The Baptism And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

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< > Chapter Five The three gifts of power and demonstration The gift of faith. "pistis" This is third in the list in 1Cor.12v8-10.. It is both the greatest and the most frequently manifested power gift, because it is automatically brought into operation when we pray in love for God's blessing on people. It deals with spiritual forces and realities and man's spiritual condition. The greatest operations of God's power take place through the operation of the gift of faith, because it operates in the unseen spiritual world, and releases heavens armies on our behalf, and restrains satanic opposition. Like all the power gifts, the gift of faith can be brought into operation by the invocation of the Divine names. Faith is the only thing that is mentioned in both the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. There are several different kinds of faith. We must distinguish the gift of faith from other kinds of faith. It is not the faith of a Heathen. The Heathen have the faith to live a normal life; for example, to sow seed, conduct work and business, etc., they know there is a God and a judgement day, Rom.1v18-32., but this is not Christian faith. 2Thes.3v2. It is obviously not a demon's faith. James tells us that demons believe in God and tremble, but they resist God's power, purposes and ministries. They tell men to doubt what they firmly believe. James.2v19. It is not saving faith. Saving faith is miraculous in its effect on the human personality, but it is not in the sphere of the gift of faith. Saving faith is personal faith in Jesus as Saviour; it brings us salvation and forgiveness. Jesus told us to rejoice more over saving faith than over miracle working faith. Lk.10v17-20. All the gifts and blessings that come to us, are the result of this primary gift of salvation in Jesus. Eph.2v8. Rom.6v23. 8v32. 1Cor.8v9. 9v15. The gift of faith is limited to the area of supernatural miraculous power, it is a temporary faith given to produce a specific miracle; whereas, saving faith is a continuous faith, and if we are faithful, an eternal faith, which like God's kingdom, endures forever. The gift of faith is not the fruit of faith. The fruit of faith is the natural growth of the seed of saving faith; it is the extension of our faith in Christ's death, to faith in God in all the other areas of our lives. 1Pet.1v23. Rom.1v17. The fruit of faith mentioned in Gal.5v22., is speaking of both passive and active Christian faith; whereas the gift of faith is speaking only of a special area of active faith, it is an occasional and temporary impartation of the Holy Spirit's faith and power to us, to fulfil a specific purpose of God. The gift of faith needs the fruit of faith and Christian character to sustain it. 1Cor.13v2. The gift of faith, which is an act of spiritual power, needs the basis of the fruit of faith, which is a quality of character. Great spiritual power inevitably brings great stresses and spiritual conflict into a Christian’s life, and this demands some measure of Christian fruit and maturity. The more of the fruit of faith you have, the easier it is to manifest the gift of faith and the other gifts. The fruit of faith is an attitude of mind that trusts God daily in every area of life, and this spiritual frame of mind is essential for a powerful exercise of the gift of faith. Certain manifestations of the gift of faith can only take place through a prayerful, consecrated Christian who is at the peak of spiritual power through prolonged prayer, Bible study and abiding in Christ. Jn.15v7. 14v12-14. Mk.9v20-29. Paul declares in 1Cor.13., that we cannot divorce character from spiritual power without tragic consequences for ourselves and others; those who do so, end up with a shallow ministry of the gifts, or even in complete spiritual shipwreck; like Judas, Balaam, Demas, and some of the Corinthians. The gift of faith is not the prayer of faith. The prayer of faith is a manifestation of the fruit of faith, and the prayer of faith often precedes the operation of the gift of faith, and the other gifts of power. The fruit of faith, the prayer of faith, and the gifts of power, are all vital partners in Christian experience. Elijah's earnest prayers of faith brought into operation the power gifts. We read that Elijah prayed “seven times,” before the rain came in answer to his prayers. 1King.18v41-46. Elders should pray through for the sick, oppressed and depressed, like Elijah prayed for rain. Jam.5v14-18. The difference between personal faith and a faith to minister to others. The Centurion and the Syrophenician woman of Mt.8v10-12. & 15v21-28., both had a great personal faith in Christ, indeed, Christ describes their faith as “great.” Both had a desperation of faith because of a deep concern for one they loved. Both had great faith and great love, but they were not able to meet the needs of their loved ones, it took Christ's faith and the gifts of the Spirit that were manifested through Him to meet their need. It is one thing to believe that God will meet your needs, or other's needs, but another thing to have the spiritual ability or faith to take or receive from God, the power to meet those needs. It takes even more faith, and a Divine call, to believe that God will give you the regular exercise of His power and love to meet other's needs. In Heb.11., we have a catalogue of the three kinds of godly faith; saving faith, the fruit of faith, and