KEY VERSE:
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
(2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
CENTRAL TRUTH:
Don’t let Satan deceive you.
SATAN WILL TRY TO DESTROY YOU
Paul writes to the church about the need for discipline and forgiveness. An individual had committed some sin against the church at Corinth. The Corinthians had subsequently disciplined the individual. As a result, the individual in question repented. Like some churches today, the Corinthian congregation was a church of extremes. When the church was pushed by Paul to discipline, the church went too far and punished with a vengeance.
Paul is telling the Corinthians to chillax. Just as Paul had forgiven others in the sight of Christ, the Corinthians needed to forgive and forget. The Corinthians need to stop punishing this person and encourage them. Discipline can go beyond being used as strictly punitive.
Satan can take advantage of the discipline process to alienate a person from the church or even from Christianity. Satan takes an unforgiving, overly legalistic attitude to sow division and dissension in the church. Remember John 10:10a says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”
I am a member of a men’s bible study that I helped start 7 years ago. We have been faithfully meeting every Thursday for lunch and a lesson. Our teacher has been a Sunday school teacher at his church for over 20 years. His grandfather started the class and taught it for years. His father took over the class when the grandfather retired. Upon the unexpected death of his father, our teacher took over teaching the class. The three generations of teachers have taught this class for over 50 years. I believe our teacher has more biblical knowledge than anyone I have ever met.
In 2007, he committed a boneheaded sin against our group. While the outside world doesn’t know or care what happened, we were deeply disappointed in this individual. We did not know how to proceed initially. A member of our group brought these verses to our attention. We spent the next 3 weeks in prayer, asking God to guide us. All along we were acutely aware of the fact that Satan was ready to pounce on this situation. We did what we felt like God was leading us to do. We rebuked the teacher. He repented to the group and asked for our forgiveness. After a certain period of time, he was reinstated as the teacher. Since reassuming his teaching duties, he seems like a new person…reinvigorated and on fire for the Lord.
Overdiscipline could have provided Satan with just the foothold into our group that he coveted. I am so thankful that a member of our group was led to read these verses. It would have been so easy for Satan to have destroyed our group.
Don’t let Satan deceive you. He will use anything and everything he can to drive a wedge between you and the Church.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29, 2010, 2 Corinthians 1
Key Verses:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Central Truth:
You will always have our Lord Jesus Christ waiting to show you his mercy and love.
MY MAMA ALWAYS SAID, "LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES."
Life can be tiring - not just for a select group of people, but people of all ages, gender, race, Christian and non Christian. We all will, at some time, struggle with bills, school, work, health, friends, family, uncertainty, etc. When we attempt to handle these burdens alone, it is no wonder that we can become discouraged. Discouragement can only lead to low self esteem. It steals your hope, your peace and your happiness. We do not have to carry these burdens alone. Hopefully, we have family & friends to provide encouragement. Still, sometimes, for whatever reason, they may not be there to support us in our struggles. One thing is certain, however; our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort will always be there and never fail us. He will provide encouragement, comfort, strength and direction. We can be assured that He will have compassion for us, and He will not leave us alone, unloved, or uncared for. Be encouraged because God is a God of mercy and comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:4, states that God comforts us so that we can better comfort others. Isn’t it a pleasant thought to know that in times of trouble, we can call out to God, and He really listens and cares? Often I greet someone by saying, "How are you?" I’m sure that you have too. Do we really care or is this just a familiar courtesy greeting that we are accustomed to using? I think that we genuinely care how others are doing; however, we are not prepared for anything other than the expected response of, “I’m fine, and how are you?” Truthfully, they probably don’t care either. When the formal greetings are out of the way, we can go about our business of talking about other things. Our Father of Compassion and God of all comfort encourages us to really care as He does. He wishes for all brothers and sisters to share their burdens and provide comfort and compassion to each other. We should encourage each other to trust in God that He will carry our burdens; after all He is the God that carried the Cross and died for us so that we can be forgiven for all sins.
In the future, as I greet someone with, “How are you?” I will really care, and I’ll also be prepared should they answer back, “I’m not doing well; can you help me?”
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Central Truth:
You will always have our Lord Jesus Christ waiting to show you his mercy and love.
MY MAMA ALWAYS SAID, "LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES."
