1 Corinthians

A Holy Orchestra {1 Corinthians 14}

4:00 PM





Monday April 20, “Walking In Wisdom”


Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. The apostle Paul himself tells us, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts.” (vs. 1) But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. (vs. 12). 

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence inside us. And with Him comes at least one spiritual gift chosen specifically by God for each believer. It may not be the one we want, but it’s definitely the one God wants us to have. And each gift God bestows, He does so with the intent of us using our gifts to bless others. As Peter tells us, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. “ (1 Peter 4:10) For what use is a gift that only benefits the holder? Like in Paul’s example of the gift of speaking in tongues.

“Originally seen at the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the ability to speak diverse languages was given so the early church could spread the gospel all around the world. (Acts 2:4) But many of the believers in Corinth were imitating other religions by babbling meaninglessly. What they were doing was neither of the Spirit nor edifying to other believers. Rather, they were trying to show off their ‘super spirituality’.”....Dr. Charles Stanley 

Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone.(vs. 18) But even he said, “I desire to speak five words in my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (vs. 19) He knew the value of a few words understood by many, rather than thousands understood by none. Paul also didn’t seek his own glory. Instead the apostle taught how each of us, with our individual gifts, are a valuable part in making up the body of the church. Like a holy orchestra, individually we make pleasing music, but together under God, the great Conductor, our solos become a beautifully unified musical symphony! 

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (vs. 33,40) Paul finishes by giving us guidelines to follow when coming together as the church. As we all play an important role, Paul tells us that with the maturity of adults, we let each person participate in sharing their gifts in an orderly and respectful fashion. “The goal of coming together as a church is not to be entertained, nor even to be “pleased” with a “blessing.” We gather for edification, for the spiritual building up we need to live lives that glorify Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. As Paul said in Ephesians 4:12, the goal is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Our Christian lives are lived on the outside, and we come to be strengthened, built up, and equipped when we come together as a church family. ; all with the mindset of edifying the church and each other. “....David Guzik

“We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:6-8) Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139:14) And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our great Conductor as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear! 



1 Corinthians

A Free Slave {1 Corinthians 9}

3:00 PM


Monday April 13, “Walking In Wisdom”


The church of Corinth, established by Paul, was in the middle of a busy metropolis in the southern part of Greece. Surrounded by religions of idolatry and an immoral culture, the young church struggled from being corrupted by the pagan society in which they lived. When Paul learned of their conflicts, including church members practicing behaviors that were hurting fellow believers in their faith walk, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians. And in it he let them know that although we may have the right to do something, doesn’t mean we should. 

“It was for freedom that Christ sets us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1) As the perfect fulfillment of the Law, with His death the Lord freed us from the bondage of living under a set of rules. Yet because we are all in various stages of our spiritual growth, what we feel free to do or not to do means different things to different people. Paul says that we need to respect these differences. Instead of saying, “I’m not about to give up my right to do something because a fellow Christian with a legalistic view gets hurt feelings about it.”, say, “Out of love it is better to limit my own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to falter.”

Paul knows of what he speaks. As an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, Paul was entitled to certain rights specified by God as written in the Law of Moses. But instead of claiming these rights, he voluntarily laid them aside for a greater reward. “What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. I do all things for the sake of the gospel so that I may become a fellow partaker of it” (vs. 18-19, 23) Paul thought it a great privilege to be able to serve the Lord. And although he never compromised his convictions, he was more than willing to put his comfort, needs, opinions, and rights behind those of others, all to grow God’s kingdom.

“You were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13) There is a quote by C. S. Lewis which says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The covid-19 pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in people. As Christians this is our chance to put our love for others and Christ into action. And as one of the fruits of the Spirit, that love dictates we think more of others than we do ourselves, gladly laying aside our rights so that others may better know Jesus. And we can do so with joy, knowing the great reward of the “imperishable crown” awaiting us. (vs. 25) A crown which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).


1 Corinthians

What Do You Do When Fears take Hold of You? {1 Corinthians 2}

10:00 AM

Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2

What are you afraid of right now?
If we fear the future, we're afraid of the unknowns; losing loved ones, friendships, jobs. Will the kids walk away from their faith?

