THE RIGHT WAY WE’RE SUPPOSED TO DO “CHURCH” [Part 2]

Mar 10

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The following includes a captivating Scriptural account of original New Covenant meetings and the Apostle Paul’s detailed Scriptural instructions thereof.

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1 CORINTHIANS 14

As a lead in to what we will be looking into regarding how the Early Church originals in the first century AD actually conducted their spiritual meetings, I will present here the entire fourteenth chapter of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in the Greek city of Corinth. This chapter is probably not only the most representative of the content of Christian meetings but also gives the most amount of information with regard to what took place in them. In Chapter 12 Paul had just addressed the many spiritual gifts, manifestations of the Spirit, and places of service in the Community and touches on them again in Chapter 14, applying instructions on their use.

If you have yet to read Part 1 I highly recommend it since it sets the tone for the series. There are already many edifying comments there which add to the article content and I am most appreciative of those of you who participated. Thank you.

I also decided to add the Scriptural text as it appears in the NASB95 online version which includes full footnotes. Though I have used and still use many different Bible versions I began using the New American Standard Bible 1995 Update exclusively for teaching and writing purposes about the time it was first published. To clarify the text format I have added the following explanations per the Bible’s introduction:

  1. FOOTNOTES are used only where the text especially requires them for clarification.
  2. ITALICS are used in the text to indicate words which are not found in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek but implied by it.
  3. SMALL CAPS in the New Testament are used in the text to indicate Old Testament quotations or obvious references to Old Testament texts.

Now let’s read what Paul wrote way back when and see how the meetings of our original forebears proceeded:

1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one [a]understands, but [b]in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8 For if the [c]bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of [d]languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a [e]barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a [f]barbarian [g]to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous of [h]spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless [i]in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the [j]ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. 22 So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and [k]ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an [l]ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of [m]peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is [n]improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 [o]Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he [p]is not recognized.

39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. [1Corinthians 14:1-40] [1]

FOOTNOTES:

a.   Lit hears
b.   Or by the Spirit
c.   Lit trumpet
d.   Lit voices
e.   Or foreigner
f.   Or foreigner
g.   Or in my estimation
h.   Lit spirits
i.   Or with the
j.   I.e. unversed in spiritual gifts
k.   V 16, note 2
l.   V 16, note 2
m.   Or peace. As in all…saints, let
n.   Or disgraceful
o.   Lit Or was
p.   Two early mss read is not to be recognized

© 2025 by RJ Dawson. All Rights Reserved. [To Be Continued…]

[1] Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Posted on March 10, 2025, in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.

  1. Sandra J's avatar Sandra J | April 8, 2025 at 5:37 AM

    I read this post and then went back and read your last post again. As I read this post again, I am a bit confused. With all these rules, I am thinking about the responsibility that one takes on to even think about starting a church. This phrase you wrote; Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
    Very few of us can speak, for example, like you do. I feel that I learn so much more by your post than I ever did in a church. I can only speak of the few churches that I have been to, and I am not saying they do not do a good job at bringing people together and teaching them about our Father. I am saying I could not understand some of them. As if they were speaking in another language that was not clear. It was repetitive and did not stir my spirit.
    I just looked up what speaking in tongue means. This is a new revelation for me. I have never heard someone speak in tongue, as it said it is looked at as a divine language that is given to one from above. What is your explanation of divine language and speaking in tongue.
    Does any one do it in this century? I think if I heard it, I would have doubts that someone is trying to get attention as some of the ministers I have witnessed in churches do to put them selves on a higher pedestal. Only because I don’t trust that it isn’t evil lurking around to distract us away from speaking to our Father directly.
    Thank you RJ

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    • RJ Dawson's avatar RJ Dawson | April 10, 2025 at 12:06 AM

      Thank you for your comment, Sandra. I must apologize for not being able to get to my work here until now. Things have been very busy and somewhat challenging the last two days with mostly practical matters. I needed to wait until I do this work the proper justice. I posted a new article on Tuesday morning and when I had time to check it later in the day I saw that I had several comments. I wanted to wait until I felt I could do you and my readers right by having the time and receiving from the Lord in order to answer in an edifying way.

      First of all, no one should ever start a church, so to speak, or any ministry, unless directed by the Lord Jesus. Every real Christian ministry is an extension of His ministry. All real Christian meeting groups of whatever kind or size are actually started by Him through whom He chooses. You are very right that it is a great responsibility. It is actually no different than when one gives his or her life to the Lord. The Word says we are purchased with a price, that being the precious Blood of our Savior. We should therefore try to live the life He wants and needs us to live and has planned for us because real Christians belong to Him and answer to Him. Living for Him is always a challenge in this fallen world of sin and temptation but the Lord takes such into account and blesses with great strength and grace. Real Christians know the Lord loves them, which is what makes the relationship work, and they love Him too, of course. Therefore, starting a ministry is serious. We must be obedient and want to get it right. Those who do get it right have the same spiritual evidence to confirm it that our forebears had in the very beginning.

