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Archive for the ‘Gifts of the Spirit’ Category

Lap time

Posted in Gifts of the Spirit, God, Moses, tagged , on May 2, 2011|

[T]he LORD came down in a pillar of cloud … and summoned Aaron and Miriam …. he said, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; … With him I speak face to face…” – Numbers 12:5b-8a (NIV)

Clearly, God had a different relationship with Moses than with the “prophets” of that day. We see that difference also in the lives of Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, even Job — throughout history God chooses with whom to have a closer relationship.

We, too, can have that closer walk – paid for by Christ and brought to us by the Holy Spirit!

[T]he Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ – Romans 8:15b-17a

Dreams and visions are great but why settle for anything less than lap time?

– fritz@langgang.com

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Not!

Posted in Church, Gifts of the Spirit, Women, tagged , on April 9, 2011| 2 Comments »

“What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?” – 1st Corinthians 14:36

There’s a curious little literature construct unexpected in the Bible, yet, there it is!

Paul has a “woman-hater” reputation among the uninformed and failure to recognize this construct is partly to blame.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers about church life and how to exercise the gifts of the Spirit.  Then, almost out of context he writes,

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. – 1st Corinthians 14:34-35

That’s where most stop, without looking at the next word.

That next word, “What!”, is translated various ways and sometimes not at all, but in the original language it not only means, “What!”, but presents a negative to what was just said, sometimes even accompanied by a “God Forbid!”.1 Today, it would be like us presenting a silly idea then saying, “NOT!”. This better translation is further indicated by Paul’s choice of the following word, “YOU”, which literally means, “You men”.

So, Paul is really saying, a little sarcastically, “Everyone can exercise the gifts of the Spirit in Church except your women.   They should be silent, getting their understanding of God from their husbands because it’s a shame for them to speak! — Not!  Does the word of God come just from you men?! Of course not!”

The Holy Spirit moves equally on both men and women and Holy Spirit’s ministry is valid for all!

“I will pour out my spirit … and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” – Joel 2:28b

Let God’s gifts flow!

-fritz
1 – 1st Corinthians 6:15b-16a

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>Interpretation of Tongues

Posted in Gifts of the Spirit, Interpretation Of Tongues on January 14, 2011| Leave a Comment »

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“For to one is given by the Spirit … the interpretation of tongues” – 1st Corinthians 8a, 10e

There would be little need for this gift if the gift of tongues was unintended for public use.

When a message is given in tongues an interpretation is to be provided. In fact, if no one else steps up, the tongues speaker is to ask God to give him or her that interpretation.1

It should be noted this is not the translation but the Interpretation of Tongues. It will not, necessariliary, be word for word and should not be expected as such.

Like any of the other verbal gifts of the Holy Spirit, there will be an urge to express an inner stirring. The whole interpretation may not be given at once and is not required to begin. Speak what is given and quit when there is nothing more to express.

God’s NOT going to waggle your tongue for you – you always have the choice to respond or not. Feel the internal urge, like you have something to say though you may not know what it is, and say what you are given when there is opportunity.

We make it more complicated than it has to be [grin].

– fritz


1 – 1st Corinthians 14:13

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