Originally Posted by
CaryC
Hey 9er,
I certainly can't disagree with you, in that we don't see those gifts in operation like we read about. More in a moment.
But to blatantly describe those gifts as gone forever, I have a problem with, especially when someone tries to make scripture jump through hoops. Since God gives those gifts as He sees fit.
Now back.
The ones you mention, as referencing those gifts, and there are some more that I have read about. Clement of Rome is one.
I think there may be at least 2 reasons for this, or suspect. 1) they are in operation, just not in the scale, or publicity that we think they should be, meaning more on the individual level. Of which I have personally experienced first hand several of those gifts. Not done by me, but rather to me. 2) not to lay blame on anyone, but it should be noticed that in one village.....Capernaum (?) Jesus said he couldn't do many miracles due to their lack of faith. Again, not laying blame, or guilt tripping anyone, but could there be a general movement away from faith? How many people pray for healing BEFORE they go to the doctor, just saying. Just speculating, and I know it. 3) we don't stand as much in need of them as we use to. My comparison of tongues in Acts 2, may not be as needed because people take classes in different languages. Just saying.
There is another thing. I would never put the 12 Apostles on the same level as any other preacher. They are/where special men. I think we, us, put them on that level, no harm, no foul. Apostle means "sent ones" and that pretty much covers what we mean when we say "Missionary". Barnabas and a couple others were called apostles, and sent ones "Missionary" seems to fit. Just saying.
Just a couple of thoughts, and who knows we may stand in need of those gifts the closer we get to the last days.
I certainly don't have the answers to why the gifts aren't in operation, at least, as we read about them in the Bible. But still think they do exist, and have actually seen some of those listed in Romans 12 in operation in a group of Christians.