tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271655147437064864.post9016967581360944849..comments2008-05-06T23:44:52.732-04:00Michael Gantthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07933666947139897210mkgantt@2michaels.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271655147437064864.post-75291113546968165862008-05-06T23:44:00.000-04:002008-05-06T23:44:00.000-04:00Listed in the New Testament are 9 "ministry gifts" They are Prophecy (sometimes called a word of prophecy, and always to be distinguished from the office of the prophet), word of knowledge, word of wisdom, faith, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues and discerning of spirits. These are gifts of the spirit given for the strengthening and edifying of the body of Christ. They are the supernaturally empowered ability to minister one to another. <BR/> Specifically, the "word of knowledge" can be a specific piece of information revealed to a person that will enable them to to more effectively minister to another person. For instance, if God has commanded you to go to the mission field and you are hesitant and resisting God, God might give me a word of knowledge. Even though you haven't discussed it with me - I "know" that God is calling you to the mission field and that you are hesitant to obey. I can then pray for you and counsel you based upon this revealed knowledge so that you will be encouraged and exhorted to obey God. Contrast this to a Word of Wisdom, which is usually manifested by revealing an event that may shortly happen - accompanied by instructions as to what you should do to prepare or respond. For instance, God may reveal that (I'll be extreme) a storm is coming and we should evacuate and get away from danger. <BR/> There is no problem with "words" of knowledge or "words" of wisdom unless and until they replace the Word of God. The problem is that many people look for "words" from a preacher or prophet rather than looking to the Word of God; hence the "prophetic word" replaces the "written revelation." This is very dangerous; because then my life is being guided by another man rather than by the infallible word of God. Words of prophecy, wisdom or knowlege will ALWAYS be confirmed by the revealed word of God - and you should always make your life be guided by the revealed word of God (the scriptures)rather than a flow of prophetic "words". 2 Timothy 2:15, "STUDY to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."Michael Gantthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07933666947139897210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6271655147437064864.post-425407697719065672008-05-06T16:57:00.000-04:002008-05-06T16:57:00.000-04:00I asked Robyn this on her blog but wondered what your view is.....What do you think of "Words of Knowledge"?Lorrie Dobbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13116145514025412131noreply@blogger.com