Life can be tiring - not just for a select group of people, but people of all ages, gender, race, Christian and non Christian. We all will, at some time, struggle with bills, school, work, health, friends, family, uncertainty, etc. When we attempt to handle these burdens alone, it is no wonder that we can become discouraged. Discouragement can only lead to low self esteem. It steals your hope, your peace and your happiness. We do not have to carry these burdens alone. Hopefully, we have family & friends to provide encouragement. Still, sometimes, for whatever reason, they may not be there to support us in our struggles. One thing is certain, however; our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort will always be there and never fail us. He will provide encouragement, comfort, strength and direction. We can be assured that He will have compassion for us, and He will not leave us alone, unloved, or uncared for. Be encouraged because God is a God of mercy and comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:4, states that God comforts us so that we can better comfort others. Isn’t it a pleasant thought to know that in times of trouble, we can call out to God, and He really listens and cares? Often I greet someone by saying, "How are you?" I’m sure that you have too. Do we really care or is this just a familiar courtesy greeting that we are accustomed to using? I think that we genuinely care how others are doing; however, we are not prepared for anything other than the expected response of, “I’m fine, and how are you?” Truthfully, they probably don’t care either. When the formal greetings are out of the way, we can go about our business of talking about other things. Our Father of Compassion and God of all comfort encourages us to really care as He does. He wishes for all brothers and sisters to share their burdens and provide comfort and compassion to each other. We should encourage each other to trust in God that He will carry our burdens; after all He is the God that carried the Cross and died for us so that we can be forgiven for all sins.
In the future, as I greet someone with, “How are you?” I will really care, and I’ll also be prepared should they answer back, “I’m not doing well; can you help me?”
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 28, 2010, I Corinthians 16
Key Verse:
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(I Corinthians 16:13)
Central Truth:
Don't fall into the trap of trying to be like everyone else.
"BE GREAT"
As we look at the verse above, there are four key phrases that I would like to explain:
The first is "be alert." As Christians, we need to be aware of our surroundings including those people we have contact with the most. The people who we hang out with the most can have a significant impact on our habits and can lead us on a path that is not Christ-like.
The second is "stand firm in our faith." It is easy to stand firm like a house that is built on a foundation with solid ground unlike one that is built on sand. It is hard when someone or something tests our faith and puts doubts in our head about our Savior Jesus Christ. We need to hold our ground and stand strong in our faith and belief system that God is our rock that we can lean against when life is good or not going our way.
The third is "act like men." As many of us have heard before, "Grow up!" This can be very intimidating as a young man or woman. When we live with our parents or guardians, we don't have to grow up. Mom and Dad will take care of everything because we live in a little bubble they made for us. As young Christians, however, we are tested and put through trials and tribulations. They are small at first, and as we grow spiritually they get harder. We have to grow up in our relationship with Christ in order to make it in life.
The last is to "be strong." We need to fight for our Lord and Savior just as He fought for us by giving up His life on the cross for our sins. This was the ultimate sacrifice. We need not to be ashamed that we believe and have faith in a God that we may not be able to physically touch or see. Jesus Christ is an all powerful and all forgiving God. Although we can't explain His miracles, we can still have the faith and belief that we can do all things through Him.
Stand up for the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(I Corinthians 16:13)
Central Truth:
Don't fall into the trap of trying to be like everyone else.
"BE GREAT"
As we look at the verse above, there are four key phrases that I would like to explain:
The first is "be alert." As Christians, we need to be aware of our surroundings including those people we have contact with the most. The people who we hang out with the most can have a significant impact on our habits and can lead us on a path that is not Christ-like.
The second is "stand firm in our faith." It is easy to stand firm like a house that is built on a foundation with solid ground unlike one that is built on sand. It is hard when someone or something tests our faith and puts doubts in our head about our Savior Jesus Christ. We need to hold our ground and stand strong in our faith and belief system that God is our rock that we can lean against when life is good or not going our way.
The third is "act like men." As many of us have heard before, "Grow up!" This can be very intimidating as a young man or woman. When we live with our parents or guardians, we don't have to grow up. Mom and Dad will take care of everything because we live in a little bubble they made for us. As young Christians, however, we are tested and put through trials and tribulations. They are small at first, and as we grow spiritually they get harder. We have to grow up in our relationship with Christ in order to make it in life.
The last is to "be strong." We need to fight for our Lord and Savior just as He fought for us by giving up His life on the cross for our sins. This was the ultimate sacrifice. We need not to be ashamed that we believe and have faith in a God that we may not be able to physically touch or see. Jesus Christ is an all powerful and all forgiving God. Although we can't explain His miracles, we can still have the faith and belief that we can do all things through Him.
