Tag Archives: God

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!

1 Corinthians 11-The Lords Table Part 2

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For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.1 Corinthians 11:23-26

As I said previously , the Apostle Paul actually spent alot of time teaching on The Lord’s Supper or Communion, or if you want to call it the Eucharist. This has been a foundational sacrament since the early Church. As we talked in my previous post, Paul rebuked those who didn’t practice Communion in a Worthy Manner. When we partake in Communion, we should examine ourselves and make sure our heart is right with God

Now the question is “Should we practice Communion at all?” There are alot of Christians who neglect The Lord’s Table, the Apostle Paul repeats the commandments of Christ multiple times “Do this in remembrance of Me” When Jesus tells us to do something, we should do it, right? As Christ said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) 

The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching on Communion (Luke 22) The bread is symbolic of the body of Christt, broken for our sins. The Cup is symbolic of the blood Jesus Christ shed for the atonement of our sins, and is the sign of the New Covenant. Many believe and assume baptism is the sign of the New Covenant, however I dont find scriptural support for this. I believe the blood of Christ is the sign of the New Covenant, without the blood of The Lamb there is no remission for our sins

Paul makes another statement here, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup” Now this statement would imply that Christians would be practicing this often, right? So why are there so many Christians that neglect The Lords Table? Not only did Jesus say “Do this in remembrance of me” And Paul said “As often as you partake in the bread and cup” This is a perpetual remembrance of what The Lord has done for us, until Christ returns

When we come to The Lord’s Table to partake, we should do so in a worthy manner with a clean heart to God, we will look  tomorrow at Paul’s extended teachings on this behavior! 

1 Corinthians 11- The Lords Table Part 1

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Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 1 Corinthians 11:17-20

One thing that is very clear about the Apostle Paul, is that he doesn’t mince words, he was a straight shooter. Notice how he rebukes the Church of Corinth here, he says “I praise you not, that you come together not for the better , but for the worse” Most Pastors would be encouraging their people to come to Church, however these Christians at Corinth, it was better they didn’t even come! I’m sure some of us probably could relate to a Church like this we know.

What was the problem here? Isn’t  “Going to Church” a good thing? Well not if you are doing it in an unworthy manner. If you are not going to Church , with the love of God in your heart, you’re not going for the right reasons. We don’t just gather with Christians to check off a box, we go to worship and fellowship with the body of Christ.  Paul was saying when alot of these “Christians” in Corinth got together, there was actually more problems than good

So what were some of the problems, well Paul lists divisions and heresies, doesn’t that sound familiar in todays Church? Satan loves to divide the Church, Satan loves to plant new ideas in the minds of prideful people and run with it. Today we have over 40,000 different denominations of Christianity, how did we get to this point? 

One command Paul did give to these divided Christians, “therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper” Now there are a few things we can take away from this, First having Communion or the Lord’s Supper, was a common practice in the early Church. I only say this because there are many Christians today, who have seemed to abandon the sacrament all together. I think it’s a shame, if you have never broken bread with the body of Christ, it’s a powerful practice

Secondly, The Lord’s Supper is to be taken seriously and in reverence. On one hand we don’t want to forbid the children from coming to The Lord (Matthew 19:14) but on the other hand we should make sure those partaking are Christians and understand the symbolism behind the elements

The Church of Corinth was abusing The Lord’s Supper as a time to eat and get drunk. We should inject some historical context here also. Communion was not the same as we know it today in the Church, The Lord’s Supper was an actual meal together , more similar to a “pot luck dinner” most Churches have today, it was known as a Agape Feast. So many people in Corinth would just come to the Lords Supper to get a free meal, and have no reverence for The Lord Jesus Christ at all

We will continue more on this topic in my next post, but remember when coming to The Lords Table, examine yourself and make sure your heart is right with God , Amen!

1 Corinthians 11- Followers of Christ

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Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 1 Corinthians 11:1-8

 The Bible tells us that Satan is the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) So knowing this, it’s not surprising everything the world pushes for is against the nature of God. When we read these scriptures today by Paul, it’s probably highly offensive to most people, because everyone has been so conditioned by the world what to think or believe. It’s ingrained in our minds, however the belief system of this world is Satanic in origin.

If you don’t believe me just read what the Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul here, “the head of the woman is man” I can see the riots going on in the streets right now, how offensive, how dare Paul make such a statement! However this is the wisdom of God and not of this world. So Paul starts by saying “Be followers or imitators of me, as I am of Christ” Paul is teaching these principles, not because he has a masculine agenda, but because it was revealed to him by Christ, who is our Lord

We worship a God of law and order, that’s just a fact. God is not the author of confusion or chaos. So there has to be an order to humanity, Paul reveals it here, Christ is above man, and man is above the woman. Why? Because if you remember , the woman was created from man. This is a creation, authoritative order designed by God. I know there are many people who don’t like it, or rebel against it, but that’s Gods design, again if you are going to be a follower of Christ, you should imitate Christ

Now you might ask, what is up with the head coverings? Again going back to the authoritative order, Christ, Man, and Woman. It’s a sign of respect and reverence, the long hair of a woman symbolizes the head covering. Again, I know there are a million arguments against this teaching, but again this is the inspired Word of God, if you have an issue with it, take it up to God, allow the Holy Spirit to further reveal the purpose to your heart

The bottom line is if Jesus is our Lord, he is our Master, imitate Christ, be a true Born Again follower of Jesus, Amen!

