August 22
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CALL TO ORDERLY WORSHIP
A poem by ILMA
When you meet together to worship, some will sing or teach
Others will say some revelation from God or speak in tongues
One might interpret what’s said but it must strengthen all of you
No more than two or three should speak in tongues and speak one at a time Someone must interpret what they say but if no one interprets, be silent.
Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said
But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from God
In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other
Remember that people who prophesy are in the Spirit’s control to take turns
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of the church.
Do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians?
Are you the only ones to whom it was given?
If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized.
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MEMORY VERSE
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.
– 1 Corinthians 14:33
Read: 1 Corinthians 14:26-39
In this chapter, Paul talks about the order when we come to worship. He stresses here how the Lord is a God of order and not of chaos. Though we have many different gifts, the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy was emphasized here and Paul tells the Corinthians that these two gifts are very important in the body of Christ. He clearly gives detailed instructions as to how it must be orderly done in the church. Where there is disorder, the Lord is not in that situation or place.
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REFLECTION
• Have you ever spoken in tongues or prophesied in your church?
• Why is it important to have order in worshiping the Lord?