The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Just as a body is crippled by the paralysis of its members, so the Christian community is
weakened by the loss of gifts. Whether they may be "natural" or "supernatural." This is why Paul
rejoiced that the Corinthians did not lack any spiritual gift (I Cor. 1:7).
The healing ministry of the church is commanded as an ongoing obligation (Jas. 5:15-
18). James shows that this type of ministry models the work of Elijah. Jesus' ministry of preaching
the good news and healing the sick was motivated by a deep compassion for those who were
helplessly lost (Mt. 9:36), not as a technique for convincing people of His deity. The latter was,
and is, a by-product of the ministry of love and compassion.
Narrow Definitions
Another flaw in the cessation teaching is the narrow definitions given to apostleship and
prophecy. To claim that prophecy can only refer to giving new revelation and an apostle as only
one who was an eyewitness of Christ's resurrection is erroneous. Although such meaning is at the
heart of what apostleship and prophecy is, it is too restrictive. Apostles were not only those who
saw the resurrected Lord, but also those who had been gifted by the Lord for planting churches
and advancing the gospel (Acts 14; Rom. 16:7).
Prophecy is sometimes used for an explanation of a revelation already given. Zechariah, when
filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied (Lk. 1:67-79). The content of his prophecy was not a new
revelation but an announcement that the Old Testament revelation had been fulfilled and was now
to be his and Israel's experience. Thus it was prophecy for the purpose of strengthening,
encouragement and comfort (I Cor. 14:3).
God's Name
I believe that one of the strongest arguments for the validity of the "supernatural" gifts for
today is God's name. The name Yahweh is compounded with seven names. One of those is:
"Yahweh (Jehovah)-rapha, The Lord who heals (Ex. 15:26).
God's name does not change. Names in the Bible always represent the nature and character of
the person. This is also true of God. It is, therefore, God's very nature to heal.
When Moses asked God what His name was God replied:
"'I am who I am.' This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I am has sent me to you.'"
(Ex. 3:14)