      Regarding my efforts, thank you for your kind words, Sandra. I have been at this a very long time, pretty much my entire adult life as I have been able while dealing with practical responsibilities as everyone must do. I believe the Lord puts people in our lives that we can relate to and learn from and I have been blessed this way, but the majority of my spiritual education has come through much personal study and great amounts of research over several decades. It is a great blessing to be able to teach and each reader I have had here is a greater blessing. We learn from each other. It is a dialogue, a conversation, or like you wrote here once, like a Bible Study.

      Now, regarding the subject of speaking in tongues, I have always thought it was somewhat unfortunate to use that terminology but this was what was written by the earliest English translators. As you know, in the Old English, “tongues” was simply a word meaning “languages.” Therefore, if we saw written in the Bible, “speaking in languages” or in “other languages,” it would likely not be so controversial or such a difficult subject to deal with for some Christians. It is also the case that, like with other Christian things, it is sometimes abused or taught of incorrectly.

      In reality, speaking in tongues/languages in something the Lord Jesus created for His own purposes as well as a great blessing to His children. It is a means of ministry, a way to communicate with God, a sign for unbelievers as Paul wrote, and more. It is a way to edify our spirit and grow in spiritual strength. In open meetings, it is a way the Lord chooses to speak to His people. It began on that particular Israelite Feast Day of Pentecost in 32AD when the 120 in the Upper Room had the initial experience. It was a sign that they had been filled with the Holy Spirit.

      I explain it this way: The Lord’s brother James wrote in his letter that human speech not subjected to God can be really sinful and sometimes evil. He said the tongue is rebellious, a “fire,” a “world of iniquity,” and “full of deadly poison.” He wrote that the tongue can defile the entire body. His description proves that the tongue, by which he means human speech, is not only powerful but the most powerful member of our bodies. He also said the tongue must be tamed but that no man can tame the tongue (properly control it). This means human speech, without the Lord, is out of control and that the only one who can tame it, control it, and properly regulate it is God.

      Therefore, since the tongue/human speech is both the most powerful member of the human body and also the most rebellious, sinful, and defiant, it is the very last member of the body to surrender to God. This is why the Book of Acts consistently records that speaking in another language that one has never learned or likely is even aware of is a principle sign that one has been filled with the Holy Spirit of the Lord. It is all about the candidate surrendering fully to God and the Lord being given the authority to then bless the person with the ability to speak forth holy words in praise to God but in another language. That is exactly what happened at Pentecost. The record in Acts Chapter Two is clear.

      I can teach you much more on this subject but I am glad you have already started your own research. Yes, it is likely that millions of Christians in the world have experienced Pentecost and speaking in tongues. I can tell you of some initial and primary historical events that have taken place in America. As in everything else, I suggest you take what I am saying here to the Lord in prayer.

      Thanks again, Sandra. Blessings

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  2. Unknown's avatar Anonymous | April 8, 2025 at 10:18 AM

    I need to spend the time to look at all the footnotes. I love this chapter of I Corinthians, because it teaches so clearly how we ought to be “doing church.” Especially on the issue of tongues, Paul is specific about how it ought to be done. “Forbid not speaking in tongues,” but let it be done in a specific way, and let it be done decently and in order. I saw a video yesterday of a group in which many were speaking, or babbling, in what was not a real language; they were doing so all at the same time; there was no interpreter. Frankly, it gave me the creeps. In my background, speaking in tongues was a big NO. I now believe differently, but am very thankful for the clear directives Paul sets forth under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

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    • RJ Dawson's avatar RJ Dawson | April 10, 2025 at 2:48 AM

      Thank you so much, my friend. The Lord is definitely a God of order and there must be the correct spiritual order in His meetings. I think the first order of business, so to speak, in our meetings is that we submit fully to His authority, acknowledged Him as being 100% in control, and that we all pledge to led by Him and do our best to obey Him, because it is when He is in charge that all the good and great spiritual things happen. He was always in control of His own ministry though His enemies fought Him. It was rare or never that His own actually tried to supersede Him and take over or not acknowledge His Lordship. Yet this is something that most Christians have reverted to since about the fourth century and until the present.

      Nevertheless, we live in an ongoing time of a worldwide Revival which had its origins about 125 years ago. There have been ups and downs over the decades, of course, but the Lord continues winning spiritual battles, shining His Light, and sharing the Gospel Truth. We are winning.

