(You can listen to audio of the article and pause the audio to follow page links, then, resume the audio when you are ready. Please note that I use page links in lieu of references or footnotes for important details on this teaching.)

DON’T JUST “KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE” – “KNOW THE BIBLE”

I have read and heard others say that the Bible is …

Like a ‘fence’. It gives you boundaries to keep you safe.

Like a ‘map’. It gives you directions on the way to travel through life.

Like a ‘compass’. It points you in the right direction.

Like a ‘mirror’. It gives you a reflection of yourself.

Like a ‘painting’. It gives you a picture of God.

Like a ‘lion’. It is able to defend itself and you.

Like a ‘instruction book’. Giving instructions for any matter.

BUT THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT…

THE BIBLE IS “Alive”. It lives.

THE BIBLE IS sharper than any “Two-edged sword”. Piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

THE BIBLE IS a “Lamp”. It is a lamp unto my feet and keeps me from stumbling.

THE BIBLE IS a “Light”. It is a light unto my path and lets me see each step of where I am going.

THE BIBLE IS a “Door”. Anyone who enters by Him will be saved and can go in and out and find rest.

THE BIBLE IS a “Fire”. It cleanses and purifies and burns up chaff, wood, hay and stubble.

THE BIBLE IS a “Hammer”. It breaks rocks of obstruction.

THE BIBLE IS a “Seed”. Imperishable, growing, giving life.

THE BIBLE IS a “Vine”. A vine through which we find nourishment, and we bear righteous fruit.

THE BIBLE IS The WORD of GOD.

THE BIBLE IS With GOD.

THE BIBLE IS GOD.

THE BIBLE IS LIFE.

You know, I have even heard and read that “some people worship the Bible, and they should worship God, only”.

But, the Bible clearly states that The Bible IS the Word and The Word IS God.

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”

You must know that the Word of God (The Bible) IS the breathed Word, The ‘Ruah‘, the ‘Pneuma‘ of God.

Thinking that there is something ‘like the Bible’ reduces the significance and importance of the Bible.

Knowing the Bible, alone, stands above every other thing, gives it Supremacy. (Sola Scriptura).

The Bible is a collection of stories, parables, similes, anecdotes ONLY TO THE UNTRAINED HUMAN MIND which is not filled by the Holy Spirit of God.

THE BIBLE IS THE PROPHETIC, BREATHED (PNEUMA), WORD OF GOD.

Breathe it in and let the Breath of God breathe through you. Consume it and let It consume you.

John 6:53, “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Verse 54. “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Verse 55. “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

Verse 56. “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

Verse 57. “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.

Verse 58. “This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

DON’T JUST “KNOW ABOUT HIM – KNOW HIM”

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

“If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 15:7

(You can listen to this on audio and pause the audio to follow page links, then, you can resume the audio, when you are ready.  Please note that I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references for important study details).

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS THING?!”

Recently, a friend suggested that we play a Bible game by asking what are some things we say about the Bible that are not actually in the Bible. For example:

• “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, but the bible says something else. Click this Bible link to find out what.
• “This too shall pass” but the bible says otherwise. Click this Bible link to read more.
• “God helps those who help themselves”. But the bible says something else. Click this Bible link to see what!
• “Hate the sin, but love the sinner”. But the bible has more to say on this. Just click this Bible link to get the right answer.

These quotes seem harmless enough, and the intentions are good. But, sometimes, when acted on, the consequences can be profound.

“So, what’s wrong with that?”, you might ask. The Biblical answer is that “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

Many people are asking why is what we read in the Bible not seen in “real life” now-a-days? Was it all just hyperbole or metaphors? Was it real?

Here is an amusing, but true, example.

I have an elderly friend who has a problem with technology. From cell phones to iPads, from Smart TVs to laptops, they all drive my friend crazy. If you are around my friend for any time, you are bound to hear, “Why doesn’t this crazy thing work? I feel like throwing it out and going back to my flip phone. I don’t care about all these new (fangled) features, I just want a phone!”

But, the problem with these “crazy things”, most all the time, is the “operator”.

Yes, much of the new technology is complicated, and even though instructions come with all these new devices, the operating instructions can be just as confusing as the device itself.

As a result, many devices with new technology go unused or underused.

This, in a strange way, reminds me of church. Or, at least, I think it does.

I read about how the early Christian movement, although severely persecuted and under funded, was unstoppable. Its growth was exponential.

