Monthly Archives: February 2023

1 Corinthians 5- Set Apart

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I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

The Apostle Paul states “I wrote you in the epistle not to keep company or associate with fornicators nor sexually immoral” Now as we have been reading through the Epistle of Corinthians, this Church had a lot of issues, which is why it’s the largest letter to the Churches. Paul makes it clearer in his statements, he is referring to those who call themselves Christians, yet still live dead in their sins

Notice Paul says “Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters, for then must you need to get out of the world” Paul is saying you can’t avoid every sinner in this world because then you wouldn’t be able to exist in this world. However those who Paul is instructing to not associate with are those who claim to be Christians and yet still don’t produce the fruit of a Christian

In today’s Christianity, many Churches are being forced to inject LGBTQ people, not only as members of the Church, but also as leaders. Now anyone who knows the Bible or traditional Christian doctrine, knows this is in clear violation of God’s law. However it become unpopular to standby Biblical truth and many Churches are caving in to be accepted by the world, which is totally the opposite mission Jesus wanted for us

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

Now I understand these statements may anger some people, however notice what Paul says here “But them that are without God judeth” Paul is saying we are not judging people who are outside the Church. People who are not Born Again, and don’t claim to be a Christian, we would expect them to be sinners, therefore we let God judge them. We can share the gospel with them, but it’s not our responsibility to pass judgment on them

However those who claim to be part of the Body of Christ, should submit themselves to the leadership of the Church, as Jesus Christ should truly be their Lord and Master. If someone who claims to be a Christian and refuses to repent or change their sinful lifestyle, they then need to be cut off from the body of Christ, Amen

1 Corinthians 5- Christ The Passover Lamb

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Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Again, as we continue to look at the immorality in the Church of Corinth, the first thing we notice is their reaction, “your glorifying or boasting is not good” These Christians were not just living in sin, they were bragging about it! They had no love or fear of God whatsoever, they were false converts and not Born Again in Christ

Paul warned the Church “A little leaven will work through the whole lump” Meaning a little sin allowed in the Church , will spread to the rest of the Church. We see this all the time, the Church will look away at certain sins or people, and just allow them to live however they want. But this comes with a consequence, they are influencing and misleading the rest of the Church. 

We live in a day and age where nobody wants to be “offended” by their sins. Why are people offended when their sin is brought up? Because they are being convicted by the Holy Spirit, they know it’s wrong but they don’t care. They don’t have a real love or fear of God. 

One of the great teachings Paul provides here is “Christ is our Passover Lamb” Now if you know your Bible , this is not a surprise to you, however for those who are not sure, its very clear! As John the Baptist declared “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)

Now since Christ is the atonement for our sins, and you repented and are forgiven, why would you still live like you are dead in your sins? What did Jesus save you from ,if you are still stuck in your sin? What did Jesus die for , if you are still stuck in your sin? If your truly Born Again, there has to be a transformation, otherwise your still the same as you were before

As Christians, we are not perfect, and we never will be until are resurrected in our glorified bodies, however we should strive to live for Christ will all our heart, soul, and strength, we should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be led by the Advocate, Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb, who has justified before our Heavenly Father, Amen!

1 Corinthians 5- Immorality In The Church

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It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 1 Corinthians 5:1-3

Often the theme among Churches today is “Come As You Are” and yes that’s a good saying and we should invite people to come to Christ, however does that mean we should stay as we are in Christ? Absolutely not, when we are Born Again in Christ, we become transformed, a new creation. The things of the past are the past, and we continually become sanctified by the Holy Spirit conforming to the image of Christ

So how do we deal with the sin that remains within the Church body? Well for the most part , the Churches typically don’t address or deal with sinful lifestyles of believers, but is this the Biblical model of the Church? Let’s see how Paul the Church of Corinth, here “It is reported commonly that there is fornication or sexual immorality among you” Notice Paul says this is a common practice, this is not a one time event where someone messed up, this has been a normal behavior of the Church to allow immorality to continue in the Church

Notice the Church’s response , Paul says “You are puffed up or proud, shouldn’t you be mourned or stricken with grief” The other members of the Church didn’t even care there was known immorality going on, however if they all truly were Born Again with the Holy Spirit, would they have this same response? The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8) This would be a sign of a healthy Church, the fact that the Church has no concern for sin among the Body, it’s a flag for false converts

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

See Paul’s response here “Deliver such as one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh” Now in today’s age they would say “Paul is a legalist” or “Paul is not very Christian” but notice why Paul is doing this, “that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus”

Is it unloving to rebuke someone of their sin? No, it’s actually unloving to allow people to die in their sins and eventually go to Hell. If you truly believe the gospel, then you would warn someone of the errors of their ways. Now are there more loving ways to approach this? Yes , we need to try to and reach people with the love of Christ and not with a hammer!

