1 Corinthians 12:27

Paul is teaching about Spiritual Gifts:

27: "Here is what I am trying to say: all of you together are the one body of Christ and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. 28: Here is a list of some of the parts he has placed in his church, which is his body:

First, apostles

Second, prophets,

Third, teachers,

Then, those who do miracles,

Those who have the gift of healing,

Those who can help others,

Those who can get others to work together easily,

Those who speak in different kinds of tongues."*

Do we all have All of these gifts??  of course not!  But we all have at least one of these gifts and all we need do is utilize what God has given us, function the very best way we can when using these gifts and be a part of the Greater whole, the Church of which many people with different gifts cooperate together for the good of all.

*quoted from the BOOK (a wonderful resource for understanding the Bible in Layman terminology!)

14:4 Quoting from The Holy Bible Revised Standard Version

Paul is still preaching about gifts and I really like these statements that he makes:

"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the whole church.  Now I want you all to speak in tongues but even more to prophesy.  He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the Church may be edified."

   I have only encountered someone speaking in tongues twice in my lifetime at church and neither time did anyone interpret.  So it was not valid.  These people were only drawing attention to themselves and not edifying the church at all.  It was a disruptive jesture with most thinking the person had "lost it", or was "crazy".  I do believe the gift exists but in the Bible is says in Secret.

14:18 Paul continues: "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all; neverthelesss, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue."

14:22-25 "Thus, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.  If, therefore, the whole church asembles and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?  But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you."

   This I have witnessed.  When we first moved to SC we went to a Revival Service at a large local church.  The service was very invigorating, the Pastor very sincere and you could just feel the spirit all around... When the invitation was given, I was in awe of these teen football players suddenly rose and walked down the aisle.  It was truly a blessing.  I have carried the feeling in my heart ever since.

   Continue to edify the Church as a whole and not yourself.  We should be very humble before the Lord, very thankful for any gifts he bestows whether anyone knows about them or not.  It will shine from your very face and eyes when you believe and are full of love for the Lord.

   Thank you for visiting today, I hope you learned something about the gifts.  Tell me about your experiences, I would love to share them.  And if there is a specific question you would like to ask, I will do my best to answer your request.

    May the Lord Bless your going out and your coming in.....

Come back again soon!
♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...