CrossPoint Community News 06/27/2025

In New England, even a beautiful red sunset does not necessarily guarantee pleasant weather the following day. This uncertain weather pattern brings to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:2-3, where He remarked: “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus highlighted the irony that people—particularly the religious leaders of His day—were adept at interpreting natural signs such as the weather but were spiritually blind to the clear signs of God’s work happening right in front of them, particularly the arrival and ministry of the Messiah Himself.

Today, scientific advancements, particularly in meteorology, sometimes give skeptics additional reasons to doubt extraordinary biblical accounts—such as the creation of the world in six days (Genesis 1), the sun standing still during Joshua’s battle with the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14), or the shadow moving backward as a sign for Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:9-11). If any of these events were to occur today, they would certainly cause catastrophic chaos. Yet, despite such skepticism, these scriptural narratives serve as profound reminders of God’s sovereignty and His ability to intervene supernaturally in human history. How do you interpret these biblical accounts? Do you view them as literal historical events, figurative lessons, or perceptions shaped by ancient contexts?

In a related sense, many charismatic believers today spontaneously speak in tongues or prophesy future events that sometimes do not materialize. Often these actions are done invoking the name of Jesus, rebuking Satan, or asserting spiritual authority, which can understandably lead to confusion. Are these individuals genuine Christian brothers and sisters, or are they dangerously misguided? How can we discern the truth?

The Apostle Paul provides essential guidance in 1 Corinthians 12-14. While affirming the authenticity and purpose of spiritual gifts, Paul emphasizes the necessity of orderly worship, careful discernment, and mutual edification. Specifically, he instructs: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Similarly, prophecy should always be carefully evaluated (1 Corinthians 14:29), tested against both Scripture and reality.

Paul’s exhortation is clear: “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40), and all spiritual gifts should serve “the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Scripture encourages us to maintain a balance between openness to God’s supernatural work and careful discernment grounded in biblical truth. As believers, we are called to “test everything” and “hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Ultimately, whether forecasting weather or speaking prophetic words, accuracy and alignment with reality and Scripture remain critical. Let us therefore remain humble, discerning, and firmly grounded in God’s Word, remembering Paul’s words: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33).