Lecture Notes: The words of scripture are God-breathed; they are the sum total knowledge of who God is. Every word in scripture helps to reveal who God is and the dynamics of his culture. Think of it as social studies where the study of a culture’s history, economics, government, social relationships, and every other aspect that makes up that culture, is used to create a properly educated citizenry. This is the way we come to know God and live Christ-centered lives by meditating on his Word day and night, desiring to know every aspect of his holy culture. ​ Pillars to Understanding When beginning your journey to understanding God and his word, there are certain prerequisites one must believe for a proper understanding of his Word. ​​ 1. You must believe (have faith) that God, is God ​ Hebrews 11:6 NLT “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” John 8:47 NLT “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”​ ​ ​2. Final Authority ​ You must believe that God’s Word supersedes our opinions and culture. We must be willing to adapt our thinking to scripture and not interpret scripture based on our opinions and culture. Proverbs 30:5-6 NLT “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” Psalms 119:89 “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” ​ 3. Inerrancy You must believe that the affirmations of scripture are without error. Psalms 19:7-11 NLT “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” 4. All Sufficiency You must believe that all scripture contains everything you need for effective living in every area of your lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 5. Infallibility You must believe that scripture cannot fail and that God’s Word will always achieve its purpose. Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” 6. Inspiration 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Inspiration is the idea that God organically used men, knowing all personal and cultural contexts to communicated his will to man. ​ ​ General Revelation vs. Special Revelation General revelation refers to God’s word revealed through natural means like nature, the bible, and our conscious. Special revelation refers to God’s word revealed through the Holy Spirit. Special revelation will never contradict God’s word. ​ Cessationists vs. Continuationism Cessationist are those who believe that spiritual gifts (such as: tongues, healing, prophecy, signs, miracles, revelation) have ceased. This position holds that the spiritual gifts were given to the early church (or in some cases, only the apostles) as a sign to confirm the ministry of Christ and establishment of his church. Continuationist believe that these gifts are still active according to the Holy Spirit and did not end with the Apostolic Age. The primary argument on this topic is how this impact sola scriptura (Latin for “by scripture alone”). ​ Understanding Your Biases ​ When reading and interpreting and studying the Bible we must understand first God is the expert and we are all the novices. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT declares, “ ‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ ” It will be important to realize this because there will be times that the Word will challenge the way you are used to thinking and doing things. You will then have to choose if you will allow scripture to transform your thinking or will you attempt to force scripture to conform to your paradigm. ​ As a student of the Word, you will always be in the position of the learner in relationship to God. We all come to God with our own experiences and frames of references; however, these experiences should not always be relied upon and always tested against the Word. Experiences, though they grant us insight, may filter our perspective and skew how we understand a matter. This is why throughout the process of studying the Word we must remain unbiased often questioning our own assumptions. When we question our own assumptions, we allow the Word to transform our minds and recreate our thinking. Romans 12: 2 NTL tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ​ Once you have settled in your heart that God is real, and his Word is the final authority, without error, all-sufficient, never fails, and once you understand the biases that you may bring to interpreting his Word, then begins actual studying. In part two of How to Study & Interpret the Bible we will examine the role the Holy Spirit plays in aiding us in our studies. We will also explore Biblical hermeneutics, which is concerned with exactly how we interpret scripture and exegesis, which critically interprets scripture and extracts meaning from scripture. ​ Hermeneutics & Exegesis ​ Acts 17:11 “These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” ​ In Acts 17 we find Paul and Silas in Thessalonica preaching the Word. The scriptures tell us that Paul went to the synagogue service for 3 week in a row, just to reason and explain that Jesus was the Messiah. With the converting of some Jews and Greeks, Paul and Silas began to once again experience persecution from those who did not believe and wanted them to stop preaching. Upon this uproar Paul and Silas were sent to Berea which was about 30 miles west of Thessalonica; this was all within the modern day Greece region. Once in Berea they went to the synagogue and began to preach. The Bereans were said to search the scriptures daily, confirming what they heard was truth. As a result many Jews and Greeks were converted and believed on Jesus. These accounts provide us with a picture of how we should have a willingness to engage unbelievers, taking the time to thoroughly go through scripture. It also shows us that as a learner of the scriptures, we should search and study them to confirm whether or not a teaching is true. Both of these aspects