Going in The Right Direction

 

Life can be challenging for all of us. Every day we are faced with choices and decisions. We need the right answers. We can use trial, error, and past experiences to make decisions. Being a christian and relying on the Holy Spirit for direction and answers surely helps. I am a firm believer that when we rely on the Lord, He will direct our pathways.

We were living in Jacksonville N.C. at the time and as I was praying, the Lord spoke to my spirit. He told me that he was going to give me a debt free house. Wow! I was elated. Like anyone who has every gotten a word from the Lord, I thought it would happen right away. We faced a decision of whether to stay in Jacksonville or to move back to Hamlet. I wanted to stay in Jacksonville and build the house. I prayed and the Lord said, “Wait.” Just what I wanted to hear.

Time went by, my faith was tried and tested. I grew impatient and discouraged, but I knew deep down in my spirit the Lord had spoken to me. Circumstances started changing. The railroad yard in Jacksonville closed,  and I was able to transfer to Hamlet.

We bought some property, picked out house plans, and prayed for direction from the Lord. One night we were at church, I was called out and given a word of knowledge. The Holy Spirit spoke through a man whom I had never met. He said. “Brother, the Lord didn’t give you that land not to build upon, He’s going to give you a house”. It was a word of confirmation to what the Lord had spoken five years earlier. I had waited on the Lord for direction. The word of knowledge at the right time, through the gift of the Holy Spirit in this man, and gave me the go ahead to build.

Three years later we had the house and best of all it was debt free. All praise to God who performs his word.

~ Ricky Robinson

Image credit:

ROAD MARKING
© Yali Shi  | Dreamstime.com

Do You Value Revelation?

Years ago, we invited a brother in the Lord to go to one of Kenneth Hagin’s meetings with us. He said, “Why? I’ve seen him before and all he does is tell the same stories and quote the same scriptures over and over. That man is boring! I already know what he’s talking about. I want to hear something new!”

Seriously?? So, you have problems with your health, problems with your finances, trouble with your kids, and your wife can’t stand you. And you don’t think Kenneth Hagin… one of the most anointed pioneers of faith to live in the last 100 years… can teach you anything about how to live your life?

 

Some people are too stupid to argue with. The problem this brother had was that he simply did not value revelation. And he’s not the only one… I was reading one of the reports from the Barna Group that said:

Asked to think about their last church visit, three out of five church attenders (61%) said they could not remember a significant or important new insight or understanding related to faith. Even among those who attended church in the last week, half admitted they could not recall a significant insight they had gained. ~ From The Barna Group: What people experience in Churches found at http://www.barna.org/congregations-articles/556-what-people-experience-in-churches

There are two problems that emerge in this statistic…. (1) The majority of church goers in the US don’t go to church seeking revelation. If you’re hungry for more revelation and understanding concerning the Word of God, all you have to do is ask Holy Ghost, your teacher, and He will impart that to you. I don’t have room on this blog post to go into all the scriptures that talk of the blessings that come from seeking wisdom and understanding, but you could start at Proverbs if you really wanted to know! (2) The majority of churches are preaching doctrine and going through a form of godliness but are not really preaching the WORD. It is impossible to preach the Word of God and not impart revelation by doing so.

So, ultimately, the problem in the church is that there is a lack of value where revelation is concerned. Christians think there is nothing new to learn by reading, studying, and meditating the Word. Spirit-filled Christians forget that Holy Ghost is here to teach us and lead us into ALL TRUTH. Well, there isn’t one of us on the planet who is walking in ALL TRUTH yet… so, that means there is still room for more revelation… more understanding. We just have to be hungry for it. And there’s the real problem…. people in the pulpits and in the pews aren’t hungry for the TRUTH.

Tell me… do you REALLY value revelation? Well, here’s a test for you, then. I want you to do me a favor: click on the Latest Sermon link on the Gateway website and listen to Apostle David’s message from Sunday night, June 24th. There’s enough revelation in what he said that night to keep you thinking, praying, and studying for a year! Dare ya!

~Linda Frederick

 

image credit:

INTO THE BLUE
© Hurricanehank | Dreamstime.com

“First Lady of the Struggle”: A Tribute to Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune: God’s Ambassador to Education

“At Moody [Bible Institute], we learned to look upon a man as a man, not as a Caucasian or Negro,” said Mary McLeod Bethune. “A love for the whole human family entered my soul and remains with me to this day.” The fifteenth of seventeen children born to former slaves, Mary rose from the grips of poverty to become one of the greatest Kingdom ambassadors for education the world has ever known.