Stand up for the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 27, 2010, 1 Corinthians 15
Key Verse:
"There are bodies in the heavens and there are bodies on earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the beauty of the earthly bodies."
(1 Cor 15:40)
Central Truth:
Our resurrected bodies will never decay.
Every human has a earthly body like Adam's, but if we know Christ, our heavenly bodies will be like His. That's pretty awesome. I think about all the people we know whose life (whether it was short or long) was hampered by their earthly bodies. My nephew, Zach Morton, died at 18 years old in 2003. He was born with a rare heart condition and remained very small for his age his entire life. He was hampered by his earthly body. He could not do sports or other endurance type activities. However, the praise is that today he has a Christ-like heavenly body. He can run, play and carry on and not get tired. That is exciting. There are many others we know that were hindered by their earthly body, but because they were Christ followers, they also are now free of that body and have a heavenly body too. That's exciting.
God does call us to take care of our earthly bodies; don't get me wrong. But, the better news is found in verse 52, "For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies." There is Hope!!!
"There are bodies in the heavens and there are bodies on earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the beauty of the earthly bodies."
(1 Cor 15:40)
Central Truth:
Our resurrected bodies will never decay.
YOU CAN HAVE A HEAVENLY BODY . . .
This chapter explains the concept of the resurrected body. Its an interesting explanation. Today lots of us spend time (exercise), money (make up, hair spray, clothes, etc) and effort (diets) on our earthly bodies. We are driven by a society that puts lots of emphasis on earthly bodies. But, what does the scripture say about that? Verse 42-44: "It is the same way for the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies, which die and decay, will be different when they are resurrected, for they will never die. Our bodies now disappoint us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power. They are natural human bodies now, but when they are raised, they will be spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, so also there are spiritual bodies."Every human has a earthly body like Adam's, but if we know Christ, our heavenly bodies will be like His. That's pretty awesome. I think about all the people we know whose life (whether it was short or long) was hampered by their earthly bodies. My nephew, Zach Morton, died at 18 years old in 2003. He was born with a rare heart condition and remained very small for his age his entire life. He was hampered by his earthly body. He could not do sports or other endurance type activities. However, the praise is that today he has a Christ-like heavenly body. He can run, play and carry on and not get tired. That is exciting. There are many others we know that were hindered by their earthly body, but because they were Christ followers, they also are now free of that body and have a heavenly body too. That's exciting.
God does call us to take care of our earthly bodies; don't get me wrong. But, the better news is found in verse 52, "For when the trumpet sounds, the Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies." There is Hope!!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26, 2010, I Corinthians 14
Key Verse:
“Follow the way of love… and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (Study note: “Prophecy is communicating God’s message to people, providing insight, warning, correction and encouragement”).Since you are eager to have Spiritual Gifts, try to EXCEL in gifts that BUILD UP the CHURCH.”
(I Corinthians 14: l, 12)
Central Truth:
God gifts each born-again Christ follower with one or more “spiritual gifts.” These gifts are to be used by each of us to strengthen the church (also called “the Body of Christ”). As our physical body parts are all connected and uniquely useful, so we are to be “connected” to other Believers, by using our “body part/spiritual gift” to strengthen and BUILD the church—the Body of Christ.
Yes! YOU are gifted, and a Body Builder! Read more to find out how!
I love God’s Word—the Bible—it’s my very favorite book! Because I love to read (and God must think it is important too, because He gave us His Word to READ)… I’m thankful that He communicates through written word. It’s His permanent form of communication to all cultures, all people, always! I once read that the B-I-B-L-E stands for BasicInstructions Before Leaving Earth. Therefore, while we are here on earth, we live strongest when we choose to live in God-honoring ways as taught in the BIBLE, His written word.
Also, I’m glad I was assigned this chapter, because Spiritual Gifts are one of my favorite Biblical topics! Receiving and living out our Spiritual Gifts gives purpose, strength, and meaning to our lives. I Corinthians is one of four main passages which details Spiritual gifts (One way to remember where Spiritual Gifts are found is: “2 Twelves, 2 Fours:” Romans 12, I Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, and I Peter 4). Now, you can find all the gifts! I love to teach on this topic because identifying our gifts empowers us to serve well, without comparing ourselves to others; thus maximizing OUR effectiveness for the Lord.
