From time to time, I get asked the following theological question: What about the spiritual gifts? Are all the spiritual gifts (outlined in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4) still in operation today? Specifically, what about the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and direct revelation from God? Well, here is Prairie Flower’s official answer, followed by three BIG thoughts to consider…

Prairie Flower’s Official Answer: “We believe that the miraculous gifts of the Early Church in the 1st Century are no longer commonplace for today. That is to say, we believe that the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and direct revelation from God are no longer commonplace for today because of the completion of the Bible. Further, we believe that divine healing is a part of God’s provision for believers today, but we reject divine healers and the belief that healing of the body is included in the atonement (1 Cor. 12:1-15:41, James 5:13-16).”

Three BIG Thoughts to Consider:

1. We believe God can do anything. Specifically, God can do anything consistent with His will. We should never “put God in a box” and say that He will or won’t do this or that. No, God can do anything consistent with His will. Do the spectacular and miraculous gifts of the 1st Century still happen today? Perhaps. God can do ANYTHING consistent with His will. Indeed, we have heard some amazing stories from missionaries overseas that have truly dazzled our minds and complicated our straightforward theology on spiritual gifts. However, we maintain that such demonstrations of God’s power (i.e. the spectacular, miraculous gifts) are simply not normative or commonplace for today.
2. We believe that God still speaks to us today. Indeed, God’s primary method of speaking to us today comes through His Word, the Bible. Too many Christians search for the audible voice of God in their lives, when they simply need to crack open the written voice of God in their lives. God’s Word is complete, sufficient, and totally authoritative on all matters related to our lives and faith. Want to hear from God today? Simply open up the book that He wrote, and He will speak to you!
3. We believe that God is still in the business of transforming lives. Yes, God still transforms people by the Gospel, His Word, and His Spirit. These three things are the means of God’s transforming work in our lives today. Don’t go searching for mountain peak experiences with God (whether at church, conferences, or concerts). No, simply share and live out the Gospel, read His Word, and follow His indwelling Spirit in your life. Does God do some amazing transforming work in the big mountain peak moments of life? Certainly. But God sometimes does his best transforming work in the little valley moments of our lives. Trust Him. He knows what He is doing in your life.