the gift of faith, it speaks of faith in general, and shows us the three kinds of faith that please God. Heb.11v6. The gift of faith is not to be confused with the workings of miracles. The gift of faith deals with the spiritual realm and areas where faith is necessary to see, it gives authority and power in the spiritual realm. Workings of miracles give authority and power over our material environment and material things. The gift of faith does not remove a Christian from spiritual conflict. When Jesus received the authority to manifest the gifts of power, Satan made a violent attack upon Him. Mt.4v1-11. While the power gifts operate, we are full of God's faith through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but as soon as this anointing has gone we can have a great spiritual conflict. The supernatural extension of faith that comes with the power gifts is usually of a temporary nature, and we are not immune from fear, failure or doubt, after even the greatest manifestations of God's power, as the stories of Elijah and Peter demonstrate. 1Kings.18v37-46. 19v1-18. We always need the grace of God and the fellowship of other Christians. Acts.28v14,15. 1Cor.12v12-25. The gift of faith often works in co-ordination with the gifts of revelation. The gift of faith and a discerning of spirits often operate together, for both deal with the spiritual world. The gift of faith is often needed to bring to pass the purposes of God revealed by a word of wisdom, or the needs revealed by a word of knowledge. The gift of faith is certainly not a ceremony, ritual, or mere pretension. We can go through all the motions, and say all the right words or prayers, when praying for a person and impart absolutely nothing to them, and as a result diminishes their faith in God and His promise. In the same way a person can be excommunicated in the name of God, when God has had nothing to do with it, and has in fact considered the excommunication a sin. Jn.9v32-41. 16v1-4. Gen.12v3. A DEFINITION OF THE GIFT OF FAITH. The gift of faith is not natural faith, saving faith, the fruit of faith, or even the prayer of faith; it is an act of Divine power. It is a supernatural confidence and power imparted by the Holy Spirit to meet a specific need. It is the operation of God's power in the spiritual realm, upon angels and men. It is not my faith struggling, it is God's faith and power working through me; it is an outshining of the indwelling Holy Spirit's faith and power. It is God's faith poured into our souls. It is the pure mustard seed fruit of faith impregnated with Divine miracle faith and power. It can bestow blessing and healing comfort to the souls and spirits of needy men and women. It can occasionally be the means of judgement upon determined enemies of God, who harm the children of God. It can enable a child of God to be protected when in danger, and provide for them when in need. It gives a Christian the power to cast out, restrain, and constrain evil spirits. It can defend us from evil angelic foes, and direct good angelic powers to our aid to meet our needs. This gift can enable us to overcome all natural and evil powers that come against us, by delivering us out of, or from, great trials; or by giving us a supernatural faith, strength and comfort, which can overcome all trial, persecution and physical pain. On its higher levels of power and authority, it is the greatest of the power gifts. SOME EXAMPLES AND USES OF THE GIFT OF FAITH. The gift of faith can give Divine protection in danger and persecution. The gift of faith in the areas of protection and provision causes God's power to act on our behalf, rather than as an open demonstration of power through us. The gift of faith will protect a child of God by clothing them with supernatural power, but does not change material things or alter natural law; the workings of miracles protects by altering material things and nature. The enveloping protecting power of God would seem to come within the sphere of the gift of faith. God's power protected Moses from Pharaoh's wrath, Exod.3v10. 7v10. 14v19,20.; Jonah in the whale’s stomach, Jonah.3v4,9.; Samson, and many others, from swords and spears, etc., Judges.15v9-20. 16v1-21. N.B. v20.; Daniel from the lions, and his friends from the fiery furnace, Dan.6v16-23. 3v17,18,25.; Christ from the angry mob from His own town, and from others who tried to kill and arrest Him. Lk.4v29,30. Jn.7v44-46. 10v39. 11v8-10. In Jn.8v58,59., when the Jews tried to stone Jesus, we read, “Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” God either made Jesus invisible, or took Him outside of time; these operations come within the scope of the gift of faith. Gen.19v11. When the apostles were set free from prison by an angel, what we would call several gifts were operated through the one angel. Remember, it is the operation, and not mere definition of the gifts, that is of prime importance. Acts.5v17-26. 12v1-11. The gift of faith can give Divine comfort, strength and peace in persecution and need. In Heb.11v35-39., we read of those who were miraculously upheld by God in times of persecution, trial and need. God does not always deliver us from trials, but He always upholds us in them by His power and grace, as He did Stephen. Acts.6v15. 7v54-60. James reminds us of the patience in sufferings of the prophets, Job, and the Lord Jesus, God upheld them all. James.5v10,11. Lk.9v27-36. 