In 1 Corinthians 14 there are some instructions for how the
church is to function and there has been a lot of controversy about whether
some of these things are for today. Even though there is no clear indication
that any of the practices have been terminated. But that’s not what this is
about.
In verse 31 it says
“For you may all prophesy one by one, so that
all may learn and all may be comforted.”
So here is a point of contention that I have
never heard discussed. “All may prophesy.” What does that mean? That is sort of
my favorite question.
What does it mean to prophesy? One interpretation
that I have heard says that to prophesy is to speak forth. And Strong’s Greek
dictionary or lexicon says that it means to speak by inspiration.
Is the paid preacher the only one who is able
to hear from God and have a word of encouragement?
Why have the churches chosen to have one paid
pastor/priest who is the only one authorized to bring the message? Isn’t this
in direct contradiction of the pattern we have in Scripture?
Just asking.
So, what is the solution?
All of Christendom operates on this model of
the paid pastor who speaks and everyone else sits and listens. Even offshoots
like the Vineyard that started out with a scriptural model have gone to the
Christendom model.
I am very thankful for the electronic church.
At least with the help of churches on YouTube and the radio it is possible to
hear a variety of thoughts. But that still leaves the problem of the
possibility for everyone to share.
The only answer that I can imagine at this time
is to become a part of an active small group and possibly schedule regular
meetings with another serious Christian. These things require that we each put
out consistent effort. But then following Jesus is not really nearly as easy as
most of the churches would lead us to believe.
