Wednesday, October 31, 2007
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
See, in the time when Paul was writing this, there was no "Bible Colleges" or really any way to truly know whether someone was teaching the things of Jesus. Sure they could talk with the apostles, but there was no Bible to test peoples words or no internet to look up the truth (since everything on the internet is true!). Paul is about to send Titus to the church to help spread the word and build the church. Paul is assuring the church that Titus has the credentials and he really is teaching the word of God.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Paul starts bragging on some other churches to show the possibility of what can happen when people are generous. Not generous because they wanted to show off, and not even gerouse because they had a lot of extra money lying around. Paul says that these people were in extreme poverty and even through their rough trials they gave money. They were still thanking God for his grace. They understood that the little they had still came from God.
I wonder if we have this mindset. Sure we give on Sunday's, but do we really give as much as we can. We are collecting money on Wednesday nights to give to our adopted child in Tanzania. Right now we don't have enough to give him a Christmas present. Even if you have little, please think about giving this Wednesday so he can have a present to open on Christmas.
I wonder if we have this mindset. Sure we give on Sunday's, but do we really give as much as we can. We are collecting money on Wednesday nights to give to our adopted child in Tanzania. Right now we don't have enough to give him a Christmas present. Even if you have little, please think about giving this Wednesday so he can have a present to open on Christmas.
Monday, October 29, 2007
2 Corinthians 6:3-7:16
Well Here goes for Saturday and Monday.
Paul talks about a lot of things in these passages and I want to hit on a few of them. One is how open Paul is with his love for the church. Paul understands that the church is God's design of fellowship and worship for his Children. Sometimes we criticize the church for being strict, or boring, or any number of things. But Paul really lets us see his love for the church, specifically for those that were in Corinth.
Another thing that Paul brings up is being "Unequally yoked." What he means by this, is don't date, or get in a serious relationship with someone who isn't a Christian, or someone who doesn't believe in God. As Paul puts it, what business does light have with darkness. Too many times have I heard teenagers say that their new girlfriend or boyfriend isn't Christian, but they are dating them so that they can "convert" them. As you can imagine, this hardly ever happens, and normally it goes the other way. Normally the Christian compromises their values and beliefs.
Chapter 7 continues Paul's excitement for the Church, and he talks about the last letter that he wrote to them. The last letter that he wrote would be...1 Corinthians. Good Job! Although it was a harsh letter he says that he doesn't regret writing it because it was for their betterment.
Shalom!
Paul talks about a lot of things in these passages and I want to hit on a few of them. One is how open Paul is with his love for the church. Paul understands that the church is God's design of fellowship and worship for his Children. Sometimes we criticize the church for being strict, or boring, or any number of things. But Paul really lets us see his love for the church, specifically for those that were in Corinth.
Another thing that Paul brings up is being "Unequally yoked." What he means by this, is don't date, or get in a serious relationship with someone who isn't a Christian, or someone who doesn't believe in God. As Paul puts it, what business does light have with darkness. Too many times have I heard teenagers say that their new girlfriend or boyfriend isn't Christian, but they are dating them so that they can "convert" them. As you can imagine, this hardly ever happens, and normally it goes the other way. Normally the Christian compromises their values and beliefs.
Chapter 7 continues Paul's excitement for the Church, and he talks about the last letter that he wrote to them. The last letter that he wrote would be...1 Corinthians. Good Job! Although it was a harsh letter he says that he doesn't regret writing it because it was for their betterment.
Shalom!
Friday, October 26, 2007
2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2
I think sometimes we don't understand the importance of baptism and the entire change that one goes through when becoming a Christian. In fact some people who have been "Christians" their entire lives try not to be "Christians." People who didn't grow up in the church, or they didn't have Christian parents tend to understand this change more.
Obviously I am generalizing and this isn't true for everyone, but try and follow along. When one grows up outside the church, and then they come to know the Lord, they understand they need to change and they need to turn away from their old lifestyles and the way that they were living. But when one grows up in the church and has always been following Christ, they try to follow after the pattern of the world, but still be a Christian. It's like a target.
As someone who has just become Christian they try to get as close as they can to the center, or just like Christ. As a seasoned Christian they tend to get as far away from the center, but yet still stay in the target.
Paul clearly says that we are all new creations. We are different from those around us. We have different priorities (we're not caught up in getting money and fame). We have different passions (helping the sick and poor).
