In 1st Corinthians 12-14, the Apostle Paul discusses the different ways the Holy Spirit moves in the Church and in the lives of believers. The pastoral staff always works to listen and be sensitive to the Spirit of God when He might choose to manifest Himself in any of these ways. For instance, God may give a “word of knowledge” regarding those in the congregation with a particular problem whom God is desiring to minister to. Or there may be a prophecy – “an inspired utterance” – which edifies, exhorts, and comforts God’s people. The Bible also speaks of different kinds of tongues. In the Book of Acts, when believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke in other tongues (Acts 2:4). There is one type of tongues that has a devotional purpose, which Paul referred to when he said, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15). Tongues, while controversial, is for the church today. Paul said, “…and do not forbid to speak in tongues.” (1 Cor. 14:39)
At New Life, we are faithful to record prophetic statements so that we as a body can “pass judgment” on them. We want to remember the things we have heard from the Holy Spirit so that we may continually be encouraged or follow instructions we have been given.