1 Corinthians 16- Tithing in the New Covenant

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Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 1 Corinthians 16:1

As we come to the last Chapter of 1 Corinthians, many might glance over it and see nothing really significant to learn here, but at a second glance, Paul gives us very valuable teachings and  early Church history that we can apply to the Church today. Here we see the topics of tithing  for the New Covenant Church.

The topic of “tithing” has always been confusing when applying it to the Church, the questions arise how do we apply the tithing command from the Old or Mosaic Covenant to the New Covenant? I emphasize this because Christians need to remember you are in the New Covenant with Christ, you are not an Israelite in the Mosaic Covenant, otherwise you would still be dead in your sins.

The Tithe was a commandment of God and a tax to support the Levitical priest line. The priest line, who were from the line of Aaron, didn’t inherit any land or have an occupation other than serving God and the Temple. Therefore the Priests couldn’t financially support themselves or their families, so God commanded a tithe be given to them. Now the “Tithe” wasn’t just money either, it was also food, as the Priests didn’t have any land to farm for themselves. So God provided for the Priests through the people, as all things are provided by God anyway

Now applying this to the New Covenant, obviously we don’t have a Levitical Priest line anymore, however we are all Priests through Christ (1 Peter 2:5) However not all Christians dedicate their full lives to serving God, many Born Again Christians also work and can support themselves. There are many Christians who do dedicate their lives to serving God and the Church, such as a full-time Pastor or Bishop, we should financially support them, as Jesus said “Freely give, as you have freely received” (Matthew 10:8)

We see in the book of Acts, the entire Church community supported each other, “and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Acts 2:45   The Apostle Paul said this to the early Church quoting The Lord Jesus Christ “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35) As Christians we should have a heart of generosity, willing to support the Body of Christ, or those who are in need. 

The Apostle Paul also says this about supporting your Church leaders “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

While in the New Covenant, there is no longer a “Tithing Law of 10%” in place, with regenerated hearts, we should have a giving and generous heart. But when Churches require Christians to give 10%, there is actually no Biblical law for that in the New Testament. Here we see the Apostle Paul taking up a collection for the saints (Christians), As Paul also said  we as the Body of Christ need to support each other, to fulfill our work in The Lord, the Great Commission, Amen!

1 Corinthians 15- Be Strong and Courageous

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Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

As we journey through the epistle of Corinthians, we worked through alot of difficult teachings and sparked alot of conversations, which is a good thing! It’s the Holy Spirit working through us and in us to sanctify us in the truth of God’s word. The Apostle Paul closes Chapter 15 with this wonderful benediction that is too good to just passover

Brothers and sisters, be steadfast or stand firm , other translations say be strong and immovable! Regardless of what your position is on some of the doctrines we discussed, the main point is don’t waver in your faith in Christ. Be rooted in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7) Don’t allow a disagreement or a different point of view, throw you off your path with Christ

Part of spiritual maturity is to be able to have discussions and conversations about spiritual things, including doctrines without being triggered by a disagreement. I see way too many Christans, they are great when you agree with everything they say, as soon as you have a difference of opinion, you are called a heretic. This is spiritual immaturity, but it’s also insecure faith. Be immovable in your faith, Be steadfast in your faith, be strong in your faith in Christ

Next Paul mentions “Always abounding in the work of The Lord” Stay busy in Christ! If a Christian has time to argue with everyone who disagrees with them, they are probably not abounding in the work of The Lord. What is our work for Christ? Jesus said “ Go and preach the gospel to everyone “(Matthew 28:19) This should be our main focus, to share the good news and make disciples, is arguing all day about the Rapture sharing the gospel? 