      Thanks again. Greatly appreciate it. Blessings!

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  3. granonine's avatar granonine | April 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM

    It is truly wonderful to me that no matter how long we have known the Lord, we can still learn and grow. This chapter of I Corinthians has been such a blessing to me over the years. It completely cleared up the whole issue of tongues, which is NOT forbidden, but is completely taught to be done in an orderly way, to have an interpreter, and does not mean everyone present must, or SHOULD, all speak at the same time.

    For me, the emphasis on the importance of prophesying is of great interest. I had a pastor years ago who told me I have the gift of prophesy. I was astonished, because I didn’t really understand what that meant. He explained it to me simply: It is the ability to explain the scriptures in a clear and understandable manner. It is the gift of being able to unravel the hard things of the Word and make them clear to others.

    My dad had me teaching Sunday school when I was only 12, and I’ve been doing so ever since. I started writing my Bible study blog when the pastor I had at the time removed me from my teaching position because he thought I was undermining his authority. I wasn’t. I never would. But he shut me down, and we found another church where I was able to continue to teach. And now, for the last 12-13 years, I’ve had the joy of digging into the Word more than ever, and my readership continues to increase. When God gives you a gift, He also enables you to use it for His glory!

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    • RJ Dawson's avatar RJ Dawson | April 23, 2025 at 12:35 PM

      What a wonderful comment, Linda! I greatly appreciate the manner in which you show your admiration for Paul’s anointed writing here and what it means to you. This chapter is so necessary for our understanding and vitally explains key subjects regarding the Lord’s means and methods for conducting spiritual meetings. It really does clear up the issue of tongues. One can see Paul’s motivation to do that very thing in order to teach the necessity of spiritual order. I imagine he had to rein in some things in part. Of course, again, he was operating upon the Lord’s orders and was anointed by Him for the purpose. It is sad that such beautiful means of spiritual expression and purpose came to be so controversial. This always happens when Christian formats, teachings, and authority standards are established without the full light of the Gospels and complete understanding of New Testament writings. Then, when attempts to apply the actual NT are made, the means and content appears foreign and even quite strange and does not fit, and some Christians often have knee jerk reactions to the content.

      It would appear to me that when a Christian truly loves the Lord Jesus and also not only honors and appreciates His holy written Word but truly loves it, loves reading it, and loves studying it, that they will have an entirely different attitude and will be purely accepting of it and do their best to apply it. So I think this is the main difference. You have expressed this attitude here, Linda, in a beautiful way.

      When I took my first Romans 12 spiritual gift test over forty years ago, what were called the seven motivational gifts, I discovered officially that I had the gift of teaching. It was actually much more of a confirmation because I had already been operating in the gift for several years and had much fruit to show for it and also confirm it. I also discovered, though, that the gift of prophesying was a close second. These two are actually pretty close. I can see the same in you. Not to disagree with your former pastor’s assessment but only to add to it, I have always seen you as operating primarily as a teacher. You certainly show the fruits of it, including teaching SS at twelve years of age! I have read most of your work on WP over the years and you have an excellent spiritual knack for teaching the Word through the many Bible book projects you have presented, as you are now doing with Judges. But again, the teaching and prophesying gifts appear close together and one may be operating in both to a degree though I have learned that only one gift is dominant and that a believer becomes an effective specialist in that one.

      Back to your comment, I laughed when I read the part about you being accused of undermining your pastor’s authority. The fact is, because of faulty formats and leadership structures, many “pastors” are very sensitive about their standing and are often easily intimidated by what appears to be challenges to it though it is usually never the case, which means innocent parties suffer. The worst part is that such Christians are often forbidden from operating in their gift or having a place with which to work or use it, which is the very thing the Lord gave them to develop and achieve and work with and through for His kingdom and His people and as you said, for His glory! Therefore, instead of Christians being appreciated for what they bring and being encouraged and strengthened for it and in it, the opposite happens and they are often shunned. All because it doesn’t fit a false paradigm. It has happened to me multiple times also, pretty much as a matter of course.

      Thank again for a great comment, Linda, and also for continuing to read my posts. I greatly appreciate it, especially at present. I would appreciate your prayers. Thank you and Blessings

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      • granonine's avatar granonine | April 23, 2025 at 8:53 PM

        I agree that teaching/prophesying are closely related. I always have known I would be a teacher, since I was in maybe second grade. It just seemed like the obvious thing 🙂 It has brought me great joy over the years, as I’ve been invited to speak at seminars and women’s conferences as well as continuing to teach in the church. My dad was truly a pastor/teacher, and my sister has been a teacher all her adult life. Seems to run in the family 🙂

        I always have you on my prayer list, RJ. Blessing to you.

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