It is important in understanding the Church epistles that as Christians we know what God has enabled us to do in the spirit.

Some of the benefits God made available through Christ were by definition unavailable before Christ.

Some of the things available to us are less conditional than before Christ.

Regardless, all things in the Spiritual realm are spiritual. When they are interactive with the realm of the physical, there are effects.

While we cannot see the spiritual agents, we can see the effect the interaction the spiritual has with the physical.

This effect is called "the manifestation of the spirit."

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."

I Corinthians 12:1

"Spiritual gifts" is the word "pnuematikos" in the Greek texts, and it means "spiritual matters." In the King James, the word "gifts" is in Italics, meaning it was added by the translators to make more sense, since they did not understand the nuances of "pnuematikos" when it was translated.

We are not to be ignorant of "spiritual matters." The next three chapters will enlighten us as to some "spiritual matters."

"Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."

I Corinthians 12:2-3

No man that speaks in the name of the true God will defame and vilify Jesus.

Some say that there are many ways to God: there is only one, Jesus Christ. He has to become your Lord.

"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."

I Corinthians 12:1-7

God's gifts may each have different nuances. But it is one spirit behind each.

Also, the way Israel received blessings was different in form than the way the Church today may.

But all count Jesus as Lord, the Jews looking to his first coming, we to his second.

Also each time the power of God reveals itself, it may be for a different effect. One time, a man may be healed, another time, waters may part. But the same God operates each display.

Also keep in mind there are nine effects of spirit, nine ways people can profit, nine aspects of "making it shine."

"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

"To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

"To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

I Corinthians 12:7-11

These are a list of the different ways spirit displays itself in the natural realm when it interacts within Man's world.

Of course, there is a spiritual war. So there are counterfeit variations on all these effects.

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

II Thessalonians 2:9-10

But in this study, we shall concentrate on manifestations of spirit as it applies to the believer, rather than to the counterfeit. Learn the genuine and the counterfeit will be more obvious.

Tools For Worship

There are three categories of the manifestation of spirit that are profitable for our worship.

Some have called these the "worship manifestations," although individually they are called ways to "profit withal," and not "manifestations" per se. After all, we each have the same gift, and these are but manifestations of that gift.

How do we utilize them?

First, speaking in tongues is for the individual's prayer life.

"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

"Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

"For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."

I Corinthians 14:15-17

"I will pray with the spirit," Paul recorded. He did the speaking just as holy men did the actual moving when moved by the Holy Ghost. Want to speak? Want to edify? Then just do it.

The words will be there when you start.

Not before, not even just before, but start spewing them out, the words will be there.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Ephesians 6:18

Again, as individuals, we are told to pray with all "prayer and supplication in the Spirit," and prayer in spirit is speaking in tongues. Once you realize this is how it is defined Scripturally, you will begin to see how often speaking in tongues is referred to in the Bible.

Secondly, from the section of Scripture in I Corinthians, 14:15-17, we see that interpretation of tongues is for the gathered believers, that the gathering may say "amen" at one's giving of thanks. And again, it is the speaker that operates the interpretation.

Third, prophesy is a message of comfort, edification, and exhortation to continue in doing God's will, and again, is given as the speaker trusts the spirit given by God will provide the right words of edification, exhortation, and comfort.

"I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

I Corinthians 14:5

We are to speak in tongues, but "rather" to prophesy.

The word "rather" is a poor and generally discredited translation. Young's reveals it to be the word "mallon," which really means "more."

We are not only to speak in tongues, we are to "more" prophesy.

In other words, we are to do both, but in this particular context which is when we are in Church, with emphasis upon the prophesy.

Tongues

Speaking in tongues is giving thanks well, it is intercession for God's people, it is speaking the wonderful works of God. These are only a few of tongue's characteristics and benefits.

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"

I Corinthians 14:18

Paul wasn't thankful and boastful that he spoke in tongues more than all of them. Speaking in tongues itself was the way Paul thanked God, and he set an example in that he did it more.

"Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

"For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"

I Corinthians 14:16-18

See? It was how he blessed with the spirit, it was how they were to "give thanks well." In Acts,

"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

"And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

"And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

"Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

"Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

"Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."

Acts 2:6-11

Yes, speaking the wonderful works of God. Prayer often mentions God’s works, and tongues is prayer done right.

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

Romans 8:26-27

You see? We do not always see the needs in others lives. Tongues solidifies the gaps in our prayer life: it's the guided missile of prayer!

