Podcasts about Corinthian

Thoughts on the Bible Readings September 2nd (2 Kings 7; Lamentations 3; 1 Corinthians 16)2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11 verses 1-6; and Malachi 3 verses 10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns verses 18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal, verses 22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:13-16 2 Corinthians 7:16 – “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” In this devotion, Pastor Sumrall reflects on Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Though he had to bring strong correction, the believers responded with humility, repentance, and respect—not only toward Paul but also toward Titus, his fellow worker. This brought encouragement to Paul's heart and deepened Titus's love for the church. Today we are reminded that correction is an act of love. When we receive it with humility, it helps us grow in Christ, strengthens our fellowship, and brings joy to those who lead us. ------ Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon 

2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11 verses 1-6; and Malachi 3 verses 10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns verses 18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal, verses 22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

2 Kings 7 shows us, yet again, that when the Almighty says a thing will happen - it will, no matter how seemingly impossible. The incredulous and faithless lord on whose arm the king of Israel leans states that the famine could not be ended even if Yahweh was to open windows in heaven. The language echoes Elijah's era when the windows of heaven were both shut and opened - compare Revelation 11  verses  1-6; and Malachi 3  verses  10-12. Four lepers found food in the abandoned Syrian camp. This led to the fulfilment of the prophet Elisha's word, both to the abundance and price of the food and judgment on the unbelieving lord. Once more think of how the concept is taken up in Revelation 6 verses 5-6. Just as the Corinthian letters told us of Paul's life; so, does Jeremiah's lament of his feelings in this third chapter. The main lesson of the book is introduced in verse 1 verses  "I am the man that has seen sorrow". He is indeed "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" as our Lord Jesus Christ is so described in Isaiah 53 verses 3. However it is what this suffering servant learns through his trust in God as he in patience endures his horrendous experiences verses  Hebrews 5 verses 7-9. The prophet Jeremiah likewise similarly learns  verses  18-39 - carefully read these and ponder what is the message that the Almighty wants each of His suffering servants to learn and grow thereby. We are told of the benefits and purpose in suffering. We must believe though we may not understand. Our trust and faith in our Sovereign must remain unshakable as He is the One who is leading us to a place in His kingdom verses  Hebrews 12 verses 5-17 meditate the marvellous grace of our God. How great is Yahweh's steadfast love (Chesed - His faithfulness)! Each sunrise reminds us. In affliction we suffer in silence - trusting that He will deliver us at the proper time. Experience through testing takes time to yield results. 1 Corinthians 16 tells us to be prepared for contributing money when we come to the Lord's Supper. The background to the starting of the collections among the Gentiles was to support their Jewish brethren who were suffering hardship due to their persecution for becoming believers in Christ Jesus and to alleviate the troubles brought by the great famine. The first day of the week was traditionally the day when the believers met to remember our Lord Jesus Christ in bread and wine. By the Jewish calendar it was after 6pm Saturday evening. Those believers who were blessed to have some money gave some of it at that time. It was done discretely that is why Paul requested preparation before they arrived at the gathering. In his final instructions the Apostle sends greetings and commends the house of Stephanos for their addiction to service of fellow believers. The letter ends with both a warning and an implied appeal,  verses  22-24, "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." (ESV) Contemplate our privileges in Christ - the blessings that we receive - and how we can love our Lord and live to please him now that we might graciously find a place in his kingdom. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at   https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

In this message we explore the confusion of a “sexular age,” where culture treats sexuality as ultimate but hollow, and contrast it with God's good design. We show how the Corinthian problem of viewing sex as just an appetite lives on in today's consent-only ethic, which is too thin to sustain real flourishing. Instead, the Christian vision of sexuality as covenantal, fruitful, and sacred offers a life-giving alternative.

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

1 Corinthians 10 warns against idolatry. It was the root cause of the infant Jewish nation's sins as they left Egypt under Moses. Paul explains that their experiences were typical of, and in common with, those of the believers; and hence a clarion warning lest we think we stand; yet fall through pride. Verses 1-5 contain a warning to the Corinthian believers against complacency since the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt were both symbolic of our walk in Christ and in reality very similar to all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says that God's provision of water is like the spiritual drink of His Word and our sustaining throughout our wanderings in the wilderness of life. Verses 6-13 warn us against idolatry which is called "covetousness" in Colossians 3 verse 5. Trials are certain to come to every disciple. However we need not be discouraged since our Heavenly Father has promised that the trial will not be greater than we can bear. And even if it seems unbearable that He will provide us with a way of escape. For our part we must pray: "Lead us not into temptation, ie trial". We also need to live our lives faithfully in avoiding temptations which arise due to our foolish decisions and actions. Verses 14-22 give practical advice in avoiding a likely problem from a foolish decision to partake of idol worship - in the belief that idols are non entities: 1 Corinthians 8 the entire chapter. The Apostle explains the dangers of rationalising in that chapter and here in chapter 10. A failure to understand these matters and to behave as God would have His children do is extremely dangerous. Paul says that it is in effect setting ourselves against God. The fellowship we enjoy with the Father and His Son is not to be entangled with the beliefs and practices of those who do not understand the teachings of the Word of God. From verses 23-30 Paul tells us that nothing in the life of the believer when it comes to eating food and drinking wine is forbidden to believers because God owns and has given these blessings to His children. However it is their responsibility to not partake of these to excess. Believers also have a responsibility to respect the conscience of their fellow disciples. The rights of faithful believers should not be exercised if the exercising of those rights would result in a loss of faith for others, and lead them away from the kingdom of God. The final two verses of the chapter tell us that, whatever we do, "Do all to the glory of God". And since we are commanded to do all to the Father's glory that glory must be chiefly moral, not just physical. Contemplate carefully the words of Habbakuk 2:14 and compare these words with Jeremiah 22 verses 15-16. A further lesson we need to learn from Paul's example and emulate is how his life demonstrates that in his life he shows us how he did all to the glory of God. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciateion of God's words, join again tomorrow at https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

