Anita and I spent Monday and Tuesday at a two-day pastor’s conference in Grand Rapids, MI. We heard a speaker there by the name of Bob Hazlett that ministered on the topic of spiritual gifts. We went a little skeptical (not that we don’t believe in spiritual gifts, but because people who focus on the gifts exclusively usually end up out of balance and a little “flakey”). But we were impressed with his accuracy, tact, and focus upon the word.

On the long, dark, rainy drive home late Tuesday night we talked about the topic. Here are some of my thoughts:

Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths (Matthew 13:34). The Old Testament is about God the Father setting patterns for believers to follow (1 Corinthians 10:11). It is obvious the dead being raised, lame walking, blind hearing, and deaf hearing, are a pattern of what would happen in the spiritual lives of men and women, not the physical (otherwise, the only people who can be saved are sick or injured people). And those things do happen today in the spiritual lives of all who believe.

Yet, we cannot deny that many physical healings followed Jesus’ ministry. And Jesus said we would do greater works than He did (John 14:12). Mark clearly predicted that these signs would follow those who believe (Mark 16:17-18).

So, we cannot focus entirely on one without the other. There must be a balance.

What thoughts do you have regarding spiritual gifts in the church today?

Tags: healing, spiritual gifts