Hair Length
The topic of hair length may seem to be legalism, but remember this is the New Testament. Legalism has to do with the letter of Old Testament law. Paul recommends that under normal circumstances men have shorter hair and women longer hair. Some may claim this was just constrained by culture, contradicting Paul.
“This is how things are done in all of God’s churches, and that’s why none of you should argue about what I have said.” (1 Corinthians 11:16 CEV)
I dream of a church that believes every word of God and simply obeys without arguing.
Communion
Communion is not a private meal, but a community meal. It is a mystery, called a sacrament in the west, because Jesus said, “This is my body… This is my blood”
It is an ordinance, because Jesus said, “Eat this… Drink this…”
It is a memorial, because Jesus said, “remember me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 CEV)
It is a time for self-examination, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28 ESV)
It is a time to “wait for one another.” (1 Corinthians 11:33 NASB)
I dream of a church that discerns the body of Christ in each other and humbly waits for each other.
Gifts
God’s gifts are too many to count, but some are mentioned by Paul. Some seem to think that all should be able to speak with tongues, but we are not all a foot, a hand, an ear or an eye.
“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:29-30 KJV)
I dream of a gifted church without jealousy or competition, but respect for each other’s abilities as unique and given by God.
Love
I dream of a church where love prevails.
“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB)
Prophecy
Powerful preaching is a gift to the church.
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3 NIV)
I dream of a church that preaches the Word of God in both private and public prophesying.
