Tag Archives: Christianity

2 Corinthians 1- In The World

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For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

 We as Born Again Christians are called to be the Light of the World and Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) With that being said, we are going to be in the world even though we are not of the world. Remember what Jesus prayed “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but you keep them from evil” (John 17:15)

Many Christians try to isolate themselves from the world, or almost hide away, but is that Biblical? How can we be The Light of the world, if the world doesn’t know we exist? This is a fine line we need to walk, because we also don’t want to be too involved with the world either. This is why whenever you get involved in anything, we should pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment and lead to follow

Notice what Paul says here “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom” First notice we as Christians are not being led by worldly wisdom or motives, we are being led by the Holy Spirit, our conscience which convicts us of right and wrong, and when we are good examples for the world in Christ, we can rejoice that we are representing Christ in honor and respect. 

We have conducted ourselves in holiness and sincerity! When you are a true Born Again Christian you will stick out in the world like a sore thumb. Everyone can tell who you belong to by the fruits you are producing (Matthew 7) If the world can’t tell if you’re even a Christian, then there is an issue. How can you be a child of the light, when you live in the darkness?

As Paul goes on to say “We (Church) are rejoicing , even as you also are in the day of the Lord Jesus” Everytime you go out into the world and be a true disciple of Christ, all of Heaven is rejoicing. There is no better feeling, when you go out into the streets and share the gospel with non-believers, you can just feel the joy coming from God. Remember as Jesus said “All of Heaven rejoices over one sinner repenting” (Luke 15:7)

It’s easy for us to be like Elijah and hide in a cave, but Christ has called you to “Go and share the good news with everyone” (Matthew 28:19) Go into the world , in the name of the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit, knowing the Church and the angels are all rejoicing over your life, and serve The Lord in Spirit and Truth, Amen!

2 Corinthians – Christ Our Deliverer

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Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Often people who don’t understand the gospel as “good news”, don’t understand the depravity of their condition and the fate for their sins. When we look at the Ten Commandments, the moral law of God, we see how wretchedly sinful we are, and how far away from God we have strayed. 

When we come to this understanding by the Holy Spirit, we appreciate the love and sacrifice God has made for our souls, even when we didn’t deserve it. Christ has delivered us from our sins, Christ has delivered us from depravity, Christ has delivered us from Hell. Jesus Christ is our great deliverer! Just as God saved the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt, God has saved us from the slavery of sin and death in Christ, Amen

So looking at the Apostle Paul’s words here “Who delivered us from so great a depth” Christ has already rescued us from the pit of Hell, there is nothing to great that Christ can’t deliver you from today! Christ can deliver you from addictions, Christ can deliver you from bad habits, Christ can deliver you from the slavery of sin, in whatever form it may have a hold on you! 

As Paul continues to say “In whom we trust that He (Christ) will yet or continue to deliver us” Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone, he will deliver you! God will never leave or forsake you, Christ will never fail you, God can’t fail. You will say How will I ever overcome this addiction? Because Christ will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit, God living inside of you, you are the living temple of God as a Born Again Christian

What the Church needs to do also is pray for our brothers and sisters in this spiritual warfare as Paul says “You also helping together by praying for us” Prayer matters, the greatest gift you can give someone is to earnestly pray for them. The world mocks prayer as a cop out or weak, but the intercession of our worship to the Triune God, is more powerful than all the militaries in the world combined

Do you need deliverance? Turn to Jesus Christ, our Lord and great Deliverer, as the Father has called you and the Holy Spirit has sanctified you and the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver you, Amen!

2 Corinthians 1- God of Comfort

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Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Jesus said “ In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) As a Christian you will have problems and suffering. There is no doubt about this, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Some will say, “Whats the point of being a Christian then”? Remember as Jesus said “The rain falls on the just and unjust” (Matthew 5:45) We live in a fallen world, there are going to be tribulation for believers and non-believers

However as a Child of God, as a Born Again believer, you can have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) You might ask “Why or how can I obtain this?” Because when your Born Again in Christ, when you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, it’s doesn’t matter what happens to you in this world, going back to Jesus words “Take heart or courage, I (Christ) have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

The Apostle Paul starts with his teaching “The God of All Comfort” God knows your pain and suffering, but God will provide his peace and comfort. As Paul says here also “Who comforts us in all our tribulation” Think about that , no matter what tribulation you will face, Christ will comfort you! 

But not only will God comfort us, but we can be a comfort for others. As Paul says “That we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble” This is why we as the Church need to fellowship together, we are to be a comfort for each other. How do we obtain this comfort? By the Holy Spirit living inside of us, our Lord and Savior , the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ! 

Now remember, just as Christ suffered we will also suffer as his servant. However our consolation, our comfort will abound with Christ! Jesus said “He will never leave or forsake us “ (Hebrews 13:5) Even though we have tribulation, we have the comfort of Christ , Amen!

1 Corinthians 16- Stand Fast

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Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:13-23

As we come to the end of 1 Corinthians, Paul ends with a strong benediction and a great reminder for the Church! While the race of Christianity gets long and tiring, we need to remind and renew ourselves , of our higher calling and Gods promises for us! It’s easy to get distracted and feel defeated some days, but we have the greatest power living inside of us, the Holy Spirit, serving the living God, who is our Lord and Savior!

