Read: I Corinthians 14:18-40
Think: In this chapter, Paul tackles the most controversial issues happening in the church of Corinth that were creating an extraordinary amount of chaos, such as the expression of tongues and the role of women during a church service. The expression of the spiritual gifts within a church service and society’s view of women in the ancient world made for a difficult start of the Christian church. Paul, therefore, goes into great detail, suggesting ways to bring order to the Corinthian church in specific, and to the early church in general. He adds comments such as, “…don’t be childish. . . be mature. . .be sure that everything is done properly and in order. Paul concludes, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…”
Act: Over the past 2000 years, history has recorded that the church has continued to struggle with these and other issues (i.e. the balance and use of the spiritual gifts within a church, the role of women in the church, even slavery). Paul’s call was for maturity within the church, the focus to be on love, and the main message that Jesus Christ came to earth and died a sacrificial death on behalf of sinners, and that He was raised from the dead. This is the reason we gather to worship our risen King! Today, pray for the Christian church-at-large across the world and in America. Ask God to mature us and unite us under one great message—the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for the Word of God, the church of Christ on earth, the Holy Spirit, and the way you knit our lives together to serve You. Allow us to be united under one banner of love. Give us great courage to be a church in our community that reaches the lost and helps the hurting. We love You, Jesus.
Be full of faith today!
