Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 14:5-11

1 Corinthians 14:5-11   I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.  Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction...   Paul once again explained the difference between tongue and prophecy.  When practiced in the church, tongue speaks to God for the purpose of edifying who speaks it.  Prophecy, on the other hand, is for edifying the church.  When we have words to share with others, we need to use prophecy.  Paul did not forbid the use of tongue, but he clearly said that tongue is for edifying ourselves; it speaks all kinds of mysteries, but no one can understand.  Prophecies are spoken to people in order of them to be edified, comforted and encouraged.  Therefore, when we have words that edify, comfort or encourage others, we are exercising the gift of prophecy.   Prophecy is not a privilege of the pastors, and it's different from fortunetelling.  The purpose of prophecy is for others to understand the will of God and what God is doing now, so that our hearts can be comforted knowing what God is doing.  I've attended many prophetic conferences, and during a major conference the speaker asked an old man to stand up and told him: "You have a prodigal son out there, right?"  The old man was shocked, and the speaker went on to say: "God wants to tell you that your child is in His hands and under His guidance now."  The old man kept on crying because he indeed had a son who left home and was no longer in touch with.  Now that he heard the word of God, he was greatly comforted.   If we want to preach to people in tongue, however, our words must be translated.  When we preach a message to others in tongue, there must be someone who can interpret it.  The contents of the two are also different - Tongue speaks of mysteries of God and no one can understand, but prophecies are meant to edify, comfort and encourage people, and they can be understood.  We must clearly understand the difference between the two.   We need to come before God and see that prophecies will comfort the hearts of people.  When prophetic words are released, our hearts are edified and encouraged, because we'd know that God is with us and He knows our needs, and He's also loves us deeply.  Let's ask God to give us a courageous  heart to practice together, so that His grace may come upon us.   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we once again thank you and praise you because you have given us all types of gifts.  Please grant us the wisdom to use these gifts, and let you will be fulfilled through us.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!     Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!