Stick to the center of the target!
See you at the Pumpkin Patch Party tomorrow. Remember if you can beat my pumpkin Carving you get a free T-Shirt!
Obviously I am generalizing and this isn't true for everyone, but try and follow along. When one grows up outside the church, and then they come to know the Lord, they understand they need to change and they need to turn away from their old lifestyles and the way that they were living. But when one grows up in the church and has always been following Christ, they try to follow after the pattern of the world, but still be a Christian. It's like a target.
As someone who has just become Christian they try to get as close as they can to the center, or just like Christ. As a seasoned Christian they tend to get as far away from the center, but yet still stay in the target.
Paul clearly says that we are all new creations. We are different from those around us. We have different priorities (we're not caught up in getting money and fame). We have different passions (helping the sick and poor).
Stick to the center of the target!
See you at the Pumpkin Patch Party tomorrow. Remember if you can beat my pumpkin Carving you get a free T-Shirt!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
No School!!
Hey if you don't have school tomorrow then give me a call. Maybe we can hang out, or maybe I'll take you out to lunch. (727)492-5017
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
2 Corinthians 4
This Chapter gives us some great inspiration, but yet it keeps us humble. I think you will just have to wait for tonight to hear more...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
2 Corinthians 3 really has some great stuff. Being a Jew by birth and growing up having the best Jewish education, Paul constantly goes back to the Old Testament to show the power of the New Testament. This is what happens in verses 7-18.
Paul points out that the Old Testament law just brought death (vs 7), It brought death because by giving a bunch of do's and dont's, the law pointed out sin. Before the law people had a concept of right and wrong but no real boundaries. Now that they had boundaries, it was a sin to go past those. It's kind of like ignorance. I can't be held liable for something that I don't know. But once I know that thing, then I am under obligation to do something about it. Does that make sense?
So Paul says if this Old Testament law that you follow and obey is so great, how much greater is the new testament, the one that comes with grace and the Holy Spirit? The New Testament unveils the face and character of God.
Good stuff...
Paul points out that the Old Testament law just brought death (vs 7), It brought death because by giving a bunch of do's and dont's, the law pointed out sin. Before the law people had a concept of right and wrong but no real boundaries. Now that they had boundaries, it was a sin to go past those. It's kind of like ignorance. I can't be held liable for something that I don't know. But once I know that thing, then I am under obligation to do something about it. Does that make sense?
So Paul says if this Old Testament law that you follow and obey is so great, how much greater is the new testament, the one that comes with grace and the Holy Spirit? The New Testament unveils the face and character of God.
Good stuff...
Monday, October 22, 2007
2 Corinthians 1:12-3:6
I am making up for Saturday and posting both Saturday and Monday today.
In Chapter 1 and the beginning of 2, Paul talks about why he didn't visit the Corinthians again. He wanted to, and he says he wasn't like some people int he world who change their minds about everything. He took the decision seriously and decided not to visit. I think this is an example of how we should follow up on our word. I know I can be accused of not following through on things and I think that hurts my character and reputation. Paul says we shouldn't say yes and no in the same breath.
People in Corinth continued to question Paul's authority and whether or not they should really listen to him. After all he wasn't one of the 12 disciples nor was he a follower of Jesus when he was on earth. Paul continued to fight this battle of people doubting, and at the end of chapter 2 he kind of tells them that he doesn't need official documentation or letters. Just look at the lives of the people that he has impacted. Look at the churches that he has started. They are his letters. His verification that he is doing the Lord's work.
In Chapter 1 and the beginning of 2, Paul talks about why he didn't visit the Corinthians again. He wanted to, and he says he wasn't like some people int he world who change their minds about everything. He took the decision seriously and decided not to visit. I think this is an example of how we should follow up on our word. I know I can be accused of not following through on things and I think that hurts my character and reputation. Paul says we shouldn't say yes and no in the same breath.
People in Corinth continued to question Paul's authority and whether or not they should really listen to him. After all he wasn't one of the 12 disciples nor was he a follower of Jesus when he was on earth. Paul continued to fight this battle of people doubting, and at the end of chapter 2 he kind of tells them that he doesn't need official documentation or letters. Just look at the lives of the people that he has impacted. Look at the churches that he has started. They are his letters. His verification that he is doing the Lord's work.
