Articles I write for the weekly bulletin of the East Main Church of Christ, the congregation where I preach.
Brethren, we can “endure” – overcome – any temptation because God’s providence will always give us a real way to do so. Ultimately, whether we resist temptation or repent of sins we have committed is up to us. … Read More 1 Corinthians: “He Will Not Let You Be Tempted Beyond Your Ability…”
What is written in the Old Testament is there to serve as an admonishing, instructive example to Christians today (cf. Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). This is why we must study the Old Testament, even though we are not obligated to follow the tenets of Moses’ law as Israel was (Heb. 8:7-13). And in doing so, we must not arrogantly think that just because we follow God in various ways that we could never fall prey to unrepentant sin. … Read More 1 Corinthians: The Value of the Old Testament…And Humility
Since clouds are also composed of H2O, one could say that Israel was completely surrounded by water – the cloud being above them and the Red Sea on either side of them. This is why Paul says that they “were baptized (baptizo, literally immersed or submerged) into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (10:2). Just as one is completely surrounded by water while being baptized (baptizo, immersed, submerged) for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38; 8:35-39; 22:16), Israel had also been surrounded by water during their escape from Egyptian bondage. Thus, Israel’s Red Sea crossing also serves as a copy and shadow of what baptism does for Christians today.… Read More 1 Corinthians: “Baptized Into Moses”
Paul’s metaphorical running of the Christian race was not done mindlessly but with purpose (9:26a). He set goals for his spiritual growth and worked hard and with commitment to achieve them. Every decision was consciously made under the parameter of whether it met with God’s revealed will in Scripture (Col. 3:17). When he failed and committed sin, he purposefully chose to acknowledge his disobedience and repent of it, thus continually receiving grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9; 2 Cor. 7:10-11). Can you and I say the same about our Christianity?… Read More 1 Corinthians: Run To Win The Prize!
Paul’s own rights to do what Christ’s laws allowed him the freedom to do did not matter to him nearly as much as doing whatever he could to convert lost souls to Christ and keep the souls of his Christian brethren safe. Does this describe you and me, brethren?… Read More 1 Corinthians: “I Have Become All Things To All People”
Pre-Denominational Christianity 
You must be logged in to post a comment.