Category Archives: Church / Body of Christ

Church / Body of Christ, Help / Serve Others, Money / Finances / Wealth

Act as One Body of Christ, Regardless of Distance and Familiarity

Paul genuinely loved the people who He was able to reach for Christ. He had a network of churches and communities God had planted through him. He was diligent in trying to support them and God took that effort and integrated Paul’s letters as an important part of the holy scriptures for all of us to benefit from even today, thousands of years later.

Paul acts as a cord that ties and connects the Christian communities together. He writes an introduction for Timothy to help facilitate the effectiveness of his journeys. There is an update regarding Apollos and others who are brothers and sisters in the faith. Where one community struggles, he can collect money to help from another that prospers. It is always given voluntarily, never taken from people against their will. The government is not involved.

He wanted not to just collect money and run, but rather to stay awhile and commune with them. He submits his travel plans to what the holy spirit is revealing to him… where he sees the spirit is moving and he is part of effective service, he remains awhile to take advantage for the glory of the Jehovah.

Paul leads the churches to function as one body of Christ, regardless of distance or familiarity with one another. It is not a individual competition. It is a team event.

Finally, Paul calls the community to stand strong in the faith, be alert, be strong, and act in love. He encourages and directs. Paul was not motivated by personal wealth or gain, but rather by the earnest desire to glorify God.

1 Corinthians 16

Instructions and Greetings

     1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 3When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

      5But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

      10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

      12But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.

      13Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.

      15Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

      19The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

      21The greeting is in my own hand—Paul. 22If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

As you reflect on today’s scripture and how to apply it… let us remember that the body of Christ is one, thought spread out across many different lands. Let us not focus solely on our local “church” or the people around us. There are many in our body that live far away. Let us support those that bind us together and go to support others. So too, we can help others in need, even if we don’t know them, by sending money when needed through trusted organizations or people.

Let me leave you with in the same encouraging manner in which Paul ended his first letter to the church at Corinth.

Stand strong in the faith, be alert, be strong, and act in love. Maranatha… our Lord comes. (What an encouraging reminder!) May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you and may we as the body of Christ grow continually in love for one another, regardless of where we are located.

Take a few minutes now in prayer and ask God to help and bless the body of Christ around the world, around your country, and locally. Pray that we may act as one. Give thanks to Him for those who are doing His work to support the body.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Am I on the path?, Church / Body of Christ, How do I get started?, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional

Be a Living Sacrifice

Paul challenges us to be a living sacrifice to God in Romans 12. I encourage you to read slowly and thoughtfully and consider what he is telling us. If you skim it you will miss so much depth in this passage.

Romans 12:1-21

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
    I will pay them back,”
    says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
    burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Set aside some time to come back and dwell on this scripture. Take it in pieces. Are you living the way Paul discusses? For most of us that serve God we may be doing well in some areas and need to focus on changing our behaviors and thoughts in others. Do not be discouraged. Pick one area to work on at a time and just practice. Find another faithful Christian believer and partner with them and share the journey together. It is a journey toward Jesus Christ that never ends, but transforms us to be more like Him along the way.

Church / Body of Christ, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Prophecy, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control, Submitted / Servant, Teachable

All Things Must Be Done Properly and in an Orderly Manner.

I find this section of scripture fascinating and challenging to study. Paul lays out some specific instructions for conducting church in an orderly manner in 1 Corinthians 14. He addresses prophecy and speaking in / interpreting tongues with some interesting considerations that can certainly still be applied today. He also addresses a subject that is sure to make some people uncomfortable or even angry as he speaks regarding women remaining silent in church. For our culture, this is roundly rejected… but should it be? We truly should always challenge ourselves to study context to better understand if this specific instruction was generally applicable or applicable to the church of Corinth due to its specific situation at the time. In any case, the broader point is clearly that we should have order and not confusion in order to edify God, help the body of Christ, and draw in new believers to Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:20-40

Instruction for the Church

     20Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. 21In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord. 22So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe. 23Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

      26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

      34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

      37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.