  1. Watch and Be On Alert– The Church has fallen asleep during the last day, unBiblical doctrines have crept in, straying away many from the truth. We need to remember, Satan is like a roaring lion looking to devour us! This is not a walk in the park or a game, we are in spiritual warfare, Watch and Be On Alert at all times!
  2. Stand Fast and Firm- Preserve– As the modern day Church changes the Bible to accommodate today’s culture, Stand Fast! Don’t stray away from the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, the Bible is the Word of God and your foundation. Many will fall away to false teachings and sugar coated messages. Stand Fast to the truth in Jesus Christ, don’t be conformed to the ways of the world
  3. Act Like Men– If only the Church listened to this command today, while many men have abandoned their positions in the Church and at home, Paul reminds us to be the men God has created and called us to be! If you want to know why the Church and society are in the condition they are in today, look at the Men of God in the Church. Many Churches you can’t find any of them, put down your video games and movies, and start taking the responsibility of the Man of God you were called to be in Christ!
  4. Be Strong– Christians today believe they have to be weak and passive to be “Christ-like” , we need strong Christians who would hold to the truth of the gospel, that are willing to step up and be a spiritual shepherd, that are willing to fight the good fight of faith. We have too many watered down and spiritually weak Christians who are conforming to whatever the world instructs them too

The Apostle Paul ends with a strong statement “If anyone doesn’t love The Lord Jesus Christ, let them be accursed (v22). We always hear people using the phrase “Jesus loves You” to justify their sin, which Christ does love everybody, he demonstrated that on the cross (Romans 5:8) However the real question is Do you Love The Lord Jesus Christ? If so Jesus said “If you love me, Keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Amen!

1 Corinthians 16- The Lords Day

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Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. 1 Corinthians 16:2-12

I can’t tell you how many people reach out to me to argue over Sunday worship, The Lord’s Day. The argument is always “Constantine created Sunday worship from paganism” 

 When somebody makes a statement like that to me, it’s clear to me this person has very limited knowledge of Church history and the Bible. Many people see these statements online and just parroting them, without actually doing any research or study for themselves.

The recorded words of the Apostle Paul are very significant here for Church history and practical application for the Church today. Paul says “Upon the First Day of the week” Paul gives significance to the gathering of Christians on The Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10) which is Sunday. The term “Lord’s Day” was used by the Apostle John in Revelation, it’s apparent this was already established as a term for Sunday, when Christ rose from the dead.

 Now if you go back one verse Paul mentions the “Churches of Galatia” also. This was not just a commandment for the Church of Corinth, this appears to be a standard practice for the early Church to gather on Sunday morning for worship.

In the book of Acts it mentions meeting on Sunday multiple times,” Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. “ (Acts 20:7)

So why did the early Christians worship on Sunday? Well what happened on Sunday morning? Yes Jesus Christ rose from the dead, all 4 gospels tell us it happened on “The First Day of the Week (Sunday) in the morning (Mark 16:9, John 20:1-2, Matthew 28:1, Luke 24:1) There is no paganism or mystery about gathering on Sunday morning if you read your Bible, the resurrection of Christ changed everything.

So what happened at the council of Nicaea? Constantine just established what the Christians were doing since the first century, The Church always revered Sunday as The Lord’s Day, and gathered and worshiped, because Jesus Christ is our Lord and rose from the dead! Amen!

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- 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- 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!

1 Corinthians 15- Born Again

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So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Previously I emphasized the importance of Jesus having a physical resurrection, where as Paul stated “If Christ is not Risen, our faith is worthless” (1 Cor. 15:14) Some people were surprised to learn there are some groups that reject the physical resurrection of Christ, one of the scriptures they use to support their claim is verse 44 , Paul says here “It is sown a natural body, and it is raised a spiritual body” At first glance this appears to support their claim, however lets take a deeper look at the original Greek word

The Greek word translated as spiritual here is pneumatikon, looking at the meaning of this word it means non-carnal, regenerated, and supernatural. Now when I say these words, a light bulb should start going off in your head. Remember what Jesus said “Unless we are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) What does Paul say a little later in this chapter “Flesh and blood can’t inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 15:50)

The words of Christ and Paul are almost exactly the same, you need to become Born Again to be saved. When we are talking about a “spiritual body” here in the English translation, we are talking about a regenerated person, a person who is Born Again, baptized by the Holy Spirit, not living for the flesh. Paul is not saying you will become a ghost during the resurrection or get wings and play a harp, Paul is stating you will get your physical glorified body, a body without sin, a body designed the way it was meant before the curse of sin into this world

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45

The sin of Adam, brought the curse upon all humanity. The last Adam, who is Jesus Christ , made a quickening or life- giving pneuma. Now again at first glance it seems as if Jesus Christ became a spirit, but take a deeper look into the Greek word pneuma. This is the same Greek word typically translated as the Holy Spirit, wind, breathe. How do we become regenerated? By the Holy Spirit, we need a new heart and mind, a baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 3)

Again I believe what Paul is trying to convey here is through Jesus Christ we become Born Again by the Holy Spirit, to become regenerated and eventually received our gloried bodies to rule with Christ forever!

Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead, and you will be physically raised one day also in your glorified, regenerated body at the final resurrection , Amen!