But, when I see the post-modern church, it is quite another thing.

What has happened? What is happening?

Like my elderly friend’s problem with the complexities of new technologies, it seems that many Christians feel the same way about church in the 21st century. It is complex and has become complicated.

And, like the hard-to-understand instructions which come with advanced techno-devices, the same could be said with many of the current-day sermons and doctrines and denominational differences. I can hear folks saying, “I don’t care about all this other stuff, I just want to hear the Bible”.

There is undoubtedly a problem in our churches in the 21st century. But even discovering the problem is a complicated task.

Here are a few of many “hot button issues” which I think have created confusion in the Church and might just be symptoms of a that deeper problem. See what you think:

Some people say women can be pastors, preachers and Bible Teachers in the pulpit of the church. They say that the Bible is OK with it, because, “There is no distinction between Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female.”

But the Bible actually says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, “for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:28

These verses are clearly about being “Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise”, but, it is being used as justification in many churches to allow women to become pastors and teachers over men.

1. It has become a standard and accepted practice for women to speak up in church and even to speak in churches. But the bible says otherwise. Click this Bible link for the verse.

2. It is considered an oddity for a woman to cover her head while praying or prophesying as a symbol of authority. But the bible says click this Bible link and this commentary What Head Covering in the Bible Means, and How it Applies to us Today.

3. It can be controversial to suggest that a woman submit herself to her husband’s authority, even in Christian homes and churches. But to see what the bible says, click this Bible link.

4. Men rarely consider it their duty to “love their wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her”. But the bible says otherwise.   Click this Bible link to see what the Bible says.

5. The Bible says to do all things in moderation, but, is drinking “in moderation” acceptable among Christians, although one may get ‘tipsy’ (a polite word for drunk). Click this Bible link to see what the Bible says.

6. Speaking messages in tongues to the congregation is acceptable and encouraged in some churches. But read what the bible says by clicking this Bible link.

7. The requirement of ‘church membership’ is the practice of most churches, and it is a requirement to have a voice in that local Body of Christ, even if you “tithe” and have attended regularly over many years. But, see what the Bible says by clicking this Bible link.

8. The practice of homosexuality is becoming a tolerated if not an accepted “alternate lifestyle” by some in the church. Many Christians now believe that perhaps one could have been “born that way”. But the bible has some clear and strong words on this matter.  Click this Bible link to find the truth on these matters.

9. Gossip in the church and bullying “from the pulpit” or in the church has become a standard of church practice by some pastors and church leaders as a means of control. But the Bible warns against bullying. Click this Bible link and this commentary for details.

10. And just as some people do not see fit to acknowledge God, God gives them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper; those people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.”

11. Matthew 24:8, instructs, “But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One, (that is Jesus), is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. Yet, many still call them Rabbi.

12. Matthew 23:9, says, “And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” Yet, this is the title used for priests in the Catholic Church.

13. Matthew 23:10, says, “And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. Verse 11. But the greatest of you shall be your servant. Verse 12. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Yet, most Christian churches use this term to identify and honor their ‘leaders’.

It’s dangerous to play “head you win, tails I lose” with The Truth of the Bible.

This is not a matter of semantics. Your words reveals the intent of your heart, soul and mind.  Matthew 10:10, tells us, that, “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”  And, Proverbs 4:23, cautions us to, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the issues of life.”

Biblical Truths are either being ignored as being “old-fashioned” and out-of-date or grossly misunderstood (or both). Perhaps this is the reason so many people ask, “Why isn’t this thing working?” It is a dangerous game.

Please, let’s all remember, that our Lord and Teacher says in,

Matthew 5:17 , “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

Verse 18.  “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Verse 19.  “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

So, let’s not leave these matter to a “flip of the coin”.  Let’s accurately handle the Word of God. Our life depends on it!

Your Brother and Friend

Mike Young

2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Verse 16. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Verse 17. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Verse 18. who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

Verse 19. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Verse 20. In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.

Verse 21. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Now please click these links and to go to:

It is for Freedom

Who me? Repent?!

SEPARATED FROM GOD?

“GOD SAYS”

ACCURATELY HANDLING

(You can listen to this on audio and pause the audio to follow page links, then, you can resume the audio, when you are ready.  Please note that I use page links in lieu of footnotes and references for important study details).