The record of 2 Kings commences with Ahaziah's injury from falling through the lattice work in his upper room. The foolish king sends his servants to ask help from the god of the dung heap, Beel-Zebul (the same idol that the foes of Jesus attributed to his healing power). Elijah was sent to rebuke the rebellious monarch and tell him that he would not recover his health. King Ahaziah sends 50 soldiers to arrest the prophet and bring him to the king. Elijah was still learning the type of mission the Almighty required of him - not the calling for fires of judgment from heaven on the troops, who were at this time his enemies. The king sent another 50 troops and these too were killed by fire. Finally when the third captain of 50 entreated Elijah to show mercy these men were spared.  2 Kings 2 tells of the LORD taking Elijah away from Israel. The story is much misunderstood, with some people believing that Elijah was literally taken to heaven. But  John 3:13 shows this is not what happened. God presents Elijah in this chapter as His vehicle of revelation - the chariot. Through Elijah's mission Yahweh's will was being done. Having seen the prophet's departure Elisha is granted a double portion of the power that had been evidenced in Elijah's miracles. Sixteen miracles are recorded as being done by Elisha in comparison to recorded for Elijah. The first of Elisha's miracles was the parting of the Jordan river. A fruitless search was undertaken by fifty prophets who requested to be allowed to search for the body of Elijah . They clearly did not believe that Elijah was in heaven. However their search did not find the prophet's body just as Israel's search for the body of Moses was likewise a vain search. But the record in Deuteronomy 34:6 clearly tells us that God had buried Moses in Moab. Another of Elisha's miracles is the healing of the poisoned food. Then follows the founding of the 'school of the prophets'. The final miracle recorded in chapter 2 is the destruction of 30 blasphemous youths at the hands of two she bears. The word in the text has been wrongly translated "children" since other occurrences of the Hebrew word describe youths up to thirty years of age.  Jeremiah 50 deals with the judgment of the LORD upon Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom of Babylon from its northern neighbours - the Medes and Persians. Verses 1-2 describe the LORD's judgments against Babylon and her gods. Verses 3-16 describe the terrors that Babylon's invaders strike into her heart as the inhabitants flee the retribution which the Almighty has brought upon this city state. Verses 17-27 tell us that the Babylonians had been an instrument of divine retribution, but had overreached their commission. These verses speak of the wide extent of our Sovereign's hand upon Babylon and the great wealth that she had extracted from the surrounding nations. Verses 28-32 tell of Yahweh's retribution and echoes of these thoughts are found in Revelation 18:1-14. Therefore Yahweh would bring the vengeance of His Temple (v28). Verses 33-38 speak of the sword of the LORD being brought against the idols of Babylon. Verses 35-43 speak of God stirring up a confederacy of Elamites, Medes and Persians against Babylon. Verses 44-46 speak of the judgment brought against the Chaldeans would come like a lion from the jungle to bring retribution on the guilty Babylonians. All of these events establish the truth that "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wills" Daniel 4 verse 17.    1 Corinthians 10 warns against idolatry. It was the root cause of the infant Jewish nation's sins as they left Egypt under Moses. Paul explains that their experiences were typical of, and in common with, those of the believers; and hence a clarion warning lest we think we stand; yet fall through pride. Verses 1-5 contain a warning to the Corinthian believers against complacency since the experiences of Israel leaving Egypt were both symbolic of our walk in Christ and in reality very similar to all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says that God's provision of water is like the spiritual drink of His Word and our sustaining throughout our wanderings in the wilderness of life. Verses 6-13 warn us against idolatry which is called "covetousness" in Colossians 3 verse 5. Trials are certain to come to every disciple. However we need not be discouraged since our Heavenly Father has promised that the trial will not be greater than we can bear. And even if it seems unbearable that He will provide us with a way of escape. For our part we must pray: "Lead us not into temptation, ie trial". We also need to live our lives faithfully in avoiding temptations which arise due to our foolish decisions and actions. Verses 14-22 give practical advice in avoiding a likely problem from a foolish decision to partake of idol worship - in the belief that idols are non entities: 1 Corinthians 8 the entire chapter. The Apostle explains the dangers of rationalising in that chapter and here in chapter 10. A failure to understand these matters and to behave as God would have His children do is extremely dangerous. Paul says that it is in effect setting ourselves against God. The fellowship we enjoy with the Father and His Son is not to be entangled with the beliefs and practices of those who do not understand the teachings of the Word of God. From verses 23-30 Paul tells us that nothing  in the life of the believer when it comes to eating food and drinking wine is forbidden to believers because God owns and has given these blessings to His children. However it is their responsibility to not partake of these to excess. Believers also have a responsibility to respect the conscience of their fellow disciples. The rights of faithful believers should not be exercised if the exercising of those rights would result in a loss of faith for others, and lead them away from the kingdom of God. The final two verses of the chapter tell us that, whatever we do, "Do all to the glory of God". And since we are commanded to do all to the Father's glory that glory must be chiefly moral, not just physical. Contemplate carefully the words of Habbakuk 2:14 and compare these words with Jeremiah 22 verses 15-16. A further lesson we need to learn from Paul's example and emulate is how his life demonstrates that in his life he shows us how he did all to the glory of God.

Send us a textIt began with a doubt in the Corinthian church — is there really a resurrection of the dead? That doubt spread into denial, and eventually divided the believers. So, they turned to Paul, and his sweeping answer in 1 Corinthians 15 leaves no room for uncertainty:Christ is risen — and because He lives, all who belong to Him will also rise.Our perishable bodies cannot inherit eternity — but in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed.The rapture is coming — whether raised from the grave or transformed while living, every believer will receive the perfect, glorified body that no diet, gym, or surgery could ever produce.Death is defeated — its sting removed through Christ's victory at the cross and empty tomb.Paul closes with both encouragement and challenge: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” (v. 58)This episode explores the mystery, the triumph, and the hope of the resurrection — and why it should move us to godly living, courageous faith, and overflowing service for Christ.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

In this challenging message from our house church on Kauai, Alex examines Paul's direct approach to confronting serious sin within the Corinthian church. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, this sermon addresses the dangerous pride that can lead believers to overlook accountability and compromise moral standards.Key topics covered:* The difference between Christian freedom and sinful license* Why church discipline is an act of love and restoration* Understanding the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin* The role of the church community in spiritual protection* Biblical evangelism that includes repentance, not just acceptanceThis message challenges both individual believers and church communities to take sin seriously while trusting in God's power for transformation and restoration. Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about accountability, church discipline, or the balance between grace and holiness.Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 Speaker: Alex WilsonLocation: House Church, Kauai For more messages, visit our website or subscribe to stay connected with our house church community.amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In Paul's absence, the Corinthian church had begun to follow new teachers who had positioned themselves as superior in numerous ways, all of which were worldly and pompous. They wanted Paul to be like them, bold, arrogant, provocative, and brash. Paul defends the authority he has over the Corinthian church as a true apostle and sarcastically boasts to compare himself to the ones he calls “Super-apostles.” These men were well-spoken, came with letters, and requested payment for their teaching, whereas Paul was humble, loyal, and worked without burdening the church financially. As he concludes, Paul assures them that when he comes, he will not be lenient, but rather he will come with boldness in order to build up the body.2 Corinthians 10 - 1:13 . 2 Corinthians 11 - 4:29 . 2 Corinthians 12 - 11:06 . 2 Corinthians 13 - 15:49 . Isaiah 14 - 18:41 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In this challenging message from our house church on Kauai, Alex examines Paul's direct approach to confronting serious sin within the Corinthian church. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, this sermon addresses the dangerous pride that can lead believers to overlook accountability and compromise moral standards.Key topics covered:* The difference between Christian freedom and sinful license* Why church discipline is an act of love and restoration* Understanding the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin* The role of the church community in spiritual protection* Biblical evangelism that includes repentance, not just acceptanceThis message challenges both individual believers and church communities to take sin seriously while trusting in God's power for transformation and restoration. Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about accountability, church discipline, or the balance between grace and holiness.Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 Speaker: Alex WilsonLocation: House Church, Kauai For more messages, visit our website or subscribe to stay connected with our house church community.amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

In this well-known passage, Paul tells the Corinthian church that if they want unity to last, it all comes down to one thing: love.

