Sunday, September 18, 2011

Are Judgments On You?

Matthew 7:1-5

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

These scriptures are some of the most convicting found in the New Testament and if you profess to be a Christian, but go around looking at the speck's in your brother or sister's eye, and passing judgment upon them, you can know with all certainty that the truth Jesus spoke right here will be applied to you!

The Greek definition of the word 'judge' used here is:

2919. krino kree'-no properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish:--avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

The quickest way to bring judgment upon yourself is to judge somebody else with unrighteous judgment and condemn them for something they did wrong or for the words they spoke.

Paul writes a strong admonishment for those who judge others.

Romans 2:1-4

"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?"

James 4:11-12

"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Condemned means:

2613. katadikazo kat-ad-ik-ad'-zo from 2596 and a derivative of 1349; to adjudge against, i.e. pronounce guilty:--condemn.

Those who are saints of God shouldn't even let one corrupt word come out of their mouths!

Ephesians 4:29

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

There are also many examples in scripture of the judgments of God, but let's take a look at how God brings His judgments on a few individuals.

First case in point, king Saul. He was anointed by Samuel to be the first king of the children of Israel, but after rebellion against God the kingdom was torn from him and given to David. Because of Saul's disobedience to the direct commands of God, the Lord sent an evil spirit upon him (judgment), and he was eventually killed in battle.

1st Samuel 16:14-23

"But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.” Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul. So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer. Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him."

Another case of God's judgment was on the king of Assyria Sennacherib, who sent his messenger to Jerusalem speaking boastful false words against Hezekiah, and the people of Jerusalem, he also spoke blasphemies against God. Sennacherib, through his messenger offered the people a bargain to make peace with him. (Read Isaiah 36)

Isaiah 37:1-7

"And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth. It may be that the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’” So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”’”

Here a few examples of God's judgments in the New Testament.

Acts 5:1-11

"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things."

Acts 13:6-12

"Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord."

2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12

"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

God's judgment is real and it comes upon nations and people; many bring judgment upon themselves. If you have ever judged anyone or spoken evil against a brother or sister in Christ, you need to repent. If you are experiencing confusion of the mind, distress, fear, anxiety, delusion, bouts of uncontrollable anger etc.. you may have the judgments of God upon you. Pray to the Lord if this is happening in your life and ask Him why you are experiencing these things and when He answers act accordingly!

I pray this message has enlightened and edified you.

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone

Thursday, September 15, 2011

What Does It Mean To Believe?

John 3:16-18, 35-36

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone  believing into Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. “The one believing into Him is not judged; but the one not believing has already been judged; for he has not believed into the name of the only begotten Son of God."

"The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. The one believing into the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

The promise of God to those who believe in the Son is very clear for us all, so what does it really mean to believe according to the scriptures?

The first thing we have to do is get the Greek definition for the word 'believe' used here, then we can get a better understanding of what the scriptures are saying to us today.

G4100  pisteuō  pē-styü'-ō Believe, commit unto, commit to (one's) trust, be committed unto, be put in trust with, be commit to one's trust, Believer (BLB)

4100. pisteuo pist-yoo'-o from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. (SGL)

Vine's Expository Dictionary

Belief, Believe, Believers:

"to believe," also "to be persuaded of," and hence, "to place confidence in, to trust," signifies, in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence. It is most frequent in the writings of the Apostle John, especially the Gospel. He does not use the noun (see below). For the Lord's first use of the verb, see Jhn 1:50. Of the writers of the Gospels, Matthew uses the verb ten times, Mark ten, Luke nine, John ninety-nine. In Act 5:14 the present participle of the verb is translated "believers."  (See COMMIT, INTRUST, TRUST.)

Believe - Part Of Speech - Verb

Definition of VERB

":a word that characteristically is the grammatical center of a predicate and expresses an act, occurrence, or mode of being, that in various languages is inflected for agreement with the subject, for tense, for voice, for mood, or for aspect, and that typically has rather full descriptive meaning and characterizing quality but is sometimes nearly devoid of these especially when used as an auxiliary or linking verb." (MW)

Now that we have some more understanding of the word 'believe' from these excellent study tools, we can see that John meant far more than mere mental agreement or intellectual acknowledgement of Jesus and the scriptures.

Believe in the true sense and original Greek definition of the word means to commit to, have faith in, be committed to, be put in trust with. The kind of belief that Jesus and John is talking about here is a heart felt commitment and trust in the Savior of the world, this belief requires us to take action and obey the commands of Jesus Christ.

Now let's insert a few of the definitions for the word 'believe' into the quoted passages and see what we get.

John 3:16-18, 35-36

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone (committing) to Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. “The one (who trusts) in Him is not judged; but the one not (committing) has already been judged; for he has not (put faith) into the name of the only begotten Son of God."