      39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

Don’t miss the broader point of the scripture about needing to proceed in an orderly manner for tongues and prophecy and teaching in the church, about needing an interpreter for tongues and so on. Don’t focus solely on the verse about women keeping silent and miss the broader point. God is a God of order and not of confusion. We must conduct ourselves as the body of Christ in an orderly manner.

Curious or upset by the command for women to keep silent in church? Want to explore it more? I encourage each of us submit our spirit to God, quiet our preconceived notions based on our local culture, pray for help and click through to more study resources to explore what Paul may have intended more closely. From the link provided, you can select different commentaries and study multiple perspectives or do you own search. I need to spend more time with it myself. The immediate context may be limited to speaking in tongues or prophesying or interpreting tongues in church setting, which was the topic Paul was addressing, but it is difficult to avoid the possibility that it may be broader than that associated with women not taking a leadership role or authority role over men in the church. The issue of submission for women is covered in 1 Timothy, Ephesians, and 1 Peter in addition to here in 1 Corinthians (refer to link above labeled “study resources”)… not to mention Genesis 3:16.

Try to sort through the topic without bias of “what you are used to” or “what our culture has taught you” or even “current church teaching”. Be teachable and submitted to God. Look not to emotions, but to what the scripture actually says and in what context. Don’t rush to judgement on this topic. Meditate on it. Study it. Pray.  It is not our role to agree or disagree with scripture (e.g. with God), but rather to study it and change our lives to reflect what God instructs. Look around, there are plenty of examples of commonly accepted church practices which are wildly out of step with scripture and God’s instruction… always has been. Look to scripture and God Himself.

Our challenge is to shape ourselves into God’s image, not to reshape Him into our own.

Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal to you more discernment and wisdom on the specific instructions given here and on the broader topic of maintaining a proper and orderly manner in the body of Christ and in church.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Contentment, Envy / Jealousy / Coveting, Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh, Thankfulness

Spiritual Gifts Are to Build Up the Body of Christ and Bring Glory to God

All of us are made in God’s image. We have a diverse set of gifts and abilities that vary from person to person. Those of us who choose to submit to and follow Christ enter into the body of Christ and may receive spiritual gifts associated with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us. It is ok to pray and ask God for Him to fill you with His Spirit and bestow upon you spiritual gifts, or even to ask for a particular spiritual gift. Keep in mind, however, that He makes the final decision.

Be mindful. The ultimate purpose of your spiritual gifts is not your own glory or edification. The greatest purpose for your gifts is to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God.

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Prophecy a Superior Gift

     1Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 3But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

      6But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. 12So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

      13Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Be content with and thankful for what He gives you. Focus on edifying the body of Christ rather than yourself. Do not covet or envy gifts that others receive. They each have a purpose. Give thanks to God for whatever spiritual gifts He gives you and use them to bring glory to Him through the body of Christ.

Take some time in prayer to ask God to give you spiritual gifts or to ask for discernment on how best to use the gifts He has given you. Don’t rush this time. Focus on His glory, not your own.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Envy / Jealousy / Coveting, Faith / Trusting God, Submitted / Servant, Thankfulness

Spiritual Gifts Within the Body Of Christ

We are each parts of the body of Christ. Each of us with different gifts, talents, and abilities. The body functions best when all the parts work together. If a part is missing, it affects the whole body. The parts are not designed to work on their own, apart from the other members. Each part has a specific design and intent. What a wonderful metaphor for the body of believers who follow Christ!

1 Corinthians 12

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

     1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

      4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

      12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

      14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20But now there are many members, but one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

      27Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31But earnestly desire the greater gifts.
And I show you a still more excellent way.