Friday, October 19, 2007
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Well it's like a new start. A new book, a new....well just a new book I guess.
Paul starts off this book with an uplifting look on a negative thing. HE talks about suffering for the cross. When we stand up for Jesus, and especially back in Paul's day, he would most likely suffer for it. Persecution was huge at this time and still is in some part of the world. There are some places where there is a very low life expectancy for Christians. Meaning if you are a Christian you can expect to live for about 7 months before being killed or jailed for your beliefs. Now I heard it was 7 months but I don't know if that is true or not. But this is the type of suffering Paul is talking about. But he says keep your head up. Don't let it get you down. You should be assured of your faith and salvation since this suffering is coming your way. Satan is doing his best to try to turn you away, but he is loosing.
Keep your head up when suffering for the gospel!
Paul starts off this book with an uplifting look on a negative thing. HE talks about suffering for the cross. When we stand up for Jesus, and especially back in Paul's day, he would most likely suffer for it. Persecution was huge at this time and still is in some part of the world. There are some places where there is a very low life expectancy for Christians. Meaning if you are a Christian you can expect to live for about 7 months before being killed or jailed for your beliefs. Now I heard it was 7 months but I don't know if that is true or not. But this is the type of suffering Paul is talking about. But he says keep your head up. Don't let it get you down. You should be assured of your faith and salvation since this suffering is coming your way. Satan is doing his best to try to turn you away, but he is loosing.
Keep your head up when suffering for the gospel!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
1 Corinthians 16
Well this is the last chapter in 1 Corinthians, and Paul is really just tying up a few loose ends. He greets some people specifically, and gives them a few last iinstructions.
One thing that I like about Paul is in the end where he asks the Lord to come soon. Right in verse 22. It is this saying that they had in Aramaic. They said "Marana tha." Meaning: Come, oh Lord!. So next time you see me, just say "Marana tha." The sooner Christ comes, the sooner we get to be with him and away fromt he pains of this world.
Marana tha!
One thing that I like about Paul is in the end where he asks the Lord to come soon. Right in verse 22. It is this saying that they had in Aramaic. They said "Marana tha." Meaning: Come, oh Lord!. So next time you see me, just say "Marana tha." The sooner Christ comes, the sooner we get to be with him and away fromt he pains of this world.
Marana tha!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
1 Corinthians 15:35-58
I love Paul's word pictures that he uses. He talks about the body being like a seed, and our new bodies, once we are raised, is what comes out of that seed. Paul is trying to hit home the point of a physical resurrection. There were some people who didn't believe that we will be resurected, or that it will be a physical thing. Jesus was the first fruits of this.
By that I mean Jesus was the first one like this, and all will follow. Jesus' body after the resurrection was different that normally, but still had some of the same characteristics. For instance Jesus ate with his disciples. We know that he could physically touch and chew the food. He wasn't invisible or just a vision, because then he could eat with them. But he was different in that he could disguise himself and walk through walls. That's right, walk through walls. In John 20 it says that the doors were shut but he appeared by them. That's some crazy stuff.
Hey if your going to be a church tonight we are going to ask the question: What is so important about Christ's resurrection? So be prepared with an answer.
By that I mean Jesus was the first one like this, and all will follow. Jesus' body after the resurrection was different that normally, but still had some of the same characteristics. For instance Jesus ate with his disciples. We know that he could physically touch and chew the food. He wasn't invisible or just a vision, because then he could eat with them. But he was different in that he could disguise himself and walk through walls. That's right, walk through walls. In John 20 it says that the doors were shut but he appeared by them. That's some crazy stuff.
Hey if your going to be a church tonight we are going to ask the question: What is so important about Christ's resurrection? So be prepared with an answer.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
1 Corinthians 15:1-34
Chapter 15 says something interesting about the topic of Mormonism. Yeah Mormonism. If you weren't at small group on Sunday then this would seem really out of place, but if you were there then you understand what we are talking about.
Mormons believe that Jesus went to America the visit a lost tribe of Israel. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 would disprove this. Paul says he was the last one that Jesus visited. Interesting... This visit was rather strange and left Paul blinded and unable to really say much. You can read more about it in Acts 9 or 22. Just a thought I had while reading this.
I briefly talked about this new heavenly body on Wednesday night but Paul does a much better job than I do at it, so make sure you read it.
