All material copyright © CrossRoads Ministries

A Desired Gift

Spiritual Love for the Word of God

The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ moved the Apostle Paul to write three powerful exhortations that need to be illuminated in spiritual hearts of Christians. 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” 1 Corinthians 14:31, “For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt.” Three key words must be understood and responded to if you ever going to enjoy God’s gift to the Body of Christ. The word “prophecy” and “prophesy” are the same Greek word, (προφητεύω prophēteúō). As used in 1 Corinthians 14:1 and 31 it means speak with the help of divine inspiration to proclaim what God wants to make known… expounded from the Holy Scriptures. The word, “contempt” (ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō) means “to make something or someone as of no account, to disregard…” (Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament)

My family and I attended a large church where the preachers knew the Word of God very well, proclaimed truth and were able to put into writing what the Lord had revealed to them through the written Word of God. However, it was very apparent, for the most part, the congregation had no desire for genuine “prophecy.”

While attending a pastors’ meeting in February of 2009, I was saddened to hear that all the preachers in attendance spent only 8 hours per week on their messages.

While serving on the theological team for SermonCentral, I came across an article, “Weekly, thousands are searching outside the local church to find deep teachings of God’s Word.” The fact is 250,000 people log onto SermonCentral monthly. Our website now has messages that have received 11,500 viewings, growing weekly.

Matthew Henry and the churches he oversaw for the Lord enjoyed the gift of “prophesy.” He spent 14 hours daily, prayerfully reading, studying and teaching the Word of God. “While millions of pastors have come and gone… most preachers’ works have not achieved the respect and usefulness the Matthew Henry Commentaries have accomplished, even to this day.” (Encyclopedia Britannica. Eleventh Editon)

Desire the Gift of Prophecy!