Lesson 3786

 (Lesson 3786)(05-31-22) 1st Corinthians 11:17-34

    “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. 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 lesson, from Paul to the Corinthians, equally applies to today’s so called Christian churches. That is because today’s “churches” are still arguing about some of the same issues that so afflicted the early church.

    It would be fantastic if all our churches would simply teach the word of God as it is written and in the context within which it is written. 

    Too many preachers and teachers want to take bits and peices of the word and create their own gospel. We were warned about that, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and the shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)~

Lesson 3785

 (Lesson 3785)(05-30-22) 2nd 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.

    In today’s quote, Paul related the rules of the Jews concerning the order of authority granted to men, women and God. He also related the length of hair a brother, or sister, should maintain as they pray. He also included that a woman is to pray covered or shorn.

    It is very important to note that after giving the instructions as to what length a, man or woman’s, hair should be, or whether it is to be covered, Paul Said, “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” Therefore, to those of us who are a part of the church of God, it matters not how we wear our hair when we pray.~

Lesson 3784

 (Lesson 3784)(05-29-22) 2nd Corinthians 10:13-33

    “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. 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 altar? 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.”

    In today’s quote, Paul, speaking concerning eating food that was sacrificed to idols. Made some very important points that apply to the children of God today. 

    Paul, in essence, said, that the children of God have no bounderies on what they are allowed to eat, so long as by eating we don’t offend a lost soul. As Paul said, all foods belong to the Lord, therefore are to be used to His honor and glory.

    Another very good point that Paul made that should impact us all, is that we are to strive to help others amass wealth more fervently than we strive for our own. I fall very short in that department.~

Lesson 3783

 (Lesson 3783)(05-28-22) 2nd Corinthians 10:5-12

    “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.”

    In today’s quote, Paul used the history of the Jews as they were led our of Egypt as a warning that the church should shun the things that destroyed so many of those Jews in Sinai.~

Lesson 3782

 (Lesson 3782)(05-27-22) 2nd 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.”

    Today’s quote contains a statement that far too many misconstrue has having some relationship, or intent, with water baptisms as they are practiced today. Paul said, speaking of the Jews as the escaped Egypt, “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea”.                              The words “baptized unto Moses”, means that the Jews, as they crossed the Red Sea, were bound to Moses by their mutual ordeal as he led them through “the cloud and the sea”.

    At NO point during the crossing of the Red Sea were any of the Jews ever immersed in water; Therefore, the usage of the word “baptized”, as it is applied in this context, cannot possibly pertain to any semblance of water immersion. Rather, it’s usage is directly related to the baptism that saves our eternal souls, that is the baptism into Christ. The word “baptized, as it is applied herein, is representative of the ordeal that Jesus Himself was about to undergo as he prepared for the  baptismal ordeal that would save the souls of all who will believe in Him.~

Lesson 3781

 (Lesson 3781)(05-26-22) 2nd Corinthians 9:16-27

    “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 reiterated that he preached the gospel purely for the glory of God that he might “save some”.

    We need many, many more preachers who, like Paul, preach the word simply for the word’s sake and not their own.~

Lesson 3780

 (Lesson 3780)(05-25-22) 2nd Corinthians 9:1-15

    “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 altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 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.”

    In today’s quote, Paul asserted that he was indeed a legitimate apostle of Jesus Christ, having been ordained and taught by Jesus Himself. He then instructed the church at Corinth to be careful to tend to the needs of their preachers, seeing that their time would be consumed with the ministry.

    Although Paul preached that the congregation should care for the needs of it’s preachers, he, himself, took no part from those to whom he ministered. That was because he did not want it to appear that he was preaching for profit.

    Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if today’s preachers approached their duties in the manner of Paul?~

Lesson 3779

 (Lesson 3779)(05-24-22) 2nd 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 any thing, 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 lesson is another that fully explains itself and needs no further commentary.~

Lesson 3778

 (Lesson 3778)(05-23-22) 2nd 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’m compelled to leave this lesson to explain itself seeing that I'm, by no means, sure that I understand it myself.

    I do believe, however, that this quote is probably part of the foundation for the erroneous Catholic belief that celibacy is to be required of priests and nuns. ~

Lesson 3777

 (Lesson 3777)(05-22-22) 2nd Corinthians 7:18-24

    “17But 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. 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 today’s quote, Paul tells us that in whatever position we might hold in life, we are to hold that position as God would have us hold it. Everything we do should be done within the confines of, and for the Honor and glory of God.~

Lesson 3776

 (Lesson 3776)(05-21-22) 2nd Corinthians 7:13-17

     “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.”