When her dream to become a missionary to Africa crumbled in 1895, Mary obtained a teaching position at the Haines Institute in Augusta, Georgia. Work at Haines fired Mary’s imagination of what she herself could achieve. She soon realized “that Africans in America needed Christ and school just as much as Negroes in Africa…. My life work lay not in Africa but in my own country.” She decided to commit herself to improving the education of young Black Americans.

In 1904, Mary arrived in Daytona Beach, where she had a prophetic dream of crossing a river. A man rode up to her on a horse as soon as she made it safely across the river. The man was Booker T. Washington, the country’s leading black educator. Washington took a soiled handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the sweat from his brow, then produced a glittering diamond and handed it to Mary. “This is for your school,” he told her. Inspired by her dream and her faith in God, Mary went on to found what later became the first fully accredited four-year college for Blacks in Florida. Students were instructed in spiritual matters as well as academics, often taking over the pastorates of the many mission churches Mary founded for migrant workers throughout the swamps of Florida.

The Lord continued to open doors for Mary, bringing her into contact with the wealthiest and most influential people of the early 20^th Century. Booker T. Washington, himself, became a friend and colleague. Sponsors of her school and mission work included the Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Guggenheims. Her voice advocating for Black education found an ear with President Calvin Coolidge and later President Franklin Roosevelt. She became the first African American woman to head a federal agency under the Roosevelt administration. Her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt greatly enhanced her status and gave her access to important political leaders. After Roosevelt’s death, President Truman named Mary Bethune to his Civil Rights Commission as the only African American woman consultant working to draw up the charter for the United Nations. She became known as the “First Lady of the Struggle” for her influence in early Civil Rights activism.

Mary often insisted that she had been blessed with a rich and wonderful life even though she had been born into poverty. At the end of her life, she wrote that she wanted to pass on the richness of her life’s experiences by inspiring acts of love and fellowship in others. Such a legacy, she hoped, would foster education and interracial cooperation. “Faith, courage, brotherhood, dignity, ambition, responsibility—these are needed today as never before,” she wrote. Truly, her words still ring true today.

~Linda Frederick

Rise up Strong! (Part 1)

“For the attack has come very, very strong, even more strongly than you realized, because you were not able to see into the realm of the spirit as I see,” saith the Lord. “But, if you could have seen just how close you came, if you could have seen, it would have caused great fear and great apprehension.”

“But,” saith the Lord, “because you had positioned yourself, I was able to come. Because of your willingness and your hunger for truth, I was able to come and to rescue. Do not think by any stretch of the imagination,” I hear the Lord saying, “that you’ve gotten past all of that attack or that you’ve gotten past all that was taken out of you. For the attack that was so strong did begin to sap some of your strength, but I have called you together for such a time as this, that I may prepare you now and that I may strengthen you, that I may restore all that the locust has eaten and all that the caterpillar has eaten, and all that has been lost shall be restored as you seek My face, as you minister to Me and as you wait upon Me; all that could have been accomplished shall be restored and nothing shall be lacking.”

“So, know that I’ve called you for such a time as this. Know that I’ve called you in this time and to this season. And know that I am here to meet with you. For I did not call you together to leave you alone, but I’ve called you together that I might meet with you and that I might fellowship with you on a whole new level, so that you might rise up strong in your spirit and shake yourself even as Samson would rise up and shake himself and all the bands and all the bonds that the enemy put upon him would all fall off.”

“So shall it be with you, for in this hour that you have answered the call and in this time when you have purposed to seek my face,” saith the Lord,” you shall come out strong. You shall rise up strong and some things shall be restored even this week in the process, not six weeks, six months, or six years down the road, but even this very week things shall change. There shall be a turning. There shall be a turning and some things that looked so hopeless and looked so helpless [will turn around]. Some of things that looked like they were totally lost [will be restored]. You felt so helpless that you didn’t know what to do, but there will be a renewal of your confidence and of your faith, for I shall move mightily. I shall move mightily. I shall move mightily,” saith the Lord, “and there shall be a restoration. And all that the enemy has come to steal, and even what he did steal and even what he did slow down, even what he did hinder, shall be restored. Not only shall you go that mile, but you’ll go another also.”

Hallelujah!

