As those in Christ, we truly can trust the Holy Spirit to lead us anytime we gather.
No matter how, where, when, why we get together with other believers, the Holy Spirit will faithfully guide our discussions and actions in ways that honor Christ. This, of course, does not mean that anytime we get together will be perfect. Our sin sometimes gets in the way of that. However, when we are willing to put personal preferences and agendas to the side, the Spirit is free to lead as He sees fit. This is always best (obviously).
This is an encouraging thing because the fact is that we cannot plan ahead anytime we gather. And even if we did, how could we know that our planning would bring about what God wants? This is not to say that all planning is bad, but if it gets in the way of the Spirit, then it is a problem.
I've found that the Spirit tends to use our planning/preparation in the gatherings, but this may be in ways that we could not predict. For example, I plan to study over a passage of scripture tonight. I may mention it tomorrow or I may not. I really don't know. The Spirit will make it clear to me tomorrow whether or not I should speak about it.
It is fascinating the way the Spirit frequently brings things together as Christians gather. It happens time after time in our small fellowship. One person will read a passage that relates exactly to what someone else is going through in life. We might sing a song that has a connection to what someone else is dealing with. The list goes on and on.
As a pastor, for several years I was basically in charge of planning worship services. Frankly, I was never very good at it. I'm not that creative. If you asked the poor folks who attended the church where I was pastor, they would probably tell you that we fell into a rut. It was pretty much the same week after week. My bad.
I'm now thrilled to get out of the way and see what the Spirit will do. There is no fear in this; only anticipation and excitement. This does not suggest disorder, but freedom. The Spirit is free to do whatever He will.
I can't wait.
No matter how, where, when, why we get together with other believers, the Holy Spirit will faithfully guide our discussions and actions in ways that honor Christ. This, of course, does not mean that anytime we get together will be perfect. Our sin sometimes gets in the way of that. However, when we are willing to put personal preferences and agendas to the side, the Spirit is free to lead as He sees fit. This is always best (obviously).
This is an encouraging thing because the fact is that we cannot plan ahead anytime we gather. And even if we did, how could we know that our planning would bring about what God wants? This is not to say that all planning is bad, but if it gets in the way of the Spirit, then it is a problem.
I've found that the Spirit tends to use our planning/preparation in the gatherings, but this may be in ways that we could not predict. For example, I plan to study over a passage of scripture tonight. I may mention it tomorrow or I may not. I really don't know. The Spirit will make it clear to me tomorrow whether or not I should speak about it.
It is fascinating the way the Spirit frequently brings things together as Christians gather. It happens time after time in our small fellowship. One person will read a passage that relates exactly to what someone else is going through in life. We might sing a song that has a connection to what someone else is dealing with. The list goes on and on.
As a pastor, for several years I was basically in charge of planning worship services. Frankly, I was never very good at it. I'm not that creative. If you asked the poor folks who attended the church where I was pastor, they would probably tell you that we fell into a rut. It was pretty much the same week after week. My bad.
I'm now thrilled to get out of the way and see what the Spirit will do. There is no fear in this; only anticipation and excitement. This does not suggest disorder, but freedom. The Spirit is free to do whatever He will.
I can't wait.
2 comments:
Good thoughts, Eric.
I will (somewhat hesitantly) admit that this happens a whole lot more in a home group than in an "institutional" environment. BUT, still the Holy Spirit is active in those who have prepared the soil of their hearts. And, I am amazed at the ways God brings things together from week to week in a way we never expected!
Bethany
Bethany,
The Spirit certainly is faithful!
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