Welcome to Hank’s Place –
I have been sharing in these recent episodes on the importance of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is an inward action by which we are born again. There is an outward directed action by which we are equipped for service in the Body and empowerment to share the Gospel with the world. These Holy Spirit gifts are from the age to come. Hebrews 6:4-5.
They are listed or referred to in several places in Scripture. Romans 12, 2 places in 1 Corinthians 12, in Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. Just what they are and how they work and their validity for today have numerous understandings. I believe all are valid until Jesus returns for us!
Some seem to be positions within the church, perhaps a church ‘office,’ like pastor or teacher as given in Ephesians 4. Others are much like a talent or ability such as giving or serving as listed in Romans 12. And then there are those that are clearly supernatural impartations, like the working of miracles. That’s 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
Do these lists imply a church hierarchy with leaders ranked in various levels of authority? Some believe so. Things can get messy as people ask themselves the same question the early apostles did while walking with Jesus, “who is the greatest?” Do you remember His reply?
I like the way 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the SAME Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the SAME Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the SAME God who works all in all.” The gifts are diverse, the ministries and the activities are different, but ALL are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
We are one body, joined together and in union with our head, Jesus Christ. We see gifted people as God’s gifts to the church, not its overseers but its servants.
Our focus here at Hank’s Place is on the powerful grace gifts of the Holy Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Paul refers to them as manifestations of the Spirit given to His body. To individuals. Like you. Like me. They are supernatural. They are from heaven.
My friend, can you believe the Holy Spirit desires to manifest Himself THROUGH YOU? To help others, even yourself? To destroy the works of the devil and build up the body of Christ? It’s true!
Upcoming we’ll share these 9 incredible manifestations of the Spirit. I want to see YOU equipped for treading upon serpents and scorpions, destroying enemy strongholds, armed with God’s weapons of righteousness.
Whatever your gifts, your anointing, whatever your place in the body of Christ, know it is by the grace of God. And He has done this that many, through YOU may — COME ALIVE!
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