"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, Oct 16 - 1st Corinthians 1
We're going to take on 1st and 2nd Corinthians...just keep on keeping on :) These letters were written by Paul, just as Romans was, so count on some deep thinking and look forward to being challenged!
Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks...but God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom and God's weakness is stronger than man's strength - I like that!
I (Karyn) look at this chapter and agree with Josh. That is my favorite part of the entire chapter. I am just grateful that through my years I have learned (sometimes the hard way) that God's direction and wisdom is far greater than my own. Many years went by in my 20's where if I was God I may have said forget her she is never going to really get how much I love her and just passed on by because it wasn't worth my time, but again that is what is so amazing about God's grace and love for us. Time after time we try to use our own strength and wisdom and life ends up pretty screwed up. Just so thankful that if I truly repent I am forgiven. Lastly, I thought that the division in the church probably happens more than we know. Maybe not to the point where we are "following" others not Christ, but maybe putting too much emphasis on who is delivering the message and forgetting that God is the one inspiring that person talking. Just a thought, not implying anything. Anyways, I am going on and on so I will quit now before this turns into a 20 page novel. Ha Ha!!!!!
The end is a constant reminder that really everything we do is to glorify God and not take the credit. Paul does such a great job of this - he preaches fantastic sermons, has a great following etc. and constantly praises God and acknowledges that it is the Spirit, not himself that is doing anything amazing. Is something we do? It's completely against our nature to view ourselves as vehicles of God rather than independent beings/the self-made man. Josh - I liked that part too. What about the part about the divisions? Was that speaking to church divisions/denominations? Leadership (ie tiers of pastors/priests/bishops)? Or is it divisions within a specific church (ie small groups at Crossroads).
I'm sure Paul was speaking to both divisions and denominations - if you think about it denominations are simply divisions based on doctrine (most of which is petty and not important). I'm not going to go into it as there are volumes of books written on the matter but put simply, Jesus was/is against any/all divisions. We ought to preach Christ, read and teach the word of God, help one another, give generously, etc. Unfortunately, because we're sinful beings, there are times when division is necessary because the church has gotten away from God and men are using there positions to their own gain rather than Christ's. However, if at all possible, true believers ought not quarrel and especially not split. As Paul wrote, "Are we not all members of one body?"
Additionally, small groups are not divisions unless you're primary purpose is to slander others and cause strife. Small groups are in fact supplementary and great for establishing deeper relationships with both God and eachother.
Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks...but God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom and God's weakness is stronger than man's strength - I like that!
ReplyDeleteI (Karyn) look at this chapter and agree with Josh. That is my favorite part of the entire chapter. I am just grateful that through my years I have learned (sometimes the hard way) that God's direction and wisdom is far greater than my own. Many years went by in my 20's where if I was God I may have said forget her she is never going to really get how much I love her and just passed on by because it wasn't worth my time, but again that is what is so amazing about God's grace and love for us. Time after time we try to use our own strength and wisdom and life ends up pretty screwed up. Just so thankful that if I truly repent I am forgiven. Lastly, I thought that the division in the church probably happens more than we know. Maybe not to the point where we are "following" others not Christ, but maybe putting too much emphasis on who is delivering the message and forgetting that God is the one inspiring that person talking. Just a thought, not implying anything. Anyways, I am going on and on so I will quit now before this turns into a 20 page novel. Ha Ha!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Karyn. We ought to always glorify God - not men (or women).
ReplyDeleteThe end is a constant reminder that really everything we do is to glorify God and not take the credit. Paul does such a great job of this - he preaches fantastic sermons, has a great following etc. and constantly praises God and acknowledges that it is the Spirit, not himself that is doing anything amazing. Is something we do? It's completely against our nature to view ourselves as vehicles of God rather than independent beings/the self-made man.
ReplyDeleteJosh - I liked that part too.
What about the part about the divisions? Was that speaking to church divisions/denominations? Leadership (ie tiers of pastors/priests/bishops)? Or is it divisions within a specific church (ie small groups at Crossroads).
I think he was talking about divisions over church leaders like Paul and Peter and Apollos.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting:
"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
We always think we have to be a good speaker and communicator to talk to people about Christ.
I'm sure Paul was speaking to both divisions and denominations - if you think about it denominations are simply divisions based on doctrine (most of which is petty and not important). I'm not going to go into it as there are volumes of books written on the matter but put simply, Jesus was/is against any/all divisions. We ought to preach Christ, read and teach the word of God, help one another, give generously, etc. Unfortunately, because we're sinful beings, there are times when division is necessary because the church has gotten away from God and men are using there positions to their own gain rather than Christ's. However, if at all possible, true believers ought not quarrel and especially not split. As Paul wrote, "Are we not all members of one body?"
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, small groups are not divisions unless you're primary purpose is to slander others and cause strife. Small groups are in fact supplementary and great for establishing deeper relationships with both God and eachother.