Now to Each One

To the Corinthians, Paul said: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7, emphasis added). There it is staring at us. Now what are we going to do with this verse? The infallible Word of God says the manifestation of the Holy Spirit was given to each one for the common good. To each one, not just to the apostles. Think of the impact of that verse. Is that something we preach? Do we believe it? Expect it? God has promised every one of us a manifestation — supernatural by definition — of the Holy Spirit. It is part of being a Christian.

One of the ways the Spirit glorifies Christ is to build up his Body, which is for the common good. Since the church is a spiritual organism, it needs spiritual ministry to build it up. And spiritual ministry can come only by the Holy Spirit showing himself through human vessels.

Those who engage in false displays and teachings of the Spirit have scared away many sincere people who love their Bibles. Someone who truly loves the Word sees those displays and says, “No, thank you. Let’s just sing some safe praise songs, have a good Bible study and then go home.” But our Lord Jesus Christ never intended that his church operate without visitations and blessings from the living Spirit of God. Why would he send another Helper if not to help us? Just look around at the world. Don’t we see the obvious need for something fresh from God to overcome the powerful influences of evil?

The early church was alive and active because of the Holy Spirit. There is not even one verse that relegates the importance and vitality of the Spirit only to the New Testament church. We have to believe the Holy Spirit is present for us today. 

Jim Cymbala began the Brooklyn Tabernacle with less than twenty members in a small, rundown building in a difficult part of the city. A native of Brooklyn, he is a longtime friend of both David and Gary Wilkerson.