1 Corinthians 10- Glory to God

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All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 1 Corinthians 10:23-30

As Born Again Christians in Christ, we have freedom in Christ. Jesus set us Free, not only from the wrath of sin, but from every chain that Satan wants to bind us down with (John 8) As the Apostle Paul says “All things are lawful to me, but all things are not expedient, beneficial, or edifying”  As Paul will later say “Whatever we do, we should do for the glory of God” (v31)

But you do something, ask yourself, does this glorify God? Are you being the hands and feet of Christ, are you the Salt and Light that we are called to be? (Matthew 5) I like what Paul says here also “For the Earth is The Lords” Amen! Christians get so wrapped up in whether something is pagan or should we eat kosher stuff, the bottom line is everything belongs to The Lord. Jesus Christ is King of all KIngs, every knee will bow before him, there is nothing that above The Lord or not under Christs authority

So why is my liberty judged of another mans conscience, as Paul said. If you are convicted to not eat pork or if you don’t want to celebrate Christmas, don’t condemn other believers because of your conscience. We are now under the Law of Christ and not the Mosaic Law in the New Covenant

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.  1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Whatever we do , do it for the glory of God, what we think , what we drink, what we speak about, everything should be to glorify our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!

1 Corinthians 10 – The Lords Table

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Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:14-17

One topic that the Apostle Paul clearly taught to me is about Communion, in this Chapter and the next Chapter, Paul really goes on into extensive teachings about the symbolism and importance of Communion. It grieves me when Christians reject the partaking of communion or just feel like it’s not important or relevant to their walk with Christ

Just for the record , I don’t believe in transubstantiation, that is the belief the bread and cup become the physically blood and body of Christ, I believe it’s only a symbolic gesture, however I think the remembrance and honor we bring to The Lord when we partake in Communion is important. 

I love what Paul says here “Being Many Are One Bread, and One Body, for we are all partakers of that One bread” When we think about taking Communion at Church, we are all partaking from that One loaf of bread, symbolic of the body of Christ. We are all united with Christ, One Body, which is the Church. The only thing that unites us is Christ, it’s such a spiritual fellowship that can’t be replicated

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:18-22

The Apostle Paul says “ You cant drink the cup of The Lord and the cup of devils, you cant be partakers of the Lord’s table and table of devils” Wow you could write an entire sermon about this, again more context on Communion. When we come up to the altar to partake Communion, we are to examine ourselves, repent of our sins, the worst thing someone could do is partake in Communion for the wrong reasons

How many partake in Communion , maybe every Sunday  and live like the devil? You can’t partake from the Lord’s Table and Satan’s Table, you are either Born Again or dead in sin. As Paul says “Do we provoke The Lord to jealousy”? Do you love The Lord or not? Don’t come to The Lords table unless you are coming with a clean heart for Christ, Amen!

1 Corinthians 10- Born This Way?

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Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Temptation will always be a part of life, as long as we are still living in our fallen bodies. We shouldn’t be naive to think we will never be tempted, however we should have the trust knowing God said “We will not suffer you to be tempted above or beyond what you are able” When we fall for sin, we can’t blame God, we must take the accountability for ourselves and repent

We live in a society and culture today that takes no responsibility for their sin. They will just say “God made me this way” So they will continue to live in their sin freely, while their conscience has been seared (1 Timothy 4:2) to the point, where sin no longer bothers them. We can’t make the excuse I was Born this way, because God said “He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (v13)

This is why Jesus said “Nobody can see the Kingdom of God unless they are Born Again” (John 3:3) You have to become regenerated by the Holy Spirit, you can’t enter into the presence of God in your sinful state, you have to become a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Satan is called  “The Tempter”  (Matthew 4:3) Multiple times Satan tried to tempt Jesus Christ with different strategies,(Matthew 4) if the Devil will try to tempt the Son of God, you better believe Satan will try to tempt you! Notice how Christ defeated Satan, by rebuking him with the Word of God, the Bible is your sword to fight off the devil’s schemes

Notice what Paul says here also “But with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it” There is no temptation that is greater than the power of the Holy Spirit that is living inside of you. Don’t allow the excuse “You are Born This Way” to destroy the Temple of God, be cleansed by the blood of Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Amen!