IT IS FINISHED

The word “canon” comes from the rule of law that was used to determine if a book measured up to a standard. It is important to note that the writings of Scripture were canonical at the moment they were written.

Scripture was Scripture when the pen touched the parchment. This is very important because Christianity does not start by defining God, or Jesus Christ, or salvation. The basis of Christianity is found in the authority of Scripture. If we cannot identify what Scripture is, then we cannot properly distinguish any theological truth from error.

The canon of Scripture refers to all the books in the Christian Bible and Hebrew Scriptures that together constitute the complete and divinely inspired Word of God. Only the books of the canon are considered authoritative in matters of faith and practice.

The idea of a closed canon is that the Bible is complete; no more books are being added to it. God is not appending His Word.

A closed canon also implies that there are no apostles or prophets today who are receiving new messages from God.

The church is gifted with teachers and preachers of the Word today, but anyone who claims a new revelation from God, proffers his or her message as divinely inspired, or assumes authority on par with the Bible is leading people astray. Sadly, many in the church give heed to dreams and visions shared from the pulpit and to those who falsely claim that “God spoke to me.”

The canon of Scripture was determined by God, not men. Jude, one of the last books to be included in the canon before it was closed, says, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3).

The words the faith in this passage refer to, are the sum of what Christians believe, all the apostles’ teachings, or the whole body of Christian beliefs. In other words, everything we believe in the Christian faith has already been delivered or revealed to the saints through the apostles and prophets. Through the Scriptures, God has given us a final and complete body of knowledge for living the Christian faith.

John 19:28 says,

”After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” verse 29. A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Verse 30. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

Matthew 5:17 , says,

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Verse 18.  For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Verse 19. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Proverbs 5:5, says,

”Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Verse 6. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Deuteronomy 4:1, instructs,

“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Verse 2. You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

Deuteronomy 12:32, warns, 

“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.”

Revelation 22:18, also warns, 

“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; verse 19. and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”

I have participated in, been a member of and have been ‘on staff’ with the Baptist church and the Nazarene church. I have also been a member of and actively participated in the Assemblies of God church. Furthermore, I have interacted with and studied the doctrines, teachings and practices of the Methodist church, the Word of Faith movement, the Charismatic movement. So, I have some first-hand experience and some studied involvement and I can tell you, unequivocally, that many have drifted from the directives and commands of Scriptures and are teaching others to do the same.

The Word of Faith and Charismatic, churches, and many of the Pentecostal,  Methodist churches and Assemblies of God churches are adding practices and beliefs which are, at least incompatible with Scriptures, and at worst, are disobedient to the Word of God, bordering on heresy. (See “Has The Great Apostasy Begun?“).

I have friends who follow and recommend the teachings of certain Word of Faith, Pentecostal and Charismatic preachers and teachers to others. I have researched these ‘denominations’, as a result of a recommendation by friends, and I had even joined one Pentecostal church. However, I have stayed silent about some strange things I saw and learned, not wanting to offend my friends.

Now, these same people are recommending certain self-appointed ‘apostles and prophets’ to my wife.  She has asked me what I think about this.  Now, I am going public with my findings.

First, let me say, I am not questioning their sincerity nor am I questioning their salvation. They use many Biblical examples in their teachings, but, they regularly mix their teachings with extra-Biblical and non-biblical teachings and practices.

I am exposing what I have discovered about their beliefs, practices and associations, and they are not Biblical. They may be sincere, but, it is my opinion, along with scores of others, that these teachings are at least incompatible with and at worst, sincerely wrong for The Gospel and for Biblical Christianity.

Extra-Biblical ideologies are ‘wildly popular’ among Charismatics, Pentecostals, Dominionism and Word of Faith adherents.

I have gathered information, both firsthand, and gleaned from dozens of websites about self-proclaimed Prophets and New Reformation Apostles. I have studied the New Apostolic Reformation, and the ‘Dominionism’ movement. Furthermore, I have considered the Charismatic movement and their affiliations with the Word of Faith movement. I have studied the Lakeland Church movement associated with heretic and apostate Todd Bentley and of Kundalini Spirit worship (video at the end of this page). I have looked at the Brownsville Revival also known as the Pensacola Outpouring and have spoken to participants of that ‘revival’, which was later exposed by various news sources as fraught with misinformation, deceit, controversy and alleged fraud.