What about our possessions? Our homes? Our health? Will we have enough money for the kids college, or retirement?

What about rejection? Or worse, failure? "What if I try and fail and people see me as who I really am?" Does it surprise you that the Apostle Paul dealt with some of these same fears?

I wanted you to read this passage from the Amplified Bible, for it gives you a better sense of Paul's emotion,
As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; For I resolved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (utter dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 AMP)
The moment Paul is describing here is when he first visited the town in Corinth. You can read about that time, and God actually coming to visit Paul in the night to reassure him in Acts 18:1-11.

Does it comfort you to know that Paul was fearful? The man, who was probably the greatest Christian of our time, and certainly the greatest missionary. The one who wrote most of the New Testament dealt with fear? It does me!

We honestly don't know if this was only at the beginning of his ministry or if this was something he always had to deal with! Could this fear, dread and the propensity to experience great trembling be the thorn in the side Paul asked the Lord to remove in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9?

Fear is a universal problem! We all deal with fears at times. Fear can come on like a wave  and take us down almost before we're fully aware of what happened. The word fear is used 441 times in the Bible and afraid 167. There are also words such as: dread, frightened, terrified and faint.

Fear can be defined as the complete state of anti-God. God is farthest from you when your heart is filled with fear. Think on this! Fear is completely relying on your own resources and suddenly realizing they aren't adequate enough to sustain you. Look back at what you fear most and take a look at who are you relying on to meet that need.

Now look to what the writer of Hebrews shared in Hebrews 13:5-6,
 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Most assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? 
Let me ask you, if God promises us five times in verse 5 alone to never leave fail or forsake us, who moved away when fear grips us? Not God! He keeps His promises and Paul knew this, if not then, he experienced it throughout the rest of his life.

James knew it as well, which is why he wrote, So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you..." (James 4:7-8 AMP)

 Take your fears to Jesus! Turn and lay them all out at His feet. Cast all of your cares upon Him and He will sustain and help you, for He would never allow His children to fail, fall or be moved.(1Peter 5:7AMP)

Blessings!
sue

1 Corinthians

The Body is the Lord’s {1 Cor. 6:12-20}

11:00 PM



Monday Oct. 7,  1 Cor. 6:12-20

Because they were no longer bound by the constraints of the law, the members of the Corinthian church mistakenly believed that grace gave them a free pass to do whatever they liked with their bodies; a freedom to eat and drink what they wished, and to have sexual relations with whomever they wanted. But Paul tells them to hold up. Time for some self discipline here. Just because they could do it doesn’t mean they should do it. And being under grace isn’t a license to sin. (Rom. 6:15) Those bodies of theirs needed to be treated right. Why? Because our bodies are not our own. They belong to God. And as His stewards there are some things to need to consider.

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” (vs. 12) Paul isn’t telling us to practice self discipline because he’s a party pooper, rather he understands the destruction that comes from being slaves to the desires of the flesh. Whether it be gluttony, alcoholism, or sexual addiction, these sins put us right back into the bondage that Jesus died to free us from.

“Flee immorality. Every other sin a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (vs. 18) Sexual immorality not only effects the body physically, but also morally and spiritually. It open us up to disease, hurts others, destroys families, and separates us from God. Sexual immorality damages our character and our testimonies. It pollutes the gift given by God to be enjoyed in marriage between husband and wife.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” (vs. 19) The Jewish temple where the Spirit of God dwelled on earth was a holy, sacred place. And the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, that same Spirit comes to dwell within us. The Levitical priests practiced great self discipline when it came to obeying the rules of God pertaining to serving in His temple. Shouldn’t we do the same knowing we have the Lord living inside of us? 

“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (vs. 20) “No one owns his or her body. It either belongs to God or is enslaved to sin. (Rom. 6:6,16-19). If you are a believer, Jesus redeemed you through His death on the Cross. He wants to free you from the sins that entangle you and prevent you from being all that He has created you to be.”...Dr. Charles Stanley 
When I think of the price Jesus paid for me, how can I do anything less than use my body to glorify Him!

