Lesson 1279

(Lesson 1279)(03-31-15) 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

Today's quote clearly and simply states that God dispenses many talents and special gifts among those who belong to Him. Paul made it very clear herein that those talents and special gifts are backed by the power of the Holy Spirit and are all to be exercised in an effort to honor and glorify God. Those gifts and special talents are also to uplift and encourage the membership of the Church as well as to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all those who wish to learn it.

In the following lessons, Paul identifies some of those talents and how they are to be applied.

Lesson 1278

(Lesson 1278)(03-30-15) 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."

Today's quote tells us that Paul had instructed the Corinthians that the Lord's supper was to be carried out by a very select group of people and for only one very special purpose, that being to bring the Death of Jesus Christ to remembrance until He returns.

Therefore, the Lord's supper serves no purpose other than to be a reminder of Jesus' death means to the believer.

We should note that Jesus, as quoted by Paul, gave no special instruction as to when, or even if the children or God are commanded to practice the ritual of the Lord's supper.

Jesus simply said "as often" as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you do it to remember the purpose of the Lord's death until He returns.

Also herein, Paul gave a warning to those who might participate in the ritual of the Lord's supper "unworthily". He said that those who eat and drink "unworthily" eat and drink damnation unto themselves. I believe it can safely be said that many of those who practice the ritual today do so unworthily.

I believe that every child of God should carefully study everything the bible says about the Lord's Supper, and deal with their findings as they are led by the Holy Spirit remembering that Paul said, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."~

Lesson 1277

(Lesson 1277)(03-29-15) 1 Corinthians 11:17-22

"Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."

In today's quote Paul spoke of the obvious disagreement that was going on among the members of the Corinthian Church. He called out those who were teaching heresy in the Church. Paul also made it very clear that, contrary to what almost every "Christian" denomination teaches today, the "Lord's Supper" was, nor is, to be eaten during a regular assembly of the Church, as that applies to Christians today, every Sunday; "When ye come together therefore into one place, this IS NOT TO EAT THE LORD'S SUPPER." That statement cannot be made clearer than Paul made it herein.

Even with that knowledge, there are still literally hundreds of millions worldwide who, contrary to Paul's instruction, still offer the ritual of the "Lord's Supper", or "Communion", at the "Church" on every designated "worship" day.

In the latter part of today's quote Paul also ridiculed the Corinthians for, more or less, bringing takeout meals and eating them in Church; "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."

A designated assembly of the the children of God is to serve only three purposes, the first is to honor and glorify God, the second is to uplift and encourage the membership by teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, the third is to see to the needs of the membership.~

Lesson 1276

(Lesson 1276)(03-28-15) 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."

Today's quote does not sit well with most women today. Paul, herein, seems to "put women in their place" concerning their standing alongside men. However, closer study of what Paul said in this text reveals that he was only conveying the tradition under the Law of Moses. Note that in the final verse of this quote Paul said, "we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."

In that short statement Paul made it clear that none of the rules listed above were applicable to the Church.

In a letter to the Galatians the pecking order among the children of God is made very clear; "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28)~

NOTE: The phrase "baptized into Christ" means exactly what it says. A child of God is immersed, by faith, into Jesus Christ crucified, not immersed into water into Christ, as some contend.

Lesson 1275

(Lesson 1275)(03-27-15) 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

In today's quote, Paul reiterates, in essence, that being the children of God does not limit what we are allowed to do. In other words, Christianity does not restrict our activity so long as those activities fall within the parameters of the two "great" commandments; Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)However, for expedience sake, we are to conduct ourselves in a manner so as not to be offensive to those who believe differently that we.

He also reiterates that in whatever we do we are to always be careful to give all the glory to God~

Lesson 1274

(Lesson 1274)(03-26-15) 1 Corinthians 10:18-22

"Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?"

First, let me say, that in this quote, Paul was addressing the Jewish members of the Church at Corinth. He was trying to convince them that the rules of Christianity were altogether different compared to the rules under the Law of Moses before the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Today's quote demands that we, the children of God, are to shun any activity that might lean away from Christianity by promoting the rituals of false doctrines. We are not to take part in any religious ritual or symbolism that does not honor and glorify our one true God.

Paul said; "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." That means that if you are practicing the rituals of idol worshipers then you are not fully devoting your worship to God.

If you belong to God, then do those things that associate you with Him. Not the things that might associate you with false doctrines.~

Lesson 1273

(Lesson 1273)(03-25-15) 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread."

