Study Desk

Some people may still want to argue about this. But we and the churches of God don't accept what those people are doing.

In the same way, after they ate, Jesus took the cup of wine. He said, "This cup represents the new agreement from God, which begins with my blood sacrifice. When you drink this, do it to remember me."

But if we judged ourselves in the right way, then God would not judge us.

And there are different ways that God works in people, but it is the same God who works in all of us to do everything.

If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But as it is, God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one.

The more beautiful parts don't need this special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it.

God did this so that our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other.

And in the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different kinds of languages.

It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me.

I will explain why. Those who have the gift of speaking in a different language are not speaking to people. They are speaking to God. No one understands them—they are speaking secret things through the Spirit.

You might be praising God with your spirit. But someone there without understanding cannot say "Amen" to your prayer of thanks, because they don't know what you are saying.

You may be thanking God in a good way, but others are not helped.

I thank God that my gift of speaking in different kinds of languages is greater than any of yours.

And from this we see that the use of different languages shows how God deals with those who don't believe, not with those who believe. And prophecy shows how God works through those who believe, not through unbelievers.

The secret things in their heart will be made known. So they will bow down and worship God. They will say, "Without a doubt, God is here with you."

So, brothers and sisters, what should you do? When you meet together, one person has a song, another has a teaching, and another has a new truth from God. One person speaks in a different language, and another interprets that language. The purpose of whatever you do should be to help everyone grow stronger in faith.

But if there is no interpreter, then anyone who speaks in a different language should be quiet in the church meeting. They should speak only to themselves and to God.

And if a message from God comes to someone who is sitting, the first speaker should be quiet.

God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace. This is the rule for all the meetings of God's people.

All the other apostles are greater than I am. I say this because I persecuted the church of God. That is why I am not even good enough to be called an apostle.