Your body was a willing horse when it was in the service of the devil, let it not be a sluggish hack now that it draws the chariot of Christ." (Spurgeon) Each one of us is born with a sin nature that would rather practice self indulgence than self discipline. And when the flesh wants something, the hardest word to hear is “no”. But as followers of Christ, Paul reminds us that, “God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7) If we truly love Jesus, we should strive to honor Him in all things; including being good caretakers of our bodies. For they are given to us by God to whom they belong. And God promises that one day those very same bodies will be resurrected and forever glorified! 



1 Corinthians

Love is... Powerful! {1 Corinthians 13-16}

8:00 PM

Has what you’ve seen happening in especially the political realm in our country bothered you? By the time you’ll be reading this, the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh have ended and so has the election. So, let me now ask you, have you ever experienced anything like this in your lifetime?
To be in today’s spotlights you almost need to wear good body armor and around the clock security! But what saddened me most, was seeing the unkind post on social media from those who also claim to walk with Jesus. We had four chapters to cover today in our reading, but I knew immediately I wanted to focus on what's often referred to as, "the Love Chapter". 



The Greek word for “love” here is “ἀγάπη” (agape), which refers to a powerful love which leads to actions and sacrifice on the behalf of others. But I also wanted to show you what else I found about this (agape) love:
The word “agape” comes from a verb (agapao) which, when directed towards humans, absolutely carries a sense of strong emotion and affection. It can even be translated as “to caress”. When we are told to love our enemies, it does not mean that we are to do good to them out of a mere sense of moral obligation. Indeed, we are to love them in every deep sense of that word, heart, mind, and soul. If one (such as myself) feels unable to perform such a feat, the only suggestion I may offer is that one seek God, who is the source of such love. - Justin Aptaker

Knowing this places an added importance on this passage for me, for it conveys how we must treat others, and at the same time, reveals God’s nature towards all of us because
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”-1 John 4:16
Notice how Paul chose to begin this chapter:
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (13:1-3)
Paul is telling us that it doesn't matter what we do in life—or what our “spiritual gifts” are—if we don't have love. Without love, everything we do will amount to nothing. Therefore, it is imperative that our actions are always motivated by our (agape) love.  
The iWorship Bible had a great suggestion today. They encouraged us to replace the word "love" with our name as we read through this passage and prayerfully try to discover any area where you may be failing short: 

How are you  doing in the area of loving others like God loves us? 

My husband and I recently made a quick trip back to where we grew up to visit with friends and family we haven't seen in quite some time. I'll admit I was a bit concerned about how we'd be received in this political climate by those who have apposing views. Not that we intended to speak about such things, we didn't, but they all know about our faith. 

 We were prayed up before we left, and planned to love all as this chapter describes and let me tell you, The Lord blessed our time... incredibly!! We were both in awe as we left to come home and hope to return again soon! That trip proved to us once more that love; His (agape) love is ultimately victorious over all else! - ALL else!

What, or who have you been battling lately? I wanted to leave you with just a few more words of encouragement from Paul before we leave First Corinthians for this year: 

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (15:58)

 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. [And most of all] do everything in love. (16:13-14)

1 Corinthians

Bloom Where You Are Planted {1 Cor. 7:1-9:27}

12:00 AM


During the days of Paul, the city of Corinth was a metropolis of wealth and immorality; a place in desperate need of the church Paul founded. This early church struggled in the midst of a pagan culture, so in response to the confusion of its members Paul wrote letters of both encouragement and instruction. One of the many issues Paul addressed, were the feelings of discontentment that plagued  some of those who were still being influenced by a society who glorified the idea of “more”. He urged the people to be satisfied where God had placed them by saying, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.” (7:17-24)

Discontentment is nothing new. Even the Israelites, freed from bondage in Egypt, grumbled against God and the way He cared for them throughout their trek in the desert. Not content with what He provided, their desire for more caused them to think how returning to that same bondage would be better then what God had to offer. Sadly at times I have shared that same attitude. I too in my own discontent have grumbled against the Lord, wanting more and being unappreciative of all He has and continues to provide. I too have mistakenly thought that returning to the bondage of the world was better then the Lord’s offerings. But God’s way is always the best, and by reminding ourselves to trust, submit, and serve Him, we can find both contentment, and the joy and peace it brings. 

