https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFDF7IA6o3Y
Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our combined written and live Sunday sermon, which is normally broadcast every Sunday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love, sharing the Word of God, the Spirit of Yeshu Ha-Notzri or in English Jesus Christ of Nazareth in a way that we believe embraces the ways Jesus taught us to manage. We bring His Word to the many as opposed to the few, in order to continue the legacy created by the ministry of Jesus Christ.
You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Rev. Laura’s other sites: Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin & USAlife & YouTube & Twitch & TruthSocial & Instagram & Facebook
Wedding officiant page: Wedfolio & Wedding Chicks
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list grows or changes every week. This is our current list.
- We are still praying today for my dear friend JB who has finally been given limited ability to travel away from home two days per week for very short distances. Please keep JB in prayer for continued therapy, and continued doctor visits after her broken hip and upper leg.
- Evangelist Cal Jennings is home after rehabilitation after losing his fingertips to serious third-degree burns. He is still healing very slowly and has slow, arduous therapy for his remaining fingers in their shaping and movement. Please pray for his healing and that his pain is treated like it should be treated, not as an afterthought.
- We have an urgent prayer for the family of my sister-in-law Francine, Fran, to all of us, we lost her about a week ago now. It is devastating to all of the family, so please keep every one of them in prayer, especially her husband and two adult children as they prepare for her memorial service which is set for next weekend. If you would like to help, please let me know and I’ll pass on that information as well.
- We continue to pray for my Mama who has had a lot of issues lately in her life. Please keep her in prayer for her anxieties, fears, and general well-being.
- Please pray for one of my sisters, who has a need for something new right now in regard to her career after frustration with a job she is currently within that did not turn out to be anything like it was portrayed to her.
- We continue to pray for a friend of ours, Alexis, who is in desperate need to improve her current situation and is seeking to sell things she owns to help her with this. If you want more information, send me a private message and I’ll pass on the information.
- We continue to pray for all sufferers and survivors of the various types of cancer, including several survivors of the disease, Evangelist Cal Jennings’ brother-in-law David Doyle, JB’s sister Debbie, Jerry, our friend Alexis, my Aunt Donna, and my friend Kelly.
- We pray for those who are in the path of dangerous weather, and other dangerous conditions, including wildfires, smoke from those wildfires, storms, flooding, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, worldwide like those in South America earlier this past month.
- We pray for the various outreach ministries we have joined with, with their leaders, Pastor Jared Otieno, Pastor George Ototo, Pastor Stephen Okoth, Pastor Simon Peter Javaji, Pastor Amir Aneel, Sister Santhi Swaroopa, Pastor Duke Moenga, and others in Kissee, Nairobi, and other places in Kenya, Pakistan, and India.
- We pray also for our American outreach ministries, including Rev. Lisa Tyler on the other side of Georgia from where I am and Rabbi Karen L. Hertzog with her ministry, Way Maker Messianic Jewish and Christian Center – USA as well.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we have a great deal of things to pray for and a great many as well. We pray for family and friends of our dear sister-in-law Fran who are in dire need of Your comfort and care. We pray for those in the path of the wildfires up north in Canada right now and for those affected by the smoke that is drifting for hundreds of miles. We pray for the many who are injured and ill in our ministry, our friends, including JB, Cal, our family, and more. We pray for the homeless and the helpless around this world. We pray for the many victims of violence, prejudice, and terrorism in this world. We pray for those still under the thumb of slavery and oppression. We pray for the unjustly persecuted and prosecuted. We pray for the friends and family who have been fighting cancer including Fran, and others. We pray for those who survived cancer, including Kelly, Alexis, David, and Debbie and many more, that they continue to remain well. We pray for the nations at war. We pray for all this in Your Holy Name through our Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.