    Today’s quote is a stunning one. Therein, Paul verifies that a man or woman who is a child of God by faith in Jesus, through their faith, may save the souls of their unbelieving spouse.

    The stunning part is that Paul says that one person can be saved by the faith of another. Another stunning part is that in all my years, I have never heard this preached. Most of today’s “Christians” would frown on a marriage wherein one person is an infidel. 

    This text shows that a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever would definitely be a benefit of the unbeliever.~

Lesson 3775

 (Lesson 3775)(05-20-22) 2nd Corinthians 7:6-12

    “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. 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 the first part of today’s quote, Paul made it clear that what he was about to say, concerning the unwed, was not a commandment from God, but rather, it was his authorized opinion.

    In the last part of the quote, Paul also made it clear that what he was about to say, concerning those who do marry, was indeed a commandment from God. Paul then said, 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.”~

Lesson 3774

 (Lesson 3774)(05-19-22) 2nd Corinthians 7:1-5

    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.” 

    In today’s quote, Paul advises single men and women to marry so as to avoid the temptation to commit fornication.

    The rest of the quote speaks loudly for itself.~

Lesson 3278

 (Lesson 3278)(05-18-22) 2nd Corinthians 6:13-20

    “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. 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 committeth 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that the sin of fornication, or adultery, is a sin of the flesh; Therefore, seeing that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, fornication or adultery is a sin against God Himself.~

Lesson 3277

 (Lesson 3277)(05-17-22) 2nd Corinthians 6:12

    “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.”

    Today’s quote is a very important one as it pertains to those who believe that they must live sin-free lives after committing their eternal souls to Jesus Christ. 

    In the quote, Paul clearly says, “ALL THINGS ARE LAWFUL UNTO ME”. That statement applies equally to all those who have had our sins “justified” by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

    Paul further says, “but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 

    Although a child of God cannot lose their salvation, no matter what they do, as Paul says, we should not be brought under the power of ANY. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, WHEREBY YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION”. 

   Praise God for that seal. Without it we would all be doomed to eternal torment.~

Lesson 3771

 (Lesson 3771)(05-16-22) 2nd Corinthians 6:11

    “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

       Today’s quote tells us that we, the children of God, are “washed”, “sanctified”, and “justified in the name of Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

    It is very important to note that the substance within which we are washed, sanctified and justified, is the “Spirit of our God”, NOT water. This tells us that the baptism that saves our eternal souls, is the immersion, by faith, into the “Spirit of our God”.

Lesson 3770

 (Lesson 3770)(05-15-22) 2nd Corinthians 6:9-10

    “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

    Today’s quote assures us that there will be no sinners in heaven; However, It should be noted that Paul later makes the very important point that this list does not include those whom have had the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into their spirits through faith in that same Jesus. 

    The sins of those who believe in the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, and the virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus have been eternally “justified” by their faith.~

Lesson 3769

 (Lesson 3769)(05-14-22) 2nd Corinthians 6:1-8

    “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. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.”

    In today’s quote, Paul further scolded the Corinthians because they wouldn’t settle their differences within the church instead of taking matters to the law.

    We know that, we, as children of God, are NOT to judge our neigbors UNLESS they are our brothers and sisters in the church. Within the church, it is incumbent that we judge each other in the church so as not to allow our ministry to be contaminated by evildoers.~

Lesson 3768

 (Lesson 3768)(05-13-22) 2nd Corinthians 5:1-13

    “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 scolded the church at Corinth for allowing a man who had committed adultery with his father’s wife, to be a part of the church.

    Paul also informed that they, no more than he, are permitted to judge anyone outside the church. 

    It seems that, today, one of the biggest priorities of church membership is to condemn the actions of those around them instead of cleaning up their own lives and bringing lost souls to Christ.

Lesson 3767

 (Lesson 3767)(05-12-22) 2nd Corinthians 3:17-21

    “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?”

    Today’s quote tells us that Paul sent Timothy to reorganize the church at Corinth, to correct their mistakes, and to bring them back to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ that he had preached to them while he was there.

    We see, in the last part of today’s quote, that Paul considered himself at odds with much of the membership at Corinth because they were following after men instead of Jesus. Therefore, he asked, “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?”

    I wish someone like Paul would appear today with the “rod” that he mentioned. I beleive it would do a world of good if our churches could be shaken to their core and put back on the path that Jesus intended them to take.~

Lesson 3766

 (Lesson 3766)(05-11-22) 2nd Corinthians 3:2-16

    “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. 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? 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.”

