How Then Should We Meet?
Greetings,
“What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church……. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:26,29-33
There we have it! God’s idea of a peaceful, orderly worship gathering. Where EVERYONE gets to share and EVERYONE may be instructed and encouraged. There we can ALL share an inspired Word and EVERYONE gets to participate. I am talking about totally free and open, Spirit led fellowship
.God’s way to gather is NOT 3 songs, a prayer, an offering, and a sermon. So why do 99% of “churches” follow a pattern similar to this? The way of “man” sets an order of worship that God did not inspire or ordain and yet they call their liturgy the way of God. Notice in this passage that there is no room for professional Pastors or Worship Leaders. Because we don’t need them. In fact they get in the way of the Spirit’s inspiration.
The way of The Lord is about EVERYBODY participating whenever we gather. In most congregations the Pastor does over 90% of the sharing when they gather. This is NOT the way of The Lord. This is NOT orderly worship according to Jesus.
Orderly worship according to God is a wild free for all, where EVERYONE gets to share in turn as The Spirit gives them revelation. I have seen it work this way for over 40 years now and I have never witnessed it spin out of God’s control. The Spirit is fully capable of guiding a room full of His people according to His will and His ways. A Pastor or master of ceremonies is NOT a need. Sermons are not needed or desired. This passage of Corinthians makes that abundantly clear. We need to stop doing things “man’s” way, and start doing things God’s way. HIS way is free and open with EVERYONE participating. “Man’s” way has oppressive structure and Leadership that has been holding the Body of Christ back for centuries. I honestly do not know how this passage can be looked at any other way. Simple open fellowship is the way of Jesus. Contrived agendas led by “men” with hyper-order are not His way. It can’t be both ways. As for me and my house we will serve The Lord.
Love and…….
Kirk Out !
notesfromthebridge 
I call God’s way “Team Jesus” where everyone has the opportunity and freedom to share as they feel prompted by the Spirit.
Right on Steve! Christ’s way is freedom and opportunity.
Men!
Did you mean Amen Win?
I so wish I could have that kind of fellowship where I live. All the Christians seem to be involved in “church normal”, and there are no home church settings available as there seem to be where you live. It’s been difficult to be without true fellowship, and “online” fellowship is not complete. Nevertheless, I love the Lord and will continue on…He hasn’t forsaken me.
” Scripture declares “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken”
Scarlett, I hear your hearts cry and will continue to pray for you dear sister.
Thank you Kirk. You are a beloved brother.
I have often thought there is a reason for this. Perhaps the Lord believes I can handle it, and/or just wants to see if He will be sufficient enough for me above all else, which He is, of course. I need not think the trials will get any easier, whether with fellowship, or without. It’s just that true Christ centered fellowship is the rarest flower of Christendom outside of Christ Himself, and that’s what I crave…as we all do. And why not? Amen?
The best and most blessed fellowship I ever had according to the true scriptural definition was just four of us ladies, on fire for God, that met in my apartment everyday of the week except Sunday, when we attended church normal. But that was back in the day. It was just as described, and the holy spirit was moving so wonderfully. I am smiling, just remembering this great time. But the “church” was having a hissy fit over our meetings….they shouldn’t have, since the prayers that went up only enhanced their own services.
Still standing,
Scarlett
The “church” has hissy fits when folks gather and glean from the Christ in one another beyond their sphere of influence and control. Very sad, but very true!
I need this sort of fellowship in my life… Been out of the “church” for years and getting by on online fellowship by reading what God inspires others to write. I am so honoured to finally meet you and know your heart is for God’s Kingdom and not man’s empire.
Great to meet you too Ufuomaee
Reblogged this on Ufuomaee's Oasis and commented:
I just found my new favourite blog… I’ve been following this person for a while, but I don’t believe I ever read what they wrote! If I had, I would have known to add them to my favourites since. It was by God’s grace I saw one of his postings this morning, and it blessed me! Here’s another amazing one 🙂
Wow, thanks for sharing Ufuomaee
It was my pleasure 🙂
great insights
the way of The Lord is about EVERYBODY participating
whenever we gather.
Absolutely true Dammy,thanks for the confirmation.