1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” Verse 31: “For you can all prophesy…”
But when we come together, we sing rehearsed songs, listen to a prepared message, and drink coffee. When do we participate?
If we come “for” the worship, the word, or the fellowship, we’re consumers. If we come “with” gifts for others, we’re servants.
The Bible tells us we are all unique with unique gifts so that we need each other and serve each other. God’s purpose can only be fulfilled when we are all using the gifts God has given. We come alive when we’re on purpose.
God gave the gifts of the Spirit because he needs them to build his church. Without them the church is disabled, unable to function as our Lord intends.
The Future
God loves his church, in whatever form or culture. But church culture also has seasons. I believe the attraction church model (lights, platform, music, big welcome) has done great service over a generation. Millions have come to Christ, but the Spirit is moving on.
It’s a trap to settle where the Spirit blessed before. Denominations are founded on yesterday’s move of God.
I see a future of smaller churches focusing on deeper relationships, repentance, accountability, and mission. Every member, no matter how new, should be on mission. Bonnke said, “The church is not a pleasure boat; it’s a life boat, with all hands on deck!”
So what’s your gift? What’s your role? Do you go to church ‘”for” something, or “with” something? It changes our whole paradigm.
Anne Thorn
Wow love it John. This is what Trevor has been encouraging all year. So looking forward to David Warrior when it is released next year. Praying you and Bron are totally blessed this Christmas season and look forward to catching up with you sometime next year.
Andrew jacobsen
John i couldnt agree with you more.This has been my own persuasion for some time. Bless you .
Andrew.
Mandy Latham
Absolutely resonates, and happily is what the Lord has been leading us into over the last few years.
Keeping bringing the good words, John and Bron.
Much love, and all the good blessings of this wonderful season.
Mandy
Ken Davies
Bless you John, to ‘keep in step with the Spirit’ requires us always to stay true God’s Word to see that the Lord does not always create something new, He just opens our eyes to what is already there. Your comments resonate with me and trust that we will know the blessing of folk coming ‘with’ for that is the biblical way for a mature church to be effective.
Love and seasons greetings to you and Bron?
Julie Cannon
Totally inspiring.Well done good and faith filled servant.
Kaysha Penniall
Yes! Totally agree, John.
Rosanne Barker
You are spot on, John. When Covid first reared its ugly head I heard God say that he will use anything and everything to accomplish his purposes and he was going to take big churches and split them so that his blessings could be multiplied in a rapid and unforseen way. He said I should look at our small church as a blessing that was able to work in ways that bigger churches could not. Isn’t it great that our God loves new, does not create carbon copy people or churches and we are all unique under his hand.
Harvey Rosieur
I have pointed out 1 Cor.14:26 on many occasions but it never meets with a satisfactory response. It seems that the ‘hold’ of their present ‘church’ is stronger than their desire for truth. Friendship with people seems more important than friendship with God. Having ‘come out’ my self I cannot understand the hesitation of apparently otherwise solid Christians. It is a deception.
Henry Vos
Hi John&Bron.
I’m not quite accustomed to the media vocabulary. Now I understand what ‘Blog’ is
Your words are so very inspirational and on board.
You’re certainly using your gifts to the Nth.
It’s the time of the year that we need to lift each other up.
Judy Abrahams
This is so cool John. It is exactly what I have been feeling recently. Small groups are the way to grow and function in your giftings
Ronwen Walker
Thank you for this, John. It resonates with what has been troubling me about church, especially the established church here in England. I recently visited an independent church near Bristol where it was totally inclusive- everyone participated from very young to old . It was not big, and they all knew each other. They have a vision to impact the whole community. It felt like a fellowship. Whereas, as you say, the alternative is more like visiting a theatre, it may move us, but often it doesn’t . Nor does it move us to make a difference except when the sermon suggests practical ways like getting involved in the local food bank. We have a very small church, and the fellowship is good, but we desperately need to meet up as a praying group in addition to the Sunday services and this is slow to happen. Please pray that we may move forward!
Rob & Jennie Rae
This is a great word and very timely John . The Lord has been saying the same to us . Blessings to you and Bron .