Prophecy given by Apostle David Coker

September 12, 2011

(end part one)

 

 

God Is More Than Enough!

“For some [in the Body of Christ] have decided that My presence is not enough. Some have decided that there needs to be more operations of the flesh, manifestations of demons, and demonstrations of mind over matter. But I want you to know, my children, that you are not such people. For the reason that I’m able to come [and visit you here] is because you’re hungry for Me, and I have said that he who hungers and thirsts shall be filled.”

“So, don’t take my Spirit for granted, but know that each time that I come, I come for the purpose of My Kingdom and you are part of My Kingdom. So, therefore, I am come for you. I have come to heal, to deliver, to set free, to fill, and to save, for that is the operation of My Kingdom and the manifestation thereof.”

“For I desire to manifest all of My gifts. Know that it is not for the purpose of man, but it is for the purpose of the Kingdom. For I desire to set you free so that you can soar above the ceilings that the enemy has placed in your life. For surely He had a plan and said, ‘Oh, I thought I’ve got them now! I’ve got them now!’ That is just as sure as when the Lord Jesus Himself went into the heart of the earth and there abode for three days. [During those three days] Satan had a jubilee and a rejoicing, but on the third day there was a great shaking that took place, even a resurrection. So shall it be in your life!” saith the Lord. “For when the enemy thinks that he’s got you down for the third count – when he thinks that you cannot get up again – there shall come a grace, there shall come a power, there’ll come a strength that is beyond you! And you will know and experience the power of My Resurrection in your life, and you will rejoice and give Me glory and praise, and the Kingdom of God shall come nigh unto this territory through you!” saith the Lord.

~prophetic word given by Apostle David Coker to Gateway Believers Fellowship, July 31, 2011

Get Up!!

“For I’ve said to you many times that there are places in My Spirit that I want to take you,” saith the Lord, “and I’ve taken you as far as you would allow Me to, and you’ve suffered, and suffered and suffered, partly because you would not surrender. But your spirit kept crying out, and you kept praying in other tongues and kept asking Me to bring you into that place, no matter what it would take, because you wanted to enter in.”

“So, I permitted certain things. I allowed certain emotions, circumstances and situations. I even gave you what your flesh desired for a season, so that you would realize that what you’re really hungry for is not in the flesh but in My Spirit. So therefore, I have brought you to a place by My Spirit, even to the threshold, this night. And those things that I’ve spoken and those things which I have promised, those things that I’ve said in order to give you vision and to encourage, edify, exhort and comfort you, yes all those things that I’ve said surely do belong to you.”

“Until now, you’ve seen them afar off. You’ve put it too far in the future. And you say within yourself ‘I am not worthy,’ and it is true: you’re not worthy in your strength, or your holiness, or your purity, or your works. But I have brought you to a place in which you’re not depending on your worthiness in the flesh, but you have to totally and completely lean on and trust in Me. For you see, My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”

“So fear not the circumstances, neither those things that would arise in your emotions and your mind. Don’t tarry and look at those things that have held you back. But behold Me,” saith the Lord. “Look at My Word. For I am not holding you back. I am not he that condemns; I am He that encourages and strengthens. Don’t you know that I knew you before I called you? Don’t you know that I knew your weaknesses? Don’t you know I already knew about the mistakes that you would make?”

“But know this:” saith the Lord, “I prepared a way by which you could arise and confess before Me so that you could walk totally and completely free. So, why don’t you go on? Why don’t you come on in? Why don’t you step on over? Quit listening to the accuser of the brethren, because his voice has been loud. His voice has been strong. But I’m bringing you to a place, even this night,” saith the Lord, “where his voice will pale in comparison to the voice of My Spirit that speaks within you and speaks through you.”

“So, I have a command for you this night,” saith the Lord. “Arise! Arise and shake yourself, and be strong in Me and in the power of My Might and you will begin to see My Glory and the manifestation of My Power. There will be transformation, not just in you, but even in the circumstances and in those places and in those regions and even in those territories where I have planted you. For don’t you know that this process that I’ve taught you concerning mortification had been an on-going process of dying. You think this is going to die and that’s going to die, and you’ve looked at this, that, and the other. But you see, what I have worked on are those things that have kept you from my purpose and from my assignment. So, as long as you’re in this flesh, you’ll never be perfected in every thought and word and deed. But I can tell you this: you can walk and will walk in everything that you need to walk in to fulfill my assignment. And hear this,” saith the Lord, “everything that would stand between you and the purpose for which you were given life, it shall die and I shall live in you!”