are gravely missing in today’s Church. In this section of teaching we will take a look at Biblical hermeneutics, which is the science of interpretation or translation of scripture; it focuses on “how to interpret.” Exegeses is the actual interpretation and examination of scripture; it answers the question of “what this scripture means.” Hermeneutics is how your perspective approaches scripture; an exegesis then draws out the meaning and understanding from scripture. There can also be an eisegesis which is applying your own meaning to scripture not allowing the scripture to interpret itself. ​ The need to correctly understand God’s Word is critical. There was a time in history when it was illegal for the common person to read the Bible, or to understand it in their own language; the Bible was only read and interpreted by designated clergy. A man by the name of William Tyndale (1494-1536) understood the importance of everyone understanding scripture, and made a statement indicating his goal is that even a boy working in the field will have more knowledge of scripture then the Pope. Tyndale was the first to print the New Testament in English and smuggled thousands into England (John Wycliff was to first to translate the Bible into English). This is our same goal, that everyone has an understanding of scripture regardless of your position in life. ​ We will review some of the most common approaches to Biblical hermeneutics: Literal, Grammatical, Histo-Cultural, Allegorical and Liberal. ​ Literal Interpretation ​ This is the normal interpretation, the plain interpretation, the “what you see is what you get” interpretation. Unless the context of the scripture clearly calls for a different understanding, one should always first look to understand scripture in a normal common-sense fashion. Unfamiliar phrases and symbols must be understood as the author intended; reading between the lines is prohibited. This is for the obvious reason of applying unnecessary and unwarranted meaning to scripture. For example if you read Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” the literal interpretation or common sense interpretation would be instructing us to set a Christ-like example to those who see us. It is not telling us to turn on our house lights or that we will physically illuminate. ​ Some beginning questions that may be asked are: Are there any immediate or obvious allegories in this text? Is there any reason why I should not interpret this literally? Did Jesus, the apostles or the early church interpret this literally? Grammatical Interpretation ​ The grammatical approach to interpreting God’s Word examines the words themselves to help reveal the meaning of scripture or passage. The use of lexicons and concordances will aid with this approach. In addition, knowing other grammatical rules such as syntax, part of speech and word form will further aid in grammatical interpretation. An example of this can be found in Genesis where the word “day” is used. If you take a grammatical approach then you would translate day from English to Hebrew, getting the Hebrew word “yom.” Then you would use Biblical Hebrew grammar rules to determine if “yom” means 24 hours or a generalized time period within its use in Genesis 1. Since “yom” is used with an exact time period, along with other Hebrew grammar rules, it can be concluded that day means a 24 hour period. (If interested, you can view more information about the 24 hour day in Genesis at. ​ Some beginning questions that may be asked are: 1. What is the meaning of the word?2. What form, tense or part of speech is the word in?3. How is the word used in this sentence and/or passage?4. How is this word related to the other word in the sentence? ​ Historical (Cultural) Interpretation ​ This approach looks closely at the culture in which a passage was written and the audience it was first written to. There are many influences that may contribute to what a particular passage may mean. Meanings, of course, can get lost or become obscured over time requiring the reader to consider the mind of the author. A writer today would not be able to write within the context of the 21st century and expect a reader 2000years from today to know all the references, phrases and places without some aid. Bible dictionaries and other historical records help todays reader become better acquainted with the life and mind of both the author and first audience. An example of this would be finding out the significance of Paul being a Roman citizen and the privilege that came along with being a citizen versus a non-citizen. ​ Some beginning questions to ask are: ​ Who is the author and who were they writing to? What were the relevant laws of that time? Why did they write this work? What were the cultural norms? Allegorical Interpretation ​ The word allegory simply means a symbolic representation, thus, an allegorical interpretation would be a symbolic interpretation. This method is an eisegesis approach because it involves reading into or applying one’s own ideas into scripture. Looking for hidden meaning and spiritual connections within the scripture can have both great reward and great calamity with this approach. To better understand some of the errors that can come from this method, consider this was the Roman Catholic Church’s approach and is the reason behind much of its doctrine. This symbolic interpretation, amongst other things, gave rise to Protestant Reformers (e.g. Martin Luther). They believed that the Church was neglecting the literal, plain meaning of scripture, allegorizing everything. Although, there are apparent abuses, we should not disregard this method altogether. Galatians 4:21-26 reads: ​ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ​ From this scripture we learn that Paul is explaining to the Churches in Galatia