[Biblemat] A) FOR EDIFICATION

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Friday morn-
ing to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.  Here
is an article from my recent files:

FOR EDIFICATION

     1 Cor. 14:26 says all things are to be done for edification
when we have come together.  Paul's direct context was about the miraculous 
spiritual gifts being used.  Speaking in
tongues was good, but if no one knew what is meant it didn't
build anyone up.  The tongue speaker should be quiet.

     As Paul explained in 1 Cor. 14:15-17, we are worshipping
God, praising Him, praying to Him, thanking Him.  However,
we are doing so with others.  Our thanks, prayers and praise
must edify God.

     How does this relate to us since we no longer speak in ton-
gues, interpret or prophesy?  The principle still governs our
time together.  We need to make sure what we do is not about us but about 
edifying each other and glorifying God.

First And Foremeost, We Need To Participate: -- How can I 
edify others if I am not participating in the worship we offer?
If I stand silent during the songs, rifle through my purse dur-
ing the prayers, sleep during the sermons, how can I edify
myself or anyone else?  I need to participate and do so enthu-
siastically.

Second, We Need To Be Intelligible: -- For instance, if we are
leading the prayer for the congregation, we need to use the
microphone and speak clearly.  How can anyone say the "Amen" to the prayer if 
they can't even hear what we said?
If we are singing, sing out.  Can we remotely say we are speaking to one 
another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, if no one can hear us?

Third, Avoid Being A Distraction: -- I remember one sister who would clip her 
nails during the sermon.  That wouldn't be
so bad except the clang of the clippers reverberated through
the auditorium.  If you have small children, we know you want
to teach them to sit in the auditorium during assemblies, how-
ever, please don't allow your children to distract others from
the edification by continually passing them back and forth,
letting them walk around or letting them cry for long periods
of time.  Remember, we are supposed to be edifying each 
other, not distracting each other.  

Fourth, Don't Tear Down Others: -- We are supposed to be
building one another up.  That means when we have discuss-
ions in our classes even when we disagree we need to make
sure we speak with kindness and gentleness.  Another aspect
of this is thinking before we bring something up in classes,
talks, invitations or sermons.  Too many people cause divis-
ion by bringing up speculative questions that only cause prob-
lems.  There is a fine line between trying to get help with an
issue from brethren and bringing up divisive issues.  We must take care 
because our together time is for building up, 
not dividing and tearing down.

     Whatever we do as we worship or study together, we must
remember we are together and therefore it is not just between
us and God.  It must also edify those around us.  -------------
Edwin L. Crozier via Gospel Power, Vol. 14, No. 37, Sept. 16,
2007.   </HTML>
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