1 Corinthians: Prizing Speaking Ability Over The Gospel

Prizing homiletic ability and what the world would entertaining and interesting over heeding the rebukes and correction which would come from preaching the whole counsel of God had also been a problem for those who listened to the preaching of God’s Word in Ezekiel’s day (Ezek. 33:30-32). It’s easy to heed the ways of God with which we already agree…but when the Scriptures demand of us something which we find hard or foolish to do, the siren call of human wisdom is much harder to resist.  This is when the true foundation of our faith is revealed to be either strong or weak. … Read More 1 Corinthians: Prizing Speaking Ability Over The Gospel

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1 Corinthians: Follow A “Nobody,” Not The “Somebodies” Everyone Else Adores

The Corinthians needed to understand that true salvation and true wisdom – the true right path to a better life here and eternal life afterwards – would not be found by following the ideas and philosophies of those whom their peers considered to be great.  We in the church today must also realize that the celebrities we tend to exalt in sports, politics, education, and entertainment are not following the right path and do not hold the true solutions for our greatest problems and concerns. No one will stand before God’s throne on Judgment Day and give credit for their salvation to their Ph.D., wealth portfolio, high IQ, athletic ability, speaking ability, political ideology, or philosophical worldview.  … Read More 1 Corinthians: Follow A “Nobody,” Not The “Somebodies” Everyone Else Adores

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1 Corinthians: “For Christ Did Not Send Me To Baptize…”

Many believe that baptism is not required to be saved, even though both Jesus and Peter said differently (Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).  One reason many sincerely believe this is due to what Paul said to the Corinthians (quoted above), specifically his statement, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” (1:17).  Many determine from this statement that baptism must not be essential to salvation. Are they right?… Read More 1 Corinthians: “For Christ Did Not Send Me To Baptize…”

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1 Corinthians: The Divine Command For Unity Over Division

On the night before he died, Jesus had prayed that all of his followers be “one” and “perfected in unity” (John 17:20-23).  By now directing the Spirit to inspire Paul to command his followers, “that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1:10c), Jesus wanted the Corinthians to be the answer to his prayer.  He wants the same for us today…yet the doctrinal divisiveness of denominationalism and the contentious disagreements found even within some local congregations of the Lord’s church remain. … Read More 1 Corinthians: The Divine Command For Unity Over Division

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