Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom,
to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
to another miraculous powers,
to another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits,
to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.
So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
From 1 Corinthians 12 (find this or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
Much of the discussion concerning the topic of speaking in tongues, seems to center on whether or not everyone should be able to, or if the inability to speak in tongues indicates some lack of having received the Holy Spirit.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given...to another...to another faith by the same Spirit...to another...to another...to another...to another...to another...and to still another...the body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.
Friends, and I know this will be contrary to what many of you have been taught and believe, but it seems so clear that speaking in tongues is a gift that is given to part of the body. And Paul clearly states, elsewhere, the importance of understanding the different parts of the body, that we are all called to different things, with different gifts, so that much can be accomplished working together.
For all who seek His will and are open to the Holy Spirit, I say: Have you been gifted with speaking in tongues? Praise God for the Holy Spirit working in you! Have you not been so gifted? Praise God! For He has a plan and gifts specifically for you.
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Questions:
1. Do you believe in tongues?
2. Do you believe everyone should speak in tongues? No one?
3. How does today's passage reflect your beliefs?
AN INVITATION!
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INTERESTING THOUGHTS:
"One hundred religious persons knit into a unity by careful organization do not constitute a church
any more than eleven dead men make a football team. The first requisite is life, always."
A.W. Tozer
"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other?
They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow.
So one hundred worshippers meeting together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become unity conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.
Social religion is perfected when private religion is purified. The body becomes stronger as its members become healthier.
The whole church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a better and a higher life."
A.W. Tozer
"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees.
He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness,
in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day.
If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day."
E.M. Bounds
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