    In today’s quote, Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to pay no attention to the social stature of men, and to adhere strictly to the teaching that he had brought them directly from the mouth of Jesus Himself. He warned them not to be drawn away by the heresy of unlearned men.

    Paul’s warning should be heeded by every child of God today.~

Lesson 3765

 (Lesson 3765)(05-10-22) 2nd Corinthians 3:1

    “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

     Today’s quote clearly tells the children of God that we are the “stewards of the mysteries” of God.          We should remember that Jesus said “strait is the gate and, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it”. 

    So few we are who understand the “mysteries of God”. Therefore, it is up to us to see that the mystery be solved for every lost soul we can reach.

    Thank God for unraveling for us the mystery of His amazing, saving grace! ~

Lesson 3764

 (Lesson 3764)(05-09-22) 1st 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that we (our bodies) are the “temples” of God. Therefore, we are to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects the will of God in everything we do. 

     In the last part of the quote, Paul relates that those who might have a religious influence on our lives are just like ourselves. They are never to be exhalted above others because of their position. Not matter how esteemed they believe themselves to be. 

    Today, Joel Olsteen, and others like him, are perfect examples of what Paul was addressing in today’s quote. There are people who, sadly, appear to worship Joel Olsteen, and those like him, moreso that thay worship God himself.~

Lesson 3763

 (Lesson 3763)(05-08-22) 1st Corinthians 3:10-15

    “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.”

    Today’s quote tells us that we, the children of God, are to maintain the pure gospel of Jesus Christ as it was taught to Paul. 

    Those who would alter it, in any manner, subject themselves to the wrath of God.~

Lesson 3762

 (Lesson 3762)(05-07-22) 1st Corinthians 3:1-9

    “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. 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.

    In today’s quote, Paul related to the Corinthians that they were obviously not yet able to fully understand the gospel mystery. That misunderstanding caused them to put more faith in the preacher who taught them than in the gospel the preacher taught.

    Sadly, their are far too many so-called Christians who seem to have more faith in their preachers than in the gospel those preachers supposedly preach.~

Lesson 3761

 (Lesson 3761)(05-06-22) 1st 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.”

    In today’s quote, Paul explained how the gospel should be preached, not from the thoughts of mankind, but rather, as he, himself preached it. That being straight from the guidance of the Holy Spirit God. That being because only the Holy Spirit knows the “mystery” that is the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen.~

Lesson 3760

 (Lesson 3760)(05-05-22) 1st Corinthians 2:1-5

    And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 

    In today’s quote, Paul clarified for the Corinthians that he was not, as we would say today, a “bible scholar”. He was simply a man of God sent to convey the gospel of Jesus Christ as it was related to him by Jesus Himself.~

Lesson 3759

 (Lesson 3759)(05-04-22) 1st Corinthians 1:19-31

    “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

    In today’s quote, Paul explains how God uses the simple things and common people for His purpose. 

    Far too many so-called Christians exhalt themselves. and lay down “stumbling blocks”, by demanding that their own pomp and ceremony be instilled into the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    The way to eternal salvation and spiritual rebirth is to believe in the virgin born life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of  our Lord Jesus Christ. Period. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; And that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

     Water baptism (immersion) is a physical work by ANY definition.~    

Lesson 3758

 (Lesson 3758)(05-03-22) 1st Corinthians 1:17-18

    “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

    After years of study, to me, Paul’s statement in today’s quote totally destroys the notion that a lost soul must be “baptized” (immersed) in water to attain ever lasting life.

    Paul said, “For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel” If water baptism were meant to be a step toward spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation, Paul would have NEVER made such a statement. He would have been thrilled to baptize as many souls as he could find.

    Those who preach the, 'salvation by water baptism heresy’ are preaching the “wisdom of words making “the cross of Christ of “none effect”.~

Lesson 3757

 (Lesson 3757)(05-02-22) 1st Corinthians 1:10-16

    “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”

    In today’s quote, Paul wrote of a great disagreement  between some of the the members of the church at Corinth. The argument was related to the importance of the person who had “baptized” them.

    It seems Paul placed no great importance on the baptisms to which he referred in today’s quote. Had those baptisms had been a reference to how a person is to become a born again child of God, Paul would have NEVER said, “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius”. 

    Heresy and false teaching had obviously crept into the church at Corinth causing Paul to write so as to shake the church back to the real intent of the gospel.~

NOTE: There will be more on this subject in tomorrows lesson.

Lesson 3756

 (Lesson 3756)(05-01-22) 1st Corinthians 1:1-9

    “ Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

    In today’s quote, Paul began his letter with a salute to the church at Corinth.