The Holy Ghost is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts available to us as believers(1 Cor.12:7-11). These manifestations are intended for the edifying and sanctification of the church. They are not the same as the gifts in Rom.12:6-8, whereby the believer receives the power to minister. The list in 1 Cor.12:8-10 is not necessarily exhaustive and they may occur in various combinations. These gifts are given by the will of the Holy spirit(1 Cor.12:11) when need arises or earnest desire of the believer. Some may be manifested on a regular basis through an individual and a believer may have more than one gift ministering through his life. We should desire the "gifts" of the Spirit(1 Cor.12:31; 14:1). It is unscriptural and unwise to think that because someone exercises a more dynamic gift, that person is more spiritual than someone with a less dynamic gift. For instance, someone with the gift of miracles is not necessarily more spiritual than someone blessed with the gifts of tongues. Gifts of the Spirit must not be confused with the fruit of the Spirit that relates more directly to Christian character(Gal.5:22-23). These gifts are often imitated by false prophets or workers through the power of Satan. That is why we must "try the spirits" (see Proof of Genuine Baptism in the Spirit).

INDIVIDUAL GIFTS

1. Word of Wisdom - This is wisdom spoken through the Spirit revealing God's Word or the Spirit's wisdom to a matter(Acts 6:10; 15:13-22). It is not, however, the same as having God's wisdom for daily living.
2. Word of Knowledge - This is an utterance inspired by the Spirit that reveals knowledge about people or circumstances(Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor. 14:24-25).
3. Gift of Faith - This is not saving faith, but a extraordinary faith that enables the Christian to believe God for the miraclulous. It is the faith that moves mountains(1 Cor. 13:2) and is often found in combination with healing and miracles.
4. Gifts of Healing - This gift is given to restore health by divine intervention(Matt. 11:22-24; 10:1; Acts 3:6-8; 4:30). The plural indicates healing for various diseases. Although these are not given to every member of the church, all members may pray for the sick.
5. Miracles - These are acts of the Spirit that supernaturally alter the course of nature. They not only pertain to the natural body, but to the natural world as well. God's kingdom is always manifest against Satan and evil through these acts.
6. Prophecy - As a minstry gift to the church, it is given only to some members, who must then function as prophets within the body of Christ. It is a special gift that brings a word or revelation from God under the unction of the Holy Ghost(1 Cor. 14:24-25, 29-31). It is not the delivery of a previously prepared sermon. Prophecy is another area where we must "try the spirits".
7. Discerning of Spirits - A special ability from the Holy Spirit to properly determine whether something or someone is from God or not(1 Cor. 14:29; 1 John 4:1). This gift is extremely needed and important in the age we are now living(Matt. 24:21-24).
8. Kinds of Tongues - The most common and widely given gift of all. Most often it is accompanied by the interpretation which is to edify the church or worship service. (see Speaking in Tongues).
9. Interpretation of Tongues - The ability given by the Spirit to make known the meaning of an utternace spoken in tongues. This gift may be through the one who speaks in tongues or through someone else. Those who speak in tongues should also pray for the interpretation(1 Cor.14:13).