The past two days I’ve posted videos from a recent Sunday morning at Covenant Life. The first one is here, the second one is here. These aren’t examples of someone doing everything right. Hardly. They just contain examples of a lot of the things I’ve written about at Worship Matters.
Today I’m posting an example of spontaneity. Being “reformed charismatics,” we value the sufficiency, authority, and inerrancy of Scripture as well as the active presence of the Holy Spirit through the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Cor. 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? When you come together, each
one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an
interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)
and elsewhere. During the fourth song that Sunday, Lost in Wonder, two pastors came up and shared prophetic impressions from the Lord, similar to those described in 1 Cor. 14:29-311 Corinthians 14:29-31
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, (ESV)
. The first addressed those who were thinking as we sang “How Great is our God” that their problems and trials were greater than God. The pastor read Ps. 145:1-3Psalm 145:1-3
[145:1]I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
[2]Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
[3]Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
and encouraged those individuals to search out how great God really is. The second word addressed those for whom the greatness of God’s name was obscured by the greatness of the names of “debt” and “disease.” He said God wanted to remind us that his name is above every name.
A Spontaneous Song
After we prayed for those individuals, I sensed I had a prophetic, or spontaneous, song from the Lord, that followed up on those two words. I’ve shared such songs for almost twenty years now. I don’t believe they’re “word for word” from the Lord, but do believe they’re an overflow of the love he demonstrated for us at Calvary and a sign of the Spirit’s working in our midst. Most often they come to me at the moment, although there have been occasions where lines for a song have come as I’m preparing or while someone has been preaching. More times than I can remember, I’ve seen God use the gift of prophecy, spoken or sung, to encourage, comfort, and build up his church ( 1 Cor. 14:31 Corinthians 14:3
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. (ESV)
If you’re interested, these are the words to the song:
You’re lost in your problems
You’re lost in your fears
But you’re not lost in amazement
That I’ve brought you near
You’re lost in confusion
You’re lost in your pain
But you aren’t lost in wonder
That I know your name
I sent my Son
Upon the cross
He died to make you mine
So that you would never be lost
Are you lost in amazement?
Are you lost in joy?
Are you lost in wonder
That you can hear my voice?
Are you lost in my mercy
That I purchased for you
Through the blood of my own Son?
That’s what he came to do
To give his life for you
So you could be lost in my love.
After the spontaneous song, we returned to the song we had been singing, Lost in Wonder.
Spontaneous prophetic songs aren’t the only evidence that the Holy Spirit is present and working in our meetings. He’s active during congregational singing, the preaching of God’s Word, prayer, fellowship, and other ways. But why limit the Spirit’s work to what he’s given us as we’ve planned and prepared? Why not allow room in your meeting for an unexpected prayer, or an unplanned emphasis? I should mention that I’ve built a high degree of trust with the pastors at my church which enables me to respond to spontaneous impressions on the fly. Make sure your pastor has confidence in you before you start changing the direction of the meeting.
Thanks for sharing this video series. It’s been very helpful! And thanks for you humility: “These aren’t examples of someone doing everything right. Hardly.” As a young upstart worship leader, that is one thing I desire is to cultivate a humble heart right away.
Do you ever have songs that are recorded and published get birthed out of spontaneous songs like this?
, “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I can only imagine that many gathered that morning felt the “good” of that “manifestation of the Spirit.”
Thanks for your faithfulness to use this gift in season and out of season.
I think pointing out the trust you have with your pastor is huge, and vital to any ministry within the church. I think Josh knowing that you’ve been sharing God-exalting songs for years now (on the spot), rather than “spirit-filled” jargon and blah blah blah-ing, is a definite benefit to the body.
Because I’ve seen when a worship leader had a “sensing” of a prophetic song, but it turned into a big mess of disorderly worship and the focus more on what the people were feeling rather than what God has done in Jesus.