I have referred back to these two verses from yesterday's quote in order to further clarify what I believe was Paul's intent when he made the reference to eating the body and drinking the blood of Jesus Christ. We must make note that Paul made that statement in the context of condemning the idolatrous practice of eating meat that was sacrificed to idols.

There are many who, when they read those two verses standing alone, accept what Paul said as confirmation that the practice of "The Lord's Supper", or "communion", was, and is still, required of the Churches to be an ongoing, oft celebrated, ritual.

In my opinion, that assertion is misleading and wrong. Paul was clearly not referring to the literal body and blood of Christ when he made that statement. He used the body and blood of Jesus as a metaphor for the sanctifying factor, the glue, that binds the lost to God through faith in that same Jesus Christ, crucified.

The partaking of the body and blood of Jesus Christ represents an immersion into His sacrifice, it is our baptismal (immersion into by faith) a union with His death, burial, and resurrection. The event is not something that I can confirm is to be, or even can be, practiced over and over again.~

Lesson 1272

(Lesson 1272)(03-24-15) 1 Corinthians 10:16-33

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

Today's quote demonstrates Paul's instructions concerning the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to idols and therefore no longer applies to the overwhelming majority on earth today.

We should know that, as Paul said herein, whatever we do as the children of God, we should honor and glorify God even in the foods we eat.~

Lesson 1271

(Lesson 1271)(03-23-15) 1 Corinthians 10:5-15

"But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

In today's lesson Paul, making a point about how Church members are to conduct themselves, expressed how God became angry with many of the Hebrew people who rebelled against Him as they fled from Egyptian captivity. He (Paul) also told of the wrath of God that befell those Israelites who disobeyed and warned that the same punishment would be meted out upon disobedient Corinthian Church members.

This lesson demonstrates that the faith that saves the human soul must be far stronger than just saying 'I believe'. The faith that saves ones eternal soul must be total and absolute, not allowing anything to distract from it. In order for soul saving faith to be valid it must be exercised and utilized in the daily lives of the children of God, the members of the body of Christ (The Church).~

Lesson 1270

(Lesson 1270)(03-22-15) 1 Corinthians 10:2

As I promised, today's lesson will be an explanation and definition of the term baptize.

As I said yesterday, the word baptize was NOT 'translated' but rather 'transliterated' from Greek to English.

To translate is to replace a word as it is written in the original language with a word from the new language that carries forth the same definition and intent. Conversely, to transliterate one need only make up a sound alike word to replace the word from the original language. Transliteration does NOT pass along the definition or intent of the original word.

As has been previously noted, the word "baptize", as it is applied in the New Testament text, was used, not to define, but to simply replace the Greek word "baptizo". Therefore the word baptize should carry forth the same intent as did the word baptizo, which means: to place or immerse something, or someone, into a substance or condition other than what that something or someone is accustomed to so as to permanently alter the physical or spiritual state of that something or someone.

The best and most precise example that shows the meaning of the word baptizo is a text from an ancient Greek doctor and philosopher, a man named Nicander, from 200 B.C. It is a recipe for pickling. This recipe is helpful because it is written in the commonly spoken ancient Greek and uses both the words 'baptizo' as well as 'bapto'. Bapto being a word that far better defines what is almost universally referred to as a baptism today in that it means to simply dip once and stop whereas baptizo means to immerse, or bury into, permanently.

Nicander says that in order to pickle a cucumber, the cucumber should first be bapto'ed 'dipped' into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change altering or change.

When used in the New Testament, the word 'baptizo' most often refers to our permanent union and identification with Jesus Christ.

Contrary to what is commonly taught, the term 'baptizo' in Greek or the word 'baptize' in English does NOT imply dipping in water as most "Christian" isms contend, but rather it means to be permanently immersed within, or to be permanently sanctified by, the soul saving grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

There will be further discussion of this subject as these lessons progress.

As always, if there is anyone who might have questions concerning any of my comments, please feel free to message me privately or post your questions. ~

Lesson 1269

(Lesson 1269)(03-21-15) 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

In this quote, Paul told the Corinthian Jews how their forefathers had been bound to Moses by the common experience of crossing the parted Red Sea.

There are many today who wrongfully believe that Paul's reference symbolized a water immersion (baptism), simply because he applied the term "baptized" to describe the uniting caused by the event that tied the Hebrew people together as they escaped Egyptian captivity.

