–J.V. James  (Frye)

       “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.  This is a deceiver and an antichrist”.

                    –2 John 7 (NKJV)
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One of the most confusing of the gifts, and therefore, one of the most misused of the gifts has to do with prophecy.  It is mentioned in all three lists regarding spiritual gifts.

               “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.”  –Romans 12:6, NKJV
               “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:…  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.”  –1 Corinthians 12:6, 9, NKJV.
               “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”  –Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV)

       First note that the prophet of the Old Testament was in most ways different from that mentioned above.  There was the role of the prophet and of the priest in the Old Testament.  There is the Law and the words of the Prophets.  The Old Testament prophet spoke in regard to the covenant, he spoke the message of God to the people of that day, however, in saying that the message may be for those in the future, and there is the Messianic message in many of the words of the Prophets.
       The term, prophecy, is the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God (Vine).  According to Vine, the term means not the predictive (though it can), nor necessarily fore-telling.  “It is the declaration of that which cannot be know by natural means; it is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future.” (Vine)  Simply, it is speaking forth of the truth–Jesus Christ.
       Ideally, the minister, as he prepares and presents his sermon for the particular body of believers under his care, should be speaking forth the message of God, i.e., prophecy.  It doesn’t do into the mumbo-jumbo of the end-times and the beasts.  It doesn’t try to manipulate individuals or a congregation.  It is speaking forth the truth of the Word of God as the Holy Spirit has directed.  Vine continues to say that the message of the prophet was a direct revelation of the mind of God for the occasion.  When the pastor preaches his sermon, it should be directed to the needs of the people for that particular occasion.  The words confirm Christ in one way or another.  It may be doctrinal, it may be practical.  It may be nurturing the soul, or it may be instruction for discipleship, but all reflects the words, the Person, the life of Jesus Christ.
       Is there personal prophecy?  Oh my, what a maze!  Trying the spirits is a must when confronted with someone who claims to want to give you a message of personal prophecy.  Yes, I believe it does happen, but not usually in the manner depicted by many preachers.  I had an instance when I was a teenager.  During a service a person came to pray over me saying that he had a message–a prophecy–for me.  He said that I was to become a missionary to Japan.  Well, that was news to me.  The Holy Spirit had never directed me to become a missionary, and especially not to Japan.  There was something amiss.  Later, I found that the person who did the prophesying became a missionary to Japan.  Perhaps he was running from his call, perhaps he heard the voice of the Spirit but was projecting it onto me.  In regard to personal prophecy know that the Holy Spirit will already be speaking to you.  It may be a distant voice, or it may be something that you have been praying about–in other words it will be a confirmation, not something conjured up out of the blue.
       The office of a prophet in the New Testament church is of great debate.  Paul says that it was given to the church to help equip the saint and edify the body of Christ.  The Holy Spirit doesn’t give and take away.  There are legitimate prophets in the church.  Vine states that they preach the “Divine counsels of grace already accomplished and the fore-telling of the purposes of God in the future.”  Note!–the Prophet does not bring new information; he does not preach a different gospel.  He looks to the Cross and what Christ accomplished there; he expounds on what the Scripture says about the future.  He does not conjure up new information.  Beware of the person who uses the message to manipulate you.  Your guide is not the Prophet, but the Holy Spirit.  The Prophet will present the truth–the gospel, the Holy Spirit will apply.  
       I would say also that when a person says that he is a Prophet, then a red flag of warning should go up.  A true prophet is humble, he will not bring attention to himself, but only to Christ.  He will shun the term “prophet” and declare himself a humble servant.  Otherwise, beware.  John and Jude both warn of the false prophets that will come forth from the church preaching another form of gospel, especially in regard to Jesus Christ.  I was in a meeting once, where it was preached that Jesus was giving us a new wine, one for this day and hour.  I went to the minister and said, “I’m confused.  The ‘new wine’ was the New Testament, the new covenant.  It presented us Christ crucified and risen.  Do you mean that there is a ‘new, new wine?’  If so, then you are speaking heresy.”  It was a form of manipulation.  He was a false prophet.
       Go search the Scripture, do not be ignorant of the working of the “gifts” of prophecy.  Do not be afraid, however, be diligent in the truth of God’s Word.  Be a discerner of the content of the message, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide.  If the word is contrary to the Bible, toss it aside.