The Bible is clear that any person who claims to have ‘special revelations’ and claims to speak on behalf of the Bible and of God, can NEVER join, affiliate or participate in anything such as the bizarre and non-Biblical behaviors at the Lakeland revival and Brownsville revivals, such as ‘golden dust’, ‘angel wings’, ‘kundalini’, ‘barking like dogs, laughing uncontrollably, shaking violently, howling, rolling on the ground’, and have any credibility of discernment or to have any prophetic abilities.

Here are some links to these questionable ‘religious movements’ and denominations.

The Charismatic movement.

What is the New Apostolic Reformation.

What is the Word of Faith movement.

Teachers, preachers, members and adherents of these aforementioned movements claim to have special revelations through dreams and thoughts and interpret these dreams as having special Extra-Biblical relevance. They connect their dreams to scriptures and call them prophecies, thereby effectively ADDING TO SCRIPTURES.

(NOTE:  Matthew 5:18-19, warns, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Revelation 22:18-19, warns, ”I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;  and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”)

The Bible is clear that we are to avoid such practices.

My Conclusion:  YOU SHOULD AVOID THESE BELIEF SYSTEMS, TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES because they are of men, many with dubious associations, practices and bizarre, nonsensical non-biblical beliefs.

(To my friends in the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches:  I know there are good and faithful pastors and Christians in these churches. I am in no way criticizing the Church, the Bride of Christ or all of you. I am criticizing and condemning any errant sprits and denominational deviations from the plain Word of the Bible. I do believe you know if I am talking about you, and you know those you should remove from your midst; adhere faithfully and closely to the written, revealed Word of God.)

Put your trust in

1. “Scripture alone”, Sola scriptura:
   2. “Faith alone”, Sola fide:
   3. “Grace alone”, Sola gratia:
   4. “Christ alone”, Solo Christo:
   5. “To the glory of God alone”, Soli Deo gloria:

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

This is the warning: “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many”, Matthew 24:11.

RECOMMENDED:  COVENANT CHURCH NAPLES

PS:  Here is a graphic video on the teaching and practices of the Charismatic and the Word of Faith adherents at the Lakeland Revival and the Brownsville Revival.  These satanic practices spread to other churches and have been practiced by unwitting people.

Links to a Spiritual Gifts Test at the end of this article

 “DO YOU KNOW YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT?”

​Have you ever been asked that question before?

So, do you?  Do you know your Spiritual Gift?  And, if you do know your Spiritual Gift – SO WHAT?

​What I mean is, SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR PRECIOUS GIFT from the Holy Spirit?

​Spiritual gifts, (charismata) are an endowment or extraordinary powers given by the Holy Spirit.

These supernatural graces, are given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit with the purpose of building up the Body of Christ which is The Church and are needed to fulfill the mission of the Church.  Spiritual Gifts enable Christians to serve the Lord and His Church.

Two important Truths have been lost over time, and this loss is rendering God’s Church as less effective in Her mission and, is in fact, soiling His Bride.

Truth #1.  Many in the Church have become grossly “self-serving”.

It is through Spiritual Gifts that God empowers and enables us to serve Him and to serve His Church, which is His Body.  We are, as Christians, to serve the Lord and His Church.

Jesus, Himself, said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”  That is our calling also. ​We are not here to be served, we are here to serve. Call on the Holy Spirit, now, to teach you about His Gifts for you.

​Truth #2.  You and I are The Body of Christ, that is we are “The Church”. 

​We have become accustomed, over the last two millennium (beginning with Constantine) with the idea that we ‘go to church’, but that is impossible in God’s Kingdom and in His economy because we are The Church.

Jesus created His Church, His Body, and made it so the whole Body fits together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Holy Spirit guides us, convict us, defends us and empowers us.

Jesus transformed the practice and attitude of ‘going to church’. He also teaches about not allowing external things to convict or to defend us. We are to depend on and call upon the Holy Spirit for those things.  Jesus has told us that His laws are now written upon our hearts and in our consciences.

We must BE the Body of Christ, The Church, and behave as such, or we simply are not following Jesus.

​No matter what we believe or say or do, we are not a follower of Jesus and we should not call ourselves by His Holy Name, if we are not behaving as Jesus says.

​We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus and called to serve. ​We are God’s church.

Here is a list of the Gifts which God gives His Body.  See if you can find which gift or gifts are yours.  Can you imagine how different things would be in The Church and the world around us if we engaged and used these Gifts, daily?

