Tag Archives: Corinthians

1 Corinthians 13- Love or Nothing

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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

This Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, is known as the “Love Chapter”. Now looking at the King James Version, you might say , well the word love doesn’t even appear here, let’s take a look at the original Greek. The Greek word is Agape that is typically translated as love and here in KJV as Charity, so which is right? Well they both are right, as Agape is a very deep and action, not just an emotion.

Here is commentary from gotquestions.org about the word Agape:

The Greek word agape is often translated “love” in the New Testament. How is “agape love” different from other types of love? The essence of agape love is goodwill, benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love. Unlike our English word love, agape is not used in the New Testament to refer to romantic or sexual love. Nor does it refer to close friendship or brotherly love, for which the Greek word philia is used. Agape love involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of the will. It is distinguished from the other types of love by its lofty moral nature and strong character. Agape love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13.

 It’s believed the KJV translated the word Agape to Charity, to demonstrate that Agape is not just a mere feeling but its a love with action. The English word Love today has become very watered down and cliche. People will tell each other they love them, sometimes just as a greeting. However Agape is a deep sacrificial love, it’s not just words spoken but also with action.

So going back to our scriptures today, I’m going to paraphrase what Paul says here “ Even if I speak with great words from people or angels, if I have no love , I am just creating loud noise” We see and know a lot of Christians who have good intentions preaching on the street or even sharing scriptures on social media, however they come across hostile or aggressive. Therefore nobody is hearing their message, as brother Fred said “We are not the Holy Spirit” , we can’t beat people over the head with the Bible and expect them to become saved. We need to connect with people, not just preach to them. This requires more work, which many don’t want to do.

Agape is an action love, it’s not just saying we love people, it’s actually demonstrating we love people. Just as Paul said “God demonstrated his own love towards us, while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) We can have all the knowledge of the Bible, but if we don’t demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit Love (Galatians 5), it’s all meaningless.

Paul goes on to say, I can have the gift of prophecy, understand all the mysteries and have all knowledge, I can even move mountains, however without love, I am nothing! Think about this! Before we puff ourselves up and pat ourselves on the back, are you doing the will of God? Did you show and demonstrate the grace and mercy that has been given to you by Jesus Christ? Remember we were all lost at one time, don’t be a stumbling block, be a vessel for the Holy Spirit!

Don’t be a noisy gong, connect with people through Love, then share the gospel message with them! Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- We Are The Church

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Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.  1 Corinthians 12:27-31

I think the opening statement here by Paul , sums up most of his teaching on the Church. Paul said “Now You Are The Body of Christ” You Are The Church! We as Christians waste so much time debating who is the correct denomination or raising money for buildings, the simple understanding is you are the Church, as a Born Again believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, you are now the Temple of God, there is no denomination in the Kingdom of God, everywhere you go, there is the Church! Think about that!

Most of you know I live in Pennsylvania, and Penn State football is huge in our area. I’ve been to a few games at Beaver Stadium where they can seat over 100,000 people, tied for the largest stadiums in the country. And during the games they chant “We Are” and then the crowd roars “Penn State” this is obviously a pretty cool experience hearing that many people chanting the same thing.

Now what if we were as excited to be part of The Church? Do you get excited to assemble with our brothers and sisters, or is it a dread or a box to check off for the week? Imagine all Christians united chanting “We Are The Church” But unfortunately many Christians refuse to worship together, some even communicate with each other, over man-made interpretation of traditions. As Jesus said “They honor me with their lips , but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8)

Again Paul here is emphasizing , we all have different gifts and different roles of the Holy Spirit, this should not be a reason to divide or be envious of your brothers and sisters, we are all on the same team! Right? Jesus is our Lord, we are his hands and feet , fulfilling the Great Commision and building God’s Kingdom, why would you be angry if a brethren demonstrates a gift of the Holy Spirit? Going back to the football analogy, is everyone the Quarterback? Is everyone the Head Coach? Is everyone a lineman? Of course the answer is no , we all play different roles and functions, but everyone is important, this is the same with the Church!

The Apostle Paul finishes with a strong message “But covet earnestly or desire greatly , the best gifts, yet show I unto you a more excellent way” Just imagined if everyone actually followed the will of God, used their gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit, and worked in unison with each other? The gates of Hell would not prevail against this Church as Christ said, this is the excellent way, be obedient to God and love your brothers and sisters because We Are the Church, Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- The Body of Christ Part 3

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And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

We know that the Church, the Body of Christ, has alot of issues today, just as it had alot of issues at the Church of Corinth, just as Israel had alot of issues forever, why? Because we are all fallen people, anytime you have people involved in something, its going to get messed up. I only say this, because alot of people have this misperception that the Church should be perfect, that every Church is going to have the perfect Pastor, and the perfect Youth group, and the perfect leaders, but the reality is no Church is perfect. Why? Because we are the Church, and while we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and being sanctified daily, we are still going to make mistakes and fall short from time to time

