Wind & Fire - ReflectionsSample

Written by Javier De La Rosa - Discipleship Minister at City on a Hill Melbourne

“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? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 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.” - 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 (ESV)

Earlier in his letter, Paul is clear: the purpose of the Christian life and the manifestation of the Spirit is the edification of the church. Spiritual gifts are given “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) and to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12). But here in this passage, Paul takes us one step further. He shows us that when the church is built up rightly, something remarkable happens, the church is multiplied.

Paul imagines a gathering where God’s people use their gifts in a way that is loving, intelligible, and ordered. When this happens, outsiders do not encounter confusion or performance. They encounter the living God. Hearts are exposed, consciences are awakened, and the unmistakable conclusion is reached: “God is really among you.”

This is a powerful vision for mission. The Spirit does not only work outward through evangelistic events or individual conversations, but inward through the faithful, loving exercise of gifts within the church. As the Word is spoken, truth is applied, and grace is embodied, God creates an environment where unbelievers can see, hear, and respond to the gospel.

Multiplication, then, is not driven by spectacle, but by spiritual depth. When the church is shaped by love and obedience to God’s Word, the Spirit uses ordinary gatherings to produce extraordinary fruit. Worship overflows, lives are transformed, and God receives the glory.

Reflect:

Based on today’s reading:

How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to respond today, for God’s glory and the good of others?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for giving Your Spirit to build up Your church. Help us to use Your gifts in love and wisdom, so that others may see Your presence among us and turn to worship You. Use our life together to carry the gospel further for Your glory. Amen.