​Romans 12             1 Corinthians          Corinthians 12       Ephesians 4

Prophecy               Word of wisdom           Apostle                   Apostle
Serving                  Word of knowledge      Prophet                  Prophet
Teaching                Faith                               Teacher                  Evangelist
Exhortation           Gifts of healing             Miracles                 Pastor
Giving                     Miracles                         Kinds of healing   Teacher
Overseer                Prophecy                        Helps
Mercy                     Distinguishing spirits  Administration
Tongues                 Tongues
Interpretation of tongues

​Sometimes, Spiritual Gifts are mistakenly considered to be a natural talent or a person’s proclivity, a natural inclination.  Natural talents can mimic Gifts of the Holy Spirit, but, they will never accomplish God’s purposes effectively.

Please remember, these are not natural talents.  These are supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Here is a more detailed description and function of the Gifts.

Apostle:   The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”.  It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land.  Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel. (There is no passage in the Bible saying this gift was temporary nor that is has ceased)

Prophet: In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11).  The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something that God spontaneously brings to your mind”.

Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).

​Evangelist:   An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.

Pastor:   This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”.  Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.

(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.

​During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)

Teacher:  Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.

Service: The word translated as “ministry” is diakonia, which can also be translated “service”.  Since there are many types of ministries and service to the Church, this then describes a broad array of gifts rather than a single gift.

Exhortation: The ability to motivate Christians “to patient endurance, brotherly love, and good works”.

Giving: Those with this gift share their own possessions with others with extraordinary generosity. While all Christians should be givers, those possessing this gift will go beyond this normal giving.

Overseeing:  This gift speaks to the various roles found in the Church. While many think of roles such as administration, management of funds, strategy planning, etc. as functions outside of the supernatural realm, in reality individuals in these positions are just as in need of supernatural empowerment as are ministers of the gospel.  This is sometimes inappropriately called ‘leadership’.

Mercy:  Possibly identical to the gift of helps, the mercy-shower possesses a ministry of visitation, prayer, and compassion to the poor and sick.

​Word of wisdom:   An utterance or message of wisdom supernaturally granted to an individual. For Paul, wisdom refers to “the knowledge of the great Christian mysteries: the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ, and the indwelling in the believer of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 1:17)”.

​Word of knowledge: The knowledge referred to is often said to relate to understanding Christian doctrine or scriptural truth.  It is sometimes said to be connected with the ministry of teachers.

Faith:  This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19–20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”.  It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.

Gifts of healing:  The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.

​Working of miracles: The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Visions. An outpouring of this gift is prophesied in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 and is expected to increase and be of great value in the “last days”.

Discerning of spirits:  The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation—whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit. It seemed to have been particularly associated with prophecy as it would be necessary to know whether a prophetic utterance was truly inspired by God.

​Tongues:  The supernatural ability of speaking an unlearned language.  Paul seems to have distinguished between the public use of the gift (which must always be interpreted) and the private use which was for the spiritual strengthening of oneself.

​(Among Christians there is a discussion as to whether tongues were/are always xenoglossy, which is speaking an unlearned human language, or whether it also included/includes glossolalia, which is speaking an unlearned and allegedly non-human language of heavenly or angelic origin).

Interpretation of tongues:  This gift always follows the public exercise of the gift of tongues.

(In 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul required that all speech in Christian worship should be intelligible. This required that speech given in an unknown tongue be interpreted in the common language of the gathered Christians.)

​Helps:  This gift has to do with service to the sick and the poor.   Possessor of this gift has a “spiritual burden and a God-given love for the needy and afflicted”.

Administration:   Also called the gift of governing, the Greek word translated “governments” is kubernesis, the verb form of which means “to steer” or “to be a helmsman”. This gift then refers to the God-given capacity to oversee or guide the Church through storms and difficult seas.

(NOTE:  Many versions of the Bible and many theologians and bible teachers say the word “leader” or “leadership” is a Spiritual gift.  That is a misunderstanding of the correct word and intention of the word “overseer”. )

I pray that you will consider the Gifts God has given you and how you can serve His Church and affect the world around you as we make ready for His return.

​There are many places you can find and take a Spiritual Gifts test for the purpose of applying what God has so graciously and generously given you.  Here are just two of such web sites:

​Click this text-link for a Spiritual gifts test from an external site​

Or, you can click on this image to take a the test here, and grade it yourself.

Your Friend and Brother, Together, In His Service.

​Mike Young