the difference between the old and new covenants. He uses the Old Testament account of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, as symbols to explain truth. If we do away with the allegorical approach then what of the bread or water or blood or any number of Old Testament symbols? ​ It is important to understand that the entire Bible is not meant to be understood allegorically, because then the literal understanding of things like murder, sexual immorality, prayer and other Biblical truths become subjective. Alternatively, not symbolizing can depreciate truths such as not having hate in your heart or not looking upon someone with lust; thus the use of multiple and honest approaches. The most important principle to remember is that the Holy Spirit will not reveal anything contradictory to the already established scriptures. ​ Some beginning questions to ask are: Does it go against already established scripture? Can I support my interpretation with other scripture that has been correctly rendered? Is the context clearly allegorical? Am I regarding myself or my interpretation more significant than the author intended. Devotional Interpretation ​ This approach is employed most often in the lives of many Christians. As the approach suggests, personal interpretation of scripture is used to apply to one’s life. The question most asked is “What does this mean for me?” This method is often used without consideration of cultural, historical or literal context. Since it is used in this way, it is absolutely imperative then one is prayerful and led by the Holy Spirit when studying with a devotional approach. The danger here, if one has not yielded to Christ, is the potential to fall into the spirit of error. ​ While God’s Word needs only the interpreter of the Holy Spirit, there are still times where we must consult Godly men and women for understanding. Consider in Acts chapter 8 where Philip was commanded by God to travel south towards Gaza. On his way he met an Ethiopian man who was reading writings from the prophet Isaiah. The Ethiopian then asked the question “How can I [understand scripture], unless someone instructs me?” –Acts 8:31 Thus, here we see that personal devotion is not without its additional aids. ​ Some beginning questions to ask are: Have I prayed and asked for clarity in my devotional study? Am I being led by the Holy Spirit or am I letting my flesh lead? Am I applying personal application of scripture or universal application of scripture? Does my interpretation still applicable to scripture? Liberal Interpretation ​ The last school of interpretation we will discuss is the liberal hermeneutic approach. The liberal approach varies greatly as it’s primarily based on relativism. Those who study and interpret the Bible this way tend to see scripture as a humanist experience and thus scripture is fallible and with error. Supernatural experiences and events such as miracles may be redefined into more rational terms. Modern science may also provide the foundation and context to understanding scripture more logically. All scripture becomes relative to the interpreter with no objectivity, which permits one to dismiss a scripture or passage that is not in harmony with personal experience. There is a heavy emphasis on God’s love and a push towards inclusivity and egalitarianism. ​ The obvious error in this approach is the prominence of man’s intellect and experience over the mind and ways of God. We are told many times throughout scripture that man’s understanding is limited in comparison to God’s (Isaiah 55:8-9, Jeremiah 32:27, Job 38, Romans 11:33, 1 Corinthians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 3:19, Matthew 19:26). It is not encouraged that this hermeneutical approach be practiced as it will subjectify the Word of God making it no different than an atheistic approach, save the belief in Jesus. ​ ​ Healthy Hermeneutical Principles ​ While there are undoubtedly many principles one can use for Biblical hermeneutics, the list can become quite exhaustive. Therefore, the principles below are the core and most important guidelines to an honest approach to interpretation. ​ Holy Spirit Led –It is impossible to take God’s Spirit of the equation and ever expect to rightly divide the Word. Above all things one must believe that the Holy Spirit is real and has the real power to speak understanding into a person. It the Holy Spirit’s role is changed, devalued or left out altogether then there can be no confidence in a correct interpretation of scripture. Literal Sense –Remember that is was not God’s intention to mystify his message to us and God is not the author of confusion. While there are times study will be required, God’s overall Word is to be taken just as it reads in plain text. Context –Keep things in their immediate verse, chapter and the setting in which they are happening. This includes understanding the social, cultural and historical influences of period in which you are reading. ​ Scripture with Scripture –Do not assign meaning to something unless it can be supported with other scripture. There are many things in scripture that transcend the period in which it was recorded or written. Many truths, practices and principles are just as relevant for us today as it was when they were first recorded. The key is scriptural support, can you justify one scripture with other scriptures which all have the same meaning. Understand the Genre –Be mindful of the style you are reading from. Are you reading from a historical book like Genesis; are you reading from a legal book such as Leviticus; are you reading from a poetic book such as Psalms, are you reading from an Apocalyptic book such as Daniel. Thus, remember what type of book you are reading.