Mormons believe that Jesus went to America the visit a lost tribe of Israel. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 would disprove this. Paul says he was the last one that Jesus visited. Interesting... This visit was rather strange and left Paul blinded and unable to really say much. You can read more about it in Acts 9 or 22. Just a thought I had while reading this.
I briefly talked about this new heavenly body on Wednesday night but Paul does a much better job than I do at it, so make sure you read it.
Monday, October 15, 2007
1 Corinthians 14
So lets talk a little about speaking in tongues.
There is two ways to interpret this word "Tongues". It can either be another language, or glossolalia. That's right glossolalia (Yeah I learned that word today too). Glossolalia would be speaking a different language that no one understood. Speaking your own mumblings and words that only you could understand.
On the day of Pentecost Jesus' disciples spoke in tongues, but they were speaking other languages that the people understood. The people were in awe because they knew those people weren't from where they were. It would kind of be like me speaking English to myself but someone hearing Spanish. This was necessary because well...there weren't any Christians that knew other languages yet. There was no Bible either so it couldn't be translated yet. This was necessary for the spread of the gospel. This speaking in other languages continued in the early church (Including Corinth obviously). After the first 20 years or so, speaking in tongues was pretty much obsolete. So people revived it in the form of utterances and a language that is only intelligible to them (glossolalia). This happened around 1905-1908.
Out of this grew the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Some churches continue to practice this glossolalia in service. If you ever experience going to a church that includes this in the service, it doesn't tend to be how Paul outlines it in the end of chapter 14. People tend to yell out, start singing, speak to themselves, and so forth.
If you want to read and learn more about this go to this link: http://markmoore.org/resources/essays/tongues.html
The author of this is Mark Moore, and he is a much smarter man that I am. His essay includes everything form history to linguistic samples of people talking in tongues.
There is two ways to interpret this word "Tongues". It can either be another language, or glossolalia. That's right glossolalia (Yeah I learned that word today too). Glossolalia would be speaking a different language that no one understood. Speaking your own mumblings and words that only you could understand.
On the day of Pentecost Jesus' disciples spoke in tongues, but they were speaking other languages that the people understood. The people were in awe because they knew those people weren't from where they were. It would kind of be like me speaking English to myself but someone hearing Spanish. This was necessary because well...there weren't any Christians that knew other languages yet. There was no Bible either so it couldn't be translated yet. This was necessary for the spread of the gospel. This speaking in other languages continued in the early church (Including Corinth obviously). After the first 20 years or so, speaking in tongues was pretty much obsolete. So people revived it in the form of utterances and a language that is only intelligible to them (glossolalia). This happened around 1905-1908.
Out of this grew the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Some churches continue to practice this glossolalia in service. If you ever experience going to a church that includes this in the service, it doesn't tend to be how Paul outlines it in the end of chapter 14. People tend to yell out, start singing, speak to themselves, and so forth.
If you want to read and learn more about this go to this link: http://markmoore.org/resources/essays/tongues.html
The author of this is Mark Moore, and he is a much smarter man that I am. His essay includes everything form history to linguistic samples of people talking in tongues.
Friday, October 12, 2007
1 Corintians 13- Love
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.
The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.
The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
"Nothing, I just helped him cry"
Thursday, October 11, 2007
1 Corinthians12:12-31
Sorry I didn't blog earlier, I was at the dentist...blahh
Anyways...on to the text.
Paul talks about the body and ears and feet. He is trying to get the point across about unity. Unity was such a huge part in the early church. They shared with each other, they gave money to those that needed it, they did chores for those that weren't physically capable. Sometimes I wonder were that unity has gone. Sure we still do stuff together and we don't fight. But there seemed to be such a close bond between these people in the early church. If you don't believe me read Acts 2:42-47. Maybe we have just put other priorities in the way. We value work and "success" too much. I don't know, just a thought.
This verse also reminds me of the importance of the youth and kids in the church. Everyone has a vital role to play in the church, and when they don't step up and you their talents and gifts, then the church suffers. This includes the youth helping out the adults, and also the adults helping out the youth.
Anyways...on to the text.
Paul talks about the body and ears and feet. He is trying to get the point across about unity. Unity was such a huge part in the early church. They shared with each other, they gave money to those that needed it, they did chores for those that weren't physically capable. Sometimes I wonder were that unity has gone. Sure we still do stuff together and we don't fight. But there seemed to be such a close bond between these people in the early church. If you don't believe me read Acts 2:42-47. Maybe we have just put other priorities in the way. We value work and "success" too much. I don't know, just a thought.