Tomorrow will continue to look at how Paul dealt with sinful practices within the Church!

1 Corinthians 4- Kingdom of God

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Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? 1 Corinthians 4:18-21

As I’m currently writing this, there is a revival going on, which is being known as the “Asbury Revival. Now whether this is a true revival, only time will tell, and what is the definition of a revival, well that’s up to debate and interpretation. But what we do know, is this movement that’s happening in Kentucky , has inspired more movements throughout America and the world

Now if you’re a Christian, this sounds like good news, right? However some Christians are considering this bad news, as they don’t like how the revival is being performed or they also don’t like the way it originated. Many Christians have developed preconceived ideas how God should perform his will on the Church

This is very similar to what Paul experienced here with the Church of Corinth, Paul says (and I will paraphrase) Some of you are mad or become arrogant, whether or not I would come to you, however it’s God’s will , whether I come to you or not, and not your will.

The Church was angry at how Paul was doing things, but Paul was telling them, it’s up to God how he wants things done and not up to you! This is exactly the same problem with the Church today, many Christians are rebuking the revival, because it’s not how they want it done. However this revival, and any revival, is not up to us how God fulfills his will. The Holy Spirit doesn’t need your permission or your instructions to perform his job!

The Apostle Paul also says “The Kingdom of God is not in word, but of power” Boom. mic drop moment there for Paul. Most of the Christians who are always complaining about things, are the same ones that usually do nothing for the Church. They are all talk, and no walk! Paul says the Kingdom of God is about the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s not about your idle words

Maybe we are unsure what is going on in Asbury, Kentucky, maybe we are even unaware what’s going on in our local Church, what we do know is Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. The Lord is in complete control, and the gates of Hell will never prevail against us, Amen!

1 Corinthians 4- Church Family

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I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

There is a growing trend in Christianity where Christians no longer are members of a congregation. Many will use the excuses, they don’t agree with the doctrine, or they can’t agree with the pastor, or they just can’t get along with the other Christians, these are all personal issues and not a Church issue. 

Being part of a Church community is essential to your spiritual growth. If you can’t even be around other Christians now, what are you going to do in the New Heavens and Earth? Church families are never going to be perfect, because guess what, nobody is perfect, except Christ. The Holy Spirit will use these opportunities of differences to refine and sharpen you. But the main point is , nobody can go through this Christian walk alone

Notice how Paul addresses the Church here “ I write these things not to shame you, but as my beloved sons or children” Paul, being the Shepherd of this Church, feels like these people are his spiritual family. This is a concept throughout the New Testament, the Church is a family of believers

Recently on Twitter, a professing “Christian” criticized me for calling my fellow brethren, brothers and sisters. Brother Damon Gray quickly refuted this argument using the words of Jesus Christ “Whoever does the will of God, is my brother, sister, and mother (Mark 3:35) We are all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ, this is why you should not neglect your local Church community, they are the family God has given you

Paul says “For this cause I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved son” now was Timothy the biological son of Paul? Of course not, Timothy was a gentile and Paul was Jewish, however Paul became Timothy’s spiritual father, as he did for many Christians he mentored over the years

This brings up another good point, we need to have spiritual mentors in our lives. Many Christians go astray because they are “lone wolves”, they don’t try to learn from a more mature Christians, they don’t use their gifts of the Holy Spirit with the rest of the body of Christ. 

If you are a Born Again Christian, you are my brother and sister in Christ, don’t neglect your Church family, they need you just as much as you need them, Amen!

1 Corinthians 4- Fool for Christ

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We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 1 Corinthians 4:10-13

 Often when you share the gospel with a non-believer, their reaction is your a fool, your an idiot, how can you possibly believe the Bible? Even though the gospel itself is simple to understand, the world will simply refuse to believe it. Why? Because if the world accepts the gospel or Jesus , they need to accept the fact that we are all sinners heading to an eternal destiny of condemnation.