22v42-44. The gift of faith can meet our material needs. Some think that Elijah being fed by the ravens was a gift of faith; I feel that as God's power operated directly upon the ravens it was a working of miracles. I feel for the same reason that the feeding of Israel by the quails, and the coin in the mouth of the fish, were also workings of miracles. I think that miracles of provision met by human and angelic channels come within the scope of the gift of faith, as in Ps.78v24,25. Lk.8v1-3. and 1Kings19v4-8., and George Muller's orphanages. However, it is foolish to be dogmatic over this, the gifts do fringe upon one another in certain areas, and make definition difficult; the important thing is to enjoy God's miracles of provision, not just define them correctly. The gift of faith can bestow spiritual blessing and comfort. The gift of faith is often manifested in the ministry of the laying on of hands, and in the ministry of the prayer warrior. It can remove wounds, hurts and scars, and bless and change the personality for good. 1Sam.10v6,11. 16v12,13. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Gen.17v27-41. Heb.11v20. Jacob. Gen.47v31. 48v8-28. Heb.11v21. Christ blessed children. Mk.10v13-16. Moses blessed Joshua and the 70 elders. Numb.11v24-29. 27v18-23. Deut.34v9. Exod.18v25. Christ imparted power and authority to the twelve apostles and seventy disciples. Mt.10v1-8. Lk.10v1-24. Acts.13v1-4. 2Kings2v9-14. Even the baptism and gifts of the Spirit can be imparted by the laying on of hands. Acts.14v19. 9v17. 19v1-6. A revival outpouring. Acts.4v23-31. 10v44-48. The gift of faith can bring curses or judgement upon people. This occurred in the Scriptures on a large scale on several occasions, the death of Egypt's first-born, and the boils upon the Egyptians. Ex.9v8-12. 11v1 to 12v36. Elijah bringing fire from Heaven upon men. 2Kings.1v8-16. Gehazi. 2Kings.5v25-27. The New Testament has several cases of judgement through this gift. Acts.5v1-11. 12v1-5,21-24. 13v6-12. 1Cor.5v5. 1Tim.1v20. This gift was only used in judgement at the express command of God, for He loves to restore and bless, not judge. 2Cor.2v1-8. The ministry of Jesus appears to have consisted entirely of mercy gifts; for He came to save and bless, not to judge or to condemn, and so the manifestation of any gift in judgement in this age of grace has been rare. God’s emphasis is upon blessing not cursing. Mt.5v44. Rom.12v14. 1Cor.4v12. Judgement is God's “strange act,” Is.28v21.; however, this age will close with a widespread manifestation of gifts in judgement. Rev.11v5,6. 14v16. Christians never need fear Satanic cursing. There is no enchantment against God’s people. Numb.23v23. Gen.12v3. The gift of faith casts out, and restrains evil spirits. It is difficult to put the casting out of demons under any other gift than the gift of faith, for though Mk.9v38,39., tells us that the casting out of a demon is “an act of power,” every power gift is “an act of power,” it is the area of operation that decides which gift it is. The gift of faith certainly describes best the operation of God's power in the unseen spiritual realm against demons. Jesus sometimes forced demons to give details about themselves, on another occasion He asked details of a relative. Lk.8v30. Mk.9v20-22. We read that some of these demons had caused various sicknesses, such as deafness, blindness, dumbness, madness, and epilepsy. Mt.4v23,24. 8v28-34. 9v32-34. 12v22-24. 15v21-28. 17v14-21. with Mk.9v23. However, demons are NOT the cause of the vast majority of these sicknesses. God puts a hedge about His children so they cannot be possessed by demons. Job.1v9,10. Some Christians are deluded into thinking that they can exorcise evil spirits from a Christian; however, the evil spirits are imaginary. We have to live close to God to exorcise real evil spirits, as even the apostles found out. Lk.9v1,2,37-42. with Mk.9v14-29. Acts.19v11-17.t is often more difficult to set people free from demon inspired doctrines, than it is to deliver them from demons; for people can only be delivered from false doctrine, when they desire to know and follow the truth. Jn.8v32-44. Israel's religious leaders did not want to be delivered from the doctrines that Satan used to captivate their minds. N.B. The gift of faith operates God's unlimited power against the powers of darkness. We read in 2Kings.13v14-19., that Elisha, while on his death bed, subdued the powers of darkness that aided the Syrians for several years, by a remarkable single operation of the gift of faith, when king Joash shot, at Elisha's command, “The arrow of the Lord's deliverance.” Just as Elisha with God took hold of the bow of Joash, so the Holy Spirit takes hold with us against, not only our limitations, but also against the powers of darkness, and as we humble ourselves under God, and take His armoury, and resist the Devil with God's power and gifts, Satan flees from us. Rom.8v26,27. James.4v5-7. The faith and power gifts of Moses took away the evil spiritual defences of the Canaanites, as faithful Caleb said, “they are bread for us, their defence is departed from them.” Numb.14v9. This is why the unseen prayer warrior is usually the real cause of revival. The major attack of the powers of darkness is upon the minds of Christians, but all these attacks can all be dealt with by the fruit and gift of faith, and the Word of God. Christians who have the gift of faith can fight for others, who are too weak to fight for themselves against Satan's lies and power. 2Cor.10v1-5. Let us all earnestly desire this greatest of the gifts of power. < >
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Chapter Five