This verse also reminds me of the importance of the youth and kids in the church. Everyone has a vital role to play in the church, and when they don't step up and you their talents and gifts, then the church suffers. This includes the youth helping out the adults, and also the adults helping out the youth.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Paul starts to talk about spiritual gifts in this passage. Spiritual gifts are one of the things that some churches are divided over. But Paul emphasis how we should have unity over these gifts. Verse 4 shows this when he says "Yes there are different gift, but they are all from the same place, the same Spirit" (Jeff's version). In order for a church (or youth group) to be successful, everyone must participate with the gift that God has given them.
Now the end of this passage talks about speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a very controversial topic for many churches and people. Some churches still practice speaking in tongues (you will know it when you walk int he door) and other churches do not practice speaking in tongues (which would include us).
Paul will continue this topic of speaking in tongues and we will try to uncover what it exactly means.
Now the end of this passage talks about speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a very controversial topic for many churches and people. Some churches still practice speaking in tongues (you will know it when you walk int he door) and other churches do not practice speaking in tongues (which would include us).
Paul will continue this topic of speaking in tongues and we will try to uncover what it exactly means.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
1 Corinthians 11:17-33
Growing up I went to a church called "Christian reformed Church." When we would take communion (they only did it a few times a year) everyone would hold the bread and hold the juice, and then they would take it together. I don't know if they did it because of this verse or not, but I think this verse should make us think. Should we take communion as one, or should we take it separately like we do? How did they seem to do it back when Paul was writing this?
Monday, October 8, 2007
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16
Saturday's are bad days for me so again today I will includes Saturday's reading with today's.
This first passage in chapter 10 talks about something that we mentioned the first week. Some of these people were hung up on following the Old Testament laws about eating and cleanliness. Paul is telling them to give it up. He gives some further instructions on it, but he is pretty much saying, Give it up.
Now we get to some interesting scripture. Not that the other stuff isn't good, but this scripture is hardly read or talked about. Maybe it is because we don't understand it. Apparently a woman is always supposed to have her head covered when she prays or prophesies, and a man is supposed to have his head uncovered. Paul seems to give a reason for this, but it doesn't seem to make sense. Thoughts anyone?? Paul also talks about the partnership and dependence that both man has for woman, and woman has for man.
I also think it is funny when Paul says long hair is a disgrace to men. Take that Orlando Bloom!
This first passage in chapter 10 talks about something that we mentioned the first week. Some of these people were hung up on following the Old Testament laws about eating and cleanliness. Paul is telling them to give it up. He gives some further instructions on it, but he is pretty much saying, Give it up.
Now we get to some interesting scripture. Not that the other stuff isn't good, but this scripture is hardly read or talked about. Maybe it is because we don't understand it. Apparently a woman is always supposed to have her head covered when she prays or prophesies, and a man is supposed to have his head uncovered. Paul seems to give a reason for this, but it doesn't seem to make sense. Thoughts anyone?? Paul also talks about the partnership and dependence that both man has for woman, and woman has for man.
I also think it is funny when Paul says long hair is a disgrace to men. Take that Orlando Bloom!
Friday, October 5, 2007
1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Well today's scripture is pretty short, so I read it through a few times. Paul talks about idols and how the Lords supper or communion is not an idol. It's not a representation of Jesus, but it is participation in what Christ did.
I think sometimes people do not understand the seriousness that should be take during the lords supper. It isn't just a custom or a ritual that we do at church, but is an act that was set up by Christ himself for us to remember every week his sacrifice.
I think sometimes people do not understand the seriousness that should be take during the lords supper. It isn't just a custom or a ritual that we do at church, but is an act that was set up by Christ himself for us to remember every week his sacrifice.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Well I read Acts 10:1-13 thinking I was reading 1 Corinthians and it made no sense. Luckily I am smarting than it seems and I found 1 Corinthians.
I'm glad I did find it because it has some great encouraging words. Paul reminds us of the old times when people failed God, so he killed them. He lists many instances when this happened and he tells us that this should be an example for us. Then he gives us the encouragement that we will never be tempted beyond what we can handle. There is always a way out of sin, whether it be through a situation or maybe another person.
