More Than Spectators
"But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak." - 2 Corinthians 4;13
From Pentecost the church was made up of the seed of Abraham, people that had been prepared by five centuries of synagogue meetings to speak their faith in the Lord. The coming of the Spirit upon all flesh ( Joel 2), had been amply prepared for.
Peter spoke to the house of Cornelius, the Spirit fell on them, and they s poke. (Acts 10) Paul dialogued with believers (Acts 20:7), and wrote to Corinth , "But if all prophesy , and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all; the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is in you indeed." (1 Corinthians 14:24-5)
Jesus foresaw disputes and said, ".tell it to the church: and if he refuse to hear the church ." - because all who receive Jesus, receive his Spirit and speak. ("For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you."- Matthew 10:20) Paul wrote, "reprove in the sight of all" (elders that sinned ).-1 Timothy 5:20 Cf. 1 John. 2:27.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8) " Confess your sins one to another, and pray one for another that you may be healed ." (James 5:16) Today, prayers are often aloof, reserved, powerless - but then, women prayed also : " every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonors her head;." ( 1 Corinthians 11:5)
First century churches were not for spectators . Dialogue, confession, prayers and rejoicing prevailed. It is impossible to rejoice and remain reserved, or love others fervently - at arms length. The joy of the Spirit has departed from many churches. Those who have the same spirit of faith, will speak , seeking His return. 11/21/06
"Preaching will never really touch a single heart unless it brings some sure word about sin and its forgiveness." - James Stewart, Heralds of God