We as Christians shouldn’t be suprised by the worlds reaction, Jesus told us “the world will hate you because of me” (Matthew 10:22) One of the biggest mistakes of the Church today is they are trying to get the world to love and accept them. True Christians will never be loved and accepted by this world, because this world is controlled by the evil one (1 John 5:19)

The Apostle Paul says here “we are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ” The world views us as fools however we are wise in Christ, why? Because we are filled with the Holy Spirit. You as a Christian are the Temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead. This is why you can discern good from evil in this world and the world is blinded

Paul goes on to say “You are strong and honorable, however we are despised” The world hates you because the world hates Christ. If you don’t believe me just start proclaiming the name of Jesus in public and see what reaction you get. The name of Jesus Christ is banned in public schools and public business, why? Because Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (John 14:6)

If your not sure if “prosperity gospel” is fake, just read the words of Paul here “we both hunger, and thirst, working with our own hands, being reviled” Does that sound like your “Best Life Now”? Absolutely not, however this will be the only Hell you will ever know. Satan wants to keep the world dead in their sins, they want the light to be covered and hidden, don’t be surprised if you are made to be a “fool for Christ” to this world

The Apostle Paul also states “We are made as the filth of the world”, think about that, the true Church is the filth of the world. Stop compromising your Church to be accepted by the world, you are the light of the world, a city on the hill can’t be hidden! Take honor in being a “fool for Christ”, in Jesus name Amen!

1 Corinthians 4-Puffed Up

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And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 1 Corinthians 4:6-8

Human pride is one of the biggest issues in our walk with Christ, it’s also one of the biggest issues in the Church. When we experience some of Gods glory or goodness, it’s easy for us to become “puffed up” , thinking that we are better than our fellow brethren, however we are all part of the body of Christ , nobody is greater or more important than anyone else. This is a lesson many of us have to learn, sometimes learned the hard way

As Paul says here “that you might learn not to think of men above that which is written, that noone of you be puffed up for one against another” The Apostle Paul experienced some amazing things by God, not only was his conversion itself amazing, but Paul got to partake in miracles and revivals. Some thought Paul was a god himself,(Acts 14:12) because of the power of the Holy Spirit

This is why Paul had to keep reminding the Church that he was a wretched man (Romans 7:24), the chief of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul was nothing special, he was a vessel used by God to fulfill His Kingdom. Just the same as none of us are “special” we all deserve Hell,(Romans 3:23) however because of Gods love and grace, we are who we are today

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Corinthians 4:9

All the Apostles , except for the Apostle John, ended up dying for their faith in Christ. And historians believe the Romans attempted to kill the Apostle John, however he was delivered by God so he can write down the book of Revelation. Even though the Apostles experienced many miracles and lived closely with our Lord Jesus Christ, did any of them believe they were greater than the rest of the Church? No

As Paul says “the apostles last, as it were appointed to death, for we are made a spectacle unto the world” Were the Apostles “puffed up” when they were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ? Of course not, they were being obedient to their calling in Christ, even to the point of death, Amen

1 Corinthians 4- Until The Lord Comes

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Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

We as Christians adhere to a higher standard, while most people have their issues and conflicts resolved in the human court system, there is a higher authority that judges us as Chrstians, that’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords , Jesus Christ

If you ever had to go through the legal system, it becomes very obvious that its a corrupted and unjust system. This should come as now surprise to us, as it was written and practiced by flawed people. There is going to be deception, there is going to be the twisting of interpreting laws, there are going to be loop-holes that the high priced lawyer will find, even if the person is guilty or not

However, regardless of what happens in the human court of law, there is going to be a real trial that everyone will face when they die, that’s the judgement of God. There is not going to be any crooked lawyers that will get you off on a technicality, there wont be any false witnesses to support your unfounded claims, there won’t be any flawed judges who show prejudice to one side or the other. You are going to stand before God Almighty and give an account of every deed and every word you spoke, there won’t be anything missed or unaccounted for. As the Apostle Paul says here “He that judges me is The Lord”

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Many of us are crying out for justice, and when The Lord Jesus Christ comes, true justice will be served. As Paul says here “Until The Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness” Anyone who thinks they got away with something, is severely wrong. God knows all things, and all the evil that is currently hidden in the darkness , will be revealed by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ

Christ will also “manifest or reveal the counsels of the hearts” Jesus is going to expose all the evil deeds from everyone and everyone who is not washed by the blood of Christ, will pay for their sins. There will be no getting off on a human technicality with God

So the battle and trial belongs to The Lord Jesus , Christ will make every path straight, the nations will rest on his shoulders and Christ will rule with a rod of Iron, Amen!