The last is a refreshing reminder to the Church, “You know that your labor is not in vain in The Lord” If you spend countless hours evangelizing on the streets, sometimes it can feel like a losing battle. When Satan is attacking you at every corner , you wonder what is the point? But we can’t lose our focus, none of our labor will be in vain. Everything we do for Christ, is noticed by Christ and will not be in vain

Just as God reminded and commanded Joshua to continue pressing on into the Promised Land filled with giants, Christ is commanding and encouraging us to press on into the Harvest field! Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God will be with you always, Amen!

1 Corinthians 15- Victory in Jesus

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So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54- 56

One of my favorite hymns is “Victory in Jesus” , no matter what mood you are feeling at the beginning, by the time you’re finished singing that song, you can’t help but feel rejuvenated and hopeful. Because the message is true, we have Victory in Jesus Christ! 

Recently John Macarthur did a sermon about “We lose down here”, and I objected to this idea, and received major criticism for that. The scriptures above are my BIblical defense for my stance, but also I think we are not looking at this from an eternal perspective.

When Jesus died on the cross, did he lose? Of course not, Christ willingly laid down his life for us and defeated sin and death forever. From a worldly perspective , it might look like Christ had lost, however we know from an eternal perspective Jesus Christ is victorious, as Christ walked out of the tomb on Sunday morning. As the Apostle Paul said “O death, where is your sting?, O grave, where is your victory? Our greatest enemy death was defeated, there is nothing possible on this Earth that can defeat us when we abide in Christ

Did the Apostle Paul lose while being beheaded? Absolutely not, Paul finished the race, Paul completed his calling and mission from God, and said “To depart from the body, is to be present with The Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) This idea or concept that a Born Again Christ could ever lose makes no sense to me. Regardless of what happens to me, even if I get killed for my faith, I have victory in Jesus Christ, period. Whether I live or die, I have Victory in Jesus, whether I’m rich or poor, I have Victory in Jesus, whether I’m healthy or sick, I always have Victory in Jesus Christ!

Looking at this from the flip side, you can be young, rich, and healthy and still be losing, why? Because without Christ, you have the enemy of death that will always haunt you at every corner. There is no Victory without Jesus Christ, there is no hope without Jesus Christ, there is no purpose for your life without Jesus Christ, in Christ we have everything including Victory!

The Apostle Paul says it best “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen!

1 Corinthians 15- The Last Trumpet

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Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

In modern day Christianity, these scriptures are typically used to support the doctrine of a “Pre-Tribulation Rapture” , but a few questions should be asked, did the early Church interpret these scriptures to mean this also? Did the early Church have any concept of a Pre-Trib Rapture? From history it appears the Pre-Trib Rapture is a newer idea invented by a man named John Darby around the 1830’s, we can’t really  find any Apostles or Church Father who ever supported this idea or concept.

But let’s just take a look at the scriptures for themselves, is Paul teaching a Pre-Trib Rapture here? Paul begins by stating “We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed” This is a good start, but what about those who have died already? Notice Paul says “We shall ALL be changed” Paul isn’t just referencing those Christians who are still alive, he’s referencing ALL Christians throughout history, Paul is talking about the resurrection of the saints into our glorified bodies

Next the Pre-Trib Rapture doctrine really falls apart, Paul says “At any moment, at the LAST Trumpet, for the Trumpet will sound and the DEAD will be raised immortal, and WE shall be changed. Paul states “The LAST Trumpet” , Paul is not talking about the first trumpet before the Tribulation, he states the Last trumpet. We can reference the Last Trumpet in Matthew 24

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31

The Last Trumpet signifies the Return of Christ, the Rapture of the Church , and the Resurrection of the Saints, The Bible doesn’t support the Rapture of the Church as a separate event from the Return of Christ and the resurrection of the Saints. All the Earth will mourn at the Return of Christ, why? Because it’s the final judgment

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The Apostle Paul consistently supports his teaching here in Thessalonians, The Lord himself will descend from Heaven, meaning Christ is Returning, notice the last trumpet is referenced here again also. The dead in Christ, Born Again Christians,, will be resurrected first. This event is not just about the Rapture of the Church, this is a cumulative event including the return of Christ and the resurrection of Christians throughout history

The takeaway from this, is it’s all good news for Born Again Christians. Whatever your belief in the timing of the Rapture, salvation is in Jesus Christ alone and we have Victory through Christ!  Let’s not make the Rapture a stumbling block and division for the Church, Amen!