It is so common for believers to be confused about how to use and apply it the Bible. If you do not have a “Life Application Study Bible…NIV or TLB version”---RUN to the bookstore and buy one! (my Bible Study girls love to tease me about my passion for this, but it’s SO helpful! They’ll tell you that, too!) It explains difficult passages and gives practical ways to apply the truth when you read it. It’s a fabulous tool for spiritual growth….and you can even get one with “tabs” so you can easily find the books of the Bible. There are lots of resources in the back too. It’s a must have. Don’t stare at your Bible and be intimidated, this is available for you to make sense of His instructions and encouragement for you.
YOU are gifted. Read about it. As you read the four passages mentioned above, you will begin to see a connection between your “gift” and your usefulness in “body building.” I am grateful that God has given me the gifts of service, exhortation, prophecy, and love. I don’t have to be “other people”….I can be “me” and be useful to Him in strengthening or building His Body.
God called me out of another church, specifically to use these gifts at a new church called Piedmont . And the same can be true for YOU. Go find your gift, and use it well to build His Body at Piedmont !
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 16, 2010, 1 Corinthians 8
Key Verse:
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
(1 Corinthians 8:9-13 )
Central Truth:
All things are permissible but maybe not beneficial . . . .
THIS BUD MAY NOT BE FOR YOU
I think this chapter is best explained this way....
Alcohol for some is a sin. For others, it's O.K. However, in our southern, Bible-belt rich culture, the majority would say it's inappropriate for a believer to partake in such a beverage. Now, before you get all excited, I'm not going to fight for or against drinking a brew. But, I will try to shed some light on it based on what Paul says in this passage. Here it is . . . .
Alcohol and the consumption of it will not send you to hell. However, in the presence of some, it may cause them to stumble. In the presence of some, it may destroy your witness. In the presence of some, it may cause them to discredit your faith. In the presence of some, it may cause them to be uncomfortable. In the presence of some, it may cause them to relapse on their sobriety.
Therefore, though some things may be permissible in some situations, it may not be beneficial.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
(1 Corinthians 8:9-13 )
Central Truth:
All things are permissible but maybe not beneficial . . . .
THIS BUD MAY NOT BE FOR YOU
I think this chapter is best explained this way....
Alcohol for some is a sin. For others, it's O.K. However, in our southern, Bible-belt rich culture, the majority would say it's inappropriate for a believer to partake in such a beverage. Now, before you get all excited, I'm not going to fight for or against drinking a brew. But, I will try to shed some light on it based on what Paul says in this passage. Here it is . . . .
Alcohol and the consumption of it will not send you to hell. However, in the presence of some, it may cause them to stumble. In the presence of some, it may destroy your witness. In the presence of some, it may cause them to discredit your faith. In the presence of some, it may cause them to be uncomfortable. In the presence of some, it may cause them to relapse on their sobriety.
Therefore, though some things may be permissible in some situations, it may not be beneficial.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010, 1 Corinthians 7
Key Verse:
“But those who marry will face many troubles in this life.”
(1 Cor. 7: 28b)
Central Truth:
There is an enemy that seeks to destroy your marriage and family, but there is hope in the One who created marriage.
AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER . . .
Recently I learned that a prominent political couple is getting a divorce after being married for forty years. A lady that writes a blog that I read just finalized her divorce. I have a friend whom I love dearly that just filed for divorce, on her birthday. I wish that I could say that this is shocking to me, but I just can’t. Divorce is all around us. It shows very little distinction or favoritism toward any type, race, or education. How did we get to this place where it is a normal or accepted occurrence to “throw in the towel,” to call it quits after living a lifetime with someone?
To be perfectly honest, I think we are unprepared. We ladies grow up on fairy tales about a princess who is rescued by a dashing prince. We assume our prince will always be romantic and bring flowers and love notes… and we live happily ever after. Men grow up with the idea that once they are married to the perfect woman they will have the respect they need, a clean house, dinner when they come home, and a partner who is always “ready” when he is in the mood…and they will live happily ever after. Now it is not wrong, nor sinful, to desire some of these things, but the expectation that these things come naturally with every young marriage is just as fanciful as a pumpkin turning into a horse drawn carriage.
The truth is that marriage is hard, painfully hard at times. You take two completely different people from two completely different backgrounds, mash them together, and add the stress of paying bills, work, and taking care of a home. Then, some of us who are truly gluttons for punishment add children! Why is it so hard?! Paul had some insight into this long before we walked down our rose petaled aisles. He said, “But those who marry will face many troubles in this life . . . .” Why would he say this?