We often look at 1 Corinthians 13 without thinking of the surrounding context. At its core, this passage encourages the Corinthian church to exercise spiritual gifts in a way that is rooted in love. Our conversation begins with one important question: How does love practically play out in unity and not only in uniformity?Other questions:How do you not insist on your own way while holding tightly to conviction?How is this description of love different from what our culture tells us? How does this love differ from romantic love?

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,What we believe, we will speak and like it or not, our words have powerMark 4:24 says "be careful what you hear," “consider carefully what you hear,” or "pay close attention to what you hear." Because the word we receive will become the word we believe and will lead to the words we speak, In 2 Corinthian 4:13, Paul is quoting Psalm 116:10 and making the point that we have the same spirit of faith as David, Moses, Abraham and all the great men and women of the bible, we, like they, believe and so we speak!Jesus restored the authority that Adam lost and that's why He's telling us to speak to the mountains in our life, He said we would speak to the sycamine tree and it would obey us. The angel told Daniel, "your words were here and I have come because of your words (Daniel 10:13)Thanks for joining us, we pray that you enjoy this week's message Support the showGrowing our inner man as we connect with God's Word

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.

In the first of Kings 19 we have Elijah, despite the wonderful victory over Baal worship, fleeing for his life from the enraged and vengeful Jezebel. The prophet sought refuge at Sinai, the mount of Yahweh. However, unlike Moses who made intercession for God's people, he went there asking his Sovereign to destroy Israel: see Romans 11 verses 2-5. God through a succession of manifestations of His power humbles Elijah to understand  that his perception of God was entirely mistaken. Our Omnipotent Creator is a Saviour, rather than a destroyer. It is likely that the cave from which Yahweh revealed Himself to the prophet was the very place where our gracious Sovereign revealed His name and character to Moses: read Exodus 33 verses 17-34 and 7 and contemplate the wonder of the Almighty's character. The chapter concludes with Elijah being commissioned by the LORD to appoint 3 men - Hazael as king of Syria; Jehu as king over Israel; and Elisha to replace himself. Elisha's call is recorded in verses 19-21 and that prophet Elisha, having put his hand to the work, never looked back: see Luke 9 verses 61-62. Will we prove ourselves to be disciples who will follow our Lord Jesus Christ whatever the cost.  Jeremiah 45 explains how God promises Baruch, the faithful scribe, that he would be preserved from the imminent doom. Chapter 46 describes the extensive disaster coming on Egypt, including the disobedient remnants of Judah. The chapter also includes a remarkable promise to the faithful remnant in Egypt who still clung to the Lord God and continued to hope in Him. Pause and read aloud verses 27-28 and ponder the steadfast love of the Almighty.  The letters to the Corinthians are the most autobiographical of all Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 4 deals with the ministry of the Apostles - particularly Paul himself. Verses 1-5 tell us that the Apostle Paul was being accused of being dishonest with the ecclesial funds. Paul declares his innocence. He declares that he is unaware of any fault in matters of money. Paul asks his readers not to judge him. The Apostle says that even in declaring himself innocent his ultimate vindication will come when the Lord Jesus Christ comes as judge and vindicator. Verses 6-7 declare that Paul has transferred the principles to himself and to Apollos. Verses 8-13 the Apostle ironically states that the Corinthians are behaving as if the kingdom has already come. If only that was true, says Paul, for then the Apostles would also be ruling. In contrast Paul declares that the Apostles were being treated as conquered soldiers being paraded as a spectacle before the victorious nation. The Apostles were to be Ill treated and slain as an offering to the gods of the victorious nation. In verses 10-13 Paul declares that no matter how the Apostles are treated they will glory in their Lord and behave as an example of suffering for Christ's sake. Slowly read those verses aloud and ponder what we should endure as witnesses to our Master in this age. Verses 14-20 explain that Paul desires to be a faithful father to the Corinthians and not simply an expositor. The believers in Corinth didn't lack teachers, but fathers were few. Remember that the problem the Corinthians had was fractionally lining up behind prominent personalities. The Apostle hopes that his appeal will persuade his readers and that he will not have to come to them for the disciplining of them. Meditate carefully on verse 20 and reflect whether your life has a pronounced focus on the kingdom of God. Or whether we live lives of luxury as though the kingdom is not a reality! Paul tells them in chapter 5 that in their midst was a case of shameless incest. That case was so bad it that non believers who were living in a depraved and promiscuous Corinthian society would find it disturbing. The Apostle provides advice on dealing with the problem. The faithful must dissociate themselves from the sinful brother in order that his separation from the ecclesia might cause him to reflect on the error of his ways and to repent and once again seek for forgiveness and fellowship with the family of God. Paul says that the response within the ecclesia is wrong and rather than deal with the situation that the believers had chosen a path of indifference. The effect of such tolerance is like a leavening influence that would soon permeate the entire ecclesia. When the problem is properly handled the believers will be able to partake of the love feast of bread and wine representing Christ's offering - he being the Passover lamb - as they need to, ie in sincerity and truth. In verses 9-13tells the Apostle says that his demand to remove wickedness from the ecclesia is specific to the situation with the Corinthian body of believers. Non association with evil people would mean entirely removing ourselves from the world, ie becoming hermits. This would be a failure on the part of believers to be light bearers to the world. However we must live holy lives as a witness to whom we have believed and followed, ie our Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5 verses 1-18. Carefully consider these words and live our lives in conformity with the Christ.  Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciateion of God's words, join again tomorrow at   https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Paul continues to urge the Corinthian to live lives that are fully devoted to the Lord God, asking them to open their hearts once again to him and to the ministry of the gospel. He explains that his commendation comes from a life that is full of dichotomies, and urges them to consider the sacrifices they are making as proof that they are zealous for the advance of the gospel. Finally, Paul makes an appeal to the church to be diligent and intentional with the task of setting aside money to give to the work of ministry and missions. One church is called upon to support another out of the abundant riches of grace and provision given by the Lord.2 Corinthians 6 - 1:08 . 2 Corinthians 7 - 4:17 . 2 Corinthians 8 - 8:38 . 2 Corinthians 9 – 12:43 . Isaiah 13 - 15:45 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Paul loves the church in Corinth, but at the writing of this letter, the feeling wasn't entirely mutual. The Corinthian church had received a severe letter from Paul that contained instructions about disciplining a church member. This could be the man mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5 or it could be some other person within the church. Whatever the case may be, it pained the church. Paul writes this opening section to bring comfort to the church, to reaffirm his love for them, and to encourage the Corinthians to continue to love him, too. His confidence comes, not from letters of recommendation written by men, but from the Spirit who gives life and opens the eyes of men to see the light of the gospel.2 Corinthians 1 - 1:08 . 2 Corinthians 2 - 5:53 . 2 Corinthians 3 - 9:45 . 2 Corinthians 4 - 12:56 . 2 Corinthians 5 - 16:21 . Isaiah 12 – 20:25 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The letters to the Corinthians begin in the same way as every epistle of Paul prior to his first Imprisonment in Rome. Grace ('charis" the Greek greeting) and peace ('shalom' the Hebrew welcome). What more could be offered any believer than the grace and peace of the Father? The letters written between the two imprisonments contain the added dimension of 'mercy': something we become more conscious of needing the older we get (the only exception to this pattern is in Paul's personal letter to Philemon). What wonderful words were told to the Corinthian readers, that by the Father's calling they were saints, or sanctified believers, incorporated into the fellowship of God and His Beloved Son. The Apostle informs his readers about the tragedy of forming factions. Christ's ecclesia - his body - cannot be divided into segments which follow human leaders. For that reason, notwithstanding the essential nature of baptism, Paul was thankful to have baptised only a few. The Apostle's prime focus was on forwarding the message of the Gospel. The essence of that message lay in the power of the preaching of Christ's crucifixion. Read aloud and ponder verses 18-31 (the last of those verses cite Jeremiah 9 verses :23-24). The reader will notice how the Apostle develops the theme from Jeremiah and consider the masterful conclusion in verses 30-31. How thankful are we that the Father has called weak and ordinary people such as ourselves to His kingdom and glory. Chapter 2 outlines Paul's determination when he came to Corinth to teach among them nothing except the Christ as the crucified one. This message was unbelievable and inconceivable to Paul's hearers, as his quote from Isaiah 64 verses 4-5 proves. But our Sovereign God has His love and wisdom shared with His children - known partly now with the added promise that the joys and blessings of the kingdom age cannot be understood simply through words which would fail to describe that experience of being the Father's immortalised children. The Apostle Paul highlights the difference between natural and spiritual thinking, showing that the teaching via the spirit of God Is essential for true enlightenment. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Today we continued our focus on the power of community. We met the polarized Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 8. Divided over food, idols, and banquets, they reminded us that intense societal divisions that touch the church are nothing new.