                    –Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)
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I want to look again this morning at “gifts”.  Paul writes, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…” (Romans 12:6, NKJV).  While this is primarily speaking of what I refer to as “Gifts of Ministry” it can be used in regard to all gifts that are given to us by the Lord.  When I was growing up as a kid in church the only gifts I ever heard spoken of were those found in 1 Corinthians 12, and then primarily it was the verbal gifts.  Then later in life there came a fad regarding the gifts in Romans 12.  Tests were given to help you determine the gift, to which I am not opposed, but in using the test also have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit by your side.  There were even those who made up “gifts” not mentioned in the New Testament saying that they were given this special gift.
       To my way of thinking there are basically two types of gifts:  supernatural (spiritual) and natural.  The gifts of the Spirit, the supernatural, are used to edify, exhort, and comfort those in the body of Christ.  Don’t turn away from them for James writes, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (1:17, NKJV).   Over the years I have had many people, youth and adults, ask “what is my gift?”  This is often an excuse.  People look around at what others are doing and either want that particular gift–or shun it.  “Sometimes, we use the search for God’s will as a way to avoid what is right before our eyes.” (Bill Wilson).  A good example is that of the man who was struck down on the Jericho Road.  He was in dire need.  Religious people, leaders, walked by him, shunning him, avoiding his need.  The Samaritan saw him lying there, saw his need, and did something about it.  Bill Wilson has said that “your gift is your calling.”  
       Now that is true of both spiritual gifts and natural gifts.  The Lord gives gifts to each individual, that gift is to be used in His service for His glory.  Regarding natural gifts, to some He may only give one, to others as many as ten (the numbers are arbitrary).  If you have been given the talent in the field of music, you are expected to use it for His glory.  If you have been given the ability to lead others the same is true.  When you find your gift you are on the way to finding your calling for the kingdom.
       Paul gives us two very important ideas regarding supernatural gifts.  “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12:1, NKJV).  We are to understand, seek, and use these gifts and also those mentioned in Romans 12.  The second idea is found in verse 31, “But earnestly desire the best gifts…”  These verses are in regard to the supernatural gifts.  We are not to be ignorant of them and we are to seek them.  Also, let me give you a side-note regarding the gifts in 1 Corinthians.  Some gifts may be used over and over, while others might only be used only once.  If a person gives me the gift of a car, I will use it over and over.  However, if they give the delectable treat of a sweet, chocolate bar, I assure you it will only be used once.
       Use common sense in using both spiritual and natural gifts.  Again, don’t be ignorant!  Your natural gifts (talents) are also given to you by God.  They are not to be ignored for a reckoning of their use will come back at the dawn of eternity.  Don’t bury it, but put it to use.  Again, gifts are given that fit you and your personality.  If you have not been given the talent of singing don’t go off and try to get into the Metropolitan Opera.  (That does not negate the singing of praises to the Lord).  I had a situation occur once when coaching baseball (and yes, sports can be a gift).  One of my players came to me wanting me to watch a new kid warmup playing catch.  The person threw the ball to him and it hit him in the face before he moved his hands to catch it.  Very poor hand-eye coordination.  At that point, he did not have the ability to play baseball; it was not his gift.   A word of warning here:  all gifts are to be used for the glory of God, do not boast of them, do not use them for the world.
       One more idea regarding gifts.  “Every gift comes with a label:  You are responsible to take care and nourish yourself and your gift” (Wilson)  You must “feed your gift.”  “You practice it.  You develop it.  You work it.  You read.  You watch others…  You feed your gift by using your gift.  You use your gift in service to others, not in promotion of yourself.  The gift in you must not be disregarded–it must be demonstrated (Wilson).  “Not only do you need to feed the gift, you need to feed the keeper of the gift.  You need to feed yourself.  If your body fails, then there will be no way you can exercise your gift…  Keep in balance in all that you do” (Wilson)
       Do not be afraid of gifts, whether supernatural or natural, as they are a gift from God.  Do not be ignorant of them, or their use.  Find your gift(s), work on them, use them (and that includes supernatural gifts).  

                    –Wayne D. Dundee  (Rainrock Reckoning)

       “We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

                    –Romans 12:5-6 (ESV)
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I’ve been in the Assemblies of God since I was two years old, my mercy, that means over seventy years.  In saying that I have seen wondrous workings of the Holy Spirit:  miracles, healings, exhortations.  There have also been many abuses that I have seen over the years regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Most of the time these occur because of ignorance, but sometimes for lack of humility, or for the gaining of power or prestige.  Because of that some churches refuse to have the workings of the Holy Spirit in their midst, while others allow them to work without instruction or guidance.
       This morning I am going to do something that I seldom ever do and that is share a devotion by Alistair Begg.  I ask you to ponder and contemplate the thoughts.