Tongues with Interpretation

In the Church, tongues needs to be interpreted so that all may benefit.

When we are by ourselves, or speaking silently with only lip movement and no sound, tongues is great prayer.

But how can another join me in my request if he or she knows not what I pray for?

"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

"But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God."

I Corinthians 14:27-28

Anyone who believes may interpret. But if there be "no interpreter," the texts reads "one who interprets not," let that particular man be silent.

Each one who speaks is the one who we are told to "let one interpret." Each of the one, two or three speaks in tongues, and since it is "by course," as each speaks in tongues, we "let one," that same one, interpret.

"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

"I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

I Corinthians 14:4-5

"Rather" is again "more:" "more" that he prophesied, for greater is he...except he interpret."

When the tongues is interpreted, then the whole church receives edifying.

Are we given a choice whether to speak in tongues or prophesy?

The Kings James reads so, but actually, we are told to speak in tongues, yes, but more to prophesy.

We are to do both but desire more to prophesy.

We are still to speak in tongues, and interpret, in the Church.

"Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."

I Corinthians 14:12

Does speaking in tongues when we interpret edify the Church? Yes.

Then we are told to seek it.

"Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret."

I Corinthians 14:13

Who does the interpreting? The speaker.

Then we are not to pray that we are ABLE to interpret, we are to pray TO THE END THAT (then, after speaking,) we will interpret that prayer we have just spoken in a tongue.

"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

"Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

"For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."

I Corinthians 14:12-17

So just as the tongues will be there at the very moment we act, so will the interpretation while in the Church.

Speak in tongues and it will be there.

Interpret in the church and it will be there, a thanksgiving and prayer all may say "Amen" at.

Seek then the edifying of the Church.

This manifesting by interpretation is not the ability to translate foreign language speakers any more than tongues is a knack for learning foreign languages.

It is the ability to speak out the interpretation in your own, understood language the very prayer you have just spoken in an unknown tongue. It is to be done with other believers that the Church receives edification.

Prophesy

Prophesy is towards the edification of the Body of Christ. "Edification" means "to build up," from the Greek "oikonomia," "building."

"Prophesy" refers either to the inspired telling forth of words of exhortation ("Do the will of God," "Know God is with you always,") or "foretelling." ("Thou hast done well, therefore thy seed shall be blessed.")

Whenever "prophesy" is used in Scripture, it may refer to either "forthtelling," or "foretelling."

In I Corinthians, "prophesy" seems to emphasize the former.

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

"I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

I Corinthians 14:3-5

Tongues, which is prayer to God, edifies. Prophesy, however, in the fellowship, is generally a message to people from God or about God that edifies, but also comforts and exhorts the listening believers.

"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe."

I Corinthians 14:22

In the Church, tongues is a sign to unbelievers: "Wow, what was that!?"

But to the instructed and obedient believer, prophesy is received with existing faith. It serves them to this end.

"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

"If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

"For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

"And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

I Corinthians 14:29-33

In order, one by one and at by most three, this is how prophesy in the Church is to be used.

As with tongues and interpretation of tongues, it is the man or woman that does the speaking.

Unsure of what to say? Don't be. Simply trust God that the message of edification, exhortation and comfort will be there.

And do it decently and in order, for God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace.

Tools for Revelation

There are three ways to profit with these workings of spirit. All entail revelation from the spiritual to the natural.

Word of Knowledge is spirit revealing to you facts and information you had no way of knowing for yourself.

"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

John 16:12-13

Word of Wisdom works much the same way, and always regards what course of action you should or should not take. Word of Wisdom answers the question, "What do I do now, Lord?"

Discerning of Spirit reveals information as to the possible presence and nature of spirit beings, and again, comes about from revelation of that which cannot be known to you via your senses.

These operations are used more frequently in ministering than for the "hermit Christian" who avoids such service.

"And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

"Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

II Corinthians 3:4-6

In this ministering, God is our sufficiency just as He was Paul's.

These workings of spirit, these revelations, come by communication from God, and are manifested in such phenomenon as "moved by the pneuma hagion," and "visions," appearance of angels (angels are spirit), and the hearing of messages from God.

"It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

"And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

"How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

"Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities."

II Corinthians 12:1-5

In this case, even Paul was not sure whether this fellow was given a vision. ("Out of body," since it would be like spiritual cinema, like Peter being groomed to go see Cornelius,) or really brought to the events ("in body," since what the man was seeing would be at the actual event.)

Paul's pointing out that the ways God has of revealing truth are varied.