It behooves us to remember that the word "baptized" is a transliteration of the Greek word "baptizO" which means; to place one item or entity into another for the purpose of permanently altering the state of that item or entity.

In transliteration, the intended meaning of a word is not expressed, it is merely replaced by a manufactured, sound alike, word from the language to which the original word is to be transliterated, in this case the word baptizO is transliterated from Greek to English.

I will devote tomorrows lesson to explaining exactly what all this implies.~

Lesson 1268

(Lesson 1268)(03-20-15) 1 Corinthians 9:15-27

"But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

In today's quote, Paul made it clear that he expected nothing in return for his service to the Lord. He made it clear that he did his work as all Christians should do it, and that is out of love for God and gratitude for His loving Grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.~

Lesson 1267

(Lesson 1267)(03-19-15) 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with the alter? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

In today's quote Paul confirmed himself and Barnabas as the ones whom had delivered the gospel to the Corinthians. He also made it very clear that it is the responsibility of the Church to make sure that the needs of their pastor are fully supplied so that the pastor can devote all his time and energy to teaching the full gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul used the example that even when the Jews were still directly responsible to God the Father for atonement for their sins, before the coming of Christ and when they were yet subject to the Law of Moses, the priests who were in attendance at the temple were fed and clothed by those things that were offered as sacrifices.

Today it is still the full responsibility of the Church to provide for the day to day needs of the pastor.~

Lesson 1266

(Lesson 1266)(03-18-15) 1 Corinthians Chapter 8

"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

Today's quote concerns eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols and since such actions are very rare in today's society, the lesson contained in this quote has very little bearing on today's Christian.

However, when the children of God mingle with heretical groups toward a common purpose, as some do today, it leaves the same impression as did eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols when in the company of those who don't yet fully understand the word of God. In other words, we, the children of God, should not be found doing things in common with un-Godly isms who spread doctrines that are in stark contrast with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cross doctrinal revivals or missions are good examples. The children of God should be careful to associate themselves only with like minded people so as not to confuse those who might be weaker in faith.~

NOTE: Today's lesson should be noted for reference in our study of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.

Lesson 1265

(Lesson 1265)(03-17-15) 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God."

I have no comment concerning today's quote because I'm not sure I understand it myself. It may be that the Corinthians had asked Paul a question that does not appear herein. In that case, the intent of this quote would more readily come to light.

If someone in our class understands the quote I would appreciate it if you would post your thoughts.

The last part of this quote does appear to be the basis for the Roman Catholic contention that nuns (whatever that term implies) should remain unmarried and celibate. ~

Lesson 1264

(Lesson 1264)(03-16-15) 1 Corinthians 7:18-24

"Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."

In the first part of today' quote Paul makes it clear that being a Jew means nothing as it relates to the children of God. (The "circumcised" are Jews and the "uncircumcised" are Gentiles.) God's commandment to the Jews was that they were to be circumcised. The Gentiles were never subjected to such a commandment.

In the second part of the quote Paul instructs us that, no matter what our station in life might be, we are to use that station to honor and glorify God.

We should make note that the two "great" commandments that Jesus gave to His people, were: "This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:38-40)~

Lesson 1263

(Lesson 1263)(03-15-15) 1 Corinthians 7:12-17

"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches."

In today's quote, Paul instructs the children of God whom are married to un-believers not to divorce them because of their disbelief. But rather, Christian people are at liberty to marry whomever they choose and are to remain with their un-believing spouses in hopes that they too might be sanctified by the believers faith. "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband:" "O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?"

Paul also makes it clear that an un-believer can legitimately abandon the marriage if he/she so chooses, and the believer is not responsible for the dissolution of that marriage; "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases:".

Many of today's "Christian" isms, contrary to Paul's explicit instructions in today's quote, contend that Christian people are to refrain from marrying un-believers. That assertion is totally unfounded and untrue. Those who make this assertion do so claiming the following verse from second Corinthians 6:14 as a qualifier; "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers".

The problem with backing their assertion with this quote is that the quote is not referring to marriage at all, it is referring to who might form alliances with people or groups whom are teaching false doctrines. If this were not a fact Paul would be directly contradicting his own words as stated in today's lesson.

"Yoked together", as that phrase is applied in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians means to work along side, or to form a spiritual alliance with, someone who is teaching a doctrine contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified.~

NOTE: The second Corinthians issue will be fully discussed when we reach that point with these lessons.