Opening Song: Just As I Am
Sermon: Today we are starting Chapter 14 of 1st Corinthians. We will cover the first eight verses and there’s a lot to go over with this. Now, in the New International Version there is a title for this section that shares “Intelligibility in Worship” which means the ability to be understood while in the midst of worship. This is vitally important in this world today, as it was in the days of the Apostles. What does it mean? It means they worshiped in the language that was understood in that specific region of the world. We see this with all of our outreach ministries up to this very moment in time. Paul stresses this importance to the church there at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 14:1 KJV –Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
NIV –Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
Spiritual gifts are very important for every human being because they are never the same twice. Much like human beings are never exactly the same twice. Even if you are twins, you have separate fingerprints, separate personalities, and more. The gifts of the Spirit are equally as diverse, never entering or existing within people the same way twice. This is what Paul is sharing here. Now he has several references to look toward. Here are three Old Testament references.
Proverbs 15:9 KJV – The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
NIV – The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
Proverbs 21:21 KJV – He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
NIV – Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Isaiah 51:1 KJV – Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
NIV
– “Listen
to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were
hewn;
Paul adds these three New Testament references from the writings of Luke, and Peter.
Acts 2:17-18 KJV – And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
NIV – “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 19:6 KJV – And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
NIV –When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
1 Peter 4:8-10 KJV –And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
NIV –Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Now, Paul makes a very important distinction with the use of tongues in worship with this next verse. This points in a direction that some have wondered about, and yes, I have had people ask me this very question. “Why do they seem to talk in gibberish or nonsense?” That’s a very good question. Yes, I have heard it done, too. Allowing the Spirit to speak to us can transform language from what we know consciously to what our spirit knows unconsciously. Now, does that mean we all speak in tongues? No. Does it mean the possibility is there? Yes. Here is what Paul says next.
1 Corinthians 14:2 KJV –For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
NIV –For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
Paul has three Old Testament views and one New Testament one with this verse. Let’s take a look at them now.
Genesis 42:23 KJV – And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
NIV – They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.
Deuteronomy 28:49 KJV – The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
NIV – The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand,
Psalm 81:5-6 KJV – This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not. 6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
NIV – When God went out against Egypt, he established it as a statute for Joseph. I heard an unknown voice say: “I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket.
Acts 2:4 KJV – And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
NIV – All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now Paul clarifies further what it means when people speak in tongues versus when they speak prophetically. Now, this is very important for the church as a whole. Much like speaking in tongues helps some of us individually, prophetic speech is important for everyone in the church. We have to bring God to the people, so the people can follow God. This is why Yeshu Ha Notzri, Jesus Christ of Nazareth was born, lived, preached, was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected from death. This is why we continue to prophecy about the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior. This is why we must do so until the day time stops and Yeshu Ha Notzri returns to this earth to bring believers to heaven for eternity and beyond.
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 KJV –But he that
prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but
he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
NIV –But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Paul has three Old Testament references here from the Torah and Prophetic Scrolls.
Deuteronomy 18:18 KJV – I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
NIV – All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Isaiah 40:1 KJV – Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
NIV – Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Ezekiel 33:7 KJV – So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
NIV – “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
Paul has two New Testament references from the Acts of the Apostles and the words of the Hebrew prophets.
Acts 15:32 KJV – And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
NIV – Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV – And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
NIV – And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Paul continues clarifying the importance of prophecy over speaking in tongues. It is important to understand that yes, both can be important individually, but as a collective congregation, the prophecy is far more important as a whole to ensure that everyone is on the same page and can realize and recognize the power of God through our Savior Yeshu Ha Notzri, Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the Holy Spirit. Sharing our faith and belief is the single most important aspect of Christianity because it means His Word lives and breathes and continues on into the future as yet to be.
1 Corinthians 14:5 KJV –I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
NIV –I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Paul shares these three Old Testament views and also two New Testament views from the Acts of the Apostles.
Numbers 11:28-29 KJV – And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. 9 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!
NIV – Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” 29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”
Joel 2:28 KJV – And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
NIV – “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Nehemiah 8:8 KJV – So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
NIV – They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
Acts 8:30-31 KJV – And
Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said,
Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And
he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
NIV – Then Philip ran up to the chariot and
heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are
reading?” Philip asked.
