“Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space. There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.”
1 Corinthians 14:6-12 NLT The overriding theme in this chapter is the various gifts of the Spirit operating in such a way that the church receives edification. God has designed His church as various parts working together for a single purpose. That purpose is to represent Jesus to the world. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are His body operating under His command. He is the head. We must submit to His Lordship and leadership. It is like a band or choir conductor. When everyone is under the same direction, performing the same song, playing or singing their individual parts, beautiful music is the result. When anyone decides they don't want to follow the conductor, the result is something obvious and out of order. God wants us all on the same song, under the same direction. Can I hear beautiful music playing? Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, forgive me for sometimes getting off key and being out of order. Help me follow the direction of the Lord Jesus and make beautiful music that will cause your church to be unified, bring glory to your name, and display your greatness to the world.
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![]() Rev. Curtis Norris Archives
March 2020
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