The Holy Spirit is the best Bible teacher ever–better than any preacher, sermon, conference, school, commentary, study guide! All those things have helped me but little and they have trouble keeping my interest..
–However, reading the Bible myself and sensing it come alive as I listen to the Spirit’s thoughts and ideas while I read, has revolutionized and energized my life. Even 5 minutes with the Word and the Spirit working together, without a human teacher, refreshes and revitalizes me! Try it and see!
–Paul of Tarsus put it this way: “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” –Galatians 1:11-12

–Here’s an example: Right after I wrote the above words, I felt led to open the Bible and read the first chapter of Jeremiah. To my surprise, the Spirit began to teach me about something I had never heard of before: Jeremiah Mandate Meetings.
–Jeremiah was given a mandate from God to “say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will protect you.” He was not to follow religion or tradition or fear about what people might think about him; but to listen to and hear God speak to Him. Then, when prompted by the Spirit, Jeremiah was to speak whatever God told him, without concern about consequences, trusting in God’s presence and promises! Jeremiah’s obedience to his mandate produced a beautiful book of the Bible.
–What if a church began to meet based on Jeremiah’s mandate? If we listen to God and speak what He says when we gather in His name, surely God’s presence and promises will work in our gatherings! Why not try it and see?

–Here’s another quote from Jeremiah: “They did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?'” Do we? Where is the Lord? Where is God working?

–What if church is not an audience watching one person performing; but a reflection of God’s radiance through many people participating? (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.)

Jeremiah Mandate Meetings turn on all the lights!
–A church meeting can be like a house with only one lonely porch light turned on; or it can be like a house with many multicolored Christmas lights all shinning together.

(You can experience a Jeremiah Mandate Meeting every Sunday morning at The Salvation Army Berry Street, 225 Berry St., Nashville, 37207 at 10:45.)

Check out my post: Was Jeremiah A Holy Shock Jock? Was Jeremiah A Holy Shock Jock?