Trust-God knows us better then we know ourselves. He knows what we need and better yet, what we don’t. In verse 29:11 Jeremiah reminds us of God’s intentions writing, “I know the plans that I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Discontentment  creeps in when we try to impose our plans on God rather then trusting in His. Our Father loves us beyond measure and promises that when we trust Him to work in His perfect way and timing, He will fulfill every good plan He has for our lives. 

Submit-Submitting to God means surrendering our will to His. Often times we try to take matters into our own hands, playing the role intended for Him alone. Nothing happens without His say so, and many times God uses the circumstances in our lives to deeper our relationship with Him. Deciding how we think things should go and attempting to make them happen shows that we want to be the authority in our lives instead of God. Paul endured much. Yet he lived a life in submission to God and in return found peace saying, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” ( Phil. 4:11,13)

Serve-There is a Chinese saying that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Serving God includes serving others. In 1 Peter 4:10 we are instructed, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Meeting the needs of others not only gives us the joy of pleasing God, it also shifts our focus. And when our focus is placed not on ourselves but instead on serving the Lord and others, we have little time to serve feelings of discontentment.

Being content with where we are and what we have is a choice each of us must make. Even if your circumstances may not be what you want, remember that they could always be worse and are always in God’s capable hands. Follow the advice of Paul and find contentment by pursuing those things which are good, aiming for godliness not gain. Strive to be satisfied with what God has given you and with where he has placed you in life. You can’t go wrong when you trust in Him, His love, and His plans for you. So wherever you are make the most of the calling God has given you, and bloom where you are planted!

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim. 6:6-12)


1 Corinthians

Scripture Saturday~God is Faithful

12:00 AM

Saturday, November 10, 2018



Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13...

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (NIV)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

1 Corinthians

Take That Step! {Acts 18-20}

7:05 PM



And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” Acts 18:9-10.

These verses always send me back to the beginning of my journey as a believer. Can you imagine the Apostle Paul being afraid? Neither could I when the Lord first showed me these verses. The City of Corinth was definitely not a city that would be receptive to the Gospel, but surely Paul wouldn’t be fearful there, would he? Certainly not Paul, but I’m getting ahead of myself…

You see, back when I first discovered these verses I was a fairly new believer; whose faith was smaller than a mustard seed. I looked at faith as more of a passive, internal conviction.  I trusted God in my heart and mind, but not so much through my actions. I desired to do great things for God as long as He didn’t take me out of my comfort zone! I loved attending Bible studies and reading His word on my own. I even grew brave enough to pray out loud with others! But I never, ever thought to teach other believers! That was until the Lord began to impress upon me that that was exactly His will for me!

Surely not! I couldn’t possibly be hearing Him correctly! After all, He knew how very shy I was! I was always content to simply be in the room to listen to others. No one needed to ever call on me and I certainly wouldn’t volunteer. He knew better than I how very little of God’s Word I had memorized, and was able to find in His Word! There were so many, many other Christians who had been walking with Him far longer than I had been at the time. Surely, I must have misunderstood Him. But He kept persisting in spite of all my efforts to remind Him of all the facts I’ve just stated.

Finally, one day He had me turn to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (AMP),

As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom;
2 For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified.
3 And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you.
4 And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them],
5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

Can you believe this is Paul talking here? Neither could I at the time, but he’s recounting for the Corinthians this very moment in Acts 18. I could definitely relate to all Paul was feeling at that moment. Can you? 

Has there ever been a time when God called you to step out of your comfort zone and take a new step of faith? Perhaps even now, for I can assure you, teaching women was not the last step of faith He’s called me to take over the past 30 years. 


It seems, just as soon as I grow comfortable on the step I’m on, The Lord calls me to take another step! My faith over the years has been stretched in multiple ways, and as a result, my faith has grown and matured. To best sum up all I have learned through these times is; faith is tested and proved through our action.  James said as much in James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”.

So where in your life can you see God stretching your faith?  Have you recently taken a new step; venturing out into the unknown? Or is He calling you to take one? If so, I, as well as Paul, want to encourage you to take that step! I can promise you, you’ll not regret it.