          Spiritual gifts are tools, not toys.  They are not to be played with or used to attract people to ourselves but employed by God, through us, for His purpose and for His glory.
          Whatever our gifts may be–be they abilities to do with speaking or with serving–they are given for the well-being of the church.  God gives these gifts in order that, as we use them as He intends, the body of Christ as a whole might be strengthened.  They’re not given as an opportunity to advance an individual’s cause or for displays of greatness but in order that the unity, harmony, and progress of all God’s people might be strengthened.  That is why we have gifts that differ:  so that we would learn to serve each other and depend on each other.
          Yet God’s gifts are only able to promote harmony and well-being when they are exercised in a spirit of genuine humility.  The body of each local church grows only to the extent that “each part is working properly” (Ephesians 4:16).  Before encouraging his readers to use their gifts, Paul had already prefaced his discourse on spiritual gifts by mentioning humility, urging everyone “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3).  Without humility, spiritual gifts can lead to chaos.  We would not give power tools to teenagers without proper instruction and oversight, nor would we give them chain saws to run around with–unless we wanted absolute havoc!  Similarly, spiritual gifts must be used for their proper function and in the right manner so that mayhem does not ensue.  So Paul tells the Corinthian church–a church full of gifts but not full of wisdom about how to use them–that while it is good to desire and celebrate spiritual gifts, the “more excellent way” to put them to use is to do so patiently, kindly, and humbly–that is, with love (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:7).
          We must remember that gifts are gifts.  Their source is God; therefore, boasting as if they are our own is foolish, and using them for our own benefit is inexcusable.  If, however, we practice humility as we use them and learn to live in harmony with one another, then we will see the fruit of God’s work in and through us.  In what ways has God gifted you?  Rejoice in that.  In what ways is He calling you to use those gifts for the good of your church and for the glory of His Son?  Go do that.  (Truth for Life, The Good Book Company, 2021)

       The gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12) are not to be shunned or feared, but are to be used to edify, exhort, and comfort the church.  The pastor is responsible for the proper administration of the gifts, yet there is often a lack there.  If a gift is used, “out of order”, often the pastor is hesitant to give proper instruction and guidance for fear of offending the user of the gift.  However, the person using the gift should understand that they are to be humble and accept his instruction.
       More could be said on the subject, but that is for another lesson.  However, recognize that the gifts are to be used, and as Begg started, they “are tools, not toys.”  They are not to be disregarded, nor trivialized, but to be used for the edification of the saints and the glory of God.

                    –Louis L’Amour  (The Proving Trail)

       “For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”
                    –Psalm 107:9 (NKJV)
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Psalm 98 begins with singing a song.  Now to hear me sing would definitely be an experience.  But there is a song given to us with the new birth.  We no longer sing the songs that belong to the old nature, we have a new song in our heart, the songs of heaven.  I also believe that when we finally arrive in heaven that we will again sing a new song.  Derek Kidner writes about Psalm 91, “There are two levels to the scene; one, God’s day of power, at His coming; the other, its anticipation in every act of worship.  The psalms we sing now are a rehearsal, and God’s presence among His worshipers is a prelude to His appearing to the world.”

          1 — Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!  For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
          2 — The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
          3 — He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
          4 — Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
          5 — Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm,
          6 — With trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the LORD, the KIng.
          7 — Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it;
          8 — Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the LORD,
          9 — For He is coming to judge the earth.  With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.  (NKJV)

       John Calvin wrote, “The first foundation of righteousness undoubtedly is the worship of God.”  One reason there is rejoicing in heaven when a sinner is born again is because of the “glorious triumph of His sovereign grace.” (Steven Lawson)  There is the recognition of all the miracles that took place at the crucifixion, all the miracles that take place with the bestowment of grace–therefore, the majesty of God is revealed.  “In the divine act of regeneration, the redeemed become worshippers of the one, true, living God.” (Lawson)  Singing is one thing, but we must always remember that true worship involves an ongoing lifestyle–every moment of every day should be worship; it should be living for the glory of God.  
       Let me relay some thoughts from the late George O. Wood regarding life and this psalm.

               “Before singing to the Lord a new song, perhaps you need to sing an old one.  It’s appropriate and helpful to meditate upon your own history with God, from the womb to the present.
               I have personally found great strength in present trials by rummaging through my past and finding specific instances or processes in which God met me.  I remember times I did not think I could make it, but He brought me through.  Those experiences of the Lord’s help are permanently etched into the pathways of my own personality.
               It’s today we often have difficulty trusting Him.  As Christians we have a wonderful yesterday and a secure tomorrow–but the here and now frequently finds us failing to connect God’s past and future help with our present need.”

God has done wonderful things in the past, for us, for our family, for our nation, and we see His wondrous works in the Bible.  “The fact that God remembers His love and faithfulness assures us He is the one constant in our lives that cannot be taken from us.” (Wood)
       No, this psalm is not “New Age,” but it does show that creation is under the control of the Creator.  Right now the earth is moaning in sin, the ground was cursed, things changed at the fall in Eden.  One day, it will be renewed and rejoice as well.  Note, there is a word of prophecy in the last verse.  One day the Lord will be back to judge the earth and the inhabitants thereof.  I wonder, if the words penned by Isaac Watts, there was thought of the Creator and this psalm when it was written.  It would do us good to get it into our soul and not sing it just as Christmas-time.

               “Joy to the world!  the Lord is come;
               Let earth receive her King;
               Let every heart prepare him room,
               And heaven and nature sing.”
                     –Isaac Watts