The Sign Gifts: INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

The Sign Gifts:
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES (Interpreting words spoken by someone speaking in tongues)

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the COMMON GOOD. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

Romans 15:2
“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his EDIFICATION.”

1 Corinthians 12:27-31
"27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts.."

1 Corinthians 14: 2-5 - "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, UNLESS SOMEONE INTERPRETS, so that the church may be EDIFIED."

1 Corinthians 14:6-12
“But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? Or if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? “So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the EDIFICATION of the church.”

1 Corinthians 14: 13-19
"13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.."

20 Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, and even so they will not listen to Me,” says the Lord. 22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

1 Corinthians 14:26-33
"26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an INTERPRETATION. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

Acts 19:6 - "Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Sign Gifts: SPEAKING IN TONGUES -- LOVE THE GREATEST GIFT

The Sign Gifts:
SPEAKING IN TONGUES -- LOVE THE GREATEST GIFT

SPEAKING IN TONGUES or LANGUAGES (Greek = “gene glosson”)

1 Corinthians 12:28-29
“And God has appointed in the church … various kinds of tongues.”

1 Corinthians 12:7-11
“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…to another various kinds of tongues.”

Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”

Acts 2:5-9
“Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?”And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born?”

Acts 2:9-11
“Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs”

Acts 2:11-13
“…we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.”

Acts 2:14-17
“But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.”For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,”

1 Corinthians 14:20-22
“Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers;”

1 Corinthians 12:28-29
“And God has appointed in the church … various kinds of tongues.”

The scripture references that discuss the gift of speaking in tongues are as follows.

Mark 16:17

Acts 19:6-7

1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 28-30, Acts 2:3-4, 11,

1 Corinthians 13:1-2, 8, Acts 10:46

1 Corinthians 14:2-7, 9-14, 18-19, 22-23, 26-27, 39

Mark 16:17
“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;”

Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 tells us here that God wished to open the doors to His church family to all people living in Judea, Samaria and the ENTIRE world. Our Heavenly Father wished to have Jews come to know His Son as Lord and Savior so He used the gift of speaking in tongues at Pentecost to convict them in a miraculous way. We will see He continued His mission as the Apostles spread the good news to Samaria and beyond. We will see in the following scriptures that God will fulfill Acts 1:8, by not only bringing in Jewish people, but also Samaritans and Gentiles as well, in the presence of Jewish witnesses.

The Samaritan Believers (Samaria)

Acts 8:9-19
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

The Gentile House of Cornelius

Acts 10:44-46
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.”

The Ephesian Disciples

Acts 19:1-7 “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.”

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 “For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,”

John 4:48 “So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.”

1 Corinthians 14:22 “So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.”

LOVE THE GREATEST GIFT

The Excellence of Love
1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul is instructing the follower of Christ in Corinth to grow up spiritually and put away their childish practices of abusing the spiritual gifts God has given them. They should be loving and edifying other Believers, rather than striving to use spiritual gifts for their own personal edification. That is not true love. John in his epistle of 1 John speaks of the love we should have for other believers.

1 John 4:7-14
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.”

1 Corinthians 14:4
“One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.”

1 Corinthians 12:7
“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

Romans 15:2-3
“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”

1 Corinthians 14:5
“Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.”

1 Corinthians 14:12
“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”

1 Peter 4:8-11
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

Hebrews 3:13-14
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:23-25
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.

1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

John 13: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUI_rAIAkm0

Lydia Walker - They Will Know We Are Christians 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Sign Gifts: MIRACLES AND HEALINGS (COUNTERFEIT)

The Sign Gifts:
MIRACLES AND HEALINGS
(COUNTERFEIT)

Acts 7:35-36
“This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush. “This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.”

Hebrews 2:1-4
“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

Mark 16:14-20
“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation…”These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.”

Acts 2:43
“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.”

Acts 5:12
“At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.”

2 Corinthians 12:12
“The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”

Acts 2:22-24
“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know — this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”

MIRACLES (Greek = dunamis) A special miraculous power or mighty wonderful work of God

The miracles of Jesus (Luke 4:36, Acts 2:22)

Power of the Holy Spirit in believers (Acts 1:8)

Miracles of the Apostles (Acts 3:12, Hebrews 2:4, 2 Corinthians 12:12

The “Seventy” disciples (Luke 10:1,9,17)

HEALINGS (Greek = “iama”) Miraculous instantaneous healing

Healings were instantaneous (Mark 1:42)

Healings were complete (Matthew 14:36)

Healings were permanent (Matthew 14:36)

Healings were from diseases that affected a body part or organ. In other words, they were not psychological illnesses or perceptions of illness (Mark 1:40)

Healings were in unbelievers who exercised no faith and did not even know who Jesus was (John 9:25)