The three gifts of power and demonstration

The gift of faith. "pistis"

This is third in the list in 1Cor.12v8-10.. It is both the greatest and the most frequently manifested power gift, because it is automatically brought into operation when we pray in love for God's blessing on people. It deals with spiritual forces and realities and man's spiritual condition. The greatest operations of God's power take place through the operation of the gift of faith, because it operates in the unseen spiritual world, and releases heavens armies on our behalf, and restrains satanic opposition. Like all the power gifts, the gift of faith can be brought into operation by the invocation of the Divine names. Faith is the only thing that is mentioned in both the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. There are several different kinds of faith.

We must distinguish the gift of faith from other kinds of faith.
It is not the faith of a Heathen.
The Heathen have the faith to live a normal life; for example, to sow seed, conduct work and business, etc., they know there is a God and a judgement day, Rom.1v18-32., but this is not Christian faith. 2Thes.3v2.

It is obviously not a demon's faith.
James tells us that demons believe in God and tremble, but they resist God's power, purposes and ministries. They tell men to doubt what they firmly believe. James.2v19.

It is not saving faith.
Saving faith is miraculous in its effect on the human personality, but it is not in the sphere of the gift of faith. Saving faith is personal faith in Jesus as Saviour; it brings us salvation and forgiveness. Jesus told us to rejoice more over saving faith than over miracle working faith. Lk.10v17-20. All the gifts and blessings that come to us, are the result of this primary gift of salvation in Jesus. Eph.2v8. Rom.6v23. 8v32. 1Cor.8v9. 9v15. The gift of faith is limited to the area of supernatural miraculous power, it is a temporary faith given to produce a specific miracle; whereas, saving faith is a continuous faith, and if we are faithful, an eternal faith, which like God's kingdom, endures forever.

The gift of faith is not the fruit of faith.
The fruit of faith is the natural growth of the seed of saving faith; it is the extension of our faith in Christ's death, to faith in God in all the other areas of our lives. 1Pet.1v23. Rom.1v17. The fruit of faith mentioned in Gal.5v22., is speaking of both passive and active Christian faith; whereas the gift of faith is speaking only of a special area of active faith, it is an occasional and temporary impartation of the Holy Spirit's faith and power to us, to fulfil a specific purpose of God.

