World Church · October 10, 2026
Also published in Português (Brasil)
American Bible teacher explains gifts of the Holy Spirit at Tokyo seminar
Robert Wilkinson, a Bible teacher with more than 40 years of experience, delivered a lecture on the gifts of the Holy Spirit at a seminar held in Tokyo. The event took place on the third of the month at the God's Family Jesus Christ Church in Adachi Ward. The seminar was organized by Wildfire Ministries Global, a non-denominational evangelistic organization headquartered in Kansas, United States.
Wilkinson began his teaching by referencing Acts chapter 19, where the Apostle Paul met disciples in Ephesus who had not been taught about the Holy Spirit. He explained that their previous teacher, Apollos, lacked this specific knowledge. Wilkinson emphasized that one cannot teach what one does not know, highlighting the necessity of understanding the Holy Spirit before instructing others. He noted that Apollos, despite being eloquent and knowledgeable in the Scriptures, only knew the baptism of John. Consequently, Aquila and Priscilla explained the way of God more accurately to him. Wilkinson praised Apollos for accepting this correction from believers, despite his own leadership position.
The speaker then addressed John 14:12, where Jesus stated that those who believe in him will do the works he did and even greater things. Wilkinson stressed that these works, such as healing the sick and casting out evil spirits, are available to all believers, not just a select few. He explained that this is possible because Jesus went to the Father to send the Holy Spirit, described as the Helper in John 14:26. He encouraged the audience to recognize the significance of receiving the Holy Spirit.
Wilkinson traced the first descent of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapters 1 and 2. He noted that Jesus commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit before going out to preach. He argued that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for continuing the work Jesus entrusted to them. On the day of Pentecost, ten days after the ascension, the Holy Spirit descended with a sound like a rushing wind, and tongues of fire rested on each disciple. Wilkinson pointed out that the Bible records the disciples were sitting, not engaging in passionate praise or intense exhortation, which some churches teach is necessary. He stated that all disciples received the Spirit without exception, indicating it is the will of God for all Christians.
The teacher explained that speaking in tongues originally meant speaking in an unknown language. Citing 1 Corinthians 14, he distinguished between praying with the understanding and praying in the Spirit. He demonstrated both forms of prayer and explained that when one begins to speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit provides the words. He described the Holy Spirit as a kind and gentle gentleman who does not force, urging participants to take the first step and begin speaking.
Wilkinson stated that while the Holy Spirit is invisible, gifts such as tongues, prophecy, miracles, and healing are evidence of its presence. He emphasized that the Holy Spirit is a gift, not a reward earned through effort or sacrifice. He compared the gifts to a gift left in a corner, noting that it is the responsibility of the recipient to use them. He listed nine gifts from 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, categorizing them into power, revelation, and word gifts. He used the analogy of a car, explaining that functions like the horn and wipers do not work without the engine, just as the gifts require the power of the Holy Spirit to manifest.
The speaker recalled that many churches once held meetings to wait for the Holy Spirit, sometimes for years without result. He emphasized that the power of the Holy Spirit begins to work when believers decide to take a step of faith and begin speaking. He encouraged the audience to pray for guidance on how to use their gifts. He concluded the morning session by urging them to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:1. He performed a prophetic demonstration to close the session.
Three other instructors from Wildfire Ministries Global accompanied Wilkinson to Japan. The seminar consisted of morning and afternoon sessions, with the afternoon including a practical healing ministry time. Although this event was a one-day intensive, the organization plans to hold a three to four day seminar next year covering all nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.