Healings were not for the purpose of relieving people from their suffering or sickness, but for the purpose of verifying Jesus’ ministry and spreading His gospel otherwise it would have been cruel and immoral for our Lord to leave the cities, where the sick sought healing, for the solitude of the country (Luke 5:15-16)

Healings were secondary to preaching the Word of God (Luke 9:6)

Healings were intended to confirm Jesus and the Apostles as the messengers of God and their message as a Word from God (John 3:2, Acts 2:22, Hebrews 2:3,4)

Healings were always successful except in the one case where the disciple’s lack of faith in attempting an exorcism of a demon was the cause (Matthew 17:20)

Healings included even bringing the dead back to life. The supreme demonstration of this gift of healing (Mark 5:39-43; Luke 7:14; John 11:44; Acts 9:40)

Healings included all who came to Jesus for healing (Matthew 8:16, 15:29-31, Luke 6:19)

Healings even occurred with handkerchiefs or aprons touched by Paul (Acts 19:12) although this was not typical of how healings were accomplished, it further validated the fact that God was at work miraculously.

Matthew 7:21-2
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’”

James 5:16
“Pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

COUNTERFEIT miracles and healings performed by our demonic enemy and his evil horde -- examples that this occurs in the false religion of Spiritism as well as Spiritualism

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”

Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22
“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.”

Satan is a great deceiver and the father of lies. He will counterfeit the true blessings and gifts of God to lead others away from our Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be on our guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7, 2 Timothy 1:14, 2 Peter3:17). We are to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). We are to be a consistent and tenacious student of the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). We are to pray continually (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are to follow the example of the Bereans and confirm what we are taught by others (Acts 17:11). We are to hold one another accountable to the Word of God (Colossians 3:16).

Jesus Revisits Nazareth
Matthew 13: 53 When Jesus had finished these parables, He left there. 54 And after coming to [Nazareth] His hometown, He began teaching them in their synagogue, and they were astonished, and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers [what is the source of His authority]? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not [living here] among us? Where then did this Man get all this [wisdom and power]?” 57 And they took offense at Him [refusing to believe in Him]. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And He did not do many miracles there [in Nazareth] BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF.

 Luke 8: 49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”
50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; JUST BELIEVE , and she will be healed.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjZ01FcK0yk

Newsboys - We Believe 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Support Gifts: HELPS, GIVING, HOSPITALITY

The Support Gifts:
HELPS, GIVING, HOSPITALITY

HELPS (Greek = “antilepsis”) (To provide relief or to help)

1 Corinthians 12:27-28
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church… gifts of… helps,”

The Greek word for “helps” is used as a synonym for “serving.” This word is also derived from the verb in Acts 20:35.

Acts 20:35
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

In Romans 16:1-2 Phoebe is referred to as a person who was a “servant of the church” and therefore very likely had the gift of helps.

Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”

The household of Onesiphorus who ministered to Paul’s needs demonstrated this spiritual give of service in 2 Timothy 1:16.

2 Timothy 1:16-18
“The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me — the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day — and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.

Mark 10:43-45
“…whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

GIVING (Greek = “metadidomi”) (To give over generously, share liberally and bountifully with singleness of mind and heart, with no self-seeking motivation)

Romans 12:4-8
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly…he who gives, with liberality;”

2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Acts 9:36-37
“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.”

All those in Christ’s Body are encouraged and expected to give consistently (1 Corinthians 16:2), liberally (2 Corinthians 9:6), sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:3), and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

HOSPITALITY (Greek = “philoxenos”) (To be fond of guests and to be hospitable to strangers without murmuring or holding a grudge (Greek = “goggusmos”)

1 Peter 4:9-10
“Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Romans 12:9-13
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

Peter was the recipient of this spiritual gift of hospitality. Simon the tanner expressed this spiritual gift towards him in the seaport of Joppa as did the Roman centurion who was also a believer in Christ (Acts 10:1-20). Once again Peter received hospitality through the actions of Mary, the mother of John Mark, after he was miraculously delivered from Herod’s prison (Acts 12:12). Gentile followers of Christ also expressed this gift towards Peter when he went to Antioch in Syria (Galatians 2:11-13), but when Peter withdrew from their hospitality for fear of criticism by the Jews Paul admonished him.

Matthew 25:34-40
“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

The word for “hospitality” is “philoxenos.” It means literally to be friendly to strangers. It embraced particularly the needs of Christians who, in their travels, needed a bed for the night or a meal. In Peter’s day, there was no public welfare. Overflowing love would find many opportunities to minister to the needy.

 A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. 

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. 

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell. 'Spoon feeding
They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. 

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. 

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.' 

