Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7 NIV) During his life on earth, Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do ministry. Jesus said that one day Christians would do even greater ministry than he did (John 14:12). While this does not mean that Christians are greater than Jesus, it does mean that Christians who are also gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit can minister to more people than Jesus did because there are billions of Christians today spread across the earth. Therefore, as we begin our study of spiritual gifts it is paramount that we first see that our personal ministry is the continuation of Jesus' ministry. Or, to summarize, the gifts of God are dispensed through the Spirit of God so that the church of God can minister like the Son of God.

There are four basic positions on spiritual gifts:

Cessationist Supernatural gifts (e.g., tongues and prophecy) functioned only in the early church and are not to be practiced today. Charismatic Supernatural gifts are given to every generation and should be practiced today according to the limits of Scripture. Charismaniac Supernatural gifts are given to every generation. Contemporary revelations are, in effect, equal to Scripture. Pentecostal Essentially the same as the charismatic position, but only Christians who speak in tongues have the Holy Spirit.