Lecture Notes: Gifts of Utterance (Speaking Gifts)   The gifts of utterance are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as gifts of “utterance” is that they all say something. They may also sometimes be identified as “speech gifts” or “vocal gifts.” There are three gifts of utterance which are; Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues.   We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.   Gift of Speaking In Tongues   The Definition:  The Gift of speaking in tongues is the ability to speak in a heavenly language (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinth. 14:14) and in earthly languages unlearned to the speaker (Acts 2:4-11). The latter is sometimes referred to as other tongues.   The Application:  The gift of tongues is put to use when a believer is led by the Holy Spirit to speak in a heavenly language or earthly language not known by the speaker. Tongues can also be in singing form (1 Corinth. 14:15). Its initial manifestation usually is at the time of salvation but may manifest anytime after salvation.   The Purpose:  The purpose of speaking in tongues has several benefits. Speaking in heavenly tongues is to give thanks to God (1 Corinth. 14:14-17); Pray the will of God (Rom. 8:26-27); Build up faith and self-edification (1 Corinth.14:5; Jude 1:20). Speaking in earthly languages unknown to the speaker is a sign to the unbeliever (signs and wonders); Used to evangelize (Acts 2:8-11).   Gift of Interpretation of Tongues   The Definition:  The Gift of interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret the tongues that are spoken; it gives the meaning (1 Corinth. 14).   The Application:  The gift of interpreting tongues is put to use when the Holy Spirit gives a person the meaning of a message that was spoken in tongues. This is especially needed and to a point required if tongues are to be used in a congregational setting or to be used as an encouragement to the hearer (1 Corinth. 14:14-19; 28-29).   The Purpose:  The purpose of interpretation of tongues is so that when someone is speaking, praying or singing in tongues, those that hear this could receive understanding and also be edified in was is being said. One cannot benefit and be encouraged if they do not understand what is being said, thus, the gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Corinth 14:16). Also, we are instructed that if we speak in tongues to also pray to interpret what we are saying. This is so our own understanding and the understanding of those listening could be enriched (1 Corinth 14:13).   Gift of Prophecy   The Definition:  The gift of prophecy is speaking through the direction/ inspiration of God. When you are prophesying, you are speaking as a mouthpiece of God. As his mouthpiece you are not speaking through your finite mind and opinion, but, by the infinite direction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to speak.   The Application:  The gift of prophecy is put to use when a believer is inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak truth. The believer then begins to speak as God's mouthpiece, speaking on things that the listener may only be aware of. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NLT) But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”   The Purpose:  The purpose of the gift of prophecy is to correct, edify, exhort and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). The gift of prophecy is purposeful when speaking to believers and nonbelievers, revealing their inner struggles and thoughts without prior knowledge of them. This could exhort to repentance those in sin or edify and comfort those who hear the prophesying.   Ask for both the power and boldness to both preach and perform miracles.   Acts 4:29-30 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Revelatory Gifts   The revelatory gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as “revelatory” gifts is that they all reveal something. There are three gifts of revelation which are; Discerning of Spirits, Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge. We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. Revelatory gifts are oftentimes communicated through dreams, visions, revelations and the audible voice of God. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are all used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.   Gift of Word of Wisdom   The Definition:  The gift of the word of wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge as God would apply it; it is the supernatural application of the mind of God. (Colossians 1:9; Ephesians 1:17; 1 Corinth. 2:13).   The Application: The gift of the word of wisdom is put to use when the Holy Spirit reveals what is true and just concerning a matter. This could be exercised in words or in actions (Acts 6:10, Solomon). God will speak to the believer concerning a matter in which a clear resolution is needed.   The Purpose:  The purpose of the word of wisdom is to demonstrate order with clear decisiveness; this will build faith in God and perfection of the church (1 Corinth. 2:4-7). It is also useful towards unbelievers; demonstrating wisdom beyond natural understanding. Once applied or spoken it also demonstrates an undeniability towards truth (Acts 6:10).   Gift of Word Of Knowledge   The Definition:  The gift of the word of knowledge is the granting of certain information directly from God. It is information received directly from God and by no other means (Colossians 1:9; Eph. 3:3-5).   The Application:  The gift of the word of knowledge is put to use when the holy spirit reveals a truth, mystery or meaning of something. As stated earlier revelatory gifts are oftentimes communicated through dreams, visions, revelations and God's audible voice. This is especially true with the gift of the word of knowledge.   