Kim, It all started when we lost Brent. We'd been members of this First Baptist church and went faithfully. They were in the process of building a new "church" when Brent was first diagnosed. So we'd been meeting in the gym FOREVER.
Well, the new church opened and not long after we lost Brent. Going in the "new church" for the first time happened at Brent's wake and the second was his funeral. We tried to go back but each time all we could remember were scenes from the wake/funeral.
I'd like to say, "It just so happened" that another couple "pulled out" at the same time but I KNOW it was a GOD thing. They called us up and asked if we'd like to meet with them at their home. We agreed and the rest, as they say, is history. There are now at least 30 people who attend something that was never "planned" to begin with.
Now, When I say we "homechurch," we are not only meeting in someone's home rather than a building - we are basing how we meet on 1 Corinthians 14.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (New American Standard Bible)
26What 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.
27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;
28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.
31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;
32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;
33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34The 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.
35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
38But if anyone does not recognize this, he 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.
So, the directions for orderly worship say that each one has a "word." For that reason we DON'T have a "preacher." We all study a previously agreed upon topic and then everyone has input. Well, I say "everyone"... all of the women do NOT SPEAK. Some take the verses 34 and 35 literally. I am one of those. I BELIEVE that ALL SCRIPTURE is GOD BREATHED. I don't believe that was put in there if it wasn't meant to be. Of course we also sing, pray and voice prayer requests. It's AWESOME!! (Oh, and we don't argue over those passages. We understand that some just interpret differently from others)
I hope that helps explain what and why we're doing what we do. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
LOVE YOU, Tonya
PS... I LOVE the scripture and graphic you chose to use today. ;-)
Beautiful verse and inspiration to seek Him always! Thanks for sharing - I really like your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love this. Ever seeking Him!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to know Him :)
Thank you for your prayers!
you've inspired me! i may have to try something similar later!! God bless!
ReplyDeleteKim, It all started when we lost Brent. We'd been members of this First Baptist church and went faithfully. They were in the process of building a new "church" when Brent was first diagnosed. So we'd been meeting in the gym FOREVER.
ReplyDeleteWell, the new church opened and not long after we lost Brent. Going in the "new church" for the first time happened at Brent's wake and the second was his funeral. We tried to go back but each time all we could remember were scenes from the wake/funeral.
I'd like to say, "It just so happened" that another couple "pulled out" at the same time but I KNOW it was a GOD thing. They called us up and asked if we'd like to meet with them at their home. We agreed and the rest, as they say, is history. There are now at least 30 people who attend something that was never "planned" to begin with.
Now, When I say we "homechurch," we are not only meeting in someone's home rather than a building - we are basing how we meet on 1 Corinthians 14.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (New American Standard Bible)
26What 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.
27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;
28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.
30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.
31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;
32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;
33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34The 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.
35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.
38But if anyone does not recognize this, he 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.
So, the directions for orderly worship say that each one has a "word." For that reason we DON'T have a "preacher." We all study a previously agreed upon topic and then everyone has input. Well, I say "everyone"... all of the women do NOT SPEAK. Some take the verses 34 and 35 literally. I am one of those. I BELIEVE that ALL SCRIPTURE is GOD BREATHED. I don't believe that was put in there if it wasn't meant to be. Of course we also sing, pray and voice prayer requests. It's AWESOME!! (Oh, and we don't argue over those passages. We understand that some just interpret differently from others)
I hope that helps explain what and why we're doing what we do. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
LOVE YOU,
Tonya
PS... I LOVE the scripture and graphic you chose to use today. ;-)
Hey, that is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd I always need a reminder...first, put Him FIRST!
Thanks! :)
Hey, you said this was YOUR FIRST TIME???
ReplyDeleteWOW! welcome!
that is beautiful!!!
I LOVE IT, the colors and the verse!
I just LOVE it!!
happy wednesday!
lori
This is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! This is the theme verse for my life! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely perfect and beautiful! Just like you my sweet friend! :)
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful and creative. Love the verse!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteDid you put this together? I just LOVE it. I will have to put it on my blog this Spring.
This verse has been one that my husband and I have been sharing with one another. He will love it too.
Thanks Kim!
Joanne