Well, let’s look to the beginning. God created all the animals, and Adam named them. God then decided that there was no suitable helper for Adam. So, in turn, God created Eve from Adam and instituted the first marriage…and they lived happily ever after. Okay, so…not exactly. In fact, it changes in the next chapter where Eve is deceived by the serpent, Adam remains silent, and both sin. In Genesis 3:16, God is handing out the consequences for their disobedience. God says to Eve, “your desire will be for [you to control] your husband, and he will rule over you.” Well, I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds like problems just waiting to happen.
Did you notice something sinister in this story? Something specific threatened Adam and Eve’s marriage. God created the marriage and it was good, without shame, food a plenty, and oneness. The serpent came in and deceived Eve. Something attacked their marriage! It may not have looked like an attack, but it was - a well crafted, devious attack to divide and conquer. It split the oneness between Adam and Eve, and it split the intimacy between their marriage and God. Marriage is opposed by the lion that seeks to devour and destroy. Adam and Eve were unprepared for the attack. In fact, it never crossed their minds that something would be against them. We tend to be in the same place as Adam and Eve, unprepared and unaware of the spiritual battle raging for our marriages.
That same enemy is still on the prowl. He still seeks to destroy your marriage and family. The Good News is that there is hope in the One who created marriage. He provides strength and the tools (Eph. 6:10 -18) to prepare for the attacker. Yes, marriage is hard, but with God and a willingness to fight, all things are possible, even a great marriage.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14th, 2010, 1 Corinthians 6
Key Verse:
Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers . . .
(1 Corinthians 6:5)
Central Truth:
"Greed is good" worked for Gordon Gekko but not for someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
I graduated from High School in 1986. Back then Greed was Good. Litigation was exploding. The perception of the day seemed to be that you just needed one good lawsuit to have everything you wanted. Now, it seems we cannot do anything without signing wavers, releases etc.
In my late 20’s I came across 1 Corinthians 6. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth which is struggling. The city of Corinth is a large, immoral city. The church has broken out with a rash of lawsuits in the courts pitting Christians against Christians, and the suits are being judged by non-believers.
Paul gives us a clear solution from God as to how we settle our differences among believers:
1st-Take your grievance to the person who wronged you.
2nd-Take it to the church. (Wise God fearing people, typically elders of a church).
or simply surrender the ‘loss’ to God.
This sounds fairly simple, but there is a key component. Before you ever take the first step you must surrender the decision, outcome and yes potential financial loss, to God. Then your heart is in the right place to approach your brother. Even if you are 100% in the right, step aside and let God handle it. Your brother may be struggling with something you cannot see, and the light of the Lord you reflect on him could be just what he needs. Then simply walk away from it, leaving the problems with God. You are free to live without guilt or greed.
What about with non-believers? I think there is a time to defend ourselves against this world and a time to simply show the love of God. That situation is much more difficult. Pray for God’s wisdom and seek godly council when faced with such a issue.
In the end (I mean the very end when we stand before God), we will not have our checkbooks, homes, cars, and possessions. We will have an accounting of our life and how we shared the love and grace that Jesus gave us. No matter how large your potential worldly loss may seem today, it will seem very small when you explain it to God.
July 13, 2010, I Corinthians 5
Key Verses:
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not even occur among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?
(I Corinthians 5:1-2)
Central Truth:
Biblical truth outweighs tolerance.
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
A discussion on how to address immorality in the church . . . . Are we talking about 55 A.D. or 2010? Corinth was a pagan city in Greece; so it is safe to assume that pagan practices periodically infiltrated the church. In this case, a member of the congregation had begun relations with his father's wife. The leadership of the church handled the situation with a wink and a turned cheek. Paul was bitterly disappointed in this and reminded the church in his letter that "a little old yeast works through the whole batch of dough." He also ordered them to "expel the wicked man from among you."
Clearly, we live today in a culture of acceptance and tolerance. Many people come to church to hear the truth, but at the same time they do not want the truth to have any implications on their lives. They are looking for a body of Christ that will condone the choices they make, usually in regard to lifestyle. As a result, when hypocrisies in their lives are exposed, they become offended. They want to live life according to their preferences; so they are really searching for the gospel of tolerance rather than truth. However, what makes the Gospel powerful is its undying truths. When we as a church, or as individuals, begin to tolerate sin, it deprives the Gospel of its power.
It is difficult to hear, "No, you are wrong." Sometimes we are, though.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not even occur among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?
(I Corinthians 5:1-2)
Central Truth:
Biblical truth outweighs tolerance.