Hopefully the small group will be a place for people to come and get help out of the sins that they might be in.
I'm glad I did find it because it has some great encouraging words. Paul reminds us of the old times when people failed God, so he killed them. He lists many instances when this happened and he tells us that this should be an example for us. Then he gives us the encouragement that we will never be tempted beyond what we can handle. There is always a way out of sin, whether it be through a situation or maybe another person.
Hopefully the small group will be a place for people to come and get help out of the sins that they might be in.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
1 Corinthians 9:1-27
Well I do have to apologize again. I did not post yesterday but that doesn't mean it was my fault. My internet wasn't working and therefore I could not post. But I am doing all of chapter 9 today.
Does anyone know what it means to be an Apostle? Paul talks about being an apostle at the beginning of this chapter and I just wanted to see if anyone had a good definition or anything. What is the difference between apostle and disciple? Or apostle and preacher?
Paul takes about how he shared Christ with people and how he would become what the people are to better reach them. We will talk about this a little tonight. One quick thought on this. If Paul is changing to reach more people, doesn't this seem a little deceptive. He changes who he is to help people. Why couldn't he do it as who he was? Why change who you are?
Does anyone know what it means to be an Apostle? Paul talks about being an apostle at the beginning of this chapter and I just wanted to see if anyone had a good definition or anything. What is the difference between apostle and disciple? Or apostle and preacher?
Paul takes about how he shared Christ with people and how he would become what the people are to better reach them. We will talk about this a little tonight. One quick thought on this. If Paul is changing to reach more people, doesn't this seem a little deceptive. He changes who he is to help people. Why couldn't he do it as who he was? Why change who you are?
Monday, October 1, 2007
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 & 8:1-13
Yeah I missed Saturday again. I do apologize. The scripture for Saturday(7:25-40) is really a continuation and repetition of what was said earlier in the chapter. So I won't dwell on it.
Chapter 8 starts off with something I don 't agree with but it must be true if it is in the Bible. It says; "We know that we all posses knowledge." I would challenge Paul on that by showing him some people that I know, but that's not really relevant to what Paul is getting at. This whole chapter is pretty short and can be summed up like this. "Don't do something that is going to cause someone else to sin." Even if it isn't a sin for you, it might be for someone else, or it might lead someone down a road that they don't want to go.
What do I mean when I say a sin for someone and not for someone else? Does that mean some people can't do things that I can do or visa versa. Well somewhat. Say for instance someone got in trouble and they got on probation from the court. Part of their probation might be that they can't carry or use a weapon. Carrying a weapon isn't a sin, its not illegal. But if it is in your probation that you can't, then it is a sin to do so. If I was to temp my friend to use my gun or to carry it for me ( I know this probably happens everyday in your life) then I am sinning by causing him to sin.
I had some Christian friends that would always do this to me. I knew I had to do homework or be home by a certain time and they would pressure me to stay up or do something with them. They were sinning by doing this. Maybe you pressure your friends to do something against their parents will? Maybe it is something with school? I don't know what it is for you (hopefully not guns) but some of us might need to work on this whole thing of not making our friends sin.
Chapter 8 starts off with something I don 't agree with but it must be true if it is in the Bible. It says; "We know that we all posses knowledge." I would challenge Paul on that by showing him some people that I know, but that's not really relevant to what Paul is getting at. This whole chapter is pretty short and can be summed up like this. "Don't do something that is going to cause someone else to sin." Even if it isn't a sin for you, it might be for someone else, or it might lead someone down a road that they don't want to go.
What do I mean when I say a sin for someone and not for someone else? Does that mean some people can't do things that I can do or visa versa. Well somewhat. Say for instance someone got in trouble and they got on probation from the court. Part of their probation might be that they can't carry or use a weapon. Carrying a weapon isn't a sin, its not illegal. But if it is in your probation that you can't, then it is a sin to do so. If I was to temp my friend to use my gun or to carry it for me ( I know this probably happens everyday in your life) then I am sinning by causing him to sin.
I had some Christian friends that would always do this to me. I knew I had to do homework or be home by a certain time and they would pressure me to stay up or do something with them. They were sinning by doing this. Maybe you pressure your friends to do something against their parents will? Maybe it is something with school? I don't know what it is for you (hopefully not guns) but some of us might need to work on this whole thing of not making our friends sin.
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