ACCIDENTAL MINISTRY
The Apostle Paul had just said that if, in an assembly of the saints, all speak in tongues, will not an unbeliever present think you are all crazy. He continues to explain himself: “But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
Prophecy, on the other hand, is when we speak out in a common language what God has revealed to us. If many then speak out spiritual revelation (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), it will surely connect with someone’s deepest, hidden need. That’s what real prophecy does. I receive more praise for words I’ve spoken “by accident” than what I’ve prepared. And I can’t take credit for what the Lord says through me.
Did you notice the excitement in Pastor Stine this weekend when he referred to Elder Jim Otis’s comments during the Communion meditation Jim led? Jim had no idea he was confirming for Pastor Stine the word he had prepared to share. It brought life to Pastor Stine. That’s the kind of “coincidence” that spiritual gifts bring.
And this doesn’t just happen for believers, it happens in the presence of unbelievers, as well, opening their hearts to the gospel. The end result of opening spiritual gifts is that the unbeliever will fall “down on his face and will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth“.
That’s ministering in power. Let’s fill our private time in prayer in the Spirit, and our public time together with spiritual ministry that breaks through “accidentally”.
Tags: accident, prophecy, spiritual gifts
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