Why a multitude of spiritual gifts are ignored

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#22
If what you say is true, go to the nearest hospital and heal everyone.
I wish cessationists would come up with something original instead of the standard go to the hospitals sarcasm 101 response

someone could just as easily say to the Congo and preach salvation. any takers? certainly everyone thinks salvation is of God? then why isn't everyone saved?

I have wondered why Jesus appeared in the timeline that He did and it is responses such as this one, that create the thought that people are scoffers and look for reasons to avoid doing and or believing what they think THEMSELF incapable of doing

when discussing spiritual gifts, it would behoove the respondents to actually understand the directions regarding same

1. who gives the gift?

2. who is healing?

3. did everyone receive healing in scripture?

4. what would be the result of healing everyone in a hospital? and if you think it would be everyone would believe in God, then think again and read the results of both healing and other miracles in scripture.

why would God provide healing for all? why not eternal life for all?

when you respond with 'if' you are throwing out a challenge and think you are having a 'gotcha' moment

when you say 'if' and 'then' you are accusing the one you are talking to, that they do not believe what they say themself

when you tell the person to go and do the healing, you demonstrate that you have not received a proper understanding of the gifts, how they work, how they are given

on one hand you despise faith healers because they make a public show of healing and on the other hand you tell someone to go and do the same
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#23
There is a big difference between "healing miracles" as direct answers to prayer (or even simply by God's grace) and the gift of healers. If the gift of healers was current, every church (even the non-charismatic) would have at least one healer. And the healers would simply go to the hospitals and apply their gifts. The fact is that there are no healers and faith healers are generally charlatans. But God does heal people all the time.
well you can' have it both ways

God heals both ways

and elders are also to pray

I am not of WOF believe that if you believe hard enough you will be healed

neither is God
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#24
is it me, or has the reason the op mentions in the title, the WHY of supposedly ignoring 'other' spiritual gifts been explained?

for the record, I certainly do not ignore the other gifts. and besides tongues, have experienced several of them

thing is, around here if there is even a slight mention of tongues, opposition reigns down engendering a defense and an attempt at explanation is offered and met with scoffing and twisting of both what posters write and worse, scripture itself

and now it appears we have ignored everything else

so, why is that again? :unsure:
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
13,797
113
#25
If what you say is true, go to the nearest hospital and heal everyone.
What is your take on Matthew 13:57-8?

57 And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
 
U

UnderGrace

Guest
#26
Modern Redacted Version......the word redacted is idea is being thrown around a lot.....It is rather silly to state "redacted" version since this in writing circles refers to the process a manuscript goes through to prepare it for and prior to publication as a way of correcting, revising or protecting sensitive private information.

A more appropriate title could be Modern Abridged Version if it were in fact true.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#27
on one hand you despise faith healers because they make a public show of healing and on the other hand you tell someone to go and do the same
You have entirely missed the point.

If the spiritual gift of healing was operational in ALL Christians churches (as would be the case if it was indeed operational) there would be no need for faith healers. Nor for calling of the elders for the prayer for healing. The healers would just go and heal.

Every church (Charismatic or not) would have at least one healer. And why wouldn't they go to the hospitals and heal those in need of healing? Just as evangelists go and preach the Gospel where they are led.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,067
4,349
113
#28
There are at least twenty three spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. Most of them are not even mentioned in discussions about the gifts of the Spirit, because the focus is generally on tongues and healings. Yet all these gifts were given for a very good reason – the building up (edification) of the Body of Christ.

The NT passages regarding spiritual gifts are Mark 16:17-18; Acts 2:1-13; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14; 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9; 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-16; Hebrew 2:1-4; and 1 Peter 4:10-11. When we carefully examine these gifts in the light of Scripture and Church history we find that there are THREE GROUPS of gifts: (1) those which would cease after the completion of Scripture (2) those which would cease after the passing of the apostles and their companions; and (3) those that would remain until the Rapture of the Church.

I. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE BIBLE (1 COR 13:8-10)
1. Prophets or prophecy or prophesying (this is by divine inspiration and revelation)
2. Tongues (speaking unknown languages supernaturally)
3. The interpretation of tongues/languages
4. Supernatural knowledge (called knowledge)


II. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE PASSING OF THE APOSTLES
5. Apostles [there are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, Rev 21:14]
6. Miracles workers (miracles, signs, wonders, mighty deeds)
7. Healers (healings)

II. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE PASSING OF THE APOSTLES




10. Evangelists
11. Pastors
12. Teachers
13. Rulers or ruling or governments (applicable to elders)
14. Ministers (any kind of Christian service/ministry)
15. Helpers (helps)
16. Exhorters (exhortation -- those who encourage others)
17. Liberality (those whose Christian giving is extraordinary)
18. Those who show extraordinary mercy (mercy as a spiritual gift)
19. Those with extraordinary faith (faith as a spiritual gift)
20. Those with words of wisdom (the word of wisdom)
21. Those with words of knowledge (the word of knowledge)
22. Discerning of spirits
23. Casting out of evil spirits and demons (exorcism)


EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS AT LEAST ONE SPIRITUAL GIFT AND THE FAITH TO USE IT
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal... For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith...(1 Cor 12:4-7; Rom 12:3,6)
LOL This was funny

and it was a dig at those of the Pentecostal doctrine too.

I. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE BIBLE (1 COR 13:8-10) wrong uses three verses out of one unit chapter of 1cor 13 when chapter 12 and 14 refutes this understanding.


II. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE PASSING OF THE APOSTLES Unbiblical


III. GIFTS WHICH ARE NOW OPERATIONAL UNTIL THE RAPTURE

LOl
There are at least twenty three spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament. Most of them are not even mentioned in discussions about the gifts of the Spirit, because the focus is generally on tongues and healings. Yet all these gifts were given for a very good reason – the building up (edification) of the Body of Christ.

The NT passages regarding spiritual gifts are Mark 16:17-18; Acts 2:1-13; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14; 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9; 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-16; Hebrew 2:1-4; and 1 Peter 4:10-11. When we carefully examine these gifts in the light of Scripture and Church history we find that there are THREE GROUPS of gifts: (1) those which would cease after the completion of Scripture (2) those which would cease after the passing of the apostles and their companions; and (3) those that would remain until the Rapture of the Church.

I. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE BIBLE (1 COR 13:8-10)
1. Prophets or prophecy or prophesying (this is by divine inspiration and revelation)
2. Tongues (speaking unknown languages supernaturally)
3. The interpretation of tongues/languages
4. Supernatural knowledge (called knowledge)


II. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE PASSING OF THE APOSTLES
5. Apostles [there are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, Rev 21:14]
6. Miracles workers (miracles, signs, wonders, mighty deeds)
7. Healers (healings)
8. Snake handlers (safe from snake venom)
9. Drinkers of poison (safe from being poisoned)


III. GIFTS WHICH ARE NOW OPERATIONAL UNTIL THE RAPTURE
10. Evangelists
11. Pastors
12. Teachers
13. Rulers or ruling or governments (applicable to elders)
14. Ministers (any kind of Christian service/ministry)
15. Helpers (helps)
16. Exhorters (exhortation -- those who encourage others)
17. Liberality (those whose Christian giving is extraordinary)
18. Those who show extraordinary mercy (mercy as a spiritual gift)
19. Those with extraordinary faith (faith as a spiritual gift)
20. Those with words of wisdom (the word of wisdom)
21. Those with words of knowledge (the word of knowledge)
22. Discerning of spirits
23. Casting out of evil spirits and demons (exorcism)


EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS AT LEAST ONE SPIRITUAL GIFT AND THE FAITH TO USE IT
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal... For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith...(1 Cor 12:4-7; Rom 12:3,6)
LOL funny stuff.