Lesson 1262

(Lesson 1262)(03-14-15) 1 Corinthians 7:8-11

"I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."

In today's quote Paul expressed his opinion that it is best for those whom have been widowed or divorced to remain celibate. But if they could not, he advised that they remarry in order to avoid the temptation of fornication.

In the last two verses of this quote Paul relates God's command that married couples are to avoid and stay together. In the case of separation, both men and women are to remain faithful one to the other. ~

Lesson 1261

(Lesson 1261)(03-13-15) 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."

　

In this quote, Paul had evidently been asked questions about how Christian men and women are to contain their sexual behavion. Paul advised that in order to avoid fornication men and women should commit themselves to the bonds of marriage. He went further to suggest that sexual consent was to be continually afforded by both partners in a marriage so as to control natural temptation.

Paul also made it clear that the rules, as laid out above, were not the explicit commandment of God but rather that he (Paul) had God's permission to make them.

Paul said further that he would personally prefer that all men were celibate as himself.~

Lesson 1260

(Lesson 1260)(03-12-15) 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

"Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

In today's quote, Paul reiterates that our bodies are the temples of God and that we should avoid all things that demonstrate an appearance of evil.

The bodies of those of us whom have been saved by the grace of God have been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ, by His blood we are become one with Him. As Paul said in essence, we are the "members" of God, we are His arms, legs, hands, etc. Therefore, whatever we do should be done as if God had made the decision to do it.

The term "fornication", as it is applied in today's quote, denotes an unscriptural sexual relationship between a man and a woman. That application is what the term is generally accepted to imply. However, the term "fornication" can be used to describe a commitment to, or flirtation with, a doctrine of belief system other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. This can be easily verified by the study of The Revelations etc, wherein the word fornication is used repeatedly to describe a straying away from God and the giving over to a spiritual relationship with idols or some heretical doctrine such as Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, et al.

This is important in that during bible study we should always make every effort to determine the precise meaning of every word so as to establish the correct context for every lesson.~

NOTE: Yesterday's quote was taken from verses 12-14, not 12-20 as I posted with the lesson. I'm sorry for the mistake and I promise I'll try to do better. :)

Lesson 1259

(Lesson 1259)(03-11-15) 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power."

Today's quote, like so many others from the New Testament, contains a very important and often overlooked lesson.

Paul said, in essence, that within the bounds of the new law of faith by which God rules the saved after the coming of Jesus Christ, neither he, nor we, the children of God, are any longer bound to the restrictions of the fulfilled Law of Moses and its meaningless rituals. The actions of the saved, no matter what they might be, have been "justified" by the grace of God through our rebirth in Christ. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)

We, the saved, are bound ONLY to the two "great" commandments and to do those things that cast the most perfect light on our Lord Jesus Christ, whatever that might.

As was said in an earlier lesson, our bodies are the "temples" of God. We should ALWAYS conduct ourselves in a manner befitting our status as the mercifully redeemed children of a loving God whose Holy Spirit is the keeper of our eternal souls.~

The definition the word "fornication" as it is applied in this lesson will be further discussed in tomorrows lesson.

Lesson 1258

(Lesson 1258)(03-10-15) 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church."

　

The lesson in today's quote is a short and simple one. The lowest and least "esteemed" among the saved are to judge matters that arise between members of the church. We are not to turn that judgment over to those outside the church. We are also to judge ourselves according to God's law and not the laws of man.~

NOTE: I'm terribly sorry for skipping yesterday's lesson, I had some dental issues that required my attention. I promise I'll try to do better. :)

Lesson 1257

(Lesson 1257)(03-08-15) 1 Corinthians Chapter 5

"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

　

In today's quote Paul instructs the Church to cull out those who give themselves over to the lusts of the world and to expel them from the assembly.

In the latter portion of the lesson Paul reiterates that we are, as Church members, to judge only those inside the Church and leave the judgment of the world to God.~

Lesson 1256

(Lesson 1256)(03-07-15) 1 Corinthians 4:8-21

"Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"

　

In today's lesson Paul provided examples of what he and the other early disciples had gone through during their efforts to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. He said they were treated as the "offscouring of all things".

He again warned the Church that, though they would have "ten thousand" instructors, they should adhere to what he had brought them directly from the mouth of Jesus Christ.