Let Me Put You in Remembrance

For the Spirit of God would remind you today of what He has said before. “Has it not been made known to you, not been made clear to you,” says the Lord, “that new seasons are upon you, for I am the One who determines your purpose. I am the One who puts insight into you and unveils my revelation to you. For I’ve called you for such a time as this. For I’ve put my governing anointing upon you and I’ve put my Spirit in you,” says the Lord.

“Oh, turn not back and grow not weary in well-doing,” says the Lord, “for the times have now changed. Your purpose now shall become clearer. I’ve called those from the north and the south and the east and the west and I’ve put my voice in you. I’ve put my strength in you. So, lift up your head and gird yourself up in Me and know that I am with you to make you strong. For I am the Captain, The Lord of Hosts is my name. And I’ve come along side to equip you and to empower you and to send you.”

“Oh, that which has tried to stop you is as nothing,” says the Lord, “for I am the Great Conqueror; I am the I Am. So, turn to Me and look to Me and draw that strength from Me, and I’ll show you great and mighty things that you know not of. For My purpose is with you and I’ve come along side you. Grab that which is in Me and watch what happens. Oh! The changes that you shall see! The destiny that you shall see! The greatness that you shall behold,” says the Lord, “are as nothing in comparison to what you have already seen.”

“Oh, there’s even been those who have stood here in this pulpit in the past and have spoken of these things. Some of you have taken heed, and some of you have not. There’s even been transition,” says the Lord, “for I’m the one who removes [people from among you] and I am the one who draws [people in]. But understand that it is I,” says the Lord, “who is the Head of this church. I am the one who separates and sends. I am the one who deposits the keys in My people. For I am the one who knows how to clothe them in righteousness and even put my armor on them and give them the words of life, even the words of destiny, to speak.”

“So speak,” says the Spirit of God, “and watch the territory change. Speak, and watch the people be drawn to hope. Speak, and watch signs and wonders come out of your mouth and watch My resurrection power be complete in your midst. Understand that I lack nothing. Draw from Me, just as you would draw from the wells of the deep. Draw from Me, and watch Me give you rich insight and purpose.”

“And understand this,” says the Lord, “that I am the one who is in the design mode. I am the one who is in the building mode. I am the one who is in the governing mode, and I shall show you these things in the days ahead. So, be faithful with the revelation that you have now. Walk in the light that you have now and watch My Kingdom be unveiled to you and you shall see what I have called you for and what I’ve called you into.”

~A prophetic word from the Lord, given to Gateway Believers Fellowship by Apostle Jonas Clark

July 3, 2011

I’ve Got A Brand New Pair of Roller Skates

God is doing something. There’s a new work that God is starting today in this church. There’s a new work being established and it’s going to start on the inside, and it’s going to show up on the outside.

What you have seen in the past cannot be compared to what you’re about to see. That which you’ve walked in during times past cannot be compared to that which you’re about to see. You’ve been standing on the edge of walking fully in what I have given you to walk in. The attacks have come and come and come and come; they tried to make you stop running the race that I called you to run.  But today, there’s an establishing taking place in your spirit, and now when you think about it and you declare it, you’ll be able to do it.

You’ve been held back, but it wasn’t for a lack of will. You willed to do it, but you could not accomplish My will because the opposition was so great. But from this very day, it will almost seem like you’re on a pair of roller skates and you’re going to skate along in the power of God, and you’re going to find out that Satan under your feet you shall trod.

And I will cause you to ride in the high places of the spirit. And I’m going to reverse some things for you financially. And know this; adhere to it and hear it: I’m going to reverse some things for you financially and adjustments are going to be made and the right track you shall be on and then the pressure of that will be gone.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the anointing is upon you today.

 Prophecy given to Apostle David Coker

by Randy Grier, April 10, 2011

The Living Word

The basic definition of prophecy is, “That which is given by the Spirit of God for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Body of Christ.” We look at the written Word of God and understand that it is prophetic… it never fades or wears out. The Word is LIFE and is always new. We can read it and reread it and never stop learning and being transformed by it.

Prophecy and prophetic utterances to the church serve the same purpose, but we often do not recognize or esteem them, and so they do not profit us as Holy Ghost intends. In order for us to have more of the prophetic gift functioning here at Gateway, we need to value the prophetic utterances given to our house and treasure them as life-giving, transforming, always living words from God. No, they are not “scripture,” but if God said them, then they are still living, powerful Words!

