Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
It is unprofitable for one to say amen at the end of a prayer uttered by someone although he does not understand. It is better to say “amen” when one understand than to say “amen” to a prayer that one does not understand.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (KJV)
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians Knowing Your Privilege in Christ “Husbands Love Your Wives” Ephesians 5:25-33 (KJV) 25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with …
When a man prays publicly in the church in a language that the congregation does not understand, it is an unfruitful spiritual endeavour. This is because the hearers were not edified. As such, the believer praying in the spirit must seek to also help others understand his prayer.
There’s Within My Heart a Melody
-From a Calamitous Loss of Wife and Children
Luther Bridges, a successful young evangelist, accepted an invitation to hold two weeks of revival meetings near his wife’s home in Horrodsburg, Kentucky, in 1910. His wife, whom he had met and married at Asbury College, stayed with their three boys at his in-laws while he conducted the meetings, at which many accepted Christ.
Near the end of the campaign, he received a late-night phone call. The person at the other end conveyed the tragic news that his wife’s parents; home had burned to the ground with his wife and three sons all lost in the fire. At the age of twenty-six, he was bereft of his precious family.
With the advent of modern technology, messages can be recorded in audio and video format and the availability of “live” webcast, God’s Word can be brought to the home via the internet. Some may be in beds of affliction and are too weak to come to church, they may be strengthed through following webcast services. Praise God for such access to His Word. And the intent focus on listening to God’s Word with prayer is vital for one’s spiritual growth.
The believers should seek to be strengthened in the faith by the hearing of the Word of God.
Romans 10:17-18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
These words that are sounded forth must seek to reach the ears and the hearts of the listeners. In the Bible school, we are taught “pronunciation, pronunciation, pronunciation.” We may have good words from the Lord to be conveyed but if they are not clearly enunciated. It does not avail the hearers. Not only is the content of the message important but the words sounded forth should be able to reach the hearers’ ears and by the Spirit’s aid, bring conviction and instil faith in the hearts.
The Apostle Paul sought the believers in Corinth to focus on understanding the preaching and teaching of God’s Word for their spiritual strengthening and growth. The Word of God whether by revelation, knowledge imparted, of prophecy and of godly principles, is good for them when imbibed and assimilated for practical Christian living. But taking time in sessions where they would not understand what the speaker is speaking will not profit them. No doubt, it seemed quite impressive to see the speaker gesturing and speaking in a language unknown. It may be exciting to watch the display of such a gift for language.
Hymns: RHC 324 Trusting Jesus, 326 Like a River Glorious, 334 Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love
Psalm 55:1-23 (KJV)
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
A person speaking in an unknown tongue will not help to build up the spiritual life of others in the church unless there is proper interpretation. With interpretation, the amount of content conveyed would be reduced by half when there is a need for translation. Unless there is a grave need because the majority of the congregation needs interpretation to a language they would understand and the preacher is unable to do so in that language, an interpreter would benefit the congregation.