06.16.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 10:09 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 Theme: Everything done in the church should edify others, not bring chaotic confusion. Key verses: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, as a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (v. 26) “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.” (v. 29-30) “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” What God said to me: Dwayne, be very careful how you interpret this passage. Some would try to use this teaching to stifle participation among the church, saying only 2 or 3 persons should speak during a church gathering. Others would go to the other extreme and claim that Paul is endorsing and encouraging everyone to speak and participate. They believe as long as there is a veil or assumption of Spirit-led “order” then anything goes. But extremism is the very thing Paul was trying to prevent. Yes, several can and often should participate, but no, anything does not go. There must be order which is sanctioned and guarded by certain key prophets or pastors. And only those leaders should speak and be regarded with authority, as though they speak from me. And even they should be judged by the other godly and wise leaders. This prevents chaos and heresy from slipping among my church. Find the balance, Dwayne. Teach your people. Encourage your people to stand and share if and only as they feel led. But warn them of the consequences of speaking out of turn, unscripturally, or inappropriately. What I said to God: Thank You, Father, for making this more clear to me. We need not “throw the baby out with the bath water” as some have done. Participation among your members is wonderful and needed. They are not to be spectators, cowed down and hushed up. Yet, leadership and pastoral authority is a must and should be respected and heeded. As one of those leaders in Your Church, help me lead with humility, care, watchfulness, and sensitivity.
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06.15.09
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:41 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:13-25 Theme: God gave the gift of tongues for non-believers — not to be exercised among other believers. Key verses: “Therefore let him who speaks pray that he may interpret.” (v. 13) “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” (v. 15) “I thank God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than then thousand words in a tongue.” (v. 18-19) “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.” (v. 22) “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.” (v. 24) What God said to me: Dwayne, for some reason this has always been a divisive topic among my believers. But it shouldn’t be. The fact is that tongues — the supernatural ability to speak in lanquages one does not personally know — is a gift I gave to select believers in the Body of Christ. At Pentecost I gave that gift temporarily to many so the onlooking Jews and unbelievers would see my divine working and remember Isaiah’s prophecy regarding tongues. Clearly, according to Paul, I also give the gift on tongues to some individual believers, allowing them to pray “in the spirit.” Whether those who do not possess or exercise that gift appreciate it or agree with it is not really important to its validation. Paul himself spokes with other tongues. And to say it was a dispensational gift meant only for the apostles and 1st Century saints is unfounded. So don’t condemn or judge those humble and upright Christians who save they pray in private in tongues. That is between them and me. Your responsibility is to guard the gathering of believers where you are in charge. Tongues without interpretation serves only to confuse and tear down, not build up and convict others. What I said to God: Father, thank You for this definitive word about tongues. This has always been such a difficult and divisive topic for me and among my friends. Forgive us for wanting to pass such teaching as this passage through our own sifter of experience, understanding and personal bias. Your Holy Word speaks for itself. I don’t have to understand it or like it all. I respect and pray for those among us who exercise the gift of tongues in a scriptural and private way. May we in public always seek to build up those around us more than ourselves. That is the essence of Biblical corporate worship…
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06.05.09
Posted in Thoughts on Psalms at 8:47 am by Administrator
Text: Psalm 127 Theme: Any project or institution not initiated and empowered by God is useless, tiresome, and distracting. Key verses: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…” (v. 1-3a) What God said to me: Son, I tire of watching you grow tired, of seeing you try to initiate and produce income and new resources. I grow impatient with how you often ignore me and our time together in the mornings. Instead you run straight to your computer to check your email, hoping someone has rewarded your efforts. How many times do I have to tell you, I am your source in life. I can do more with and through and for you in 5 minutes than you can in a week of struggling on your own. Without me, you are kicking against a brick wall. Only I can break down the barriers than prevent you from prospering and succeeding. Only I can lead you in the direction that will best honor me and bring joy and rest to you and your family. I have blessed you beyond what you can imagine with a precious wife and children. Be very careful that you don’t work so hard and so many long hours that you don’t invest time with them. They are my gift to you, but they are also your responsibility to love, cherish and nourish in my Word and ways. Dwayne, seek first my Kingdom and righteousness. Trust me to be your Vine, your source of all you need. I will add all the earthy things necessary for you and your family. Just trust me, glorify me, shine for me, and live for me daily. What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for speaking so clearly to my heart this morning. I so appreciate You still loving and putting up with me. I am amazed by Your mercy and grace and patience. Please forgive me for trying to build my company and my house on my own. I cannot. I must listen to Your still small voice and obey You implicitly everyday. I commit this day to You to live it only for You and trust You for the outcome.
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