The Purpose:  The Purpose of the gift of the word of knowledge is to help the believer know and operate in the mind of God. As the believer receives information from the Holy Spirit, the believer is given the ability to understand something more comprehensibly, that would have otherwise not been known. It is also used to help in the evangelism of unbelievers, knowing where to go, what to say and who to say it to (1 Corinth. 2:10-16; Phil. 3:15).   Gift of Discerning of Spirits   The Definition: The gift of discerning of spirits is the ability to identify what spirit is in operation in any natural or supernatural situation. (1 Corinth. 2:14)   The Application:  The gift of discerning of spirits is put to use when the Holy Spirit reveals what type of spirit is causing a situation to occur. The Holy Spirit will allow a believer to look into the spirit realm and distinguish the natural from the supernatural, leading to the root of the matter or spirit that is in operation.   The Purpose:  The purpose of the discerning of spirits is primary to identify and resolve demonic influence. Discerning of spirits is necessary to cast out devils. It is also useful when determining whether or not someone is speaking or acting in a spirit other than the Holy Spirit (1 Corinth. 2:13-15; 1 John 4:6).   Ask for both the boldness to preach and do miracles. Acts 4:29-30 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Power Gifts   The Power gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 within a list of other spiritual gifts. The reason why we identify them as “power” gifts is that they all do something or cause something to happen beyond the natural means of man’s ability. There are three gifts of power which are; The Gift of Faith, The Gift of Working Miracles and The Gift of Healing. The power gifts are synonymous with signs and wonders, in fact, they are what we refer to as signs and wonders. We will learn what each of these is, how it's used and its purpose. These, as well as the other spiritual gifts, are all used to build up the church; in the areas of edification amongst believers and in the area of signs and wonders for non-believers.   Gift of Working of Miracles   The Definition:  The gift of the working of miracles is the ability to supernaturally make something happen; it is a great exploit. This is done by God through a believer. (Acts 19:11; John 9:16; Acts 2:22)   The Application:  The gift of the working of miracles is put to use when the Holy Spirit uses a believer to exhibit the power of God through some type of action. The action, being supernatural and therefore beyond natural understanding is direct evidence pointing to God. Jesus performed such miracles as; turning water into wine (John 2), feeding five thousand with little food (Mat. 14) and bringing forth money from the mouth of a fish (Matthew 17).   The Purpose:  The purpose of the working of miracles is to confirm the gospel. This confirmation for the believer is the power and authority to do exactly what the Word of God says is possible for believers. For unbelievers, miracles are signs pointing toward God as the all-powerful, creator of heaven and earth. It builds faith in believers and is a sign to unbelievers causing them to come to God (John 6:2; Mark 16:17-20).   Gift of Healing   The Definition:  The gift of healing is the ability to cause healing of the human body supernaturally. Healing of the human body includes every part of the human anatomy, including mentally and emotionally.   The Application:  The gift of healing is put to use when the Holy Spirit uses a believer to cure or heal a person or people miraculously. The extent of the healing can vary from inner healing of alignments and disease to full healing, including regeneration of damaged tissue, organs, or lost functions and limbs (Luke 17: 12-19; Luke 22:50-52). Many times, in the New Testament, laying on of hands and touch, were used as a means of healing. The Word was also used to heal, but predominantly it was done through 'hands.' Laying on of hands to heal is a sign of God's ability to forgive sins and restore.     The Purpose:  The purpose of the gift of healing is to confirm the gospel. This confirmation for the believer is to demonstrate the power and authority of God to forgive sins and restore to one’s original state. For unbelievers, healing is a sign that God as the all-powerful, creator of heaven and earth. It builds faith in believers and is a sign to unbelievers causing them to come to God (John 6:2; Mark 16:17-20).   Gift of Faith   The Definition:  The gift of faith is the ability to foreknow the outcome of a situation before signs of a solution begin to manifest. It is the Holy Spirit assuring you of something before it's assured naturally, concerning the miraculous. It is the supernatural and unwavering confidence in God. (Mat. 21:22; Mark 11:24).   The Application:  The gift of faith is put to use when the Holy Spirit assures the believer of something and the believer, having full understanding the situation is accomplished, lives and acts out in victory; before it naturally happens. This can be better understood by these examples: Peter's faith allowed miracles to manifest by merely his shadow passing over people (Acts 5:15). Jesus' faith to remain asleep during the storm knowing his life was safe (Mark 4:37-41). Peter's faith to walk on water knowing he would not fall because Jesus was there (Mat.14:29). In these situations, there was a faith that caused miraculous things to happen, which is a clear indication for the gift of faith.   The Purpose:  The purpose of the gift of faith is to cause the manifestation of miracles that inevitably give God glory; it encourages and brings joy to believers and adds souls to the kingdom.   Ask for both the power to preach and perform miracles.   Acts 4:29-30 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”