'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

author unknown

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

The Serving Gifts: LEADERSHIP, ADMINISTRATION, MINISTERING, FAITH, SHOWING MERCY, DISCERNMENT

The Serving Gifts:
LEADERSHIP, ADMINISTRATION, MINISTERING, FAITH, SHOWING MERCY, DISCERNMENT

LEADERSHIP (Greek = proistemi) (To preside or rule over)

Romans 12:6, 8 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: he who leads, with diligence…”

ADMINISTRATION (Greek = kubernesis) (To pilot, steer, govern or direct)

1 Corinthians 12:27, 28 “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed…administrations…”

MINISTERING (Greek = “diakonia”) (To serve or provide relief)

Romans 12:6-7 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:…if service, in his serving;…”

Acts 6:1-4 “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.”Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.”

Jesus said, ‘Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant (diakonos); and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served (diakonethenai), but to serve (diakonesai)” (Mark 10:43-45).”

SHOWING MERCY (Greek = “eleo”) (To show compassion and mercy)

Romans 12:6-8 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:…he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

FAITH (Greek = “pistis”)(A constant and consistence moral conviction of the truthfulness of God, strong reliance upon Christ for salvation, utter dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance)

1 Corinthians 12:4-9 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…to another faith by the same Spirit,”

Matthew 17:14-20 “When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. “I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Matthew 21:18-22 “Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered. Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, “How did the fig tree wither all at once?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

James 5:15 “the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up,”

DISCERNMENT (Greek = “diakrisis”) (A judicial estimation of truth to prevent error)

1 Corinthians 12:4-10 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…to another the distinguishing of spirits.”

1 Corinthians 14:29-30 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.”

1 John 4:1-2 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Hebrews 5:13-14 “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Philippians 1:9-11 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Examples of how this spiritual gift of discernment was used in the New Testament times can be found in Acts 5:1-11 when Peter was able to discern the intent of the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira. Another incident where Peter used his spiritual gift of discernment was when he confronted Simon Magnus in Acts 8:9-24.

THE MOVEMENT THAT WAS DOOMED TO FAIL

From the start the movement was doomed to fail. For one thing, it began with just 120 men. Remarkably few when you consider that their homeland had a population of four million. Besides that most of the men were illiterate and poor. Blue-collar workers they were; far too ignorant to stage an uprising that could make any difference.
Few, if any, had traveled beyond their own country. They were inexperienced and uncultured. Their nation was ...oppressed. Their people were weary. Their government was corrupt. Their religion was shallow.
The strategy of the movement was disastrous. No headquarters was ever established. No professional research was ever done. Plans were made by the seat of the pants. The leaders couldn't even agree on the exact definition of their mission.
On top of all of this, the movement was impractical. It was far too extreme and absurd. It demanded too much too soon. It lacked any tact. It was too impatient with traditions. It called for a reversal of social classes. It gave too much leverage to women and minority groups.
The movement was doomed to failure. But it didn't fail. It succeeded. Not only did it succeed, it far surpassed any movement in our world's history. Within thirty years the message of Jesus Christ had entered every port, city, and courtyard of the world. It was infectious. It was a moving organism. People actually died to see it continue.
It should have failed, but it succeeded. And it still succeeds. God's movement will never stop. Some say that the U.S. is a post-Christian nation. That doesn't matter. Others scoff at the absurdity of believing in anything absolute. That won't stop it. Materialism blankets the country. Still the movement will continue. It might be slowed, but it will never be stopped.
The church might bicker and fight. The people might grow crusty with traditions. The leaders may grow nearsighted. But the movement will march on. Nothing will ever stop it. The Judean Commander can't be stilled.
We should fall to our knees in humble gratitude that God has allowed us to participate in such a cause. For this is not the movement of a man. It is the movement of God. That is precisely why what should have failed will never fail. It is the movement of God.
by Max Lacado (On the Anvil)
Romans 14:11
For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

The Speaking Gifts: PASTOR/TEACHERS, PROPHECY, EXHORTATION, WORD OF WISDOM, WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

The Speaking Gifts:
PASTOR/TEACHERS, PROPHECY,
EXHORTATION, WORD OF WISDOM, WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

Ephesians 4:11-13
“And He gave some… as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

PASTOR/TEACHERS (Greek = Pastor = Poimenas / Teacher = Didasko) – Elders/Bishops (Local Church)

Peter 1 Peter 5:1
Church at Antioch Acts 13:1
Church at Corinth 1 Corinthians 12:28
Every Church Acts 14:23
Every City Titus 1:5
Church of Jerusalem Acts 15:4, 23
Church of Ephesus Acts 20:17, 28
Church of Philippi Philippians 1:1-2
John II John 1, III John 1

Bishop/Elder/Overseer: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9
Deacon: Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deaconess: Romans 16:2, 1 Timothy 3:11

PROPHECY (Greek = Propheteian)

Romans 12:6-7
“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;”

2 Peter 1:20-21 “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Revelation 22:18-19 “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”

1 Corinthians 14:3-4 “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.”

2 Peter 2:1-3 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Romans 12:6 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;”

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 “Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.”

