As I mentioned in the previous post, 1st Corinthians Paul brings up an issue that was dividing the Corinthian church. Some were okay with the issue, some were not okay, and people were offended. What was this offensive issue? Here’s what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:1-8, “Now about food sacrificed to idols: We knowContinue reading “A clash of cultures in the church – How to interact with people who view the world differently than you, Part 2”
Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians
How resurrection motivates us to mission – Easter 2021, Part 4
As we continue studying what Paul has to say about resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12-34, he begins with a really bizarre comment. In verse 29 he mentions that the Corinthian Christians were practicing baptism for the dead. I am not going to be able to provide you the definitive answer on what that one isContinue reading “How resurrection motivates us to mission – Easter 2021, Part 4”
What my peach tree teaches me about resurrection – Easter 2021, Part 3
I’m writing this in early spring, when I am starting to see the beginning of buds growing on the peach tree in my yard. Maybe you have fruit trees, and you’ve seen this growth process underway. As the buds eventually flower, the tiny fruit will begin to grow. Frequently, some fruit ripens early and weContinue reading “What my peach tree teaches me about resurrection – Easter 2021, Part 3”
How the most obscure verse in the Bible can change your life – 1st Corinthians 15:12-34
One commentator said 1 Corinthians 15:29 has been called the most difficult and obscure verse in the entire Bible. Here’s a Bible trivia question for you: how many verses in the Bible? There are 31102 verses in the Bible, and this is most obscure of all? Really? If so, why? Keep reading, you’ll learn whyContinue reading “How the most obscure verse in the Bible can change your life – 1st Corinthians 15:12-34”
The difficulty of finding wisdom
Have you found wisdom? Have you asked for it? Lucille Ball thought it was hard to come by. 2 Kings 3 tells the story, in the days after Solomon ascended to the throne of his father David, of the Lord coming to Solomon in dream telling Solomon he would give Solomon whatever he wished. HeContinue reading “The difficulty of finding wisdom”
On Being Holy – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
Two days ago we started a series teaching through the book of 1st Corinthians. It’s actually not a book, but a letter. As I mentioned last week here, Paul is writing to a church that is struggling to maintain it’s discipleship to Jesus in the midst of the wealthy overly-sexualized culture. In other words, he’sContinue reading “On Being Holy – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3”
How do you write a letter to a church in a hyper-sexualized culture?
How do you start a letter to a church that is out of control? What would you say? Imagine you’re a leader of a group of churches. Maybe a denominational CEO, a bishop, a district superintendent, a conference minister. You are responsible for the spiritual health and vitality of the many pastors and congregations underContinue reading “How do you write a letter to a church in a hyper-sexualized culture?”
Engaging Scripture 