My generation has witnessed the call for every kind of right imaginable: from basic civil rights to well . . . vegetable rights. In between, there have been some things that aren’t so humorous—the right to put the unborn to death, the right to do what no civilization has ever done and redefine the marriageContinue reading “When Rights Are Wrong”
Category Archives: 1 Corinthians
What Are You Wearing?
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes is one of those wonderful stories for children that has much to say to adults. If you remember, the emperor is a boastful sort who is taken advantage of by two tailors promising to make him the finest set of clothes ever seen—sort of. The catch is that the clothes are soContinue reading “What Are You Wearing?”
The Range of Redemption
The Corinthians understood they had been redeemed through Jesus, but like some disciples today, they didn’t grasp how wide-ranging that deliverance was. If you ask people today about their salvation many will tell you something to the effect of “my soul has been saved.” That’s gloriously true and worthy of the highest celebration—it just doesn’tContinue reading “The Range of Redemption”
Staying on the Same Page (2)
When I was in elementary school, we played a game on the playground called Red Rover. The rules were simple. The class divided into two groups. Each side formed a line by holding hands and the two lines faced each other with about ten yards between them. One group would call out the name ofContinue reading “Staying on the Same Page (2)”
Staying on the Same Page (1)
Paul shares some wonderful things with the Corinthians in 1:4-9. He speaks of: the grace given to them in Jesus (v. 4), their enrichment in every way (v. 5), confirmation that Christ was present among them (v. 6), their abundance of spiritual gifts (v. 7), how God would keep them to the end so that theyContinue reading “Staying on the Same Page (1)”
The Greatest of These
The situation at Corinth wasn’t so different than what we find today—at least in general terms. Those who were gifted in regard to knowledge, the ability to prophesy, speaking in tongues or something else had become puffed up and arrogant in regard to their status in the community of disciples. They believed their gifts meantContinue reading “The Greatest of These”
Paul, Apollos and Corinth
Here’s what we know as it relates to Paul, Apollos and the establishment and early years of the church at Corinth: 1. Paul started the church in Corinth somewhere around 50 AD. After 18 months, he left for Ephesus where he didn’t stay long before heading to Jerusalem and Antioch (Acts 18:11,19-21). 2. Apollos showedContinue reading “Paul, Apollos and Corinth”
Not Relevant for Today?
I suppose it’s difficult for us to work up much passion when it comes to the subject of meats sacrificed to idols. After all, it hasn’t been an issue for a couple thousand years. Still, it would be a mistake to be casually dismissive of it. After all, the subject has a presence in ScriptureContinue reading “Not Relevant for Today?”
Living as Christ Lived
There’s quite a bit of confusion in our culture in regard to the body. There are those (men and women) who absolutely worship it and will stop at nothing (augment, tuck, lift, implant, fill, suction, weird diets, supplements, ridiculous treatments, bizarre clothes, etc.) in pursuing what they regard as the perfect look. Once they believeContinue reading “Living as Christ Lived”
Groaning
She’d experienced her share of tough times in life: an unfaithful husband, the economic stress that results from divorce, several relocations in an attempt to find work, etc. She settled in as our church’s secretary and found a home. Still, she was looking for more. (Aren’t we all?) I had been preaching a series ofContinue reading “Groaning”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 