31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So
he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 10:46 KJV – For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
NIV – For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
Now, Paul makes a great point with this next verse. It’s important to realize that sure, speaking in tongues with God is great, but if you want other people to understand you, then you have to speak in a language that they can follow along with. That’s why Latinos speak in their language, Italians speak in theirs, Jews speak in theirs, Indians and Pakistanis speak in theirs, and so forth. It isn’t easy to speak Latin or English for a lot of the people on this earth. That’s something that started many millennia ago at the Tower of Babel. Paul points out that speaking for God here on earth is extremely important and that doing so in the right way is the only way to help others understand. This is what he shares next.
1 Corinthians 14:6 KJV –Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
NIV –Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
We are useless as ministers of God’s Word if we do not speak in a way that others understand. That takes work. It takes practice. It takes a willingness to understand those who surround us. This is why we speak in a language that others have the ability to understand. This is why there are translators and translations worldwide for all of us to manage communicating with each other, and with God. That’s very, very important. Here we have three New Testament points of view to explain the thoughts that Paul shares with the church at Corinth. Two of them are the Word as spoken by our Savior Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:25 KJV – At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
NIV – At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Matthew 16:17 KJV – And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
NIV –Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
2 Peter 1:5 KJV –And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
NIV –For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
Paul continues with his explanation with a musical viewpoint here. This is also an important distinction that can be applied to prophecy versus speaking in tongues.
1 Corinthians 14:7 KJV –And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
NIV –Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
Paul includes three Old Testament prophetic and poetic references here.
Joshua 6:4-5 KJV – And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. 5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
NIV – Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
1 Samuel 10:5 KJV –After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
NIV – “After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, timbrels, pipes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying.
Psalm 150:3-5 KJV – Praise
him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with
stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high
sounding cymbals.
NIV – Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Paul adds four New Testament views, two from the gospels of Matthew and John the Beloved and two from the Hebrew Prophets and also John the Beloved’s Revelation.
Matthew 11:15 KJV – He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
NIV – Whoever has ears, let them hear.
John 10:27 KJV – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
NIV – My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Hebrews 5:11 KJV – Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
NIV – We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.
Revelation 2:7 KJV – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
NIV – Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Faith is a daily battle. If we don’t know what we are listening to and hearing, how can we fight the battle? If we don’t have the weapons of patience, peace, knowledge and understanding, how can our faith win against evil and wickedness in this world. Paul compares this to a musical instrument, and the knowledge of how to play it accurately and effectively. Here is what Paul says next.
1 Corinthians 14:8 KJV –For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
NIV –Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
Paul shares three Old Testament points of view here.
Numbers 10:9 KJV – And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
NIV – When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies.
Jeremiah 6:17 KJV – Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
NIV – I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
Ezekiel 33:3-5 KJV – If
when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the
people;
4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh
not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his
own head.
5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his
blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
NIV – and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves.
Paul adds two references from John the Beloved’s Revelation as well.
Revelation 8:6 KJV – And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
NIV – Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
Revelation 9:14 KJV – Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
NIV – It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
There is so much we can do through faith, belief, and prophetic evangelism in this world. There is a very limited amount we can do with speaking in tongues. In the words of Paul, we should focus on edification through prophecy in God’s Word as Jesus portrayed. It is more important every single day because it allows us to bring more and more people to Him. We do that by showing each other how faith and belief in God go hand in hand, and all of us have the opportunity to walk in the faithful steps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ability to do this requires us to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you are willing to do so, please leave me a note in the comments and I’ll be in touch. Now, that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Closing Song: Praise Him, Praise Him
~ Shalom ~
Rev. Laura A. Neff
Blogspot & Twitter & Linkedin & Twitch & USAlife
Evangelist Calvin Jennings
Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Scripture Excerpts: The New Open Bible Study Edition: Copyright © 1990: Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright © 1982: E. E. Gaddy and Associates, Inc.
Scripture Excerpts: Holy Bible: Copyright ©circa 1890-1910: International Bible Press, The John C. Winston Co.; Philadelphia, PA, USA
Sermon or Study Copyright © 2026 http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com
Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries is not to
exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is
created through fear
together as the bringers of the
light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.
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