Tag: Acts 13-15
A Word of Knowledge!
Scripture reading for November 11th: Acts 13-15
“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hand on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
In this account of the early church at worship and prayer, we find that the Holy Spirit used one of the prophets to give a word to Barnabas and Saul. This was not a directive word, but a confirming word. Note that the Holy Spirit had already called them to this work personally previous to this time. This word came during a time of corporate worship and the church obediently responded. They laid on hands and sent them off on the ministry journey laid out for them by the Holy Spirit. We find that God has prepared the “good works” and all we need to do is respond in obedience. (Ephesians 2:10)
When we get a word of knowledge or prophesy spoken over us, we must test it. Does it line up with what the Lord has been saying to us? Does it line up with the Word of God and purposes stated in Scripture? Words must always agree with the written word of God or at least not be in conflict with the revealed will of God. Is the Spirit in you in agreement with that word? Do others with the Holy Spirit agree and bear witness with the word? These tests are important before moving on a word.
Mary and I experienced this when God spoke to us through two different people about having children in our old age! One of the words was written down and our son reminded us of it years later. It helped us confirm our direction to adopt our girls! May the Lord direct your life each day by His Holy Spirit! May you learn to properly discern the will of God!
Spiritual direction through a ‘Word’
Scripture reading for November 9th: Acts 13-15
Since God is omniscient, wouldn’t it be nice to have God just send someone to tell you what He wants you to know? God uses people to give words of knowledge and prophesy. Lets look at the principles for using these “words”.
“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hand on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
In this account of the early church at worship and prayer, we find that the Holy Spirit used one of the prophets or teachers to give a word to Barnabas and Saul. This was not a directive word, but a confirming word. Note that the Holy Spirit had already called them to this work personally previous to this time. This word came during a time of corporate worship and the church obediently responded. They prayed and fasted and then laid on hands and sent them off on the ministry journey laid out for them by the Holy Spirit. We find that God has prepared the “good works”. (Ephesians 2:10)
A word of knowledge or prophesy must always be tested. First, does it line up with what the Lord has been saying to us? God doesn’t give second-hand mail! Second, does it line up with the Word of God and purposes stated in Scripture? Words must always agree with the written word of God or not conflict with the revealed will of God. Next, is the Spirit in you in agreement with that word? Do others with the Holy Spirit agree and bear witness with the word?
God does truly direct His children and sometimes uses others to confirm to us a word. Mary and I experienced this when God spoke to us through two different people about having children in our old age! One of the words was written down and our son reminded us of it years later. It helped us confirm our direction and follow God’s leading! May the Lord direct your life each day by His Holy Spirit!
Missionaries in Action!
Scripture reading for November 11th: Acts 13-15
Missionaries are people that God has set apart for a special assignment to go to people who have never heard the Gospel message. They must be full of the Holy Spirit and called by God. They have to be willing to leave the comfort of their own homes, culture, and family and friends. They know ahead of time, that not all people will welcome them and that they may be called upon to give their lives for the One who called them.
In Acts 13, we have the record of the early church sending out the first missionaries. At a prayer meeting where they were worshiping, the Holy Spirit spoke through one of those present, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2b) They fasted and prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them off. It is important to note that this word of knowledge came as a confirmation to Barnabas and Saul. It wasn’t the first time that they had heard this because they had already been called by the Lord. It has been said that God doesn’t give “second hand mail”. His people can hear His voice personally as well as having it confirmed through others.
They went on their way, directed by the Holy Spirit. They preached the Word in Jewish synagogues in Cyprus and decided to travel the whole island. At Paphos, they encountered a false prophet and sorcerer who tried to hinder their work. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul (governor), sent for the missionaries and wanted to hear the Word of God. Elymas the sorcerer tried to keep him from the faith. The Holy Spirit filled Paul and he looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind.” (Acts 13:10-11) He was immediately blinded and the proconsul saw and believed in the Lord!
God always works with those He sends to confirm the Word. Those who hinder are taken out of the way. Truth is offered to all who will set them free! Pray for our many missionaries!
Spiritual Direction Through a Word
Scripture reading for November 11th: Acts 13-15
Wouldn’t it be nice to have God just send someone to tell you what He wants you to know? Have you ever had someone give you a word from the Lord that confirmed something the Lord had been showing you to do? Do you believe that God knows everything and wants to share some of His knowledge with you? These and other questions should set us thinking as we read today’s passages from Acts. God uses people to give words of knowledge and prophesy. Lets look at the principles for using these “words”.
“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hand on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3
In this account of the early church at worship and prayer, we find that the Holy Spirit used one of the prophets or teachers to give a word to Barnabas and Saul. This was not a directive word, but a confirming word. Note that the Holy Spirit had already called them to this work personally previous to this time. This word came during a time of corporate worship and the church obediently responded. They prayed more and fasted and then laid on hands and sent them off on the ministry journey laid out for them by the Holy Spirit. We find that God has prepared the “good works” and all we need to do is respond in obedience. (Ephesians 2:10)
When we get a word of knowledge or prophesy spoken over us, we must always test it in several ways. First, does it line up with what the Lord has been saying already to us? God doesn’t give second-hand mail! Second, does it line up with the Word of God and purposes stated in Scripture? Words must always agree with the written word of God or at least not be in conflict with the revealed will of God. Next, is the Spirit in you in agreement with that word? Do others with the Holy Spirit agree and bear witness with the word? These tests are important before moving on a word.
God does truly direct His children and sometimes uses others to confirm to us a word. Mary and I experienced this when God spoke to us through two different people about having children in our old age! One of the words was written down and our son reminded us of it years later. It helped us confirm our direction and follow God’s leading! May the Lord direct your life each day by His Holy Spirit! May you learn to properly discern the will of God!