"The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. The one (committing) to the Son has everlasting life; but the one disobeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

This gives us a much better understanding of what John was really saying, now doesn't it!? It does for me!!!!

While I was searching for more messages about what it means to believe I ran across a very well written piece by Oswald J Smith that uses some great analogies to convey this truth we are learning here. I'll share one of them with you.

Trust Implies Committal

"I think the best illustration is that of the marriage ceremony. Here is a young man who is keeping company with a young woman. For some considerable time they go together. At least they should. At last he asks the all-important question and she says, "Yes." Now they are engaged.

Now this young man makes a great many promises and the young woman believes he means what he says. After a while her girl friends come along and they ask her some questions. "We understand," they say, "that this young man of yours has promised you a home." "Yes, he has," replies the young woman. "And he has promised you clothes and food. Now tell us, do you have the home?" "Oh no," she exclaims, "I do not. I am still living with my parents." "What about the food?" they continue. "Does he supply your food?" "Why no, of course not," she responds, "except when we go to the restaurant, and then sometimes I pay the bill." "What about clothes? Has he given you any clothes?" "No, he has not," the young woman answers; "my parents still buy my clothes." "And yet you believe the young man," they exclaim. "Yes, I do," she answers. "I believe every word. I have no doubt of any kind."

There comes a never-to-be-forgotten day when the young man stands at the front of the church facing the minister, first on one foot, then on the other. Never in his life has he stood so long before. It seems an age. At last to the strains of the wedding march the young woman on the arm of her father comes slowly, oh, so slowly, down the aisle. Every eye is fastened on her. There is plenty of time for everyone to admire her wedding gown. At last she reaches the front and stands beside the man of her choice. The minister asks one or two very important questions: "Wilt thou?" And she "wilts". And then something happens that has never happened before, and I want you to mark, if you will, very carefully, my phraseology. For the first time in her life she gives herself over, she hands herself to, she commits herself to, she trusts the young man. Taking his arm, she now leaves the church in his protection. Never again will she have to work. He is now responsible for her and it is up to him to look after her. Her worries are over. He must provide for her.

A little later her girl-friends approach her again. "Well," they ask, "has he given you a home?" "Oh yes," she exclaims, "we are now living together in our own home." "What about the food?" "Yes, he pays the grocery bills and the butcher bills. He provides the food." "And what about clothes?" "Yes, he is buying my clothes—not as many as I want, but all that I need. Indeed he is looking after everything."

**Excerpt taken from 'What Does It Mean To Believe?' by Oswald J. Smith**

Have you really believed in Jesus Christ? Have you given yourself over to the Bridegroom? Have you entrusted your very soul into the hands of the only one who can save you from death and hell? Have you truly committed yourself to Jesus and decided to obey His commands wholeheartedly?

He's waiting for you my friend, with arms wide open, won't you go to Him while there is still time?

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone

Monday, September 5, 2011

Do All Speak Languages? (Gifts Of The Spirit)


I have been studying the scriptures and praying for more understanding on the subject of receiving the Holy Spirit and the evidence that a believer will manifest when the Spirit of God comes to dwell inside the heart.

The Holy Spirit gave me some more insight into the scriptures that many people use to say that 'not everybody speaks in languages' and many believe that languages are not the sign that a believer of Jesus Christ will manifest as initial evidence that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Well let's take a closer look at the scriptures in question and break down what they really say. I'll be using my Greek-English Interlinear bible and the NKJV.

1st Corinthians 12:1-3

"But as to spiritual things brothers, I do not wish you to be ignorant. You know that being led away, you Gentiles were led to dumb idols. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus is a curse. And no one is able to say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit."

The first thing we need to take a look at is who is Paul talking to? As we can see in the first verse of chapter twelve Paul is addressing the Corinthian brothers, those who were already converted to Christ when Paul went to preach the gospel in Greece. (See Acts 18)

He was talking to the believers about spiritual matters because he didn't want them to be ignorant of the workings of God through His Holy Spirit.

In truth, every epistle (letter), after the book of Acts was written to the churches that were established in the first century and to the individual saints who were made disciples by the apostles and baptized in water and Spirit.

Yes, every scripture is most certainly God-breathed and profitable for teaching, correction, etc..., but the scriptures need to be read in their proper context, and we need to understand that we cannot apply every single scripture literally to ourselves.

1st Corinthians 12:4

"But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit;"

So Paul is telling the saints that the Spirit gives different gifts. Notice he is not talking to them about salvation, receiving the Holy Spirit, or being baptized with the Holy Spirit.