The Apostle Paul says here “the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you” Part of our issue of being human, is we have an issue with pride and ego, we puff ourselves up and compare ourselves to other Christians, rather than just working together. But as Paul is saying One Christian can’t say to another Christian, there is no need for you in the Church, remember we are all called by Jesus Christ, we are his sheep, Christ has chosen us before the foundation of the world. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like your brother or sister, Christ has chosen them , and Christ is our Lord

The scripture says “There is no schism or division in the body (Church), but that the members (Christians) should have the same care for one another. Remember what Jesus said “The first will be last, and the last will be first” (Matthew 20:16) Sometimes it seems like Church has become a competition among Christians to see who is the greatest, doesn’t that sound familiar with the Apostles? (Matthew 18)

But we should all honor each other equally, and the weakest of faith in Body should be cared for the most. I know reading some of these words probably makes some of you cringe, I understand, I’ve dealt with my share of difficult members , however we love them because Christ loves us first! 

This is part of being a family, we didn’t pick who our brother, sister , or cousin was, right? We don’t pick who God has called to be our family either, we learn to love and embrace our differences and talents. Being part of a Church, is part of sanctification, you will really see who has the fruit of the Holy Spirit, when your involved with a group of different people

I love what Paul says here “if one member suffers, we all suffer, if one member be honored, we all rejoice” We the Church are in this together as a team, as a family, as the Body of Christ Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- The Body of Christ Part 2

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If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:15-20

We continue to look at Pauls teaching on how the Church is the Body of Christ. As Paul taught earlier, we are all One Body (Church) by the Holy Spirit and we all have been given gifts as the Holy Spirit wishes. There are many different gifts and many different callings to Christians, but together we are One Body of Christ. When we put all these gifts and talents together, we are an unstoppable force for the Kingdom of God. Sadly many Christians neglect each other, and we don’t get to see all the potential that can happen with a united Body of Christ

Paul uses the illustration of a physical human body for us to understand our roles as Christians within the Church. If the foot shall say because I am not the hand, I am not of the body (Church), don’t we see alot of this today in the Church. Well your a Catholic, your not part of the Body of Christ, well your a Baptist, your not part of the body of Christ. We like to pretend we are the Holy Spirit and we can determine who is saved and who is not, focus on our mission as disciples of Christ and let the Holy Spirit do his work!

Now I know comparing roles and denominations is not an accurate portrayal, I was just trying to demonstrate the point, we divide and discriminate within the body of Christ, just because we don’t know or understand a brother or sister. The Church is a diverse family with many different talents and experiences. However we are all united through Jesus Christ, our Lord and God

As Paul is teaching here, one Christian may have a different gift or calling, where another has another totally different gift or talent, that doesn’t mean one is greater than the other, or one doesn’t belong to the Body. The foot is a valuable part in itself as is the hand is a valuable part, if they were removed from the Body, it would make a noticeable difference. The Body is more strengthened with a strong hand and a strong foot, with all the parts working together , the parts can compliment and empower each other

Not everyone is going to be called to be a Pastor, not everyone is going to be called to be a Sunday School teacher, however every role and part of the Body of Christ is important, nobody is greater than the Head of the Church, which is Jesus Christ! Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- The Body of Christ Part 1

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For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

It’s no secret there is alot of division within Christianity, if you don’t believe me, spend some time on your favorite social media app and ask a general question about Christianity. I see Christians spend more time arguing with each other than evangelizing to the unsaved. And some may believe they are doing the right thing or have zeal for God, but it’s complete disobedience to Christ and quenching of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul says here “For as the body (the Church) is one, and has many Members (Christians) There is only One Church, the Body of Christ. There are not multiple denominations , this is a completely man-made idea. The fact that Christians can’t even tolerate each other enough to worship together, has to grieve the Holy Spirit. You confess to be part of the body of Christ, yet you reject parts of the Body of Christ, this is not Biblical. To me demonstrates the heart condition of many professing Christians

As a Born Again believer we belong to the Body of Jesus Christ, it’s not an organization membership. This is not a political movement, your soul was bought by the blood of The Lamb. You are not your own anymore, you were bought with a price. Yet we want to inject our power and authority into the Body of Christ. If you want to know why your “Church” is spiritually dead, it’s because of disobedience. The Holy Spirit has left most Church buildings already, because the reality is most of the people didn’t want the Holy Spirit there

Paul goes on to say “For by One Spirit (Holy Spirit) We are all baptized into One Body (Church)” I see black Churches, I see white Churches, I see Hispanic Churches, I even see Chinese Churches today, none of this is Biblical. Paul goes on to say it doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentiles (nationality) we are all One through Jesus Christ!

