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Bill Teubl introduces the evening’s focus on prophecy as speaking forth a word from God to edify others, based on 1 Corinthians 14. He encourages attendees to consider what they have heard from the Lord this week that they could share with someone else.
[00:40]Prophecy is speaking forth a word God has given you that can edify or help someone else.[01:28]Reading 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, emphasizing that all things should be done for building up.[03:06]The key verse (verse 26) lists a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation — and these are all ways to prophesy.[05:21]A hymn (including psalms) carries a prophetic message and touches the heart, bringing affection, encouragement, and closeness to God.[06:35]A lesson (teaching) brings understanding and transforms knowledge into life change, primarily affecting the mind.[07:13]A revelation (apocalypse) is the revealing of something previously hidden, such as a new insight from Scripture or a practical discovery.[08:51]A Rhema is the “now word” of God spoken to you for a specific moment, while Logos is the eternal word.[09:32]A revelation is not necessarily new to the world but can be a new understanding given to you personally.[12:00]Building up means constructing the temple of God — believers being joined together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).[14:12]The goal of prophecy is to take individual believers (like bricks) and connect them in order so that God visits the church with increasing glory.[16:17]A tongue and interpretation build up the body by testifying to the Lord’s presence and, when interpreted, provide understanding as well.[19:11]The Spirit is not controlled by our planning; the Spirit often surprises people, as seen throughout the book of Acts.[21:07]The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets (verse 32), meaning we have control and can stop — we must choose to obey when God impresses something on us.[25:53]Using John 11 as an example: individuals had partial understanding, but when Jesus raised Lazarus, everyone together received the revelation that He is the resurrection and the life.[28:16]The passage says “if there is no one to interpret” (not “if no one has the gift”) — the interpretation may be available but the person is unwilling to give it.[29:52]From Isaiah: we hear our Teacher speaking when we take steps; we must be willing to move and let God correct and redirect us.
Bruce Hempel builds on Bill’s teaching, emphasizing that believers are living stones (not bricks), and that a New Testament pattern for church gatherings differs significantly from typical Western church models.
[35:58]A key correction: we are living stones, not bricks — no two stones are alike, and our differences are God’s blessing to the body.[37:12]The church should operate according to the New Testament pattern; like a swim coach showing videos of perfect form, we need a clear picture of what the church should look like.[40:57]Reading Ephesians 4:7-16: God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ.[42:05]This five-fold ministry is like a hand — the apostle (thumb) touches all, the prophet (pointer) points and says “Thou art the man,” the evangelist (middle finger) reaches out, and the pastor (ring) and teacher (pinky) are closely connected.[44:13]None of these ministry roles are to be used as titles — Paul says “Paul, an apostle” not “the Apostle Paul.”[44:51]An apostle is one who is sent to start churches where none exist; Paul was sent in Acts 13 from among the prophets and teachers at Antioch.[48:18]Most Western churches emphasize only the pastor and teacher, often as titles, while fearing apostles and prophets — yet Scripture says apostles and prophets are the foundation.[55:20]Local churches should not try to be totally self-sufficient; God distributes gifts across different fellowships, and we need each other.[56:12]Reading 1 Corinthians 12:27-31: God appoints apostles, prophets, teachers, then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, and tongue speakers — and not everyone is the same.[57:32]Gifts are given individually for the common good — not for ourselves, but to bless others.[58:46]The gathering in 1 Corinthians 14:26 means each person should come with something to share — a hymn, lesson, revelation, tongue, or interpretation.[59:08]Using a card game analogy: God deals cards to every member, and we come together not knowing which “suit” will be played — but someone shares something with life and the meeting grows.[01:00:54]Prophecy is not only “Thus says the Lord” or foretelling the future — it is speaking to edification, consolation, and encouragement for the present moment.[01:03:26]The Western church model is tightly controlled, but the New Testament pattern follows the synagogue, where any brother could be invited to share.[01:04:37]The fear that keeps churches from open participation is a fear of losing control, but when something goes off the rails, elders can lovingly address it.[01:13:43]The size of a gathering does impose limitations, but in smaller groups like home groups or brothers’ meetings, body ministry is especially appropriate.[01:18:16]Watchman Nee advocated for brothers’ meetings where men pair up, share their lives, and pray for each other — this builds honesty and openness.[01:19:30]The lack of tongues, interpretations, and prophecies in the church is often due to weak faith and fear; we need to grow in faith for boldness.
Naveen Katam shares a brief testimony of a brother’s dramatic conversion in India, illustrating the surprising work of the Spirit.
[01:21:42]A brother at a Christian university was a nominal believer who hated church; his job was to guard the stage at an outreach meeting and prevent people from climbing on stage.[01:23:05]A poor woman begged him to let her husband with a diseased leg onto the stage for prayer; when refused, she asked him to pray. He half-heartedly muttered a prayer for healing, and when he opened his eyes, the leg was healed.[01:23:28]This experience brought him to tears; he went home, fasted and prayed for three days, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and spoke in tongues.
Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 14
- Acts 2:42
- Colossians 1:27
- Psalm 119
- Ephesians 2:19-22
- John 11
- Isaiah 30
- Ephesians 4:7-16
- Acts 13:1-3
- 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
- 1 Corinthians 13
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