Although I think that word “sensing” is a bit mystical sounding (as if a special 6th sense is needed to tune in to what the Holy Spirit is doing in a church), I appreciate you clarifying your motives by explaining that the songs are an overflow of what God has done for us.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I agree. I’d never want to communicate that the only way to follow the Holy Spirit is through spontaneous leadings, impressions, or “sensing” what he’s doing. But in an effort to protect the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, some Christians have functionally ruled any experiential element out. That seems to fly in the face of what is happening in 1 Corinthians 121 Corinthians 12
[12:1]Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not
want you to be uninformed. [2]You know that when you were
pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were
led. [3]Therefore I want you to understand that no one
speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is
accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the
Holy Spirit.
[4]Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
Spirit; [5]and there are varieties of service, but the same
Lord; [6]and there are varieties of activities, but it is
the same God who empowers them all in everyone. [7]To each
is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common
good. [8]For to one is given through the Spirit the
utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of
knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9]to another faith
by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one
Spirit, [10]to another the working of miracles, to another
prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between
spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another
the interpretation of tongues. [11]All these are empowered
by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one
individually as he wills.
[12]For just as the body is one and has many members,
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,
so it is with Christ. [13]For in one Spirit we were all
baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and
all were made to drink of one Spirit.
[14]For the body does not consist of one member but of
many. [15]If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand,
I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any
less a part of the body. [16]And if the ear should say,
"Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,"
that would not make it any less a part of the body. [17]If
the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of
hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the
sense of smell? [18]But as it is, God arranged the members
in the body, each one of them, as he chose. [19]If all were
a single member, where would the body be? [20]As it is,
there are many parts, yet one body.
[21]The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of
you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of
you." [22]On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem
to be weaker are indispensable, [23]and on those parts of
the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater
honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater
modesty, [24]which our more presentable parts do not
require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater
honor to the part that lacked it, [25]that there may be no
division in the body, but that the members may have the
same care for one another. [26]If one member suffers, all
suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice
together.
[27]Now you are the body of Christ and individually
members of it. [28]And God has appointed in the church
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then
miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating,
and various kinds of tongues. [29]Are all apostles? Are all
prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30]Do
all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do
all interpret? [31]But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV)
Thank you soooo much Bob! We are a ‘reformed charasmatic’ church too and it has been so refreshing and exciting for me to discover your website! I’m blessed, encouraged and edified with each e-mail I receive from “Worship Matters”
Bob, thanks so much for sharing this. I grew up in churches that would be considered charismatic, and not in a necessarily good way. I’ve seen the Spirit move in ways that I know are Him, and also seen man try to “manufacture” the moving (as if we control Him!). Seeing such a beautiful example of the Spirit leading really hit me. What an awesome thing to see! And the fact that what you received was not random thoughts repeated over and over, but a word that drives us into awe and wonder…to me, that’s the way it should be.
And I, along with Ryan above, really appreciate your humility and honesty in sharing this with us. I pray that God would give us all a heart of humility and gratitude for what He’s given us in Christ Jesus.
Bob…thanks for sharing this. It was a blessing to me for sure to see you walk out 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? When you come together, each
one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an
interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)
I still remember the prophetic song you sang years ago during a Celebration conference in Lynchburg, Bob. It was a special word for … bald people.
At first, when those present heard what you were going to sing about, we all laughed. But when you sang and we heard the heart of God for those seeing themselves age … we were powerfully moved. One of my friends stopped wearing a toupe because of that word from the Lord. That sounds silly and trivial, but for those losing their hair, seeing in the mirror the effects of age and dying … it’s not trivial.
Bob,
thank you for posting this. over the past few weeks as I’ve been lost in a specific trial, God has used this song to point me back to my hope found in the cross.
Like Ted, I have been powerfully affected in the past by one of your songs as well. For me, it was at New Attitude last May and you sang a song for those struggling over past sexual sins and the guilt and condemnation that follows. The Lord powerfully used that song to immediately turn my life around - from one of feeling hindered by my past and now I’m a “second rate Christian” (as if that exists) to one of realization that the words “it is finished” applied even for me - even for this.
I remember as you sang “so live in the good of all that I paid for. Live in the good of the blood shed for you” that the Lord spoke clearly and directly to my heart and revealed to me the love on display at Calvary. There was/is no part of my sin not paid for on the cross.