II. GIFTS WHICH CEASED AFTER THE PASSING OF THE APOSTLES
5. Apostles [there are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, Rev 21:14]
6. Miracles workers (miracles, signs, wonders, mighty deeds)
7. Healers (healings)
8. Snake handlers (safe from snake venom)
9. Drinkers of poison (safe from being poisoned)


8 & 9 were not gifts LOl they were statements made by the Lord Jesus Christ as to carrying out the Great Commission Nothing will stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
9,635
787
113
#29
There is a big difference between "healing miracles" as direct answers to prayer (or even simply by God's grace) and the gift of healers. If the gift of healers was current, every church (even the non-charismatic) would have at least one healer. And the healers would simply go to the hospitals and apply their gifts. The fact is that there are no healers and faith healers are generally charlatans. But God does heal people all the time.
There is a gift of healing, available to Spirit filled believers who make themselves available; There is the office of a healer, one who is called to healing as a 'career' so to speak.

If you pray for someone - native tongue or otherwise - and they recover, you my friend have worked a gift of healing. I think that may be one of the issues, people think of gifts like healing as some hocus-pocus kind of thing and they're most always not. If a cessationist prays in English (German/French/whatever) for someone to get better and they recover, what part of "they shall lay hands on the sick and they will recover'" didn't just happen? Are we not in prayer 'laying hands' upon each other? We need to remember that God doesn't work with spotlights and video tape, and to acknowledge that yes if you do pray for someone and they do recover, you have just worked a gift whether you call it that or not.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
9,635
787
113
#30
why wouldn't they go to the hospitals and heal those in need of healing? .
Again, quote me one instance where Jesus emptied a hospital.

Healing was never intended to be a health care plan. Everyone who was healed of something went on to die later anyway. One must not confuse healing with immortality; they are NOT the same thing. Not in this realm at least.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
9,635
787
113
#32
What is your take on Matthew 13:57-8?

57 And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
I always like to paraphrase and say He couldn't heal because He couldn't prove He was in-network ;)
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
9,635
787
113
#33
If the spiritual gift of healing was operational in ALL Christians churches (as would be the case if it was indeed operational) there would be no need for faith healers.

Change the word 'operational' to 'accepted', I'm with you on this one 100%.


Nor for calling of the elders for the prayer for healing. Actually that is Biblical, but without the dog and pony show.

The healers would just go and heal... Already covered that part.
 
Apr 15, 2017
2,867
653
113
#34
The fruits of the Spirit surely did not pass away.

Healing, casting out demons, tongues, prophesy, would not pass away for if it was in operation of the early Church, then it would be in operation for the Church until the saints are with Jesus.

1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Charity is greater than faith, and hope, for faith, and hope, are not needed in heaven, for why would you have to have faith, and hope, if you are there, but charity, love in action, will go on forever.

Of all the things we did on earth only love will go on forever, for we do need to heal anyone, do not need to cast out a demon, do not need knowledge of the word of God that applied on earth, do not need to speak in tongues to edify, and give messages to the Church, to not need to prophesy, for all things are the same in heaven forever.

Love is the only thing that will go on out of all the things we done on earth while living for God.

In heaven, do not need faith, for we can see the kingdom, and are with Jesus, do not need hope, for we are in heaven, do not need to heal, do not need to prophesy, for all things go on the same, do not need knowledge of the word God gave us on earth, do not need to speak in tongues to edify us, and the Church, do not need to cast a demon out of someone.

But love will go on forever, for charity never fails.

1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Is this speaking that they will cease back at the time of the early Church, or that these things are not needed when we are in heaven with Jesus, like faith, and hope, and are not needed in heaven.

For how can prophesy fail if there are still prophesies in the Bible that have not come to pass, and people can still prophesy of what God would have them do, and for the Church, and Jesus said the Spirit will show us things to come, as well as guide us in to all truth, which is for all the saints throughout Church history.