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

The early church is often painted as an ideal of perfect community. The reality, however, was far from picturesque. The church in Corinth was, to put it lightly, a mess. In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul tried to paint a clear picture for the people and untangle the many theological and moral knots the church had created for itself. His letter to them still rings true to the church today. How can we be unified in a world of chaos? How can we be wise in a world of foolishness?

In I Corinthians Chapter 8, the apostle Paul addresses a conflict within the church around believers' freedom to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols. While on the surface the Corinthian church seemed to have knowledge about spiritual truths, the apostle Paul contrasted their argument with the outworking of love. In this passage we see principles that show us how the Gospel is meant to shape how we view knowledge, how we view our brothers and sisters in Christ, and ultimately how we go about exercising the freedoms that we have.

Send us a textThis podcast centers around Paul's love and concern for the Corinthian church. False teachers had sunk their teeth into this church add tricked the members. They were being paid as preachers and spreading their false lies already. They got paid and boasted they were better than Paul. So Paul's only defense was to sarcastically boast back. Listen to hear the presentation by what Paul calls God's fool. Support the show

Send us a textWelcomeWelcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we're diving back into our series on 1 Corinthians, picking up where we left off in Chapter 12.Paul's letter to the Corinthian church is more than just a theological discussion; it's a practical guide for how believers should function as a unified body. The Corinthians were struggling with the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues, and Paul's response gives us a foundational understanding of the church, unity, and the diverse roles we all play.Today, we'll explore Paul's powerful metaphor of the church as a human body. We'll see how unity and diversity aren't opposites, but are designed by God to work together. We'll also tackle some big questions, including what the Bible says about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and whether all believers should speak in tongues.Join us as we uncover the value of every member of Christ's body and celebrating the unique, God-given variety that makes the church alive and whole.Episode NotesThis episode covers 1 Corinthians 12:1-10 and explores the core teachings on the body of Christ and spiritual gifts.Key Takeaways:The Church as a Body: Unity and Diversity: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Seeking Spiritual Gifts: Tongues in Context: Love as the "Most Excellent Way": Discussion Questions:How has the metaphor of the church as a body changed your perspective on your own role within your faith community?Paul argues that every part of the body is necessary, even those that seem weaker or less visible. Can you identify an example of a "hidden" role in your church that is vital but often goes unnoticed?Paul ranks certain gifts as "greater" because they build up the church more effectively. What do you think are the most important gifts needed in the church today, and why?Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Letter to America: The Corinthian Condition, The American Crisis by The Bridge Church NYC

1 Corinthians reveals Paul's direct, gospel-centered response to the many problems in the Corinthian church and how those same truths speak powerfully to the church today.--Download the One Crossing app:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Helping people come to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the vision of Crossing Church, based in Quincy, IL with multiple locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

As we close our study of 1 Corinthians, Pastor Tommy Orlando unpacks Paul's final and most concise challenge to the Corinthian church—and to us. In just a few short verses, Paul gives four powerful instructions: Be watchful. Stand firm. Act like grown-ups in the faith. Be strong. And he wraps them all in one supreme command: Let everything you do be done in love.These aren't just ancient words—they're a practical roadmap for living as a faithful, vibrant community of light in a darkened world. From guarding against cultural creep to standing firm against theological compromise, from maturing in our faith to relying on God's strength, this closing reminder brings the entire letter into focus.

Are you spiritually rich or spiritually poor without realizing it? Dr. John exposes the Corinthian church's dangerous self-deception through 1 Corinthians 4:8-13, where Paul reveals their spiritual poverty disguised as wealth. He outlines four keys to true spiritual wealth: depending on Christ, embracing suffering for His sake, working hard in discipleship, and responding to criticism like Jesus did—with blessing instead of retaliation.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

