“But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, ‘What do we? For this Man doeth many miracles. If we let Him thus alone, all will believe on Him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.’
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, ‘Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.’
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put Him to death.” John 11:46-53
Prophesy
Words for Christian Living – Speech that Edifies
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (KJV)
Someone once said, “It is better to be thought a fool; than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
In Paul’s writing above he speaks of the spiritual gift of “Tongues” and “Prophecy”. One of the things I have noticed is that many of those who claim the “Gift of tongues” want to make it a requirement for the “Baptism of the Spirit”. Now I am not going to get into that; just saying. Those may have a bigger problem controlling the tongue, speaking for the glory of God, rather than cursing.
At any rate Paul says Prophesy or Preaching the Word of God for building up, calling for a decision, and comfort is something that will “Edify” the Church; while “Tongues” edifies self. That is plenty clear to me.
As Christians our speech – the use of our tongues – is to glorify God, build up and encourage, strengthen – by calling for commitment, decision, and trust in the Lord – and comfort the Body of Christ. Also see James 3:1-12.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Those Who Walk With GOD
Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, ‘You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:1-8 (KJV)
Walking with the LORD might be considered a difficult endeavor; however, there is only one thing that it takes; and that is believing God. Believing Him means that I agree with what He says; and without doubt, without wavering, without fear I trust everything that He says. We must remember that He is the One who has even made it possible for man to walk with Him.
The LORD stepped down from heaven; in the person of His Son Jesus, and died for our sins. By His death on the cross He bridged the gap that was between GOD and mankind, making it possible to walk with Him.
One of the blessings and fruits of walking with God is that He reveals “His secret” to His servants the prophets. We are not all prophets, but through the prophets of Scripture, such as Amos we can better know GOD and walk with Him.
-T.A.
The Fire and Hammer 