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
A discussion on how to address immorality in the church . . . . Are we talking about 55 A.D. or 2010? Corinth was a pagan city in Greece; so it is safe to assume that pagan practices periodically infiltrated the church. In this case, a member of the congregation had begun relations with his father's wife. The leadership of the church handled the situation with a wink and a turned cheek. Paul was bitterly disappointed in this and reminded the church in his letter that "a little old yeast works through the whole batch of dough." He also ordered them to "expel the wicked man from among you."
Clearly, we live today in a culture of acceptance and tolerance. Many people come to church to hear the truth, but at the same time they do not want the truth to have any implications on their lives. They are looking for a body of Christ that will condone the choices they make, usually in regard to lifestyle. As a result, when hypocrisies in their lives are exposed, they become offended. They want to live life according to their preferences; so they are really searching for the gospel of tolerance rather than truth. However, what makes the Gospel powerful is its undying truths. When we as a church, or as individuals, begin to tolerate sin, it deprives the Gospel of its power.
It is difficult to hear, "No, you are wrong." Sometimes we are, though.
July 12, 2010, 1 Corinthians 4
Key Verse:
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
(1 Corinthians 4:2)
Central Truth:
Don't let small habits keep you from reaching a deeper relationship with Christ
SNOWMEN AND CHRIST
Being from South Georgia, I haven't made many snowmen. Last year with all of the snow, my kids wanted to make a snowman. So, trying to be a cool dad, I go out and attempt to make a snowman. Of course, I have to google it first to make sure I do it right. So, we start just like the Internet says, we take a small snowball and roll it on the ground until it gets larger, and larger, and larger. After about 20 or 30 minutes of rolling this ball, we finally realize that we have enough for a base; we almost took up all the snow in the front yard. The base was thick and heavy. We wanted it more in the center of the yard, so I tried to pick it up and move it, but there was no way it was going to be picked up. It was too big and heavy. Eventually, we pushed to the center of the yard where everyone could see it and began working on the next section.
In today's key verse, Paul is writing a letter to the Corinthian Church and tells them in verse 2 that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. The Encarta Dictionary gives one definition of faithful as, "consistently trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty." (www.encarta.msn.com/dictionary). As Christ followers, many things can affect our walk with Christ. It seems as if the things that affect our walk the most are the things that other people maybe don't see at first. What we feel are small sins, that start off like the base of our snowman, are tiny in essence, but they eventually progress into a larger part of our life and our connection to Christ begins to break up a little. We let the sin keep us from going to Community Group or to Church. Or, we just try to hide it and figure that no one will find out. But it constantly stays on our minds and our conscious, and we can't hide from it, and we certainly can't hide it from God.
Here is the part where being a Christ Follower makes us different though. Christ knows that we aren't perfect. We are put on Earth as sinners and are cleansed through His blood. Our communication line to Him is open once we accept Him into our hearts, and only we can change that. When we allow a small problem to grow and grow until we finally go into hiding from God, we are shutting the communication off, not Him. All we have to do is confess to Him; we have already been forgiven. He wants to communicate with us.
So, what is keeping you from getting closer to Christ? Are you carrying things that you can let go to Him? Have you let a tiny snowball grow into a wall?
Finishing the snowman that day took a lot of hard work. By the time we scraped together enough snow for the remaining pieces, we were all tired. But after all that work, we could stand back and be proud of what we had built. The same goes for our relationship with Christ: It is a constant battle to overcome the things of this world, but God promises that He is with us every step of the way, and you never have to worry about Him remaining faithful on His promise to us!
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
(1 Corinthians 4:2)
Central Truth:
Don't let small habits keep you from reaching a deeper relationship with Christ
SNOWMEN AND CHRIST
Being from South Georgia, I haven't made many snowmen. Last year with all of the snow, my kids wanted to make a snowman. So, trying to be a cool dad, I go out and attempt to make a snowman. Of course, I have to google it first to make sure I do it right. So, we start just like the Internet says, we take a small snowball and roll it on the ground until it gets larger, and larger, and larger. After about 20 or 30 minutes of rolling this ball, we finally realize that we have enough for a base; we almost took up all the snow in the front yard. The base was thick and heavy. We wanted it more in the center of the yard, so I tried to pick it up and move it, but there was no way it was going to be picked up. It was too big and heavy. Eventually, we pushed to the center of the yard where everyone could see it and began working on the next section.
