We like our rights, our freedoms. It’s easy to have an “it’s all about us” attitude. Paul’s point is that this attitude can get in the way of helping lost souls be open to the saving message of the gospel. This mindset can likewise keep brothers and sisters in Christ from growing spiritually. … Read More 1 Corinthians: The Stewardship of Sacrifice
Christians, remember this. God’s Spirit is with us, both collectively as a church (3:16-17) and individually as disciples of Christ (6:19). He is always with us (2 Cor. 6:16; Matt. 28:20). He is always watching us (Heb. 4:13; Job 34:21; Ps. 33:13-15)…as are our brethren, including those who are spiritually younger and weaker than us. They too are watching us, and are extremely likely to follow our example, whether it be good or bad. If we lead them down the path which ultimately ends in hell through unbiblical teaching or ungodly examples shown to them by vulgar language, immodest dress, immoral actions, hot tempers, gossip, selfishness, and the like, we are “destroy(ing) God’s temple” which is the church…and “God will destroy” us in eternity.… Read More 1 Corinthians: Do Not Destroy God’s Temple!
These commands are hard for Christians to follow today as well. For American Christians, they’re hard to obey even though – let’s be honest – we do not face nearly as severe persecution from our government due to the First Amendment as the early church did from Rome. In fact, it is because of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech it gives us that we find it very hard to do what God wants us to do in this passage. Because we have freedom of speech, we might think it an obligation to not just vocalize our disagreement with those in power, but to do so in ways that lie, slander, mock and insult both them and their families. Sin is breaking the laws of God (1 John 3:4; Rom. 4:15b). God never said not to disagree with governing authorities, but He has commanded to never dishonor them and to submit to them. The only exception He gave is if they specifically and directly order us to do the opposite of what God commanded us to do (cf. Acts 5:27-29). Therefore, we can “live as people who are free”…but let’s make sure to never “use (our) freedom as a cover-up for evil” (2:16).… Read More 1 Peter: Honor WHO, Peter? Are You Kidding Me?!?!
Basically, we are Christians to tell others about how and why we are Christians. Going to heaven and being saved from hell by the grace and love of God and the sacrifice of Christ on the cross? Yes, one could say those are also reasons we are Christians, although in the context of what Peter is saying here I would say they are more the wonderful benefits of being Christians than anything else. But our purpose for being “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession”? Never forget, Christians. Our purpose for being Christians is to evangelize. … Read More 1 Peter: The Reason We Are Christians
Do we know anyone who is not a New Testament Christian who is hungering and thirsting for righteousness? We probably do. God wants you to be the door that He puts in front of them, the door through which they must walk to find the salvation they seek.… Read More The Parable of the Costly Pearl
Pre-Denominational Christianity 
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