Friday, February 12, 2016

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
[Read the above Scripture in your own Bible or click the reference to read on BibleGateway.com.]

In addition to being engaged in worship, Paul reminds us worship should be an orderly affair.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace...
1 Corinthians 14:33

I'm sure you've noticed, every Sunday, our worship has an order. One that rarely changes. But I also see something in this passage intriguing to me. Paul says... 

When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction,
a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so
that the church may be built up.
1 Corinthians 14:26

Believers gathered together in worship bring with them something to share. Something beneficial for building up, encouraging, the church.

So I wonder... What would orderly worship look like here if it made room for those who gather to share what the Spirit's placed on their hearts when they have not been a part of the official ordering of the service? And what about those who are blessed with a revelation during worship... if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down... how will we fit that in?

What does an orderly Spirit-led worship look like?

I've seen one once. It was beautiful. It was orderly. It was living and active.
The preacher didn't even know all that was going to happen. 
But... he made room for it.
He made room for the Spirit to actively participate in worship through the gathered Believers.

Again I wonder... What would it look like for First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, to make room in worship for the Spirit to lead?

Father God, grow us as a church when it comes to worshiping You.
Lead those who plan worship to make room for the leading of the Spirit.
Open our hearts to what You want to do in and through our gatherings.
Bless us with the boldness to share what You place on our hearts
for the building up of Your church.

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