In today's key verse, Paul is writing a letter to the Corinthian Church and tells them in verse 2 that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. The Encarta Dictionary gives one definition of faithful as, "consistently trustworthy and loyal, especially to a person, promise, or duty." (www.encarta.msn.com/dictionary). As Christ followers, many things can affect our walk with Christ. It seems as if the things that affect our walk the most are the things that other people maybe don't see at first. What we feel are small sins, that start off like the base of our snowman, are tiny in essence, but they eventually progress into a larger part of our life and our connection to Christ begins to break up a little. We let the sin keep us from going to Community Group or to Church. Or, we just try to hide it and figure that no one will find out. But it constantly stays on our minds and our conscious, and we can't hide from it, and we certainly can't hide it from God.
Here is the part where being a Christ Follower makes us different though. Christ knows that we aren't perfect. We are put on Earth as sinners and are cleansed through His blood. Our communication line to Him is open once we accept Him into our hearts, and only we can change that. When we allow a small problem to grow and grow until we finally go into hiding from God, we are shutting the communication off, not Him. All we have to do is confess to Him; we have already been forgiven. He wants to communicate with us.
So, what is keeping you from getting closer to Christ? Are you carrying things that you can let go to Him? Have you let a tiny snowball grow into a wall?
Finishing the snowman that day took a lot of hard work. By the time we scraped together enough snow for the remaining pieces, we were all tired. But after all that work, we could stand back and be proud of what we had built. The same goes for our relationship with Christ: It is a constant battle to overcome the things of this world, but God promises that He is with us every step of the way, and you never have to worry about Him remaining faithful on His promise to us!
Friday, July 9, 2010
July 9, 2010, 1 Corithians 3
Key Verse:
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
(1 Corinthians 3:7)
Central Truth:
What does acting as mere men get you? Jealously, strife, quarreling . . . .
WHAT DO YOU ALLOW TO DIVIDE YOU AND CAUSE YOU TO ACT AS MERE MEN ?
I’m not sure why each time I read certain Bible verses I see examples within my home in how my children behave with each other. As I was reading this chapter, I could hear one child saying to the other, "Well, I made the bed so you have to hang up the clothes!" It’s like sometimes they just can’t work together, or when they do work together, each one tries to claim his chore was more important than the others. Where is the spirit of one for all and all for one?
I even see this in my work environment. One employee feels her tasks are more important or relevant to the functioning of the office. There are even times when one of the employees vies for supervisory attention and feels challenged and jealous when other employees truly need their supervisor’s input. Where is the spirit of all working toward the same goal of providing the best service for our students and faculty?
When I have the privilege to observe a class full of students, regardless of their ages, this dynamic is present there too. What is it that prohibits or interferes with us all working together for the one goal ?
After reading just this chapter in 1 Corinthians, I see the answer much more clearly and even understand the concept mentioned in this chapter of the fleshly ways and being spiritually immature. We all are infants in Christ. We all have strife and jealously among ourselves, whether it is your family, your co-workers, or students in a classroom. How will you strive to be more than mere men today?
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
(1 Corinthians 3:7)
Central Truth:
What does acting as mere men get you? Jealously, strife, quarreling . . . .
WHAT DO YOU ALLOW TO DIVIDE YOU AND CAUSE YOU TO ACT AS MERE MEN ?
I’m not sure why each time I read certain Bible verses I see examples within my home in how my children behave with each other. As I was reading this chapter, I could hear one child saying to the other, "Well, I made the bed so you have to hang up the clothes!" It’s like sometimes they just can’t work together, or when they do work together, each one tries to claim his chore was more important than the others. Where is the spirit of one for all and all for one?
I even see this in my work environment. One employee feels her tasks are more important or relevant to the functioning of the office. There are even times when one of the employees vies for supervisory attention and feels challenged and jealous when other employees truly need their supervisor’s input. Where is the spirit of all working toward the same goal of providing the best service for our students and faculty?
When I have the privilege to observe a class full of students, regardless of their ages, this dynamic is present there too. What is it that prohibits or interferes with us all working together for the one goal ?
After reading just this chapter in 1 Corinthians, I see the answer much more clearly and even understand the concept mentioned in this chapter of the fleshly ways and being spiritually immature. We all are infants in Christ. We all have strife and jealously among ourselves, whether it is your family, your co-workers, or students in a classroom. How will you strive to be more than mere men today?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
July 8, 2010, 1 Corinthians 2
Key Verse:
"... so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
(1 Corinthians 2:5)
Central Truth:
We must use wisdom given to us through the Holy Spirit, not advice given out by well-meaning friends.
WHO SAID THAT?
I love Paul's humility in the beginning of this chapter. I mean, after all, when you look at the scope of the world and all of the men of the Bible, who better to bring God's message to the church of Corinth than Paul? Few were so eloquent or so well-qualified. But Paul wants to make it clear here, and throughout the chapter that all wisdom comes from God, not from man.