I may have hesitated in the past, but I’ve never regretted any step I’ve taken, for the Lord is always there ready to bless incredibly!!

1 Corinthians

Self-less Love…a Priority for Every Christian

12:30 AM


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

Today, we complete our memorization of verses found in 1 Corinthians with 13:7-8a...

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Paul describes how love acts…Love is not talk; it is action."

~Love bears all things…In this verse I like to think of the word “bear” to mean:  protect by covering.  Love protects others. Love doesn’t broadcast the problems of others, it doesn’t put down another. This love defends others in truth.
~Love believes all things…this does not mean to be gullible, but it means that love is not suspicious and doubting of others’ character or motives.

~Love hopes all things…it rests on the promises of God.  He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Love always hopes.

~Love endures all things…enduring = sustaining…holding up under trial, persevering through difficulties.  It means that love hangs in there.  It is a positive spirit that sticks it out through tough times.

That’s how love acts.  It is self-less, directed to another person or persons. Is it difficult?  Yes…this love that I described is perfect and only God is perfect.  This is how God loves. And we should strive to love as God loves…

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

Now reread our memory verse and replace “love” with “Christ”…
(Christ) bears all things, (Christ) believes all things, (Christ) hopes all things, (Christ) endures all things. (Christ) never ends.
Amen!!!

Have a blessed and precious day everyone!

1 Corinthians

Be Steadfast ... {1 Corinthians 15}

12:30 AM

    Paul grabbed my attention on the very first verse of chapter 15! “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.-15:1. Is it really necessary to be reminded of something we should already know? You-bet-IT-is!

I remember one Sunday as a new Christian, sitting next to a much maturer Christian women that I highly respected, in a ladies’ Sunday School class. The class was being taught by the pastor’s wife, and it seemed like fireworks were going off in my head!! I just sat there and “oohed” and “aahed” over every little truth she expounded upon! Until all of a sudden I happened to look over at the women sitting next to me, who I assumed had probably heard all of this before, and wondered if she was bored with all that was being said. After all, it was all new to me and very exciting at the moment, but one day would it all become “boring”? And since inquisitive minds need to know, I leaned over and asked her at that very minute, and I’ve never forgotten her response!

Sue was also committed to meeting with me every Thursday morning for one year and allowed me to ask her any questions I had about this new Christian life. She taught me all the basic beliefs every Christian should know, but best of all, she helped create in me a hunger to know more! Her answer actually started me on a journey I’m still on today! She said, “Never! God’s Word is always new and fresh; alive and never boring, which is why I love to meet with new believers, because I never grow tired of the basic doctrinal beliefs! In fact, I find I need to be constantly reminded of them myself in order to stay grounded in my own faith.”

That sealed my fate! I too would focus on building a solid foundation for other believers to stand on, all the while always grounding my own faith as well. And I have to add that  I’ve discovered over the past 30+ years since then, that Sue was absolutely right! And Paul knew it too! Just look how he chose to close the chapter,

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.”- 1 Corinthians 15:58

We’ve got to have a solid foundation in order to be able to stand firm or steadfast, which is why Paul felt it necessary to remind the Corinthians and us, “of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.” (15:1)

Steadfast means "to be firmly fixed in place or determined". Paul explains this a bit better in his letter to the Colossians - “You must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly [be steadfast] in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” Colossians 1:23

Do you know of anyone who has “drifted away” from the truth of the Gospel today?

What should we do to stand firm or be steadfast in this life? What should we do if we don't want to be, “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14) or “deceived by the serpent”. (2 Corinthians 11:3)?

We’ve got to get into the Word and make sure those we know and love are getting into it too! Paul explained it to Timothy this way,  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:15). We need to not only read it, but live it. Jesus told us,. “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” John 8:31

Immovable” or “steady”-(1 Corinthians 15:58b) is a lot like being steadfast, although immovable means, “one is not capable of being sidetracked (emotionally or physically) from their purpose”! Think about that for a moment, for this has huge implications for Christians!  Paul’s desire was for the Corinthians to be unmoved by the false teachers of that day, but what about today? What does it look like to be immovable/standing strong in our lives today? How can we hold fast to the teachings of Jesus when it seems like everyone is doing their own thing and going their own way and we’re called out as bigots or worse because of our stand on God’s Word?

