What do you think about this prayer?

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Who's pretending objectivity?

OK, so he's talking about people who deny that the son of God came in the flesh. How does this help, exactly?

He's saying these people have an anti-Christ spirit. He's saying it's critical that one believes Jesus came in flesh. Any other message is not of Christ. More can be said.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

He's saying these people have an anti-Christ spirit. He's saying it's critical that one believes Jesus came in flesh. Any other message is not of Christ. More can be said.

More was said, by John. He said what you just said and that every spirit that does believe Jesus came in the flesh is of God. Is that part also true?

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Timmy

More was said, by John. He said what you just said and that every spirit that does believe Jesus came in the flesh is of God. Is that part also true?

Keep the context in mind. Yes, that's true. In contrast to those who don't say Jesus came in flesh. We can't end our discussion on "discerning spirits' here. First, it's not about "spirits" as much about heresy.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Keep the context in mind. Yes, that's true. In contrast to those who don't say Jesus came in flesh. We can't end our discussion on "discerning spirits' here. First, it's not about "spirits" as much about heresy.

OK. Let's go to 1 Corinthians 12:10, then. Discerning of spirits is listed as one of the gifts. Like the other gifts, some have it, some don't. Now, of all the people who say they have that gift, how many do you suppose really do have it? How do they know for sure if they have it or not?

[BeenThinkin]

Originally Posted by Timmy

OK. Let's go to 1 Corinthians 12:10, then. Discerning of spirits is listed as one of the gifts. Like the other gifts, some have it, some don't. Now, of all the people who say they have that gift, how many do you suppose really do have it? How do they know for sure if they have it or not?

Timmy, Timmy... they said they did! What more do you need? j/k

Been Thinkin

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Timmy

OK. Let's go to 1 Corinthians 12:10, then. Discerning of spirits is listed as one of the gifts. Like the other gifts, some have it, some don't. Now, of all the people who say they have that gift, how many do you suppose really do have it? How do they know for sure if they have it or not?

Oo! Oo! I can answer this one!

By using discernment!

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

Timmy, Timmy... they said they did! What more do you need? j/k

Been Thinkin

[Praxeas]

Timmy, why not start another thread so we can discuss it?

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Timmy, so I know how to approach your questions, are you a believer?

1 Cor 12 is about diversity in unity. Yes, mentioned is "gift of discernment" though it's not the focus. But that leads us to ask what is this 'gift of discernment?"

We can learn a LITTLE more in Chapter 14

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

9Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.


These are some helpful tools Paul is giving the church, trying to rectify a complex issue of spiritual pride and out-of-control charismata. The issue, then in the passage, is not "do you have the gift" as much as "are you out of order?"

Furthermore, I would even venture to say that if the "gift" is not edifying the community, it's not a gift from God at all. You want a nice, clean grid to apply all prophecy. It's not like that. Sorry to disappoint.

It's subject to your unbelieving mockery. But you aren't God. And your world is not so tidy either. Your doubt is not so clear and confined either. So, welcome to the world, Timmy.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Timmy, why not start another thread so we can discuss it?

I was just thinking the same thing!