1 Corinthians 15- The Heart of the Gospel

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Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.1 Corinthians 15:50

Today I’m just going to be focusing on this one verse from Paul, there are several reasons for this , however I don’t want to just skim over this statement Paul made. I don’t think the majority of people understand the heart of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. What do I mean by this? When I walk around to evangelize to people, I ask them are you Christian? Many people would say “Yes, they will list all the works they do justify their status as a Christian. Then I ask them “Are you Born Again”? There head turns to the side in utter confusion, the majority of people have no concept of being Born Again, yet it is the heart of the gospel message

Notice Paul’s words here “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God” This should be an eye opening statement for people. In your current condition, you can’t enter into Heaven, unless you are Born Again. How many people does this disqualify? People will respond, I go to Church every week, I pay a tithe, I pray, all of these things are good, but none of these things will earn your salvation. Most people have this mindset, if I do A, B, C, then I’m qualified for Heaven, NO! You must be Born Again

Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) I know I quote this scripture alot, but this revelation by Christ changes everything! Paul’s teaching here is totally inline with Christ teaching on regeneration and baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Our brother Damon said “There is no such thing as a Christian that is not Born Again” Yes , I totally agree with that statement, however there are people who think that they are Christians who are not Born Again, that’s the problem. People believing religion or good works can save you, it’s been a heresy since the beginning of time. 

So what is the heart of the gospel message? You must be Born Again, what does that mean? You are spiritually dead in your sins, you can’t possibly understand God or be in his presence in your sinful nature. Your old self must be crucified, it must be dead, and your new self needs to be risen with The Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6)

You need to be baptized and sealed by the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 3:11, Ephesians 1:13) Without the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, you are still spiritually dead in your sins (Ephesians 2) How do people come to this understanding? By the Moral Law of God and the Holy Spirit (Romans 3:20)

Let nobody be deceived, you can’t inherit the Kingdom of God unless you are Born Again , this is the heart of the gospel message, Christ is the only way to salvation,(John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Amen!

1 Corinthians 15- Children of God

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Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  1 Corinthians 15:46-49

 In order for you to become saved, your old self must die first, this is the gospel message and this is what Paul is referring to here. The Apostle Paul says here “The spiritual doesn’t come first, but first the natural, and then the spiritual” This again is Paul echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ on becoming Born Again (John 3) You need to be regenerated and baptized by the Holy Spirit first, before you will can receive a glorified body

The Apostle Paul talks about the dying of the old man through his teachings (Romans 6, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3) The first man is Adam, who brought the curse of sin and death upon all humanity. The second man is Jesus Christ, who defeated sin and death, by dying for our sins on the cross and rising on the 3rd day. 

What a powerful reminder and revelation, that Jesus Christ became the natural so we can become the spiritual, think about that! God became a man to die for your sins, so through The Lord’s atonement, you can inherit the Kingdom of God. If this doesn’t shake your soul to the core, you are dry bones and in need of the breath of God upon your life. The Creator became the creation to give you the gift of salvation!

We are all sinners just like Adam, as is the earthly (Adam), such are they also that are earthly. And Born Again Christians, take on the nature of Christ, filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit, and as is the heavenly (Christ), such are they also that are heavenly (Born Again) You can’t inherit and enter the Kingdom of God, unless you are regenerated

We are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have borne the image of Adam, we were once dead in our sins, we were once unregenerated dry bones (Ezekiel 37), but now we bear the image of the Heavenly man, Jesus Christ, we have been Born Again , our sins washed by the blood of the Lamb, we have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, adopted as Children of God, Amen!