And how can healing pass away when that is part of the operation of God, which started with Jesus, and why would God care to heal them back then, but not want to do it today, when people are the same throughout history.

And how can tongues cease if people need edifying the same as those back them, for the nature is still the same in people today like the early Church.

And how can knowledge fail, for God would not want us to forget any of His word of the Bible, even if it is Old Testament, and if it is knowledge that pertains to something good, and God's truth why would it pass away, for that is the only knowledge it would talk about is God's truth, for that cannot pass away.

The Bible says that God makes a new heaven, and a new earth, the New Jerusalem, the place that Jesus went away to prepare, and the former shall not be remembered, nor come to mind.

That means when we are at the New Jerusalem the angels, and saints, will remember nothing prior to that, and will not remember the old earth, and old heaven, for they are associated with sin and rebellion, which Jesus said the former things are passed away, and I make all things new.

So at the New Jerusalem we will not remember any of the word of God, knowledge, that was given us while we were on earth, we will not remember healing, and prophesying, and tongues.

But love will go on forever, and will be the only thing we know of all the things we did on earth.

So is the Bible speaking that those gifts ceased while on earth, or that they will cease when we are in heaven, like faith, and hope, will cease when we are in heaven.
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#35
You have entirely missed the point.

If the spiritual gift of healing was operational in ALL Christians churches (as would be the case if it was indeed operational) there would be no need for faith healers. Nor for calling of the elders for the prayer for healing. The healers would just go and heal.

Every church (Charismatic or not) would have at least one healer. And why wouldn't they go to the hospitals and heal those in need of healing? Just as evangelists go and preach the Gospel where they are led.

did I?

did I miss the point?

you conveniently missed almost my entire post

so here it is again.


I wish cessationists would come up with something original instead of the standard go to the hospitals sarcasm 101 response

someone could just as easily say to the Congo and preach salvation. any takers? certainly everyone thinks salvation is of God? then why isn't everyone saved?

I have wondered why Jesus appeared in the timeline that He did and it is responses such as this one, that create the thought that people are scoffers and look for reasons to avoid doing and or believing what they think THEMSELF incapable of doing

when discussing spiritual gifts, it would behoove the respondents to actually understand the directions regarding same

1. who gives the gift?

2. who is healing?

3. did everyone receive healing in scripture?

4. what would be the result of healing everyone in a hospital? and if you think it would be everyone would believe in God, then think again and read the results of both healing and other miracles in scripture.

why would God provide healing for all? why not eternal life for all?

when you respond with 'if' you are throwing out a challenge and think you are having a 'gotcha' moment

when you say 'if' and 'then' you are accusing the one you are talking to, that they do not believe what they say themself

when you tell the person to go and do the healing, you demonstrate that you have not received a proper understanding of the gifts, how they work, how they are given

on one hand you despise faith healers because they make a public show of healing and on the other hand you tell someone to go and do the same

maybe address the post instead of one sentence you think you have a snappy answer you can respond with
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#37
Again, quote me one instance where Jesus emptied a hospital.
They did not have hospitals in those days as we have. But Jesus healed the equivalent of MANY HOSPITALS in one day, after healing Peter's mother-in-law, before that a centurion's servant, and before that a leper! (Mt 8:16-18). And He healed ALL THAT WERE SICK OR DEMON POSSESSED without exception:
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

"Great multitudes" implies several thousands, just like in the feeding of the four thousand and the five thousand.
 

Didymous

Senior Member
Feb 22, 2018
5,047
2,101
113
#38

iamsoandso

Senior Member
Oct 6, 2011
8,048
1,609
113
#39
I've seen faith healers in person-never despised them. Never seen one on t. v.,.

I believe Jesus is my Lord,,,but out of curiosity if I did not and you spoke to me of Jesus and I believed would you see it as an miracle that God did through you and that I were raised from the dead in the Resurrection?