The gift of faith needs the fruit of faith and Christian character to sustain it. 1Cor.13v2. The gift of faith, which is an act of spiritual power, needs the basis of the fruit of faith, which is a quality of character. Great spiritual power inevitably brings great stresses and spiritual conflict into a Christian’s life, and this demands some measure of Christian fruit and maturity. The more of the fruit of faith you have, the easier it is to manifest the gift of faith and the other gifts.

The fruit of faith is an attitude of mind that trusts God daily in every area of life, and this spiritual frame of mind is essential for a powerful exercise of the gift of faith. Certain manifestations of the gift of faith can only take place through a prayerful, consecrated Christian who is at the peak of spiritual power through prolonged prayer, Bible study and abiding in Christ. Jn.15v7. 14v12-14. Mk.9v20-29. Paul declares in 1Cor.13., that we cannot divorce character from spiritual power without tragic consequences for ourselves and others; those who do so, end up with a shallow ministry of the gifts, or even in complete spiritual shipwreck; like Judas, Balaam, Demas, and some of the Corinthians.

The gift of faith is not the prayer of faith.
The prayer of faith is a manifestation of the fruit of faith, and the prayer of faith often precedes the operation of the gift of faith, and the other gifts of power. The fruit of faith, the prayer of faith, and the gifts of power, are all vital partners in Christian experience. Elijah's earnest prayers of faith brought into operation the power gifts. We read that Elijah prayed “seven times,” before the rain came in answer to his prayers. 1King.18v41-46. Elders should pray through for the sick, oppressed and depressed, like Elijah prayed for rain. Jam.5v14-18.

The difference between personal faith and a faith to minister to others.
The Centurion and the Syrophenician woman of Mt.8v10-12. & 15v21-28., both had a great personal faith in Christ, indeed, Christ describes their faith as “great.” Both had a desperation of faith because of a deep concern for one they loved. Both had great faith and great love, but they were not able to meet the needs of their loved ones, it took Christ's faith and the gifts of the Spirit that were manifested through Him to meet their need. It is one thing to believe that God will meet your needs, or other's needs, but another thing to have the spiritual ability or faith to take or receive from God, the power to meet those needs. It takes even more faith, and a Divine call, to believe that God will give you the regular exercise of His power and love to meet other's needs. In Heb.11., we have a catalogue of the three kinds of godly faith; saving faith, the fruit of faith, and the gift of faith, it speaks of faith in general, and shows us the three kinds of faith that please God. Heb.11v6.

The gift of faith is not to be confused with the workings of miracles.
The gift of faith deals with the spiritual realm and areas where faith is necessary to see, it gives authority and power in the spiritual realm. Workings of miracles give authority and power over our material environment and material things.

The gift of faith does not remove a Christian from spiritual conflict.
When Jesus received the authority to manifest the gifts of power, Satan made a violent attack upon Him. Mt.4v1-11. While the power gifts operate, we are full of God's faith through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, but as soon as this anointing has gone we can have a great spiritual conflict. The supernatural extension of faith that comes with the power gifts is usually of a temporary nature, and we are not immune from fear, failure or doubt, after even the greatest manifestations of God's power, as the stories of Elijah and Peter demonstrate. 1Kings.18v37-46. 19v1-18. We always need the grace of God and the fellowship of other Christians. Acts.28v14,15. 1Cor.12v12-25.

The gift of faith often works in co-ordination with the gifts of revelation.
The gift of faith and a discerning of spirits often operate together, for both deal with the spiritual world. The gift of faith is often needed to bring to pass the purposes of God revealed by a word of wisdom, or the needs revealed by a word of knowledge.

The gift of faith is certainly not a ceremony, ritual, or mere pretension.
We can go through all the motions, and say all the right words or prayers, when praying for a person and impart absolutely nothing to them, and as a result diminishes their faith in God and His promise. In the same way a person can be excommunicated in the name of God, when God has had nothing to do with it, and has in fact considered the excommunication a sin. Jn.9v32-41. 16v1-4. Gen.12v3.