I’m grateful that you posted this song. I view this song as a little teaser of what is to come on “Come Weary Saints” and I can’t wait to hear an entire CD focusing on our hope in Christ instead of remaining lost in our problems. Thanks!
Emily
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Thanks for sharing this video series. It’s been very helpful! And thanks for you humility: “These aren’t examples of someone doing everything right. Hardly.” As a young upstart worship leader, that is one thing I desire is to cultivate a humble heart right away.
Do you ever have songs that are recorded and published get birthed out of spontaneous songs like this?
Comment by Ryan — March 6, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this and encourages our team more in dwelling in praising and worshipping GOD through songs of our hearts !
Comment by Ferdinand L. Santos — March 6, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
Bob, what a great display of 1 Cor 12:71 Corinthians 12:7This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
, “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I can only imagine that many gathered that morning felt the “good” of that “manifestation of the Spirit.”
[7]To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for
the common good. (ESV)
Thanks for your faithfulness to use this gift in season and out of season.
-Daniel
Comment by Daniel Baker — March 7, 2008 @ 9:24 am
I think pointing out the trust you have with your pastor is huge, and vital to any ministry within the church. I think Josh knowing that you’ve been sharing God-exalting songs for years now (on the spot), rather than “spirit-filled” jargon and blah blah blah-ing, is a definite benefit to the body.
Because I’ve seen when a worship leader had a “sensing” of a prophetic song, but it turned into a big mess of disorderly worship and the focus more on what the people were feeling rather than what God has done in Jesus.
Although I think that word “sensing” is a bit mystical sounding (as if a special 6th sense is needed to tune in to what the Holy Spirit is doing in a church), I appreciate you clarifying your motives by explaining that the songs are an overflow of what God has done for us.
Comment by Matt Freeman — March 7, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Matt,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I agree. I’d never want to communicate that the only way to follow the Holy Spirit is through spontaneous leadings, impressions, or “sensing” what he’s doing. But in an effort to protect the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, some Christians have functionally ruled any experiential element out. That seems to fly in the face of what is happening in 1 Corinthians 121 Corinthians 12This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
and 14.
[12:1]Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not
want you to be uninformed. [2]You know that when you were
pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were
led. [3]Therefore I want you to understand that no one
speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is
accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the
Holy Spirit.
[4]Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
Spirit; [5]and there are varieties of service, but the same
Lord; [6]and there are varieties of activities, but it is
the same God who empowers them all in everyone. [7]To each
is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common
good. [8]For to one is given through the Spirit the
utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of
knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9]to another faith
by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one
Spirit, [10]to another the working of miracles, to another
prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between
spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another
the interpretation of tongues. [11]All these are empowered
by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one
individually as he wills.
[12]For just as the body is one and has many members,
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,
so it is with Christ. [13]For in one Spirit we were all
baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and
all were made to drink of one Spirit.
[14]For the body does not consist of one member but of
many. [15]If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand,
I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any
less a part of the body. [16]And if the ear should say,
"Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,"
that would not make it any less a part of the body. [17]If
the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of
hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the
sense of smell? [18]But as it is, God arranged the members
in the body, each one of them, as he chose. [19]If all were
a single member, where would the body be? [20]As it is,
there are many parts, yet one body.
[21]The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of
you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of
you." [22]On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem
to be weaker are indispensable, [23]and on those parts of
the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater
honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater
modesty, [24]which our more presentable parts do not
require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater
honor to the part that lacked it, [25]that there may be no
division in the body, but that the members may have the
same care for one another. [26]If one member suffers, all
suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice
together.
[27]Now you are the body of Christ and individually
members of it. [28]And God has appointed in the church
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then
miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating,
and various kinds of tongues. [29]Are all apostles? Are all
prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30]Do
all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do
all interpret? [31]But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV)
Comment by Bob Kauflin — March 7, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Thank you soooo much Bob! We are a ‘reformed charasmatic’ church too and it has been so refreshing and exciting for me to discover your website! I’m blessed, encouraged and edified with each e-mail I receive from “Worship Matters”
Comment by Nicki — March 7, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Bob, thanks so much for sharing this. I grew up in churches that would be considered charismatic, and not in a necessarily good way. I’ve seen the Spirit move in ways that I know are Him, and also seen man try to “manufacture” the moving (as if we control Him!). Seeing such a beautiful example of the Spirit leading really hit me. What an awesome thing to see! And the fact that what you received was not random thoughts repeated over and over, but a word that drives us into awe and wonder…to me, that’s the way it should be.
