"When He ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men".Why did he give gifts to men after taking captive the Kingdom of darkness? Below are the reason why.

1. EQUIPPING THE SAINTS: This might be put in other words "Empowering the saints".The church is dispatched as the army of the Almighty on earth and armies are well equipped for battle.Now there are variety of gifts; Speakers,preachers,singers,musician and many more than we can mention.But all are given for a purpose revealed in Romans 4:12 "To equip the saints".

2. THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY: The ministry of the church is witnessing to the Name of Jesus,The Word of God and The blood of Jesus.Witnessing to the Power inherent in the Name,Word and Blood.For these reasons God gave out gifts to the Church for effective witnessing of the things mention above.For example when someone with the gift of worship ushers the church into the presence of God with his gift through the Holy Spirit the Glory of God falls down and there is healings and pulling down of stronghold.If a Gifted violinist plays the same thing happens and thus bearing witness to the Name of Jesus.Romans 4:12

3. UP BUILDING OF THE CHURCH: Gifts are given for the up building of the church. This is a way to know the gift that commeth from God it's for the Spiritual building of the church. One who has the gift of Prophecy enlightened the church on prophetic words in the Scripture while one who has the gift of speaking in tongue is able to preach the Gospel anywhere Irrespective of the tribe the church is ministering to. Some have the gift of wisdom and with this they make right decision for the church while some have gift of counselling and with this help to counsel the young ones. Romans 4:12

4. BODILY GROWTH OF THE CHURCH: Not all are preachers same way the gift of evangelism is different from that of a Teacher.When members who have the gift of preaching, evangelism and teaching go out for missions there is bodily growth of the Church that is souls are added to the church in thousands.When members with the gift of singing and gift of worship gathers to praise souls are drawn near to God through the usage of their gifts. Romans 4:16.

"When each part is working properly,makes bodily growth and upbuild itself in Love" Whatever your gift is use it for God. For the upbuilding of the church.Don't let anyone shut you out by insisting there are only nine gifts of the Spirit.For the Scripture says "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe,according to the working of his great might" and again "What No man eyes have seen and ears have heard".

So help members of your fellowship discover their gifts and pass across this message to as many as you can.

Good one