Give thanks to God for how He made you. Pray for the Spirit to guide you in discovering and using your spiritual gifts for the glory and honor of God amongst the body of Christ. Let not envy rise up within you, desiring the gifts He has bestowed on others. All parts are needed. Do not use your gifts just for your own benefit, but rather use them to glorify God and serve the body of Christ.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Discipline / Correction, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Self Control

Exercise Self Control; Put God First Above Your Own Desires

A healthy debate among believers to ensure we are striving to fully understand God’s word can be healthy. However, foolish and unnecessary division is not God’s intent. God intends us to be one body of Christ, not factions fighting against one another. We should conduct ourselves with proper respect as we participate in things like the Lord’s Supper. We should focus on Jesus Christ first, rather than each of our needs and desires.

1 Corinthians 11:17-22

    17But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. 19For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. 20Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, 21for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.

Let none of us grow complacent and self focused in our relation to one another in the body of Christ. Let us remain focused on Christ and hold consideration toward one another. In this case, people were putting their own desires first, seeking to eat or drink the Lord’s Supper. There were divisions in the body of Christ. They were not putting God first.

So, too, we should recognize that there is an appropriate time and place to rebuke our brothers as Paul does in this scripture. He is gentle but direct. He first sought something to compliment them earlier in the chapter before then turning to a rebuke. Even in his rebuke he is kind in that he simply says “In this I will not praise you.”. Even after we determine to follow Christ there is still right and wrong behavior and wrong behavior should be properly confronted and addressed lest it fester and undermines the body of Christ more broadly over time.

Spend a few minutes praying and asking God to show you any areas where you need to make a change in your behavior or attitude or where He wants you to provide correction, respectfully, to another for their behavior. Do not rush this time. Let Him speak to you. Think about each area of your life (e.g. work, spouse, children, church, ministry, etc.)

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

 

Church / Body of Christ, Father / Yahweh, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Marriage

God, Christ, Man, Woman… and the Christian order

1 Corinthians 11 is one of those scriptures which can create confusion and distraction. To begin, Paul lays out the order… God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. This is the Christian order of authority in the home and society. For followers of Christ, there should be little controversy here, though today many wish to disrupt the order by reducing the role and authority of God, Christ, and man. Thus everyone is left to go their own way. The order is important… each household must have one lead. Those leaders must submit to Christ and Christ submits to the Father. Only then do we have unified families submitted to the Father going according the way God intended.

The part that gets confusing to many today involves the discussion of head covering. Head coverings for women in the context of the Corinthian church were a man made tradition that symbolized there submission and accountability to man. Men then did not wear a head covering because they were not accountable to man (e.g. not to a pope or other pastor) but rather directly accountable to Christ. My understanding for Paul’s discussion on this topic is that he was reinforcing the Christian order of authority, rather than commanding women to wear head coverings. Since there was a Corinthian custom regarding head coverings that symbolized this order and reminded people of it, he suggested the Corinthians should not fight or rebel against this tradition. It reinforced the proper order. In that cultural context, for a woman to reject the head covering would be akin to rejecting the Christian order.

Our culture has different customs, such as a wife taking on the last name of her husband when they marry. Similarly, for our culture, a woman should not resist submission to the authority of her husband, lest it create competition and infighting in their marriage, weakening it. Their can not be two head coaches for a team. There can not be two presidents to lead one nation or two governors to lead the same state. Similarly, a household can not flourish if there are two heads constantly competing with one another for authority.

If you want a more detailed study, one is available at Psalm119 ministries at 119Ministries.com.

1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Christian Order

      1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

      2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.

Men, submit to Christ as He submitted to the Father. This is a tall task and not to be underestimated. If we do this, it certainly helps our wives to submit to us. Wives, submit to your husbands. Let us function as one team with one authority structure working in harmony. Of course, there are always exceptions… if your husband is asking you to do something immoral or against God the situation gets more complicated for that specific issue. However, don’t let the exceptions be an excuse for denying the fundamental order of authority God has established.

Spend some quiet time in prayer, asking God to provide clarity and listening to any prompting from the  Holy Spirit. Are you embracing the Christian order or resisting it? Men, are you submitted to Christ? Women, are you submitted to your husbands? All of us should ask if there are there any changes we need to make?