He knew God showed this man something, but was unsure himself the mechanics of it.

And how we often limit God in our lives by trying to say "He has to do it for us the way He did it for So-and-so!"

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

"And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

"And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

"He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

"And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

"And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa."

Acts 10:1-7

God sent an angel to the not yet saved Cornelius. But at the other end of the spectrum, Peter, having the gift of pnuema hagion, was shown a vision by "the Spirit."

"On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

"And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

"And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

"Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

"And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

"But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

"This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

"Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,"

Acts 9:9-17

As during the manifestations of tongues, interpretation, and prophesy, revelation can also come from inspiration while in the act of speaking.

"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

"And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb."

Luke 1:41-42

Whichever way God chooses to show a person, it will never ever contradict the written Scriptures. For, God does not lie.

Word of Knowledge

Word of Knowledge is basically any information revealed to you spiritually, often one you had no way of knowing via your memory or five senses.

"Knowledge" is the Greek word "gnosis." It is similar in meaning to the knowledge one might get from a textbook, connoting "raw fact and information."

Generally this "raw information" is in reference to the truths regarding spiritual realities.

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"

Phillipians 3:8

Word of Wisdom

What should you do in any situation? Often the right course of words and action is not obvious. Thus, because you trust God, you are spiritually informed as to what course of action you should take.

Wisdom is "sophia" in the Greek, and means "skill" or "savvy."

If Word of Knowledge is information, Word of Wisdom is the inspired action of the believer, acting in an inspired way.

It may be the laying on of hands, or the stretching forth of the same to another human being.

It may be the urge to turn right when one otherwise would have turned left.

Received verbally rather than inspired, it would be the angel telling the Centurian to send men to Joppa, or the Lord (Jesus) telling Annanias to go to the street called Straight.

Wisdom from the spiritual is to come from God.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

"For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

James 1:5-6

Just remember to expect the grace of God once you've asked for it.

Discerning of Spirit

What is occurring in the spiritual realm around you? Discerning means "judgment." This revelation tool allows you an "eye" for the presence or lack of spirit beings, or the presence of sonship in a person, and if there are spiritual beings present, it may be revealed to you of what nature they are, whether of God or of this world.

"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

"Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

"But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

"Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

"And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"

Acts 13:4-10

How did Paul know these things? Was he guessing? Was it revealed in Scripture and verse that told him Elymas was a "child of the devil?"

No. These were the hidden things of Elymas, his secret spiritual influences, but it was revealed to Paul through knowledge and discerning of spirit.

And were just one of the nine workings of spirit used here? No. The whole account reveals revelation and miracles as well. Remember also, Paul prayed much in the spirit, by speaking in tongues. The workings of spirit often show up together and intermesh.

There are nine distinct ways of showing spiritual activity, but only one spirit, like a car. Press the gas, the car can go forward. Play with the shift, it will go backward. Turn the wheel and it turns. Push a button, blare a horn, turn a knob, play a radio. But one car does it all.

You have the measure of faith, you are blessed with all spiritual blessings, you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.

Tools of Power

"These signs shall follow those which believe" is as true today as when it was first spoken. You need faith, believing and trusting God's promises to come to pass.

"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Mark 9:24

Faith appropriates the promises of God, and you can tap into as much faith as you need. And when you busy yourselves caring for God's people according to His way and His power, He is your sufficiency.

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Mark 16:17-18

Signs follow believers, not the doubters, not the apathetic.

Miracles occur when such a promise overrides natural laws. Does a rocket contradict gravity? Not really, it simply overpowers it. So it is with spiritual power. Spiritual power does not contradict natural laws. It simply overpowers them.  

"And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

"And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

"Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

"And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."

Acts 9:37-41

It was impossible for Tabitha to arise, it was against natural law, because her body had broken down, and she was dead.

God's power did not go against natural law, it simply superseded it, the way a rotating blade on the helicopter supercedes gravity.

Gravity still exists. Tabitha was still broken. God simply overcame the natural power of death with His greater power and fixed her.

Healings are a specific miracle that each time bring a personal deliverance to someone in particular, thus each time it is called a "gift" because it is for that particular person.

Faith

We have at our disposal the measure of faith, of believing, the very faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. As in, "Lord, I believe, help thou me mine unbelief."

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

What is faith?

It involvess trust. It is expecting the Word of God to be true, and acting accordingly.

"And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."

Matthew 13:57-58

Not even Jesus was able to help these people, not because of his lack of faith, but theirs. However, we have at our disposal the faith of Jesus himself.