You can tell how much you esteem prophecy by the way in which your spirit responds to prophecies, even after much time has passed. If your spirit leaps, if you sense the anointing, if you can still sense the life and power in the prophetic word, then you will be blessed and transformed by that word no matter how often you read it or hear it.

Try it out for yourself. This is a portion of a prophetic word released by Apostle David in July of 2008. As you read it, check your spirit. How are you responding?

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” says the Spirit of the Lord. “All of the building blocks that have been put in place up until this point have had a purpose. Even in those times when you tried things, and you did things and you said, ‘it looks like it didn’t work.’ Know this,” saith the Lord, “be careful not say that anymore.”

“I’m even going to use the things that didn’t seem to work as building blocks in your life, because the building that I am building is not just a physical, natural work, but it is a spiritual work and it will be built here. But not just here, it shall also be manifested abroad because that which is modeled here shall come into manifestation.”

“For don’t you know that you were in training all this time? Don’t you know that I was working a plan all this time? Don’t you know that you have things in you right now that you have been preparing for, and that [they] are not just for this house and not just for this territory, but for the nations? So understand and know that this is a place of training, it is place of growth, and it is a place of maturity and preparation. For your schooling is taking place and your training is taking place and you will fulfill that which you were trained for,” saith the Lord.

“And for some of you,” I hear the spirit of God saying, “even those things that I showed you years ago that you had laid aside and thought, ‘Well it was foolish thinking, it was just something that was in my mind.’ No, no, no,” saith the Lord, “that was what I was giving you and it was for such a time as this.”

And I also hear the spirit of God saying, “Don’t worry about the time that’s lost, because I can make sure that all is restored.” saith the Lord.

This word is just as real, just as powerful, just as anointed today as it was 3 years ago. Let’s purpose in our heart to treasure the prophetic gifts that we have here. Remember, what we celebrate, we will keep in abundance!

~By Linda Frederick

Don’t Be Ignorant

Ignorance is not bliss, but it is a choice. The Apostle Paul exhorted the church at Corinth NOT to be ignorant of the gifts of the spirit. He went on to explain what they were and why we all, as the Body of Christ, need to value these gifts and embrace their workings in our lives. Two thousand years later, much of the Church is still choosing to be ignorant of these gifts, missing out on the fullness of the Christian walk intended to be ours. Meditate on these scriptures and study this lesson… more importantly, DON’T BE IGNORANT!!

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led…There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” ~1 Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV

The Nine Gifts Of The Spirit can be divided into 3 categories: to know supernaturally, to speak supernaturally, and to act supernaturally.

To Know Supernaturally

1. The Word Of Wisdom

The Bible does not talk about the gift of wisdom, but rather the “Word Of Wisdom”.

The Word Of Wisdom is a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit, and exists on a plane far above natural wisdom. Sometimes an answer we need will not come by human wisdom, but God gives a specific Word Of Wisdom at a particular time for a particular situation.

The Word Of Wisdom implies a thought or utterance through a direct operation of the Holy Spirit at a given moment rather than an abiding deposit of supernatural wisdom.

The church has a constant need for wise leadership. Problems will occur, and delicate situations arise among the most spiritual believers. The Word Of Wisdom can be vital in meeting these needs.

Examples of the Word Of Wisdom.

* The Apostles deal with the controversy over the daily assistance to widows. (Acts 6:1-7)

* Paul’s insight and advice concerning his shipwreck. (Acts 27:10, 31, 34)

2. The Word Of Knowledge

Every Christian must endeavor to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord” (II Peter 3:18). The Word Of Knowledge is a portion of supernaturally imparted knowledge to meet a particular need. The Bible does not speak of a gift of knowledge, but rather the “Word Of Knowledge”.

All knowledge ultimately rests with the Lord, “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). It is therefore reasonable to believe that God can impart any part of the divine knowledge at any time, as He wills.

The Word Of Knowledge includes facts from God about people, places, things, and events that a person could not possibly know unless God revealed them to him.

An example of the Word Of Knowledge

* Peter’s supernatural knowledge of the secret sin of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-10)

3. Discerning Of Spirits

The Bible does not state that there is a gift of discernment, but rather it speaks of “Discerning Of Spirits”. The Discerning Of Spirits is the ability on a particular occasion to ascertain whether a spirit or an action is of God, of the devil, or of the human nature.

