Read 1 Corinthians 14:26–35

Today’s Scripture:God is not a God of disorder but of peace. 1Corinthians14:33

We must use the Word of God to test every message we hear, asking the

Spirit to guide us. There are false teachers in the world, and we must

beware (1 John 4:1). But even true teachers and preachers sometimes make mistakes. Each of us must evaluate the message and apply it to his or her own heart (Acts 17:11).

Our public meetings are more formal than those of the early church, so it

is not likely that we need to worry about the order of service. But in our

more informal meetings, we need to consider one another and maintain

order. I recall being in a testimony meeting where a woman took forty

minutes telling of a boring experience and as a result destroyed the spirit of the meeting.

Evangelist D. L. Moody was leading a service and asked a man to pray.

Taking advantage of his opportunity, the man prayed on and on. Sensing

that the prayer was killing the meeting instead of blessing it, Moody spoke up and said, “While our brother finishes his prayer, let us sing a hymn!”

Those who are in charge of public meetings need to have discernment—and courage.

Something to Ponder

If you were a professional church consultant, what objective suggestions

would you give your pastor for how to improve your church worship

services?