Corinthian Prophecy

Prophecy

“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (I Corinthians 14:3). The word for prophecy means “forth-telling.” The actual gift has little to do with prediction, but declaring. It means inspired speech that brings about encouragement, uplifting and blessing. The apostle Paul instructed the believers in Corinth to, “prophesy one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted” (I Corinthians 14:31); and encouraged them to, “covet to prophesy…” (v.39). In other words, we should all desire to speak under the inspiration of the Spirit of God so that the hearer may be blessed, built up and

Speaking in tongues, according to the Bible, is a sign of one who believes in Christ. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:16). It is amazing that in some transcripts this verse is completely eliminated. Speaking in an unknown tongue is one of the evidences of being baptized (or filled) with the Holy Spirit. There are several baptisms listed in the Bible. There is water baptism (the one which we are most familiar with). There is the baptism of the believer into the Body of Christ (Galatians 3:27). There is the baptism of the Spirit (the infilling of the Spirit) which has the evidence of speaking in tongues, and the Lord’s baptism which deals with suffering (Luke

The purpose of tongues is to edify or build up the believer in his inner man. Praying in the Spirit primes the pump of the rivers of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Bible likens the spirit inside of man as rivers: “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters” (John 7:38). Speaking in tongues is the pump that releases this flow into our soul when primed, bringing great comfort and blessing to our inner man. Many believe that it is the gateway to the release of all the spiritual gifts.

Tongues also gives us a direct pipeline directly to God. The devil can’t invade nor discern what we say when we pray in the Spirit (I Corinthians 14). Additionally, when praying in the Spirit, we pray in the will of God. Men and women who demonstrate great power and great anointing generally spend hours praying in the Spirit. Regardless of what you may be overwhelmed with in this life, praying in tongues will release a refreshing and insurgence. Paul gives us keys in I Corinthians 14. “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (v.4). Paul possessed a disciplined prayer life in the