“But if there are prophecies, they will be set aside; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be set aside. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, 10 but when what is perfect comes, the partial will be set aside. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. But when I became an adult, I set aside childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known. ” 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 NET
God of eternity,
Paul wrote this to the church when the gifts of prophecy and tongues and words of knowledge were about communication with and from God. There was only the scriptures of the Old Testament. I can’t imagine having no new testament. No wonder Pauls letters and listening to the people who had seen and heard Him were treasured and shared.
Today some churches accept the gifts of the Spirit, some accept some of the gifts, some worry they can be misused. But we all believe in the Trinity, Father son and Holy Spirit. Jesus showed us Your nature and power, raising the dead, healing the sick, stilling the storm and conquering sin and death.
Paul earlier in chapter 2 promises us the Holy Spirit would teach us the deep things of You (1 Corinthians 2:9–15). Your Spirit still speaks to our hearts and minds today. But we cannot always see You clearly. Mirrors were not silvered glass – they were polished stones or brass. Indistinct and blurred. But we will see you one day and face to face.
We look forward to heaven: to be with loved ones who have passed whom we miss. To meet the great men and women of God of centuries past. To walk the streets of gold and see and hear and join the angels around the throne worshipping You. Meanwhile help us to see You, hear You be led by Your Spirit, not be petty or childish, till that day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of eternity,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Good health, good decisions and contentment.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Be Your love to the world.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. A return to good health. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. Raise up good honest people to stand in the elections, and grant us a righteous Government to serve all the people of this nation.
For Ukraine and Russian. We will not cease to ask You to bring peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For international relationships and politics.
For businesses to grow with integrity and not put profits before good service and value.
For farmers and those who work outside whatever the weather.
For the homeless and those who seek to help them. For runaways seeking safety.
For ourselves, we pray Your forgiveness and a day to remember the blessings we take for granted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 28th January 2024
Heaven (eternity with Jesus) is in my heart . . .
O, heaven is in my heart, O, heaven is in my heart
O, heaven is in my heart, O, heaven is in my heart
The kingdom of our God is here (Leader)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
The presence of his majesty (Leader)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
And in his presence joy abounds (Leader)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
The light of holiness surrounds (Leader)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
O, heaven is in my heart
O, heaven is in my heart
We are a temple for his throne (Women)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
And Christ is the foundation stone (Women)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
He will return to take us home (Women)
Heaven is in my heart (All)
The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come!’ (Women)
Heaven is in my heart
O, heaven is in my heart
O, heaven is in my heart
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick