Arthur Rice
A Danish philosopher from the 1800s once said We’ve gotten confused about who’s doing what in our corporate worship. Most view God as the prompter, the preacher or singers as the performers, and the congregation as the audience. But in reality, the speaker, singers, choir, and musicians are the prompters, the congregation is the performers, and God is the audience. An audience of One. That’s why we practice, rehearse, and prepare for the services. It’s not to glorify ourselves but, as the Holy Spirit gives guidance, to show our works acceptable before the Father and prompt the congregation to worship a Holy God. Whether singing, teaching, giving, or serving on one of our many teams, Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 14 to come together ready to use our gifts to edify and build each other up in the faith. We should not come to church prepared to kick back and relax but rather excited to engage ourselves in worshiping our Audience of One. Matthew 5:16
Brother Arthur
Trinity Baptist Church
Asheville, North Carolina
United States of America