S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #13 - November 13, 2022 "Expressing the Gifts with Love and In Order"

S. 1 Corinthians 14:22-23 (NIV) 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

O. Paul is teaching about order and following the way of love (1 Cor. 13 - how we express the gifts of the spirit). Paul does not forbid tongues - however he indicates that in the church service it is better to not speak in tongues but rather to give clear, understandable instruction (v.19).

He states that if unbelievers or uninformed are present, they won’t understand and will think that the people speaking in tongues are “out of their mind” (v.23). He states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. What does he mean by this? He quotes from Isaiah 28:11-12. He’s referring to unbelieving Israel who would not listen to foreign languages of invading countries. They would “scoff” at them - as was also the case in Acts 2 when people came to Jerusalem and witnessed the disciples speaking in tongues, thinking they had been drunk (Acts 2:13).

Paul equates this OT passage and event as also true now in the church of unbelievers or the uninformed. Paul’s appeal is for love and order in the expression of these gifts. He is thinking of the unbeliever and the uninformed. He promotes speaking in ways that build people up (another description of prophecy).

A. I will continue to teach on this as to provide such gift expressions in love and with order (Saturday prayer, small groups and a First Wednesday service which would be mostly for believers or at times at the conclusion of a morning worship service). We (my church) do not forbid speaking in tongues but like Paul, we are careful to such expressions of this gift with love and in order.

P. Thank you Father that you give us such a wonderful gift to build up our faith. May I and those I lead, use these gifts in orderly and loving ways to lead people to Jesus and into greater spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #12, November 12, 2022 "When We Do - God Does"

S. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

O. Paul teaches that it is the Holy Spirit (Pneuma/Spirit) who distributes the gifts (Charis - gifts of Grace). It is the Lord Jesus (Kurios - Lord/Master) who provides and models the opportunities to serve (diakonia - serve/minister) others. It is God the Father (Theos - God) who then takes the gifts and service, energizing it and creating wonderful (my own descriptive term) effects in the lives of those He works through.

What a beautiful description of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) working through each of us when we faithfully make ourselves available.

A. I continue to be impressed by this teaching that God simply desires for me (all of us) to be faithfully available to what only He can do - and when we do, He does! The Trinity works together to produce wonderful results when we are available for these opportunities of God.

P. Thank you Father for this wonderful teaching - the administration of the gifts is all part of what you do - We don’t really do anything more than faithfully make ourselves available for the opportunites that you have for us. I will continue to make myself available for the opportunities that you have for me. Thank you!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day 11 - November 11, 2022 "Receiving a Living From Preaching"

S. 1 Cor. 9:14 (NIV) 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

O. Paul has been teaching on his rights as an apostle with one of those rights being compensated (supported financially or perhaps some other way of support) for the work of preaching and teaching the Word of God (1 Cor. 9:1-18). He clearly teaches from God’s word that it was right and blblical to financially support those who teach the Word of God (v.7-11) - quoting from Deuteronomy 25.

Paul also added that while he had this right, he did not insist on it - in fact, he worked as a tent-maker to help support his work of preaching, teaching and planting churches.

A. As a church planting pastor, I can understand Paul’s situation - being so determined to preach and teach God’s Word, that I am willing to do other things (outside of the church) like teaching, officiating high school sports, and dabbling in book writing to support myself as I wait for the church to grow where it can more fully support my ministry. I look forward to that financial support, but I also so enjoy preaching and teaching God’s word, that it motivates me to serve in some of these bi-vocational roles.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you Lord Jesus for all you do for me. I pray that you will continue to supply my every need as I preach, teach and do your work of making disciples of all people. I know and am confident that you will continue to provide for me as I continue to do the work you have called me to do. I praise you and thank you, In Jesus' name.