word of Wisdom

Definition:

The Word of Wisdom is the supernatural giving to people by the Holy Spirit the Divine purpose in the mind of God concerning future events.

Acts 9:10-16 (NKJV)

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Nefarious – 2020

October 6, 2019

The Word of Knowledge

Definition

The Word of Knowledge is the supernatural giving by the Holy Spirit of facts from God to man about people, places, or things in the past or present.

God knows everything about everybody all at once. He knows every person, place or thing in existence, and He is conscious of them all at the same time.

God is omniscient – All-knowing

Acts 9:10-16 (NKJV)

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

The Discerning of Spirits

Definition:

The Discerning of Spirits is the supernatural ability to see into the spirit realm as the Holy Spirit wills.

Revelation 1:10-18 (NLT)

It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. 11 It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13 And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

Kenneth Hagin – November 2, 1985

Power Gifts – Do Something

The Gift of Faith (special faith)

Definition:

The Gift of Faith is a supernatural endowment by the Spirit whereby that which is uttered or desired by man or spoken by God, will eventually come to pass.

Jesus raising Lazarus from death.

John 11:41-44 (NLT)

So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

The Working of Miracles

Definition:

A miracle is a supernatural intervention in the ordinary course of nature; a temporary suspension of the accustomed order; an interruption of the system of nature as we know it.

The working of miracles is where God sets aside the natural laws set in motion to govern the earth, and does something out of the ordinary course. It defies natural laws of physics…

The Greek word for working of miracles is dunamis. It is translated as power or powers as in Acts 1:8. It means – explosions of almightiness; wonders; impelling staggering astonishment.

The feeding of the 5,000 with a little boy’s lunch with twelve baskets remaining.

John 6:5-15 (NLT)

Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” 8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” 10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. 14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” 15 When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself.

Jesus walks on water

John 6:16-21 (NLT)

That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

The Gifts of Healings

Definition – The supernatural healing of diseases and infirmities without natural means of any kind.

Matthew 8:16 (NKJV)

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,

Matthew 9:35-36 (NKJV)

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 10:1 (NKJV)

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

Matthew 12:15 (NKJV)

But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

Utterance Gifts– Say something

The Gift of Prophecy

Prophecy:

A supernatural utterance in a known tongue.

Different Kinds of Tongues

Different Kinds of Tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown language.

Interpretation of Tongues

Interpretation of tongues is a supernatural revealing of what has been said in different kinds of tongues.

The Hebrew word for prophecy means:

To flow forth; to bubble forth like a fountain; to let drop; to lift up; to tumble forth; to spring forth.

The Greek Word for prophecy:

Inspired utterance.

To speak on God’s behalf or to be God’s spokesman.

In the Old Testament, prophecy is mostly foretelling.

Only the prophet, priest, and king had the HS on them. No one could hear the voice of the HS the way we do.

In the New Testament, prophecy is forth-telling. Encouraging. Not for guidance.

All believers are encouraged to prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Corinthians 14:39 (NKJV)

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

Action Points:

1. Are you willing to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?

2. Are you willing to be used to bless others?

3. Are you ready to be used by the Holy Spirit in spiritual gifts?

4. Would you begin to ask the Lord for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit worldwide?

5. Would you be willing to take some time to learn about spiritual gifts? You can go to our website messages, or read Concerning Spiritual Gifts by Kenneth E Hagin.

Additional Notes:

From my journal – Thursday, August 23, 2023

The Holy Spirit came upon me at noon prayer today. My tongue changed to different kinds of tongues and I began to interpret. The gist of it was that God is calling His people to get alone with Him and seek His face. There is coming a great dealing from God upon the church. Jesus allowed Judas to continue as a apostle even while stealing from the treasury behind Jesus’ back. Eventually however, judgment came to Judas. God is bringing a cleansing to the body of Christ and is calling all of us to come close and allow Him to deal with us . We must be willing to get rid of wrong motives attitudes and ambitions so that we will be prepared for the greater glory .that is coming soon. There are those right now, like Judas, who are operating in their own fleshly skill and ambition, who are in ministry fulfilling their own agenda with pride, show, fanfare, seeking the admiration of others, and are not preparing themselves and others for the greater glory of God. God is allowing them to live and minister the way they do, even though it is not His best for them or their churches. And, when the greater glory comes, they will fall away from God. The antiChrist spirit is rising up right now and is typified by pride, arrogance, self-ambition, pride, self-aggrandizement , and show. The global governance will come out of this and will crescendo with the revealing of Jesus’ arch-rival, the anti-Christ. Those in the body of Christ that do not humble themselves, but continue on with a self promoting agenda will fall into the deception of Satan, and will fall away and be seduced by the spirit of antiChrist.

Now is the time to call on the Lord while He may be found and seek first the Kingdom of God. Your provision will be in seeking Him first before and above all other things. When Jesus left the disciples at the ascension, they felt alone, betrayed, bereft, without help or hope, and so they prayed in earnest in the Upper Room. God answered their prayers with the rushing wind and flames of fire and with an enduement of power from on high. In that power the church began. Here at the close of this age God is bringing the body of Christ to a place of humility, seeking, searching, hunger, and a need for more, and God’s answer this time to their humble, selfless praying will be the greater Glory of God in manifestation in and through His church. No man, organization or church will get the glory for what God does, for God will only use people with no personal agenda and with no desire to be seen, heard, or acknowledged. Humble, selfless servants will be used to bring Glory and honor to Jesus as He manifests His supernatural power to set people free from sin, sickness, and from the bondage of Satan. Now is a time of seeking, searching, sifting, and of calling on the Lord until He responds with the power and Glory of His Kingdom. Only those who humble themselves without agenda to be seen or heard will be used in the coming Glory. They will be the purveyors of great light in the coming darkness. Make sure that you are on the right side as the darkness approaches.

Additional notes on spiritual gifts manifesting…

Mark 16:15-20 (NKJV)

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 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 16:19-20

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Acts 4:29-31 (NKJV)

“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 5:12-16 (NKJV)

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Acts 14:3 (NKJV)

Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.