But we as Christians , segregate ourselves into different groups and call ourselves different names, so it can be more pleasurable to worship? This is blasphemy, the Church model we are using was not God’s design, and you wonder why it’s failing? And now today the modern Church has gotten so far away from the Word of God, most of the Churches are not even recognizable anymore, a den of thieves!

What denomination are you? You are either Born Again or dead in Sin, Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- Gifts of The Holy Spirit Part 2

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for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

We talked about earlier in my previous post, that every Born Again believer has the Holy Spirit living inside of them and the Holy Spirit has given each of us a gift. These gifts and purposes can vary depending on what your calling is from God. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are to Glorify God and to expand Christs Kingdom, not for us to puff ourselves up

The Apostle Paul here lists some of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to believers, Wisdom, Knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation. Notice what Paul says here “Dividing to every man severally as He will” If someone has the gift of prophecy, don’t get annoyed or jealous with their ministry, God has chosen to appoint them this gift, we are not the Holy Spirit, we can’t give people the gifts of the Holy Spirit, only God can appoint these gifts

With that said, don’t be jealous of a brother or sister who has a gift that you desire. Scripture tells us that speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit,  I can tell you I have never spoke in tongues in my life. Should I be concerned or jealous of those who do speak in tongues? No I’m not concerned at all, it’s God’s plan on what gifts he wants to administer to whom. Now I know there are Christians who are going to argue this gift has ceased, I don’t find any scriptural support for that, therefore I will believe what the Bible is saying here. While there will be others who will fake speaking in tongues to demonstrate they have some kind of spiritual authority. I would warn you, this is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spirit is the only one who distributes these gifts, I would advise you to not mock God

We need to stay Kingdom focused, stop worrying about who has what gift or who doesn’t have a specific gift, we are the body of Christ, together with these gifts we have the power and authority to overcome evil. This is why Satan wants to keep the Church divided, separating these gifts weakens the Church, but united together with the gifts of Holy Spirit, the Church becomes unstoppable, the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11)

If you are a Born Again Christian, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit, unite with your brothers and sisters in Christ and build Gods Kingdom, Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- Gifts of The Holy Spirit Part 1

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Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

The gifts of the Holy Spirit is unfortunately another debated topic in Christianity. I think part of the reason is there are many Christians who have abused the Holy Spirit, while there are others that have neglected the Holy Spirit. You will find out when you talk to various Christians, there is a broad spectrum of everyone’s understanding of the Holy Spirit

As we looked over in my previous post about Jesus Is Lord, the Apostle Paul states “Nobody can say Jesus Is Lord without the Holy Spirit” , so if you are Born Again in Christ, it’s because of the Holy Spirit. For a Christian to say the works of the Holy Spirit have ceased, they would have to deny their own salvation. You can’t be saved without the Holy Spirit, you can’t be regenerated without the Holy Spirit, you can’t even know Jesus Christ without the Holy Spirit

With all this said, if you are Born Again in Christ, you have a gift of the Holy Spirit. You may not know what that gift is or maybe you quench the Holy Spirit and don’t use it, but I can guarantee you have been given a gift. The Apostle Paul says “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (everyone)” There are many different gifts of the Holy Spirit, not just speaking in tongues or prophecy, having the Fear of The Lord is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11) 

We take alot of things for granted in our salvation, we have this attitude or mentality that we just naturally know Christ or have knowledge of God. You don’t have anything without the Holy Spirit. You are like the Dry Bones in the valley of the book of Ezekiel, you have zero knowledge or hope, it’s only the breath of God that can bring you back to life. 

I want you to just notice the Triune language Paul uses in this teaching, “the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God” People who deny the Trinity and say Jesus and the Apostles never taught this, have clearly missed the references throughout the New Testament. Without the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in unison in your life, your not going to be saved, it’s the same with the gifts, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all working in unison to provide you these gifts.

Paul emphasizes “there are diversities of gifts, administration, and operations of the Spirit” The Body of Christ is One but we are all different, we all have different testimonies, different backgrounds, different experiences, and we all are going to have different gifts and different ministries. Let’s stop trying to compare ourselves to each other and work together for the Kingdom of God, Amen!

1 Corinthians 12- Jesus Is Lord

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Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

Recently with the Asbury Revivals going on, there was alot of discussion as to whether these were true revivals or not? Many Christians called these other Christians “fake” because they didn’t approve or like the way they were worshiping or conducting a service. Not to get off topic, but there is no Biblical commands how to conduct a revival, this can only be led by the Holy Spirit, which we seem to want to put inside a box

Anyway, the root of all these arguments and discussions comes down to one thing, are these people really saved or not? Now I’m certainly not going to try and play God and pretend I know who really is Born Again or not, in fact I believe there are true saved Christians in every denomination or sect, a true remnant of God, however that is not up to me to determine who is saved or not.

