The Apostle Paul writes to the church in I Corinthians 12….Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences in ministry, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who speaks all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. God is not a respecter of persons. He does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He does not call the equipped, He equips the called. He does not call the prepared, He prepares those He calls. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.
He gives to one the word of wisdom, wise advice through the Spirit. To another the word of knowledge, familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, through the same Spirit. To another faith, or belief in God’s word, by the same Spirit. To another, the gift of healings is the supernatural power of God to make healthy or sound again, by the same Spirit. To another gave He the working of miracles; are highly improbable or extraordinary events, developments, or accomplishments that bring very welcome accomplishments.
To another prophecy, or to say that a specified thing will happen in the future to edify, exhort, or comfort. To another discerning of spirits, or the ability to know whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.
To another, different kinds of tongues or various kinds of unknown tongues, or languages. To another the interpretation, or able to tell what these tongues or languages mean.
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. But God has set the members, each one of them in the body as He pleased. God has appointed these in the church; first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Of course not, but earnestly desire the best and most helpful gifts are in operation to meet the needs of God’s people. For, in fact, the body is not one member but many. By one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body. If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. If one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy!
By Dr. Stella Spicer Davis
Founder