Acts 17:1 “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica (Berea), for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

1 Corinthians 14:29-33 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

PASTOR (Greek = Poimen)

1 Timothy 5:17-18 “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

1 Peter 5:1-2 “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder (presbuteros) and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd (poimaino) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopeo) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;”

Acts 20:17, 28
“From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders (presbuteros) of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them,… “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (episkopeo), to shepherd (poimaino) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Determine the process of governing the local church body. (Acts 15:22)
Oversee the local church body. (Acts 20:28)
Ordain others in the local church body. (1 Timothy 4:14)
Rule, teach and preach. (1 Timothy 5:17)
Exhort members in the body as well as refute false doctrine. (Titus 1:9)
Act as shepherds, setting an example for all to follow. (1 Peter 5:1-3)
Pray for those who are in need. (James 5:14)

John 14:26-27 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

TEACHING (Greek = Didaskon) (Instructor)

Romans 12:6-7 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: …he who teaches, in his teaching…”

1 Corinthians 12:27-28 “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church,… teachers,”

Hebrews 5:12-14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;”

2 Timothy 4:2-4 “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

Acts 18:24-28 “Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”

EXHORTATION (Greek = Paraklesei) (Counselor)

Romans 12:6-8 ” Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: …he who exhorts, in his exhortation;

Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

1. “As a father…” would counsel his children. (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
2. “With patience…” for all concerned. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
3. “With teaching…” from God’s Word. (2 Timothy 4:2)
4. “With authority…” which comes from the Holy Spirit as He leads you in lovingly exhorting others.
(Titus 2:15)

WORD OF WISDOM (Greek = Logos Sophias) (Something said concerning high spiritual doctrine)

1 Corinthians 12:8 “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,”

Acts 6:10 “But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”

WORD OF KNOWLEDGE (Greek = Logos Gnoseos) (Something said concerning true spiritual knowledge)

1 Corinthians 12:8 “and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;”

Colossians 1:9 “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,”

1 Corinthians 8:1 “…we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”

1 Timothy 1:5-6 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

 

The Arm!

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

Once in college, I had a very strange and frightening experience one night. I had gone to bed and was having a pretty good night sleep as far as I could tell. For some reason, I came out of my deep sleep and was in that zone which lies between subtle awareness and unconscious sleep. I seemed to be aware that I was in bed, but there was something odd. I wasn’t sure why I felt uncomfortable, but as I moved my hand into a more comfortable position, I felt something! I was semi‑awake and in my stupor attempted to determine what I had brushed up against with my hand. It was soft and smooth and somewhat warm. As I carefully moved my hand against the object, I noticed that it was elongated, somewhat like an arm…. AN ARM!!!! I froze. Was there someone in bed with me? I attempted to gather my wits as best I could, still being groggy from sleep. I was afraid to move for possibly if I did, I might awaken whoever was in bed with me, assuming they were alive. I lay there for several minutes trying to determine what to do. I decided the only thing I could do, was to jump out of bed and confront the intruder. I purposed in my mind how I would do this without getting tangled in the blankets and falling on my face. I visualized the process and then made my move. I jumped out of bed, all 200 lbs 6’4” of me. I turned in mid‑air as only James Bond could do and looked into the bed to determine who my midnight visitor was.

As I stood there in the middle of the room, I saw no one in the bed. Then I noticed a strange thing, my left arm was dangling by my side, limp. I couldn’t move it and reached over with my right arm to grasp the smooth, soft, elongated appendage. All of a sudden I felt a tingling sensation in my “dead” arm. It had fallen asleep and had masqueraded as my unknown bedfellow.

Well you might ask what the moral of this embarrassing story is. Scripture makes analogies between the Body of Christ and the human body. It says in I Corinthians 12:25‑26 that, “There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” Just as my arm had gone asleep and ceased its ability to function, sometimes members of our own Church Body fall asleep spiritually and cease to use their talents and spiritual gifts. When this happens we all suffer. If my arm had remained asleep, I could basically be classified as a one‑armed man and handicapped. I would be unable to do many things that I enjoy and would have to compensate with much work to overcome such impairment. My whole body would pay the cost of the loss of a single arm. Do you see how important it is for us all, in the Body of Christ, to seek to serve one another and glorify our Father, by using our talents and gifts.

I Corinthians goes on to say in chapter 12, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” It goes on to say in the same chapter, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.”

We all are vitally important! Some gifts may not have the appearance of importance, but anything God distributes as a gift in His church Body is needed to keep His church healthy and thriving.

Are you a soft, smooth, elongated appendage that has fallen asleep and serves no useful function? Are you a strong, vibrant, active member of the Body of Christ, anxious to serve your Lord and Savior as well as your fellow saint?

I hope you are the latter for the sake of the Body of Christ!

Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.