However Jesus did give us some criteria we can use to determine the authenticity of someone’s faith in Matthew 7. Jesus said “You should know them by their fruits “ (Matthew 7:16) What fruit is Christ talking about? Of coure the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5) The Apostle Paul said this “ 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23[g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law “

If we claim to be a Christian (a follower of Christ) then we should behave like a Christian. If someone claims to be Born Again and they are engaging in sinful and evil practices, then its logical we have to question the authenticity of their conversion. Now does that mean we should go around judging who is a true Christian or not, no that’s not our job, but we can have spiritual discernment of the Holy Spirit to know who to fellowship with or even follow

Now going back to our scriptures today , Paul makes a statement “Nobody can say Jesus Is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit” Interesting, another sign of discernment for us. If someone is declaring Jesus Is Lord, that is by the Holy Spirit. That is a sign of spiritual fruit, this person might still be working on their sanctification and might not be where you are at, but to truly declare Jesus Is Lord sets us apart from the world

So going back to the Asbury Revivals, among other things, Christians will complain about this specific denomination or this group because they don’t do A, B, and C, all I want to know is do they truly declare Jesus Is Lord? Do they affirm the death and resurrection of Christ? Let Jesus gather his sheep, and let the Holy Spirit do his work, Jesus Christ is Lord, Amen!

1 Corinthians 11- The Lords Table Part 4

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For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 1 Corinthians 11:31-34

The context of this scripture again is in reference to taking Communion properly, with the right heart and attitude. For those Christians who don’t practice or partake in Communion, why did the Apostle Paul spend so much time teaching on it? This was a command and sacrament ordain by The Lord Jesus Christ himself (Luke 22)

For the liberal Christian who says “Don’t judge me” while repeating Matthew 7 out of context, I have bad news for you, everytime you come to The Lord’s table you are being judged by Christ. We should be examining ourselves, examining our heart and relationship with God, before we even attempt to come to The Lord’s table. But remember God disciples those who he loves (Hebrews 12:6) There is nothing wrong with rebuke or correction, as long as its done properly and we actually listen. As the Apostle Paul says “We are chastened or disciplined of The Lord”

Again the big issue here with the Church of Corinth is they were abusing The Lord’s Supper and partaking in an unworthy manner, the people are Corinth were using this as an opportunity for a free meal and to get drunk, as stated previously in the early Church Communion was known as a Agape Feast, a full meal shared among the Church, it wasn’t the Communion they we know in today’s Church with a wafer and cup of grape juice. Much like the “Pot luck” dinners we have in today’s Church , many people were just coming to The Lord’s table to eat and get drunk , rather than pay any reverence or commemorate The Lord Jesus Christ

When we come to The Lords table, when we partake in Communion, we need to examine ourselves, we need to make sure we understand why we are partaking in the elements. Understand that the body and blood of Christ is our salvation, and honor what The Lord accomplished for us through His death and resurrection. If we don’t truly understand the gospel then we shouldn’t partake in Communion because your bringing judgment upon yourself.

Christ died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again, Amen!

1 Corinthians 11- The Lords Table Part 3

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Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

As we continue to look at Paul’s teachings on Communion, look at what he says here “Whoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of The Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of The Lord” Wow, think about that! If you partake in Communion with a wrong heart for God, you are guilty of the death of Christ. This should be a strong warning to everyone, to take The Lord’s Table seriously!

I know many Churches have open callings for anyone to partake in Communion, and I think we shouldn’t be a stumbling block or prohibit anyone from coming to Christ, however we also must be aware that allowing non-believers to partake in Communion is bringing judgment upon their soul. 

So how do we know if we are worthy of partaking in The Lord’s Table? As the Apostle Paul says here “Let everyone examine himself” Are you Born Again in Christ? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Do you believe he died for your sins and was raised from the dead? These are foundational questions you must examine in your heart, are you truly a believer or just a pretender? If your not sure, don’t partake in Communion until you repent and get right with God

The Apostle Paul says “For he that eat and drinks unworthily, eat and drinks damnation to himself” Again a strong warning from the Apostle, it’s not just a sin to come to The Lord’s table in an unworthy manner, it brings damnation to your soul. We are not playing Church, we are actively participating in the sacrament ordained by The Lord himself. We must take this privilege seriously and honorably.

Paul makes an interesting statement here “For this cause , many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (die)” Another Wow statement, Paul is saying there are many bringing curses upon themselves by partaking in Communion in an unworthy manner. Now I know there will be some who would like to make a theological argument against this statement to downplay it, but heed the warning from the Apostle! 

Next time your invited to The Lord’s table, examine yourself, do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, is Christ your Lord and Savior, The Lord is worthy of all praise, Amen!