And I, along with Ryan above, really appreciate your humility and honesty in sharing this with us. I pray that God would give us all a heart of humility and gratitude for what He’s given us in Christ Jesus.
Comment by Matt — March 8, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Bob…thanks for sharing this. It was a blessing to me for sure to see you walk out 1 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 14This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
in song (and a great song at that:-) Peace…adam
[14:1]Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual
gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2]For one who
speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one
understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
[3]On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to
people for their upbuilding and encouragement and
consolation. [4]The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
[5]Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to
prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one
who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that
the church may be built up.
[6]Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation
or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? [7]If even lifeless
instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give
distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? [8]And
if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready
for battle? [9]So with yourselves, if with your tongue you
utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know
what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.
[10]There are doubtless many different languages in the
world, and none is without meaning, [11]but if I do not
know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to
the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. [12]So with
yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the
Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
[13]Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray
for the power to interpret. [14]For if I pray in a tongue,
my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. [15]What am I to
do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my
mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will
sing with my mind also. [16]Otherwise, if you give thanks
with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an
outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not
know what you are saying? [17]For you may be giving thanks
well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
[18]I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of
you. [19]Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five
words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
[20]Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be
infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. [21]In the
Law it is written, "By people of strange tongues and by the
lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even
then they will not listen to me, says the Lord." [22]Thus
tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,
while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for
believers. [23]If, therefore, the whole church comes
together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or
unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of
your minds? [24]But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to
account by all, [25]the secrets of his heart are disclosed,
and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and
declare that God is really among you.
[26]What then, brothers? When you come together, each
one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an
interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
[27]If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at
most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
[28]But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them
keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
[29]Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others
weigh what is said. [30]If a revelation is made to another
sitting there, let the first be silent. [31]For you can all
prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be
encouraged, [32]and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets. [33]For God is not a God of confusion but of
peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, [34]the women
should keep silent in the churches. For they are not
permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law
also says. [35]If there is anything they desire to learn,
let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for
a woman to speak in church.
[36]Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are
you the only ones it has reached? [37]If anyone thinks that
he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that
the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
[38]If anyone does not recognize this, he is not
recognized. [39]So, my brothers, earnestly desire to
prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40]But
all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV)
Comment by adam herod — March 11, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
I still remember the prophetic song you sang years ago during a Celebration conference in Lynchburg, Bob. It was a special word for … bald people.
At first, when those present heard what you were going to sing about, we all laughed. But when you sang and we heard the heart of God for those seeing themselves age … we were powerfully moved. One of my friends stopped wearing a toupe because of that word from the Lord. That sounds silly and trivial, but for those losing their hair, seeing in the mirror the effects of age and dying … it’s not trivial.
He sings over us, doesn’t He? …
Comment by Ted Slater — March 14, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
Bob,
thank you for posting this. over the past few weeks as I’ve been lost in a specific trial, God has used this song to point me back to my hope found in the cross.
Like Ted, I have been powerfully affected in the past by one of your songs as well. For me, it was at New Attitude last May and you sang a song for those struggling over past sexual sins and the guilt and condemnation that follows. The Lord powerfully used that song to immediately turn my life around - from one of feeling hindered by my past and now I’m a “second rate Christian” (as if that exists) to one of realization that the words “it is finished” applied even for me - even for this.
I remember as you sang “so live in the good of all that I paid for. Live in the good of the blood shed for you” that the Lord spoke clearly and directly to my heart and revealed to me the love on display at Calvary. There was/is no part of my sin not paid for on the cross.
I’m grateful that you posted this song. I view this song as a little teaser of what is to come on “Come Weary Saints” and I can’t wait to hear an entire CD focusing on our hope in Christ instead of remaining lost in our problems. Thanks!
Emily
Comment by Emily — March 16, 2008 @ 9:57 pm