I John 4:1 admonishes us to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God”. The purpose of this gift is to detect what is true and what is false.

The gift of Discerning Of Spirits is not only defensive in the sense that once an evil spirit is detected as operating through some human channel, that channel can then be delivered through the power of the name of Jesus Christ.

Examples of Discerning Of Spirits

* Peter’s denunciation of Simon the sorcerer based upon discernment of the intent of his heart. (Acts 8:23)

* Paul’s rebuke of a spirit possessing a girl at Philipi. (Acts 16:16-18)

To Act Supernaturally

4. Faith

The “Spiritual Gift Of Faith” is to be distinguished from saving faith or the daily faith without which it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

The Gift Of Faith is a measure of faith above the faith that all of us have as children of God. It is a special faith imparted to us by the Holy Spirit of God, as are the other gifts of the Spirit, to meet a particular need. The Gift Of Faith surpasses all reason, looks impossibilities in the face, and turns them into miracles.

Examples of the Gift Of Faith

* The faith of Peter and Paul for the lame man. (Acts 9:40)

* Paul’s supernatural faith during his shipwreck. (Acts 27:25)

5. Working Of Miracles

The Working Of Miracles is a suprenatural release of God’s power through a person’s life to effect an immediate, supernatural event. It is a sign or wonder that humans cannot explain by an appeal to “natural laws”. It can be a miraculous “coincidence” effected by God when we pray.

Examples of Working Of Miracles

* Raising of Dorcas back to life. (Acts 9:40)

* Raising of Eutychus back to life. (Acts 20:10)

* Miracles in Paul’s ministry at Ephesus. (Acts 19:11-12)

6. Gifts Of Healing

The Gifts Of Healing are plural. They refer to special healings of various types performed by God. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can lay hands upon the sick for their recovery. (Mark 16:18), and all elders in the church can anoint with oil for healing (James 5:14) Nevertheless, it appears that on certain occasions God operates in a special way to heal miraculously.

When the Gifts Of Healing are in operation, God removes the cause of the disease or affliction and healing ensues.

Some of the many examples

* Acts 5:16

* Acts 8:7

* Acts 9:33-34

 

To Speak Supernaturally

7. Prophecy

In general, Prophecy is an anointed utterance from God. It can consist of foretelling or forthtelling. The Gift Of Prophecy is a specific message from God to the hearers in their own language.

True Prophecy will always be in harmony with God’s Word. Prophecy will never replace the Bible or diminish its worth. Prophecy must always agree with the Bible.

A prophet may prophesy, but not everyone who exercises the Gift Of Prophecy fulfills the office or ministry of a prophet. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

The Gift Of Prophecy brings edification, exhortation, and comfort to the church (I Corinthians 14:3-5). Prophesying does not serve them that believe not, but serves them which do believe (I Corinthians 14:22). Prophecy does not replace or supercede doctrinal teaching or spiritual leadership.

8. Tongues

Speaking with tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker. There are different kinds of tongues.

The Bible reveals four different purposes or uses of speaking with tongues.

* The first use is the initial evidence when someone is baptized with the Holy Ghost

(Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6).

* The second use is addressing the church, coupled with interpretation (I Corinthians 14:28)

* The third use is tongues for intercession (Romans 8:14)

*The fourth use is speaking to God in personal prayer (I Corinthians 14:2, 14, 15). The believer can speak in tongues in private devotion or in corporate worship when everyone is praying individually. In such a case there is no need for interpretation (I Corinthians 14:28).

9. Interpretation Of Tongues

By this gift a person does not merly translate but interprets the meaning of a message in tongues for the church. When a person brings a message to the church through the Gift Of Tongues, The Gift Of The Interpretation Of Tongues is used to edify the church (I Corinthians 14:12). “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret” (I Corinthians 14:13).

If there is no interpreter, the one speaking in the unknown tongue should keep silence in the church, although he can continue to pray in tongues personally (I Corinthians 14:28).

These gifts can be a tremendous blessing in the life of the believer and in the working of the local church. Of course, without proper direction and accountability, a lot of Christians get really flaky and weird when they try to manifest the gifts of the spirit apart from Holy Ghost. It is important to have accountability to spiritual authority and your fellow believers. After all, it’s always good to have someone around to keep you from being ignorant AND stupid!!