Monthly Archives: September 2010

I wrote a proposal for worship that I shared with my church (My Worship 7 proposal is outlined in Going Deeper below).  It took the ideas of 1 Corinthians 14:26 and applied them to the modern church and a congregation that is … Continue reading →

Apparently tongues is a sign for unbelievers.  What does that mean?  In context it can not mean that speaking in tongues is a gift that unbelievers will see and become saved.  The passage clearly states that if unbelievers see tongues … Continue reading →

I can sometimes check out in a church service.  The music might be rocking, the preacher might be dynamic – but I sometimes check out.  I think about … I don’t even remember what I think about.  In today’s passage … Continue reading →

What is the point of coming together as a church if no-one understands what is going on?  I have been in churches where everyone spoke in tongues without translation.  In 1991 and 1992 I used to go to The Plymouth … Continue reading →

The way of love speaks sense.  If there is a choice of desire – we should choose what benefits others.  Prophecy is greater than tongues, as a spiritual gift, because it enables us to love more effectively.  Prophecy is a … Continue reading →

“You cannot deny the existence of hell. You live in it. It is a place without love.” (The American)  I found hope in  the words of the priest in The American.  Jack is trapped in a sordid world scarred by sin.  He wants … Continue reading →

Today I spent the day in court.  The goal for our foster son was changed from return home in 12 months to terminating the rights of the birth parent.  At the end of the day I am coming back to my devotions.  … Continue reading →

Love is never failing it goes the distance.  I like William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 to reinforce this: Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends … Continue reading →

Feelings carry us away.  It is easier to serve when we feel good about it.  It is easier to bring breakfast to the pretty wife who laughs at all our jokes.  It is harder to feel great at 74 when … Continue reading →

“All You Need is Love” could be a summary of what Paul (St. Paul not McCartney) centers the Corinthian church around in chapter 13.  Unfortunately it is so much more than sex, attraction, feelings or commitment.  The love of the … Continue reading →