A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 287

earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

(3) Prophetic exhortation results in upbuilding and consolation in the body, 1 Cor. 14.3 – On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. (4) The gift of prophecy can be understood by unbelievers, 1 Cor. 14.23-25 – If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? [24] But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, [25] the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. (5) God provides an order for the discerning of his will in the body, 1 Cor. 14.29-32 – Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. [30] If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. [31] For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, [32] and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

6. The concept of spiritual director

a. “God’s usher:” an individual whose experience and gifts enable them to offer godly, biblical guidance to others for the sake of mutual edification and upbuilding

b. Dom Augustine Baker : [referring to a spiritual director] “‘In a word, he is only God’s usher, and must lead souls in God’s way and not his own.’ His direction is simply and clearly to lead us to our real