  His Word is here to help us with this and these are just a few suggestions it offers:

  • Be in Constant Prayer- (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18): Prayer fills us and fuels us with all that’s necessary to stand firm in our beliefs. It helps and protects during the trials of life! Twelve times in the Scripture Jesus went off to prayer in times of conflict and when simply seeking wisdom!
  • Rejoice! -(1Thessalonians 5:16) : Remember an attitude of joy comes from a strong faith, for we trust in the One who is always in control!
  • “Take heart, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” John 16:33
  • Be “filled” (Ephesians 5:18) and “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 4:30) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing … singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

“Always abounding in the work of the Lord” – 1 Corinthians 15:58c. Paul is quick to point out  here that when the believer is steadfast and immovable success in the Lord’s work was sure to follow them. Abound actually means “to overflow or be abundant”. Paul wants us to soar, “knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.” -1 Corinthians 15:58d

As Christians we are all called to be missionaries wherever we’re located; communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ! And Scripture promises us that if we’ll abound and  “... not grow weary of doing good... in due season” we will succeed! (Galatians 6:9) Paul not only wants to remind all of us of simple, basic, doctrinal truth, he wants all of us to live out this Christian life in a strong, steady and successful way!

I know I may be just “preaching to the choir” here. I’m sure all of you who are reading this today can say, “I’m in God’s Word each day! I’m praying, seeking to be filled and walking in the Spirit daily, abounding in the Lord’s work!” And to that I would say, “Hallelujah! But are you also helping others to do the same?”

Christ’s church is shrinking today. I believe we need Paul’s exhortations now more than ever it seems.

1 Corinthians

Intelligibility and Order in Worship

12:30 AM

1 Corinthians 14

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

We have to remember as we read this chapter, that the Corinthian church was struggling with conflict.  And we need to remember that what we read in the previous chapters, still holds true – the gifts we have been given, are meant to build the Church, not tear it apart.

We should never try to force someone to use a gift they were never given.  Nor should we feel unworthy because we have not been given a more desirable gift.  We are many parts, as Paul reminded us in 12:7-11.  “All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”  (1 Cor. 12:11, emphasis mine).

We also need to remember that we are unified and diversified members of the body of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 14:13-17New International Version (NIV)
13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[a] say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

Paul has spent a great deal of time teaching about speaking in tongues in this chapter and the best way I can explain it after doing some digging, is like this; you cannot go into a small or large group of people and begin using Morse Code and expect the people there to understand it.  Speaking in tongues is a one-way language between you and God.  It’s a supernatural communication between you and God.

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Paul then addresses the order of worship.  It’s really comes down to being respectful.  Just like verse 33 says, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”

In the Corinthian culture, women were not allowed to confront men in public.  Apparently some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question the men in public worship.  This was causing division in the church.  We may be offended to read verses 34-35, but as I studied this chapter, Paul was using the ancient Greek verb laleo, which means, “to talk, question, argue, profess or chatter.”  Alan Redpath puts it this way, “It has nothing to do with prophecy or prayer; it’s not public speaking as such.”

In Jewish synagogues, men and women sat separately, so imagine how disruptive it would be if a woman called out from across the room to address her husband.  Paul is reminding women to discuss the matter alone at home with their husbands. 

God is a God of order and peace, and He wants order when the Church comes together.  When the gifts of the Spirit are given an unscriptural focus, it discredits the true work of the Holy Spirit, and often leads people to deny the gifts because they see unbiblical excess.  However, the order should always be the order of the living, not the dead!  Some have cultivated an atmosphere of gloom and depression; “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (v. 40)


“Why, brethren, true praise sets the heart ringing its bells, and hanging out its streamers.  Never hang your flag at half-mast when you praise God; no, run up every color, let every banner wave in the breeze, and let all the powers and passions of your spirit exult and rejoice in God your Savior.  They rejoiced.  We are most horribly afraid of being too happy.  Some Christians think cheerfulness a very dangerous folly, if not a ruinous vice.”  (Charles Spurgeon)