As open the letter to the Ephesians, we can jump right into it without much introduction and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we we will be so blessed by the power and beauty of this letter. But we would probably prefer at least some background information to use as on ramp tonight to the book of Ephesians.Paul is and in the early church fathers is recognized as the author of Ephesians. Practically speaking is one of the Epistles, a letter to the church similar to Galatians, Philippians and Colossians. It most similar to Colossians and some modern scholars have used those similarities to question whether or not Paul is actually the author of Ephesians. For full disclosure, the debate of Paul's authorship rises over a few issues that some scholars have made a big deal over.Some of the early copies of Ephesians that we have do not have the name “Ephesians” in the title.It was likely an encyclical letter - sent to all the churches.We know Paul used an amanuensis and copies of the letter were made at the time of writing the original.Many of the copies we have do include the title Ephesians. The letter seems to read more generically to the church and does not focus on some specific controversy or rebuke such as in Galatians or the Corinthian letters.It seems like a fake argument to me. Paul wrote letters to the churches based of the needs of those churches. His emphasis on the unity between Jews and Gentiles through the cross of Christ would have been specific to Ephesus but was probably a very common theme in many of the Greek and Roman communities where Paul preached the Gospel.Colossians has similarities to Ephesians in a way that some insist the author of Ephesians leaned on Colossians to write Ephesians.While I know that smarter men than me have studied these ideas in greater detail, I agree with the commentaries that take on these questions and recognize that there is no evidence, even with the shared similarities, that indicates which epistle was written first or why similar language between the letters would cause us to question Pauline authorship. Some of the language the author uses, vocabulary and phrases, is unique to the letter to the Ephesians.Once again, the uniqueness of some of the phrases or theological points made in Ephesians does not require a different author. We would recognize that Paul explains the gospel from different angles and does so based on his audience which would require using different words, phrases, or even different concepts that work to explain God's mystery of the Cross to us.Apostleship: An Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. Paul has the title of Apostle. An apostle by definition is “a sent one”. And this would make Paul An Apostle of Jesus Christ because Paul encounters Christ on the road to Damascus and Jesus saves him and through Ananias, gives the call on Paul's life “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.There were three qualifications to be considered an apostle in the early church. A disciple of Jesus.An eye witness to the resurrection.Called and commissioned directly by Christ.We will discuss Paul's calling and ministry more when we get to chapter 3.Audience: The Church in Ephesus In modern day Turkey, ancient Ephesus was ruled first by the Greeks and then by the Romans. Paul would have been in Ephesus under Roman rule. It was a relatively large city with all of the Greek and Roman traits; wealth, multicultural community, amphitheater, temples, idolatry, immorality, etc.The Big Picture Paul's letter has been divided up into 6 chapters and there are a few different ways we can outline his letter and the main ideas that Paul was teaching.From the Bible Project: Two Main sections C. 1-3 and then C. 4-6. Chapter 1-3 are much more theological, describing how we are saved or laying out for us SOTERIOLOGY. And Paul explains our unity in Christ between Jews and Gentiles. Chapters 4-6 Paul teaches us about the church Chapter 4-6 are explaining how our salvation should then change our lives, how God calls us to serve him, treat one another in the home and our community, and the spiritual resources we have in Jesus to stand firm on our faith.One way to see how this unfolds in the book is by seeing how some of the terms Paul uses changes through the latter.The opening of Paul's song emphasizes the worship of God and reminds of the position of God the Father and Jesus the Son as well as the Lordship of Jesus and his office of Messiah. Paul is praising God in this Jewish way similar to the Schema - “Hear O Israel The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Through this prayer he has reminded us of the trinity with the role of the Holy Spirit coming just a few verses later.Spiritual Blessing in the Heavenly Places - What are the spiritual blessings we are given for which Paul is giving thanks? We were chosen in Jesus before the world was created. PLEASE DON'T PANIC OVER THE WORD CHOSEN. 2. We were chosen by his grace and not based on our own good works. It is obvious in the text that God chose us knowing that we need a Savior and subsequently with the plan to send the Savior all along. He did not pick us because of something we would do or because of our class or our potential. In fact it reads to me that He chose us because we are sinners and we would need a savior.3. We are adopted to part of God's family through Jesus. IN LOVE - The placement of this phrase could point back to “chosen” or it could point forward to predestined - either way these action are done as a result of God's love.4. We are blessed by this Salvation according to God's will, by his glorious grace, and through the Beloved - Jesus Christ.Let's pause here for just a minute - two tracks in scripture. Chosen and whosoever will. Ephesians 1:3 and John 3:16. There is no contradiction.We are called to witness, be missionaries - which is what Paul was doing - and while I am doing that work I know it is only Jesus that saves.Our salvation only comes through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus went to the cross and shed his blood for us. Let's remember our Hebrews study - Jesus is the final sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who tales away the sins of the world. But all the animals and the blood that was spilled for atonement were a shadow - an imperfect offering looking to the things ahead - until Jesus could offer the perfect, fulfilling sacrifice.It's out of the riches of his Grace! The imagery here is of wealth and opulence. But God does not here offer something that will rust be lavishes on us his Grace.  The idea of the mystery of God's plan or his will has finally been revealed through Jesus Christ. Where we can understand in part through reading the prophecies of the Old Testament, we are now on the other side of the cross and see more fully - certainly not all - but the mystery of God's plan.We have an inheritance that comes to us through Jesus Christ. In Him! Spiritual Blessing. We are heaven bound. Do you remember when you were saved? Not a date or moment. Do you remember when you heard the truth? Do you remember when you believed? It is then that you were sealed.

How should we evaluate our pastors and church leaders in a godly way? Dr. John addresses the critical issue of unfair criticism toward Christian leaders through 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, where Paul faces harsh judgment from the Corinthian church. He explains that we should view leaders as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries, evaluating them solely on their faithfulness to proclaim Scripture rather than on personal preferences or hidden motives we cannot truly know.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Well, if you didn't learn it from our time in Songs of Songs, let's just be clear: God is pro-marriage and pro-sex. He created intimacy for the good of mankind so that a husband and wife might enjoy one another to the glory of God. The blessing of marital intimacy should be protected from the many ways that mankind distorts it for selfish gratification. The Corinthian church was recovering from a twisted, worldly sexual ethic, and Paul wants them to know how they might use their freedom in Christ rightly, whether married or unmarried. Paul continues this train of thought about freedom to talk about how one should use their Christian freedom and knowledge for the benefit of others, and not for themselves.1 Corinthians 7 - 1:12 . 1 Corinthians 8 - 9:00 . 1 Corinthians 9 - 11:21 . 1 Corinthians 10 - 17:20 . 1 Corinthians 11 - 22:21 . Psalm 111 - 27:53 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners Paul's discussion with the Corinthian believers  about things sacrificed to idols and reminded them that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 8:4; Exodus 20:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; Matthew 10:1-4; Acts 2; Acts 7:58; 1 Timothy 1:12-14; Acts 9, 22, 26; Acts 18; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 115:1-8 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

