Tag: each one
Order in the Church!
Scripture reading for July 24: 1 Corinthians 14
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of the prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:26-33
As Paul was summarizing the instruction for the Corinthian church concerning spiritual gifts, he kept it simple with some basic principles. As God has given gifts to each person, the church should come together willing and ready to share the gifts, teaching, singing, and knowledge God has revealed. This should be done in an orderly manner so as not to cause confusion. Each person should lovingly use their gifts to build up the church, deferring to one another out of love and respect. Peace and wholeness is promised.
To keep the order manageable, Paul suggested that two or three speak in tongues, one at a time. Each tongue must have an interpretation so that all might be edified and not confused. Prophets should also speak by two or three, one at a time. If a prophetic word or message inspires another to speak, then space should be given for that person. Each prophet or speaker in tongues or interpreter should act in love and self-control to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring the proper growth and response God is using them to accomplish. In this way the church will function in the power and liberty of the Holy Spirit and equip the saints for work of ministry.
Do you always take time to invite the Holy Spirit to use you or your giftings before meeting with God’s people? Does the church family you belong to allow those in the church to share their giftings during the church service? How would your own life change if you and your church actively sought God’s direction of each service?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling each person and giving gifts that will build up and equip Your church. Teach me as a pastor to better equip and instruct Your people in using their gifts and allowing God to work supernaturally each week as we gather for prayer, worship and Word. Amen.
Good courage before Christ!
Scripture reading for August 29th: 2nd Corinthians 5, Psalm 22, Proverbs 17
2nd Corinthians 5:6-10 “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and be at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Paul taught the believers that judgment was coming for all believers at the judgment seat of Christ where each person individually would receive reward or suffer loss, depending on how they used their allotted time on earth and were obedient to live by faith in God’s Word. Paul encouraged them that they could be of good courage at all times if they lived a life of faith, following the Lord faithfully. They could have courage in this life as well as confidence in the life to come and before Christ at His judgment seat. It is only by faith that we can please God. Faith brings confidence and assurance in the unseen realities and promises of God.
Psalm 22:27-28 “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations.”
Prayer: Father God, Your Word and Your justice through Your Son Jesus Christ give me great courage and confidence. Thank You for leading me into a life of faith. Thank You for calling me out of this self-centered world system to live in freedom serving You in obedience, worship and good works. Help me to remind others of their need to live by faith and the confidence all can have who rely on Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 17:15 “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”