6.2. THE DOING GIFTS

Aaron Linford, a well-known Pentecostal writer, wrote this excellent explanation of the gift of faith. "For one brief, mighty moment, the absolute confidence that God has in His own word, is granted to the anointed servant of God; in that moment he is invincible, master of the situation, sharer of the divine sovereignty. Paul calls this "all faith". (1 Corinthians 13:2 ). A fitting term for that absolute confidence that, if need be, can move literal mountains, that is, perform feats of tremendous energy in the material world."

For further explanation and understanding of the gift of faith here are a few Scripture examples of the gift in operation. This gift operating through Peter raised dead Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42 ). This gift operating through Elijah sustained him and the widow and her son in famine (1 Kings 17:9,14-16 ). The gift of faith stopped the mouths of lions (Hebrews 11:33 ). Paul, facing shipwreck, was cheerful and confident and assured of no loss of life by this gift (Acts 27:22 ). This supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit is part of God's equipment for His people today, its operation bringing protection, preservation, confidence and peace in times of danger. The enemy is overcome and victory maintained - demons cast out - the dead raised.

Howard Carter, answering questions from his students at his Hampstead Heath Bible Training School said, "We might say that the "working of miracles" is the demonstration of the power of God by which the laws of nature are altered, suspended or controlled".

Working of miracles are specific acts wrought by God.

Souter comments: "The Greek word for miracles is 'dunamis' in the plural, powerful deeds showing physical power, marvellous works".

Young says, "When Jesus said, 'He that believeth on Me, the works that I do, ye shall do also, and greater works than these shall ye do' (John 14:12 KJV ), Jesus meant precisely literal miracles, works contrary to nature, sudden and unaccountable reversals of the order to which we are accustomed".

Here are just a few of the many Bible examples:

	THE TEN PLAGUES that fell on Egypt before Pharaoh would let Israel go were accomplished by the gift of the "working of miracles" (Exodus chapters 9-12 ).
	SAMSON killed a lion without a weapon - "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him." (Judges 14:5-6 ). There are other recorded occasions when Samson operated in the gift of the "working of miracles".
	ELIJAH demonstrated by the "working of miracles" that Israel's God answers by fire (1 Kings 18:37-39).
	JESUS fed 5 000, besides women and children by the "working of miracles". (Mark 6:36-44 ), and stilled the storm (Matthew 8:23-27 ).

John 14:11 "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." (KJV)

Apostolic ministry was affirmed by the "working of miracles" (Hebrews 2:4 ). The promise of John 14:12 is valid for today. Let expectancy arise, it will not be thwarted. Miracles are needed today to demonstrate God's care for His people. Just as Jesus demonstrated the compassionate and concerned heart of God in feeding 5 000, so by miraculous powers, God will show in difficult times His loving care for His redeemed society in the world. Miracles are included in God's promise for today. Peter quoted some of these prophetic promises from the prophet Joel in Acts 2:17-21, as said by God:

Acts 2:17-21 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (KJV)

In the gift of the "working of miracles" God is shown to be for His people.

The last of the DOING gifts of the Holy Spirit is the GIFTS OF HEALINGS. It is important to take notice of the plurality here. It is not the "gift of healing" but the "GIFTS OF HEALINGS". Three times in 1 Corinthians 12:9,28,30 it is mentioned and in the original both nouns are in the plural.

Elders can expect "gifts of healings" when they obey James 5:14. Apostles in pioneer work can expect "gifts of healings" (Acts 28:9 NKJV). Evangelists can expect "gifts of healings" to be much in evidence in their work (Acts 8:6-7 NKJV). Believers, as they witness for Christ, can expect "gifts of healings" (Mark 16:16-18 NKJV). Members of the body of Christ gathered in His name can expect "gifts of healings" to flow through them (1 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).

These wonderful gifts of healings destroy the works of the devil, and exalt the name of Jesus. Better that people leave the believers' meeting discussing wonderful healings given by the Lord, than our unusual behaviour.