7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
(Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:7)
Certain signs, gifts, and abilities have always followed those that believe. For some examples please see, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, and Mark 16:17-18.
On the day of Pentecost, spoken of in Acts 2:4-11, we see that the gift of tongues is used for others, that speak different languages, to be able to hear the gospel message in their own language. It was not a simple parlor trick used to try and deceive or confuse, but rather allows the speaker to speak in such a way, that those listening to him can hear the speaker in their native language.
One of my favorites verses on prophecy can be found in Revelations 19:10.
It is important to note, that these signs and gifts are intended for those, “that believe,” as previously stated in Mark 16:17. Signs are never given as a form of convincing one that some particular church or doctrine is true. This is pointed out by the Savior in Matthew 12:38-39, where it states, “38 ¶ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:”
But for those that already believe, the Lord wishes to bless His children and will do so in mighty and miraculous ways.
Indeed the Lord does bless us in a variety of ways, in so many ways that we often allow those blessings to slip by unnoticed, never expressing gratitude for all that pours from the heavens into our lives.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog, Dan. I'll check out the new blog.