C3 - whoever finds christ...finds life!

As we gather as a community it is our responsiblity to create space so that we can hear and respond to God's call.  However, most of our lives are clogged with noise and isolation.  The noise and isolation hinder our ability to hear God.  Isolation removes the many different voices that God speaks through.  The noise drowns out the quiet voice of God's Spirit.  We must overcome these two obstacles if we are to hear and respond to God.

Below is a short description of one way of gathering as a community with the goal of hearing God.  This is not the only way the people of God can gather.  Nor is it the only way that God can speak to us.  However, it is a fantastic starting point designed to develop a community that is led by God.

Hearing God in the Community

1 Corinthians 14:26-33

²⁶ Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord. ²⁷ No more than two or three should speak in an unknown language. They must speak one at a time, and someone must be ready to interpret what they are saying. ²⁸ But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.

²⁹ Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. ³⁰ But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. ³¹ In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. ³² Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can wait their turn. ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches.[1]

Goal :  to have Jesus lead the meeting.

1. One person reads Scripture aloud
   1. This person pauses every few verses to give people time to think and hear from God
   2. When this person is done reading they can pass the reading on to another person
2. Anyone can interrupt at anytime with
   1. a question,
   2. an idea,
   3. a revelation,
   4. a scripture,
   5. a prayer,
   6. a song,
   7. whatever you think is of God
3. When revelations are given the group should pause to discern
4. No one is to dominate the meeting
5. Everyone is to respect everyone else even if there is disagreement