A DEFINITION OF THE GIFT OF FAITH.
The gift of faith is not natural faith, saving faith, the fruit of faith, or even the prayer of faith; it is an act of Divine power. It is a supernatural confidence and power imparted by the Holy Spirit to meet a specific need. It is the operation of God's power in the spiritual realm, upon angels and men. It is not my faith struggling, it is God's faith and power working through me; it is an outshining of the indwelling Holy Spirit's faith and power. It is God's faith poured into our souls. It is the pure mustard seed fruit of faith impregnated with Divine miracle faith and power. It can bestow blessing and healing comfort to the souls and spirits of needy men and women. It can occasionally be the means of judgement upon determined enemies of God, who harm the children of God. It can enable a child of God to be protected when in danger, and provide for them when in need. It gives a Christian the power to cast out, restrain, and constrain evil spirits. It can defend us from evil angelic foes, and direct good angelic powers to our aid to meet our needs. This gift can enable us to overcome all natural and evil powers that come against us, by delivering us out of, or from, great trials; or by giving us a supernatural faith, strength and comfort, which can overcome all trial, persecution and physical pain. On its higher levels of power and authority, it is the greatest of the power gifts.

SOME EXAMPLES AND USES OF THE GIFT OF FAITH.
The gift of faith can give Divine protection in danger and persecution.
The gift of faith in the areas of protection and provision causes God's power to act on our behalf, rather than as an open demonstration of power through us. The gift of faith will protect a child of God by clothing them with supernatural power, but does not change material things or alter natural law; the workings of miracles protects by altering material things and nature.

The enveloping protecting power of God would seem to come within the sphere of the gift of faith. God's power protected Moses from Pharaoh's wrath, Exod.3v10. 7v10. 14v19,20.; Jonah in the whale’s stomach, Jonah.3v4,9.; Samson, and many others, from swords and spears, etc., Judges.15v9-20. 16v1-21. N.B. v20.; Daniel from the lions, and his friends from the fiery furnace, Dan.6v16-23. 3v17,18,25.; Christ from the angry mob from His own town, and from others who tried to kill and arrest Him. Lk.4v29,30. Jn.7v44-46. 10v39. 11v8-10. In Jn.8v58,59., when the Jews tried to stone Jesus, we read, “Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” God either made Jesus invisible, or took Him outside of time; these operations come within the scope of the gift of faith. Gen.19v11. When the apostles were set free from prison by an angel, what we would call several gifts were operated through the one angel. Remember, it is the operation, and not mere definition of the gifts, that is of prime importance. Acts.5v17-26. 12v1-11.

The gift of faith can give Divine comfort, strength and peace in persecution and need.
In Heb.11v35-39., we read of those who were miraculously upheld by God in times of persecution, trial and need. God does not always deliver us from trials, but He always upholds us in them by His power and grace, as He did Stephen. Acts.6v15. 7v54-60. James reminds us of the patience in sufferings of the prophets, Job, and the Lord Jesus, God upheld them all. James.5v10,11. Lk.9v27-36. 22v42-44.

The gift of faith can meet our material needs.
Some think that Elijah being fed by the ravens was a gift of faith; I feel that as God's power operated directly upon the ravens it was a working of miracles. I feel for the same reason that the feeding of Israel by the quails, and the coin in the mouth of the fish, were also workings of miracles. I think that miracles of provision met by human and angelic channels come within the scope of the gift of faith, as in Ps.78v24,25. Lk.8v1-3. and 1Kings19v4-8., and George Muller's orphanages. However, it is foolish to be dogmatic over this, the gifts do fringe upon one another in certain areas, and make definition difficult; the important thing is to enjoy God's miracles of provision, not just define them correctly.

The gift of faith can bestow spiritual blessing and comfort.
The gift of faith is often manifested in the ministry of the laying on of hands, and in the ministry of the prayer warrior. It can remove wounds, hurts and scars, and bless and change the personality for good. 1Sam.10v6,11. 16v12,13. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Gen.17v27-41. Heb.11v20. Jacob. Gen.47v31. 48v8-28. Heb.11v21. Christ blessed children. Mk.10v13-16. Moses blessed Joshua and the 70 elders. Numb.11v24-29. 27v18-23. Deut.34v9. Exod.18v25. Christ imparted power and authority to the twelve apostles and seventy disciples. Mt.10v1-8. Lk.10v1-24. Acts.13v1-4. 2Kings2v9-14. Even the baptism and gifts of the Spirit can be imparted by the laying on of hands. Acts.14v19. 9v17. 19v1-6. A revival outpouring. Acts.4v23-31. 10v44-48.

