But there’s another layer to what was going on at Corinth. From what Paul says in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 1, it’s clear that their divisiveness wasn’t solely a matter of trying to best their brother (or sister). They wanted their man to carry the day because they thought his style would beContinue reading “When the Church tries to be Cool (2)”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
When the Church Tries to be Cool (1)
That Jesus was crucified is a brute fact of history acknowledged by non-biblical sources (Tacitus, Mara Bar Sarapion, Lucian, etc.), as well as the writers of Scripture. But we recognize that history is only in a small sense about dates, names, and places. These things are better thought of as the starting point for itsContinue reading “When the Church Tries to be Cool (1)”
When Rights Are Wrong
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”
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?”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 