It would be such a wonderful thing today if all those who claim to preach the gospel would actually stick to the pure gospel message Paul so eloquently taught.~

Lesson 1255

(Lesson 1255)(03-06-15) 1 Corinthians 4:6-7

"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"

　

In today's quote Paul again made it clear that those who take up the gospel to preach it are never to puff themselves up as someone who sits in judgment over others. Rather, they are to humble themselves before everyone, always being faithful and careful to give God the glory for all things, even their own knowledge of the gospel of Christ. ~

Lesson 1254

(Lesson 1254)(03-05-15) 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

Today's quote is a lesson aimed directly at the long robed hypocrites who fill the pulpits of many "churches" today. It also applies to their followers who love the messenger more than they love the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, sadly, the message taught by too many so-called messengers of Christ has become more about making judgments against others than it is about teaching the "babes in Christ" what they need to learn and practice from God's divine word.

To those of us who are truly born again the actions of those around us, even though we perceive that action to be sinful according to the word of God and unless it affects a brother of sister in Christ, are to ignore it and leave the judgment of the perceived offender to God.

Paul, in Romans 2:1-2, said, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things."

As Paul said in essence, preachers are no more than conveyors of the gospel for those who earnestly seek the grace of God. No human is qualified to judge nor condemn the sins of others. All of us whom are born again by the blood of Jesus Christ are charged to learn the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and to be living examples of it. We are also to be willing and educated messengers of that same gospel.~

Lesson 1253

(Lesson 1253)(03-04-15) 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

　

In this lesson Paul told those Corinthians who had been saved by the grace of God, that their bodies were the "temple of God". True Christian people are God's representatives to the world. If we defile ourselves (God's temple) by conforming to the evil of the world, God will surely destroy us, just as He destroyed the true temple when the Jews disobeyed.~

Lesson 1252

(Lesson 1252)(03-03-15) 1 Corinthians 3:7-15

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

　

In today's quote Paul explained again how neither the planter nor the caretaker has anything to do with whether or not a plant lives or dies because whether or not that plant grows is totally in the hands of God. That same rule applies to eternal salvation. Nothing beyond that mankind can do, beyond teaching, will affect it one way or another.

Paul said in essence that salvation only comes when it is underpinned by absolute faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that those who try and make themselves a part of that underpinning, or distort and try to add or take from that underpinning will be judged by fire.

The point of this lesson appears to be that we who take on the responsibility of teaching the word of God should be careful to teach it as Jesus Christ, and Paul, taught it. We should neither embellish the gospel with our own ideas, nor should we take away any part of it.~

Lesson 1251

(Lesson 1251)(03-02-15) 1 Corinthians 3:1-6

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."

　

Today's quote relates how the hearing stage of the gospel is a vulnerable time for those who might believe. It is a time when new converts who don't yet fully understand can easily be led astray by their own misguided ideas or the smooth tongues of those who teach heretical doctrines.

Referring to their still carnal nature, Paul referred to those new disciples as "babes in Christ" and assured them that they had not yet fully understood the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He said, in essence, that it takes time and and much study to fully understand all of God's plan to usward.

Sadly there are still thousands upon thousands of would be Christians who are more devoted to the words of some preacher than they are to the gospel of Jesus Christ. That spiritual laziness allows for all manner of heresy to be taught to, and practiced by, the otherwise innocent.~

Lesson 1250

(Lesson 1250)(03-01-15) 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

　

Today's lesson contains some very precious and misunderstood information. In today's quote Paul explained how that after a person is born again and has become a child of God the mind of that person is changed so that it can understand, not only the physical things, but also spiritual things that abide in the realm of God. Speaking of the saved, Paul said, "we have the mind of Christ."

Being saved and having the "mind of Christ" gives us an insight into the wonderful mystery and purpose of the entire plan of God. It allows us to understand why God presents Himself to mankind in three distinctly different forms, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It allows us to understand how each member of the Holy Triune works and how the three work together to grant and assure us everlasting life.That special spiritual insight allows us to understand why mankind is not worthy to be a part of his/her own salvation and that the righteousness required for redemption can only come through the righteousness of God imputed into us by Him.

That spiritual insight allows the saved to understand that their sins are not merely forgiven, but rather wholly "justified" in the sight of God. (To forgive a sin means to simply tolerate the sin and not penalize the person who committed it. To justify a sin means that the sin itself has been made righteousness.) "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that JUSTIFIETH the ungodly, his FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Romans 4:5)

The greatest struggle for the lost is understanding the simplicity of God's plan for the eternal salvation of mankind.~