"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."

Romans 12:3

The word "faith" here is "pistis," often translated "believing," and we are told we have available the measure thereof.

Not a portion, but the measure.

It is then our choice how much to appropriate, so to speak, and to be strong or weak therein.

We shall soon see how this is done.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Galations 2:20

See? Our life we live not in our own faith, but that of Jesus Christ.

We can put on his trust, his faithful expectation of the Scripture's being truth.

And we can even have a say in how strong we are in this faith.

No, it is not "our faith," "our believing" that does the work. Our faith will not suddenly "force God" to do something.

But God has already said what He will do, what His power, what His will shall accomplish, when we agree with Him in our lives.

Certain things He will do, we cannot stop Him or help Him. But certain things He will not do until we agree with Him to see it done. His will is we are in health and prosper. When we accept this we will be blessed.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Romans 10:17

To become strong in faith, we are to become strong in the Word of faith, that is, the Word of God, the scriptures that were delivered to us for our doctrine.

Miracles

God is not limited in what He can do, other than His self-imposed limitations of order, truth, and committed promises of action.

When the Scriptures say "nothing shall be called impossible with God," the word "impossible" means "not able," and the context is in fulfilling His promises.

Can God make a rock to big for Him to lift? That's not at all the type of ability this refers to. The biggest Rock God created was Jesus, and God raised him from the dead and lifted him into the heavens.

But God has whatever power is required to keep His promises to us.

"And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible."

Luke 1:36-37

Gifts of Healings

Even today, the lame can walk, the deaf hear, the blind see.

God does not change, and He can do the same works he always did.

The wonder is not that an almighty God can still do such things: He is always willing, and Jesus is willing, and God's true ministers are willing.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

I Timothy 2:1-4

It is God's will for all men to be saved, rescued or made whole in every way. And God does not change.

But He also refuses to enforce His goodness on Man. That would be tyranny, however benign, and God is no tyrant.

"When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

"And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

"And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."

Matthew 8:1-3

Jesus also wants all to be whole, but this requires that men, women, and children trust the promises of God. Jesus, though Lord of all of God’s creation, also is no tyrant.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

III John 2

John, the servant of Jesus Christ, took the nature of his Master, and likewise would that God's people be in health.

And the promise of God is that believers can be healed.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

I Peter 2:24

Not, "by whose stripes ye might be healed," but, "were healed."

The healing is for all Christians who claim it.

The tragedy is that so many are talked out of such great deliverance. It is up to us to be willing, and up to each individual to be willing to believe.

What then convinces the believer that the promises of God won't come to pass?

Unbelief.

And there are two kinds of unbelief.

One is simple doubt, the lack of believing. The unbelief that caused Jesus to not perform many miracles was "apistia," the lack of trust. They failed to trust God, trusting in their own judgment instead, and thus when Jesus himself was among them, they failed to be rescued, to be made whole.

"And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."

Matthew 13:57-58

This type of unbelief, of doubt, clings to any excuse whatsoever to not trust the Word of God.

"Jesus can't be a prophet, he's a bastard son of Joseph."

"That word can't be true, too many people refute it."

"I'm just me: I can't believe God cares for me."

“Science is the only thing that can be proven.”

“Why hasn’t anybody I know seen these things?”

How do we overcome this type of unbelief? By the Word of God. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word.

To "hear" literally means "to act on." So when we receive we are to act, we are to put it to the test.

Does the Word say to accept the truth of its message? Then do it.

Does the Word say to pray? To speak the gospel to others? To be kind and generous, and forgiving? Does the Word say to let God's will be our guide?

Then those are things that will help us appropriate faith, as are walking with all the workings of the spirit.

The other main type of unbelief is "apathia," from which we get our word "apathy."

"For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

"Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all."

Romans 11:30-32

And all men start off in apathy toward God and His word.

How is this overcome?

"Apathy" has as a characteristic a lack of concern.

Love, the love of God, cures this lack.

The love of God energizes faith, and overcomes unbelief.

"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

Galations 5:6

And how do we assure ourselves to walk in the love of God?

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

I John 2:3-6

By doing what He asks of us, and by walking in love to others.

That is our job, to find out as close as we may how to please Him as He asks.

For He is God, and He is good, and He is worthy of all our faith, trust, love, and obedience. In pleasing Him, we bring only good things to pass in our lives and in the lives of those who walk with us.

And in these things we bring to pass the edification of the body of Christ, the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

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