The gift of faith can bring curses or judgement upon people.
This occurred in the Scriptures on a large scale on several occasions, the death of Egypt's first-born, and the boils upon the Egyptians. Ex.9v8-12. 11v1 to 12v36. Elijah bringing fire from Heaven upon men. 2Kings.1v8-16. Gehazi. 2Kings.5v25-27. The New Testament has several cases of judgement through this gift. Acts.5v1-11. 12v1-5,21-24. 13v6-12. 1Cor.5v5. 1Tim.1v20. This gift was only used in judgement at the express command of God, for He loves to restore and bless, not judge. 2Cor.2v1-8. The ministry of Jesus appears to have consisted entirely of mercy gifts; for He came to save and bless, not to judge or to condemn, and so the manifestation of any gift in judgement in this age of grace has been rare. God’s emphasis is upon blessing not cursing. Mt.5v44. Rom.12v14. 1Cor.4v12. Judgement is God's “strange act,” Is.28v21.; however, this age will close with a widespread manifestation of gifts in judgement. Rev.11v5,6. 14v16. Christians never need fear Satanic cursing. There is no enchantment against God’s people. Numb.23v23. Gen.12v3.

The gift of faith casts out, and restrains evil spirits.
It is difficult to put the casting out of demons under any other gift than the gift of faith, for though Mk.9v38,39., tells us that the casting out of a demon is “an act of power,” every power gift is “an act of power,” it is the area of operation that decides which gift it is. The gift of faith certainly describes best the operation of God's power in the unseen spiritual realm against demons. Jesus sometimes forced demons to give details about themselves, on another occasion He asked details of a relative. Lk.8v30. Mk.9v20-22. We read that some of these demons had caused various sicknesses, such as deafness, blindness, dumbness, madness, and epilepsy. Mt.4v23,24. 8v28-34. 9v32-34. 12v22-24. 15v21-28. 17v14-21. with Mk.9v23. However, demons are NOT the cause of the vast majority of these sicknesses. God puts a hedge about His children so they cannot be possessed by demons. Job.1v9,10. Some Christians are deluded into thinking that they can exorcise evil spirits from a Christian; however, the evil spirits are imaginary. We have to live close to God to exorcise real evil spirits, as even the apostles found out. Lk.9v1,2,37-42. with Mk.9v14-29. Acts.19v11-17.t is often more difficult to set people free from demon inspired doctrines, than it is to deliver them from demons; for people can only be delivered from false doctrine, when they desire to know and follow the truth. Jn.8v32-44. Israel's religious leaders did not want to be delivered from the doctrines that Satan used to captivate their minds.

N.B. The gift of faith operates God's unlimited power against the powers of darkness.
We read in 2Kings.13v14-19., that Elisha, while on his death bed, subdued the powers of darkness that aided the Syrians for several years, by a remarkable single operation of the gift of faith, when king Joash shot, at Elisha's command, “The arrow of the Lord's deliverance.” Just as Elisha with God took hold of the bow of Joash, so the Holy Spirit takes hold with us against, not only our limitations, but also against the powers of darkness, and as we humble ourselves under God, and take His armoury, and resist the Devil with God's power and gifts, Satan flees from us. Rom.8v26,27. James.4v5-7. The faith and power gifts of Moses took away the evil spiritual defences of the Canaanites, as faithful Caleb said, “they are bread for us, their defence is departed from them.” Numb.14v9. This is why the unseen prayer warrior is usually the real cause of revival.

The major attack of the powers of darkness is upon the minds of Christians, but all these attacks can all be dealt with by the fruit and gift of faith, and the Word of God. Christians who have the gift of faith can fight for others, who are too weak to fight for themselves against Satan's lies and power. 2Cor.10v1-5. Let us all earnestly desire this greatest of the gifts of power.

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