1st Corinthians 12:5-7

"And there are differences of ministries, yet the same Lord. And there are differences of workings, but the same God is working all things in all. But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit."

Paul is saying that each individual member that enters the body of Christ is given a spiritual gift of the Spirit to profit the entire body.

1st Corinthians 12:8

"For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another, a word of knowledge, according to the Spirit;"

Now let's take a deeper look into the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to individual believers in the body of Christ.

1) Word Of Wisdom

The spiritual gift of word of wisdom is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the wisdom of God spoken by the Spirit to the saint supernaturally, and gives them divine answers and counsel in any given situation, or circumstance. It is the supernatural impartation of God's wisdom; it is not natural, it does not come by carnal reasoning, and it cannot be gained by study or experience.

Luke 20:21-26

"Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent."

Luke 21:12-15

"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist."

Mark 13:11

"But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 10:18-20

"You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."

Acts 6:8-10

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke."

2) Word Of Knowledge

The spiritual gift of word of knowledge is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is supernatural revelation from the mind of God about a person or situation which is not learned through the efforts of the natural mind. It is a fragment of the divine knowledge of God spoken by the Holy Spirit to a believer disclosing the truth which God desires to be made known concerning a particular person, group of people, or circumstance. This divine knowledge speaks most often about the present or something which happened in the past.

John 4:13-18

"Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

Acts 10:17-20

"Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

1st Corinthians 12:9

"And to another, faith by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit;"

3) Gift Of Faith

The spiritual gift of faith is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the supernatural manifestation of the Spirit that miraculously gives a believer the assurance that what they speak, ask, or pray for will come to pass BEFORE it is seen with the natural eyes. It is God working on behalf of the believer to perform something impossible by ordinary human efforts. It is believing you have it WHEN you pray, and knowing the roots are cursed before you see the tree die. It is the supernatural ability to believe God without doubt, combat unbelief and visualize what God wants to accomplish.

Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

"Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it."

"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Mark 4:35-41

"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Acts 3:13-16

"The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

4) Gifts Of Healing

The spiritual gifts of healing are given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the supernatural ability to heal all kinds of disease, illness, sickness, and oppression of the devil without human aid.

Matthew 4:23-24

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them."

Luke 6:17-19

"And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all."

Acts 10:37-3

"That word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Acts 5:12-16

"And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed."

1st Corinthians 12:10

"And to another workings of powers; and to another, prophecy; and to another, discernings of spirits; and to another kinds of languages; and to another, interpretations of languages."

5) Workings Of Powers (Miracles)

The spiritual gift of workings of powers (miracles) is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit.  It is a direct intervention in the natural universe by God who works through His Spirit in an earthen vessel to perform His will on earth. It is a supernatural intercession that transcends natural laws and a divine act by which God reveals Himself to mankind.

John 2:6-11

"Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him."

John 4:46-54

"So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household. This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee."

Matthew 14:13-21

"When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children."

Matthew 14:22-27

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

John 11:40-44

"Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

Acts 9:36-42

"At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord."

6) Gift Of Prophecy

The spiritual gift of prophecy is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is a divinely inspired and anointed utterance, a supernatural proclamation in a known language of man. It is a direct and immediate word from God Almighty to His people spoken by His Spirit through His chosen vessel. It is spoken forth to reveal truth, exhort, edify, comfort, strengthen, to bring correction, judgment, and repentance to the hearer(s).

2nd Peter 2:19-21

"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 24:1-2

"Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Acts 13:9-12

"Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord."

Acts 11:21-28

"And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar."

Acts 21:8-11

"On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”

1st Corinthians 14:3

"But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men."

7) Discernings Of Spirits

The spiritual gift of discernings of spirits is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the supernatural ability to perceive and see into the spiritual realm, and discern the source of a spiritual manifestation to determine whether it is of God, Satan, or man. It is the ability to see in the spirit to know the root causes of oppression (pride, unbelief, bitterness, lust, etc..) and true motives of people, to discern whether they have a good or evil spirit.

Matthew 16:21-23

"From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Luke 8:26-31

"Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs.When he  saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss."

Luke 9:51-56

"Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village."

Acts 8:18-24

"And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Acts 16:16-18

"Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour."

8) Kinds Of Languages

The spiritual gift of kinds of languages is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the supernatural ability to speak in a foreign language that one has not previously studied or had knowledge of. It is known languages of men (French, Spanish, etc.) that can be understood by others and interpreted by the speaker or one who has been given the spiritual gift of interpretation of languages.

The spiritual gift of kinds of languages should not be confused with the language that is spoken by all believers as the initial evidence or sign  that they have received the Holy Spirit into their heart. This is a language that cannot be understood by man, and is commonly called 'prayer language'. It's a language that you speak through your spirit to edify, build yourself up, and talk to God.