In a culture that calls God's wisdom foolishness, how do believers stand firm in biblical truth? Dr. John explores 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, examining Paul's call to the divided Corinthian church to embrace divine wisdom over worldly thinking. He challenges Christians to accept being labeled "fools" by the world while encouraging believers with Paul's reminder that they possess all things because they belong to Christ.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Send us a textIn this week's message from The Prodigal Church series, Pastor Grant Caldwell dives into a rich and often overlooked truth in 1 Corinthians 7: your vocation is not a detour from your discipleship—it's part of your calling.Whether you're a teacher, artist, stay-at-home parent, accountant, or student, this passage affirms the sacredness of your everyday work. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers—and us—that while our faith changes everything, it doesn't always mean changing jobs. It means changing how we view and do those jobs, living out our calling in view of the One who bought us with a price.This sermon explores:How work becomes an idol in our culture.Why your job, whatever it is, can be a sacred act of restoration.The biblical vision of vocation as calling.Practical encouragement for remaining faithfully where God has placed you.“Your vocation is a sacred act of God's restoration of this world to a place of human flourishing.”Recommended Reading:Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 7 (ESV)Kingdom Calling by Amy ShermanEvery Good Endeavor by Tim KellerHOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Episode Synopsis:2 Corinthians just may well be the most difficult of all of Paul's letters.  2 Corinthians assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of the geography of the Greco-Roman world (a map really helps), as well as some understanding of the ongoing situation in the Corinthian church which leads Paul to compose this letter (the fourth in a series of letters which Paul has sent to the church in Corinth).  To get the most out of this letter, you need to get up to speed with its background and purpose. But don't let this keep you from taking the time to dig in with us was we strive to get to the heart of the letter, which is filled with meaty theology and practical application.  Paul's reason for writing amounts to a defense of his ministry and apostolic office.  We learn a great deal about Paul as a person and the history of his Gentile mission in 2 Corinthians.  As he prepares to return to Corinth, Paul explains his actions and motives including revealing his secret weapon–he is strongest when he is weak, because then he can do nothing else but count upon the mercy of God and the power of the gospel.  Humanly speaking, Paul has much to boast about but he directs his readers back to the proper reason for boasting–to give God the glory and honor he alone deserves.  We'll also find in 2 Corinthians more of Paul's robust Trinitarian theology.  In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul offers one of the most definitive Trinitarian declarations in all the New Testament.  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  Paul does much to explain the saving work of Jesus Christ in reconciling sinners unto the Father, as well as discussing the Holy Spirit's role in God's redemptive purposes.  Paul is also clear about fallen human nature.  We are as fragile as jars of clay and our bodies are mere tents until we are made alive by the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit.  There is much in 2 Corinthians about the glory of the new covenant, and the fading glory of the old, as Paul gives the Corinthians yet another lesson in understanding the course of redemptive history.In the closing chapters, Paul lowers the boom on those whom he calls “false” apostles, men who are doing the devil's work through teaching another Jesus and another gospel.  He also identifies men he calls “super” apostles whose eloquent speech and style are vastly superior to Paul, and may have some sort of charismatic ministry, which they used not to glorify God, but to undermine Paul and drive a wedge between the apostle and the saints in Corinth.  Paul will have none of it.So even though 2 Corinthians can be tough going at first, it is very well worth our time and study.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    George Eliot the celebrated novelist from the 18th century was quoted as saying about a man “He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow”. Don't you hate people with pride… unless pride is a good thing… can pride be a good thing?? Well thats where were going today!      Yesterday afternoon my grandkids came over to the house. My son told me I needed to go up to find my grandson and ask him about his day… My grandson was telling me a story but did not want to sound proud… I assured him - sometimes pride is a good thing - and thats where were going today.    Grandson story… led a boy to Christ. “In God we trust”.    While the Bible overwhelmingly condemns "pride" in the sense of arrogance, haughtiness, self-exaltation, and a defiant attitude towards God, there are a few instances where a concept akin to "pride" or "boasting" carries a more positive, or at least neutral, connotation. However, it's crucial to understand the nuance, as these are generally not referring to the sinful "pride" that God opposes.     Here's a breakdown: 1. Boasting in the Lord/God's Work: The New Testament, particularly the Apostle Paul's writings, speaks of a "boasting" that is acceptable and even encouraged. This isn't about exalting oneself, but rather about exalting God and what He has done. 2 Corinthians 10:17: "But 'let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This verse, echoing Jeremiah 9:23-24, emphasizes that any true "boasting" or "pride" should be in God's wisdom, might, and righteousness, not our own. Romans 15:1: Paul says, "Therefore I have reason to be proud of my work for God in Christ Jesus." Here, the "pride" is in the work God has enabled him to do, giving credit to God. 2 Corinthians 7:4: Paul states, "I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles." This is a sense of satisfaction and joy in the spiritual growth and faith of the Corinthian believers, which is ultimately attributed to God's work in them. I have a friend I boast in all the time… and he boasts about himself as well - as he should. He was a raging porn addict, alcoholic, anger, demon possessed and a terrible father and husband… and literally almost over night God changed him… He is now one of my elders in my church… I Love when this man brags about all that God has done in him. I brag about the fact that God can use a knuckle dragger like me to win people to Christ. God is a pretty cool God… there I am bragging again.  2. Healthy Self-Assessment (without comparison or self-exaltation): Some interpretations suggest that there can be a sense of satisfaction in one's own efforts or accomplishments, as long as it's not rooted in comparison with others or a spirit of self-sufficiency apart from God. Galatians 6:4: "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." This verse can be understood as encouraging a healthy self-evaluation and satisfaction in one's own diligent work, without falling into the trap of comparing oneself to others, which often leads to either sinful pride or discouragement. Last year I won about 200 people to Christ. This year I am shooting for more than 200… I am not sure but would like to hit 300. I am also shooting to hit 1000 people in the next year in church attendance. I am planning on starting a Saturday night service and we will have 3 services total. I am bragging at what God has done in me and through me… and I am comparing myself to where I was at a year ago. It does two things… it helps me remember what is possible - so I will continue to push harder and take greater steps of faith. And secondly, it helps me speak into other peoples lives and let them know if God can use me… he can use anybody.  In essence, the Bible strongly warns against pride that elevates self and opposes God. However, it allows for a sense of positive satisfaction or "boasting" when it is rooted in humility and directed towards acknowledging God's grace, power, and accomplishments through us or in others. The key is where the focus lies – on oneself or on God.

The practical application sections of Paul's epistles are often interspersed with governing principles. Paul is constantly “teaching the 'what' and preaching the 'why'. I find this inferred principle/application distinction especially helpful for discipleship and instruction in Christian 'orthopraxy' – the 'day to day' practical concerns of the believer. Paul allows for latitude in application areas like whether or not to eat food in Corinth that has been dedicated to idols. He instructs the Corinthian believers to use their judgement in case by case situations according to governing principles in scripture. Today we will highlight several of these timeless truths.

1 Corinthian 15:1-34 emphasizes the foundational importance of the Gospel, urging believers to build their lives on the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. God's grace with our salvation inspires our dedication and service to Christ. The resurrection of Christ also gives us hope beyond the grave and helps us not fear death.