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Discerning / Judging, Encouragement, Help / Serve Others, Kindness / Gentleness, Love

Encourage Fellow Believers

Respect and honor the conscience of other believers. Let us support and encourage them with our actions. Do not simply dismiss their concerns as “that may not be good for you, but it is ok for me”. Honor one another, respect, and encourage one another in unity as the body of Christ.

Even as we avoid idolatry directly, we should also be aware of how even indirect association with it may cause believers to stumble, and thus we should remain sensitive to how certain activities may affect others. Not everything that is lawful is edifying or good. Paul highlights an example of meat offered to idols. (This conversation thread presupposes that the meat in question is considered food by God. The context is purely in regards to meat offered to idols and not a broader commentary on God’s dietary instructions. ) Paul points out that although we may eat meat offered to idols, we should choose not to if someone raises the concern to us that it may be offensive to God because of its association with idols.

While these specific examples may seem strange to us, we should apply the message to situations we may encounter today. I can think of a specific example that may be more familiar. I had a friend that was concerned about a movie perhaps being offensive to God. He thought we should not watch it. Even  if I am convinced that I am allowed to watch it, why would I insist on watching it with this friend? If they are convicted about the content of the movie being inappropriate in some regard to our faith and honoring God… I should choose to support him and avoid the movie even if I think it is ok. I do so for my friend’s sake.

1 Corinthians 10:14-33

    14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. 16Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. 18Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?

      23All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 25Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

      31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

One last parting thought… do not misunderstand Paul when he says he pleases all men in all things. He is not violating God’s law to avoid offending someone. He is not disregarding God’s instructions. Pay close attention to the context throughout this scripture. When Paul indicates he pleases all men he is referring to choosing self sacrifice, avoiding things that he may know are acceptable, for the sake of encouraging and supporting other believers as they try to honor God and avoid offensive things. This is a great approach for many reasons. Perhaps a simple one for closing is to  point out that this encourages people to try to please God even if they don’t fully understand what God calls for. It avoids discouraging less mature believers by constantly telling them they don’t understand and thus leading them to be vulnerable to just giving up and accepting all things, even those that may be offensive to God.

Spend a few minutes in prayer and ask God to show you how this lesson applies in your life. Give thanks for the Holy Spirit who dwells within us as our guide and conscience.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Discerning / Judging, Justice / Judgment

Let Not the Righteous Rely on the Unrighteous for Justice

A community of true followers of Yeshua should be able to work through challenges and disagreements without having to come against one another in a legal court system. The righteous, living amongst a righteous community of believers should be able to resolve conflict internally. It is truly a disappointment when sin and selfishness divide the body of Christ and none within the body can step forward to help resolve the conflict.

1 Corinthians 6:1-9

Lawsuits Discouraged

      1Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? 2Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? 4So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? 5I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, 6but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

      7Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.

      9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

For the righteous to rely on the unrighteous for justice and to resolve conflict is disappointing… is a failure. Of course, it is a different matter when a believer is in conflict with an unrighteous person. Let us not look to the world to set the bounds of right and wrong, but internally look within the community of believers and to God and His written word as means of guiding our steps and resolving our conflict.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ

Maintain Unity in the Body of Christ

Unity in the body of Christ is important. We should pray, study, and debate proper understanding of scripture and we should reject wrong teaching and false prophets. We must neither be so contentious that we argue over what pastor we follow nor so accepting that we ignore and receive false teaching.

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

Appeal to Unity

      1Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

      2To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

      3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

      4I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

      10Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

Let us not focus on being clever of speech, but rather share and live out the gospel as it is written. Let us unite in following and learning from Christ together. He alone, and not pastors or teachers, is the way, the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is through Him. ‘

John 14:6

6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, unite us in Yeshua. Let not Your people be divided over pastors and denominations. Give us the wisdom to discern and the courage to reject false teaching. Draw Your people together to stand in unity against the enemy. I pray this in the name of Yeshua, Amen. 

Shalom. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.