When Paul asked the Corinthian saints 'Do all speak languages?' he was talking about the spiritual gift of kinds of languages! Not that some believers would speak new languages and some would not. It is true that all believers won't receive the spiritual gift to speak in kinds of languages (Russian, Chinese, German, etc.), but all believers of Jesus Christ will speak in other languages as the Spirit gives them ability when they are baptized or filled with the Holy Spirit!

If it were true that every believer wouldn't speak new languages then Paul would be contradicting his own self and going against the very words of Jesus who sent him out to preach the gospel as His apostle!

Acts 2:5-11

"And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the wonderful works of God.”

1st Corinthians 12:27-30

"And you are a body of Christ, and members in part. And God placed some in the church; firstly apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then works of power; then gifts of healing, helps, governings, kinds of languages. Are all apostles? All prophets? All teachers? All workers of power? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret?"

1st Corinthians 13:1

"If I speak in the languages of men even of angels, but I do not have love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."

1st Corinthians 14:13

"So then, the one speaking in a language, let him pray that he may interpret."

1st Corinthians 14:18-19

"I thank my God that I speak more languages than all of you. But in a church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may also instruct others, than myriads of words in a foreign language."

1st Corinthians 14:22

"So that languages are not a sign to those believing, but to those not believing."

1st Corinthians 14:26-28

"Then, brothers,what is it? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm; he has a teaching; he has a language; he has a revelation; he has an interpretation. Let all things be for building up. If one speaks in a language, let it be by two or three at the most; and in turn, also let one interpret. And if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in church; and let him speak to himself and to God."

***Prayer or spirit language***

1st Corinthians 14:2,4,14-17

"For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries."

"The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up;"

"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind; I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the mind. Else, if you bless in the spirit, the one occupying the place of the unlearned, how will he say the amen at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you say? For you truly give thanks well, but the other is not built up

*** Signs And Gifts***

There is a difference between the word Signs and the word Gifts in scripture. Let's take a look at how they are used in scripture to get a better understanding of the two.

The word for Signs in the Greek means:

4592. semeion say-mi'-on neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of 4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:--miracle, sign, token, wonder.

John 4:46-48

"So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

John 12:37

"But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him."

Mark 16:14-20

"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. So then, after the Lord 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, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen."

Acts 2:42-43

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."

Acts 6:8

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."

2nd Corinthians 12:12

"Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."

Hebrews 2:4

"God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?"

The word for Gifts in the Greek means:

5486. charisma khar'-is-mah from 5483; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e. (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty:--(free) gift.

Romans 11:28-29

"Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."

Romans 12:5-8

"so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

1st Corinthians 1:4-7

"I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ."

1st Corinthians 12:4

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."

1st Corinthians 12:31

"But earnestly desire the best gifts."

Hebrews 2:4

"God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?"

Now we can understand the difference between signs and wonders that follow true believers in Christ, and the gifts that are given to each individual member of the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit as He wills.

9) Interpretations Of Languages

The spiritual gift of interpretations of languages is given to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It is the supernatural ability to interpret a message being spoken in a foreign language not previously known by the speaker, and reveal the meaning of it. The interpretation of the message being spoken can come to the speaker themselves as they speak or to another believer who has been given the spiritual gift of interpretations of languages.

It's important to note that 'interpretations' of languages is not the same as 'translation' of languages, because the interpreter never understands the foreign language being spoken. The interpretation of the message is given to the interpreter supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and the interpreter just speaks out what they hear. The message in languages could be long, but the interpretation short, because the interpretation only gives the meaning. On the other hand, the message could be short, but the interpretation long or it could also be a word for word interpretation.

1st Corinthians 12:27-30

"And you are a body of Christ, and members in part. And God placed some in the church; firstly apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then works of power; then gifts of healing, helps, governings, kinds of languages. Are all apostles? All prophets? All teachers? All workers of power? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret?"

1st Corinthians 14:5

"And I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy - for greater is the one prophesying than the one speaking in languages, unless he interpret that the church may receive building up."

1st Corinthians 14:13

"So then, the one speaking in a language, let him pray that he may interpret."

1st Corinthians 14:26-28

"Then, brothers,what is it? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm; he has a teaching; he has a language; he has a revelation; he has an interpretation. Let all things be for building up. If one speaks in a language, let it be by two or three at the most; and in turn, also let one interpret. And if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in church; and let him speak to himself and to God."

In Closing

1st Corinthians 12:11

"But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each as He wills."

This study has been a very enlightening one for me, and I praise God for His Spirit who teaches me all things, and guides me into all truth!

Zechariah 4:6

"So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts."

In His Ever Increasing Love,
Tyrone