I want to piggyback off the final two verses from the first chapter in James that we looked at last week, which states: If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this persons religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (1:26-27). From these two verses, I have two questions that help us make more sense of the verses that follow in James 2:1-13. The first question we need to ask is this: What makes faith worthless? The person who says that he/she believes and follows Jesus yet has not bridled their tongue. The second question is this: If undefiled religion is to visit orphans and widows in their distress, what is defiled religion? It is a person of faith who claims to follow Jesus but ignores the most vulnerable of society: Widows and orphans. In the first century, widows and orphans were vulnerable. Widows faced economic hardships without a male in the home to provide. Orphans lacked the protection of a father. Widows without children were at times isolated and ostracized. Orphans often were without the tender care of their mothers. In many ways, widows and orphans were marginalized in society. For the first century church, the care of widows and orphans was a social justice issue that the first century church understood needed to be address as we are all commanded to address: Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, obtain justice for the orphan, plead for the widows case (Isa. 1:17). Because the needs of the widows and orphans grew, and were beginning to be overlooked, the leaders in the first century church charged a group of men with the task of looking after such people (see Acts 6:1-6). So why is this important when our text this morning is James 2:1-13? Because a faith that rests in Jesus is one that responds to the needs of the marginalized. When a person goes from spiritual death to spiritual life and is born again, there are two levels of love that begin to flow through the spiritual veins of the one who is now a living and breathing child of God, and that is a love for God and a love for ones neighbor. When you are born again your new love for God begins to flow to the point of overflowing to the point that it is expressed in the Christians horizontal relationships. This is why when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment (Matt. 22:37). However, Jesus did not stop there, He continued: The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets James was no doubt aware of Jesus answer to the Pharisees question concerning the greatest commandment. The first four commandments concern our love and relationship with God and the final six commandments concern our love and relationship with our neighbors. Jesus begins with the greatest commandment because how we treat our neighbor reflects the condition of our relationship with God. This is why James wrote in verse 10, For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. The NLT translates this verse in a way that ought to help you get the point James is making: For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of Gods laws. In other words each of the Ten Commandments are inter-connected. It is not segmented or impartial just like genuine and saving faith is not impartial. Impartial Faith is Gracious (vv. 1-5) I am not sure what was going on in these churches of the Christians James was writing to, but it seems that something was off relationally concerning how they treated one another. Apparently, the rich were treated with some level of favoritism over the poor. We know this because of what James writes in verses 1, My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. James did not write this to keep these Christians from showing favoritism but was forbidding them from doing what they already were doing. If you are a Christian, then you are a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 1). To be a bond-servant is to be a slave of Christ; the bond-servant of Jesus means that you are neither free nor hired, but property of your Master. Dont think of slavery to Jesus as something degrading, for in slavery to Jesus is where true freedom is known. However, to be a bond-servant of Christ and to show favoritism by treating one person more valuable than the other is a contradiction especially the kind of favoritism James was addressing related to the way the rich were treated over the poor. We know this because of the verses that follow: For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, You sit here in a good place, and you say to the poor man, You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool, have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? (vv. 2-4) The gold ring on a persons finger was worn by the upper-level Roman equestrian class. Those with a gold-ring were not only wealthy, but were highly influential. Now think of what it would have been like if you were a marginalized Christian Jew, who had an upper-level Roman citizen walk into your church service who also claimed to be a brother or sister in Christ? You might be tempted to think that if you could just get close to this person, that may help in your standing in society! Surely close friendship with the person who wore the gold-ring would be a better use of your time than friendship with another poor and marginalized Christian. To treat one person with more honor than the other because of their social status in this world is to discount the fact that regardless of their social standing, all people bear the image of God and should be treated as such. What made the situation even more grievous is that this kind of favoritism was going on among Christians whose salvation had nothing to do with their standing in society. The apostle Paul addressed some of the same issues within the Corinthian church when he wrote the following: For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no human may boast before God. So in response to this kind of favoritism, James admonished these Christians: Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? In other words, the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, all have the same thing in common from the moment of birth: We are all born alienated from God and are by nature dead in our sins. Yet, Jesus found us and died for us, and it is through His redeeming work that regardless of your social status, your tribe, or what part of the world you were born in or currently live... He died for sinners such as us! Impartial Faith is Loving (vv. 5-9) The same grace the rich are in dire need to receive, is the same grace available to the poor. The same grace that is available to the Jew is also available to the Gentile! The thing that the apostle Peter had a difficult time wrapping his mind around initially was that salvation was equally made available to Gentiles, and that Jesus is equally the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, and the Messiah to the Jew as He is to those who grew up eating ham sandwiches, peperoni pizza, Italian hoagies, fried shrimp, and even pork feet. A Jew would not even go into the home of a Gentile because they were considered unclean. Peter was one such Jew until God rebuked him and told him not to label unclean what God has made clean (see Acts 10:9ff). After Peter was sent into the home of a Gentile and witnessed Gods saving work in the entire household of Cornelious, he responded: Opening his mouth, Peter said: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him (Acts 10:34-35). Peters issue was that he could not see how the God of the Hebrews could love and save unclean Gentiles. Peters sin was really not that different than the favoritism that was shown for the rich over the poor in the churches James wrote his epistle to. It is nothing new that the poor are marginalized or forgotten in the world. Consider the Netflix documentary titled Gone Girls; Rex Heuermann was able to murder scores of prostitutes because they were not treated with the same value as other women. It is estimated that 50 million people live in slavery in our world on this very day. Consider the following statistics related to the 50 million slaves that exist in our world today: 6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. 23% of these victims (roughly 6.3 million people)are trafficked forcommercial sexual exploitation. 78% of those trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation are women and girls and 22% are men and boys. 92% of sex trafficking victims are adults, and 8% are children. Add to this that in 2024, there was an estimated 1.14 million abortions in the United States alone! We live in a world that that does not value human life. Regarding the partialism that James addressed, he was not surprised that it was happening in a fallen world, he was heartbroken that it was happening among those who claimed to follow Jesus. Why? Because of all people, we who are the redeemed of the Lord Jesus, ought to understand that we bear the image of the living God. To dehumanize a person based on their social or economic status is not only evil, but such behavior blasphemes the Name of the God whose image we reflect (v. 7-8). You can say that you love God all that you want, but according to James 2:9, if you show partiality, you are committing sin by violating the commandments concerning the way we must love our neighbor. In James view (as is true in the rest of the Bible), if you do not love your neighbor, can you really say that you love the God who sent His son to die for that person? Can James be any clearer: But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators (v. 9). Impartial Faith is Merciful (vv. 10-13) Christian, we are a people who have received mercy, and it was not ordinary mercy you received. The mercy you received is not like the mercy a police officer may have shown you by refraining from writing you the ticket you deserved. The apostle Paul described the kind of mercy you received in this way: But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... The mercy we have received is rich and it is a mercy we did not deserve, nor could we earn. Now, just so you know, verse 10 was written within the context of dehumanizing, ignoring, or treating as less important the poor because they do not have the influence that the wealthy have. I have and will continue to use verse 10 when I share the gospel with others, which states: For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. In other words, if you are feeling good about not violating the first and second commandments because you do not bow down to any idol in worship and claim to worship God alone, but break any of the other commandments, you are guilty of being a commandment breaker. What does it mean to break any one of Gods commandments? James tells us in verse 11, For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. Jesus said that if you look at another woman with lust, you are guilty of adultery (see Matt. 5:27-28), and He also said that if you hate or verbally abuse another person, you are also guilty of murder (see Matt. 5:21-22). Whats the point? The point is that we have sinned, still sin, and will sin; it is for all our sins that Jesus was crucified, bled, and slaughtered. The prophet Isaiah wrote of Jesus: But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings; the punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed (Isa. 53:5); the apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:13, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written: Cursed is everyone who hangs on a Tree... We have been forgiven of so much, and the price paid upon His cross was, is, and will always be enough! Because of the rich mercy we continue to receive, James issues a command in verses 12-13, So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. For judgment will be merciless to the one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. What is the law of freedom? It is the royal law of love! Why did you receive mercy? You received mercy and now you are born again Christian, ...because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (Eph. 2:5). Conclusion Because of the mercy we have received, the fruit of our faith is to be saturated by the grace, love, and mercy we received in the way we treat our neighbors. In case you are not clear on what that looks like, Jesus could not have made it any clearer: I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). The sin of partiality is not only in how we treat the wealthy over the poor. The sin of partiality comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It can come in how we value a person based on the color of their skin or ethnicity. It can also come in how we rightfully stand against abortion while remaining silent regarding the sexual exploitation of children. We ought not to be surprised when the sin of partiality is present in our world, but it ought to grieve our hearts when it finds its way into Christs church. We who have received the grace, love, and mercy of God through Jesus Christ ought to be known as a people whose words and actions embody the essence of the grace, love, and mercy we freely received.