And while Paul's message was constructed to give God glory and give the Holy Spirit credit for any wisdom he might impart through his own mouth, it is a message that also comes with an implied warning: Don't let your faith rest on men's wisdom.
Most people (not Paul) love to give out advice. I recently joked with another mom about an instructor whose lessons are expensive, but unsolicited parenting advice is "free." From the observant person in line behind an unruly child in the check-out line to a best friend and closest confidant, we are surrounded by people who think their opinions can improve our lives. These people mean well. We also want to instruct others in ways that have been helpful to us or to share with them lessons we may have had to learn the hard way. We want to improve their lives with our knowledge and impart our own wisdom, whether it's asked for or not.
But Paul so eloquently reminds us that "(w)e have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand God has freely given us" (v. 12).
We must use the wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit to discern what "wisdom" given to us by others is actually of God, and we need to use that same wisdom when we so eloquently impart our own.
"... so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
(1 Corinthians 2:5)
Central Truth:
We must use wisdom given to us through the Holy Spirit, not advice given out by well-meaning friends.
WHO SAID THAT?
I love Paul's humility in the beginning of this chapter. I mean, after all, when you look at the scope of the world and all of the men of the Bible, who better to bring God's message to the church of Corinth than Paul? Few were so eloquent or so well-qualified. But Paul wants to make it clear here, and throughout the chapter that all wisdom comes from God, not from man.
And while Paul's message was constructed to give God glory and give the Holy Spirit credit for any wisdom he might impart through his own mouth, it is a message that also comes with an implied warning: Don't let your faith rest on men's wisdom.
Most people (not Paul) love to give out advice. I recently joked with another mom about an instructor whose lessons are expensive, but unsolicited parenting advice is "free." From the observant person in line behind an unruly child in the check-out line to a best friend and closest confidant, we are surrounded by people who think their opinions can improve our lives. These people mean well. We also want to instruct others in ways that have been helpful to us or to share with them lessons we may have had to learn the hard way. We want to improve their lives with our knowledge and impart our own wisdom, whether it's asked for or not.
But Paul so eloquently reminds us that "(w)e have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand God has freely given us" (v. 12).
We must use the wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit to discern what "wisdom" given to us by others is actually of God, and we need to use that same wisdom when we so eloquently impart our own.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
July 7, 2010, 1 Corinthians 1
Key Verse:
“He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
(1 Corinthians 1:8-9)
Central Truth:
When the world is fickle, God is faithful.
WHAT DO YOU WANNA GET TODAY ?
Watching our kids teaches me so much about myself. I get excited about what they are excited about. But it’s funny. What they are excited about can change so quickly. They are so influenced by friends, family, TV, and school. They totally have to have a scooter, then a hula-hoop, then a doll that acts real, then a monster truck like the real one, now the Sky Ball, and on and on it goes.
I was thinking though, how fickle our kids, and I, can be. They HAVE to have this certain toy at Walmart or the DS game that everyone is talking about. They love that song on the radio. Then they get the toy or game or hear the song too much and are tired of it. The toy they begged for is broken and on the floor the next month. Fickle. Love it, then tired of it, and then they have a new love.
I was thinking though, how fickle our kids, and I, can be. They HAVE to have this certain toy at Walmart or the DS game that everyone is talking about. They love that song on the radio. Then they get the toy or game or hear the song too much and are tired of it. The toy they begged for is broken and on the floor the next month. Fickle. Love it, then tired of it, and then they have a new love.
I’m the same way; aren’t you? I love something and have to have it. If it’s clothes and I get it, I wear it; then after hanging a while in my closet it seems “old.” Maybe for you it’s exercise, diets, TV shows, relationships, cars, jobs, recreation, or even church. You love it, then you get tired of it, and move on or get lazy or unmotivated. Our culture is full of change and media making us think we need the next, new, best thing.
All of this just reminds me that we serve a totally UN-fickle, totally FAITHful God. He doesn’t love us one day, then get tired of us the next. He doesn’t have faith in us, then when we mess up, give up. He doesn’t want to trade us in for the newer, better model! He does not look at you, listen to you over and over, and then turn his back feeling tired of you.
He is faithful. This verse promises He will keep you strong to the end. He has called you into fellowship with Him and never tires of you. He loves you, is there for you, and is faithful to you. I’m so thankful we have a steady Rock to lean on when everything else changes and fades away!
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