What would it be like if all the speaking people did at church was prophecy? Paul explained in 1 Cor. 14:3 that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” Then in verse 24, he suggests that “all” speaking in the church could be prophecy.
If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. – 1 Cor 14:23-25
What would this look like if practiced at Emmanuel Faith? Currently, we have the voice of the Lead Pastor and occasionally another voice from the front proclaiming truth. Yet Paul writes, “but if all prophesy,” and “he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all.” Oftentimes, our conversations with others at church are about the regular things of life and we shy away from getting too honest or approaching deeper issues. Is this because time is short and we have lunch to get to? Is this because we don’t really want to know about the tough things the people around us are going through? Is it because we don’t want to do the work of investing in and helping each other? Is it because we fear seeming judgmental or coming across as off-putting? These are all real considerations, but if our focus is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort then we should not come across as harsh, but rather as caring if we are willing to take the time.
Pray about and offer up your willingness to be one of the ALL of our church helping convict and call to account those in our midst so they might worship God and see his presence in our church.
John Riley
Jr. High Pastor