In this concluding session on 2 Corinthians, Pastor John Dunning delves into the powerful final chapter, drawing out timeless truths for believers. He begins by recapping key themes from the letter: -- Paul's unwavering apostolic authority over the Corinthian church, which he founded. -- The emphasis on love and reconciliation, highlighting that all born-again believers are called into the ministry of reconciliation. -- The proper motive for giving, which stems from compassion and a desire to see the church strengthened and the Gospel spread. -- The reality of three-dimensional spiritual warfare, urging believers to daily put on the full armor of God and engage in prayer. Pastor Dunning then transitions into 2 Corinthians 13, where Paul sternly warns the unrepentant Corinthians of his impending third visit and his intent to address unruliness. He stresses the importance of accountability within the church and the leader's responsibility to uphold truth, even if it means confronting sin. A central point of the message is Paul's exhortation in verse 5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." Pastor Dunning unpacks what this self-examination entails: -- Are we truly born again, with an inner witness of Christ's presence? -- Is our Christian life founded on scripture? -- Do we have a healthy prayer life, which leads to peace and joy? -- Do we possess a desire to grow in faith and knowledge of Jesus as Savior, Lord, and friend? -- Have we learned obedience to Christ, His Word, and spiritual authority? -- Do we understand grace not as a license to sin, but as God's power working on our behalf, granting us liberty from the guilt of condemnation? The sermon concludes with a reflection on Paul's desire for the Corinthians' spiritual perfection and a profound meditation on the benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all." Pastor Dunning encourages a deeper understanding and experience of God's grace, love, and intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Corinthians 13 -- 1 John (especially regarding the witness in oneself) -- Ephesians 6:10-18 (the armor of God) +++++++ You can find more information on my website: https://pastorjohndunning.com/ You can hear my personal testimony on this website: https://www.ifyouonlyknew.life/

Paul wants the Corinthian church to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Divisions had already begun among the church at Corinth, and as we'll see in these first few chapters, some of the division came because believers began attributing themselves to mere men. Paul directs them to boast, not in the teachers they follow, but in Christ and Him crucified. In other words, “let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” The cross is foolishness to the world, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of Almighty God. The apostles weren't to be placed on pedestals, but they were to be looked to as examples of humility.1 Corinthians 1 - 1:07 . 1 Corinthians 2 - 6:19 . 1 Corinthians 3 - 9:52 . 1 Corinthians 4 - 13:31 . 1 Corinthians 5 - 18:24 . 1 Corinthians 6 - 20:56 . Psalm 110 - 24:57 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Trails of fire and lies lead Johanna Constantine and The Corinthian 2.0 down a path to save Daniel Hall...but is he what he seems? Dream, Delirium, and Destiny's webs interweave with hopeful results, but watch out Dream Daddy - Lyta Hall is coming to The Dreaming and she's not alone...Follow all of the Stranded Panda network shows at strandedpanda.comFind Ashley on Bill and Ashley's Terror Theaterhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bill-ashleys-terror-theater/id1630376625Find Hayley at The Source Pages Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/source-pages-a-reading-collective-andor/id1573495735

Dave, Eric and guest Jonathan Carlisle discuss Minute 7 of The Naked Gun: a sinister character is introduced, a silly character is shot. Check out Jonathan's podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837 https://www.uhf62nd.com

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Corinthians 5 Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church: the acceptance of blatant sexual immorality. A man is involved in a sinful relationship with his stepmother, and the church's prideful attitude toward this sin is deeply concerning. Paul reminds the Corinthians that such behavior is unacceptable and must be confronted. He instructs them to remove the unrepentant individual from their fellowship, not out of malice, but to encourage repentance and protect the church's purity. Paul compares sin to leaven, warning that it spreads and corrupts the entire body. He urges the church to live as unleavened bread, pure and holy in Christ. Furthermore, Paul clarifies that he is not addressing unbelievers but instructs the church to hold fellow Christians accountable, emphasizing the importance of upholding God's standards within the church. Arrogance among God's people can take many forms. In today's reading, it manifests as unaddressed immorality, as if God would not hold the group accountable. Paul emphasizes that the church must confront sin for the good of the sinners and the purity of the congregation. This should be our attitude toward ungodliness among us. We must humbly accept that we will answer to God for inaction. However, our motives must always be to save and protect, whether it be the sinner or the members of our church family. This may require extreme actions, such as breaking off associations with someone or removing them from the local church fellowship. All must be done with the hope of restoration and peace.   Holy God, we hear Your call to morality and holiness in Jesus' name. Help us confront violations of Your will within ourselves and among Your people with humility, love, and courage. Teach us to address sin with the desire for restoration and fellowship, being mindful to protect the integrity of Your little ones among us. Grant us wisdom to discern how to approach those in sin, balancing mercy and resolve as we stand for Your will. Strengthen our commitment to live as unleavened bread, set apart for You, and determined to abandon arrogance and purge sin from our midst.  Thought Questions: -       What might lead a local church to overlook sin among them? How can you help your local fellowship overcome this and address souls? -       How important is it for local churches to keep sin from among their midst? Why is it dangerous to allow ungodliness to be common among us? -       Why are Christians told “not to associate” with brethren caught in sin? Why is this important, and what does it look like in your life?