Lesson 449

(Lesson 449)(10-07-12) 1 Corinthians 1:11-18, "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. 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. not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. "

In today's lesson, Paul, in a seeming fit of near rage, demonstrates the insignificance of both those who teach the gospel, and those who administer water baptisms, as their actions should be reflected in the testimonies of the reborn children of God.

It appears that some of these Corinthians, just as many today, were/are giving more praise to the person who had taught, and baptized them, than they were/are to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ Himself.

It has been demonstrated, many times in modern history, that when you take away the "mega pastor", the "mega church" tends to fall apart. Clearly the followers of those modern pastors were following the pastor, and not the gospel of Christ, just as they were in the early Corinthian Church.

Paul asks these Corinthians, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" He was very clearly telling them that it makes NO difference who teaches, or who baptizes. All faith, and praise, are to be reserved for Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

Paul also demonstrates, in this lesson, that water baptism is of little consequence in the overall scheme of the "operations of God" other than as it identifies the child of God, when he said, "I thank God that I baptized none of you," "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:" If water baptism were to be essential to the salvation of the soul, Paul would have, most certainly, phrased his statement differently because he definitely was sent to teach.

It should be noted that the term "baptized" as it is applied in verse 13 is not a reference to water immersion and should be read , were ye immersed in the name of (gospel of) Paul. Neither is verse 15 referring to water immersion, it should read, lest any should say that I had 'taught' in my own name (or doctrine).

There are those who will undoubtedly say "that assumption is rediculous". However, there is scriptural evidence that "in the name of" is something that, in the Greek language, could be taught. There is an example of this in Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip PREACHING the things concerning the kingdom of God, and THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women." Philip clearly "preached", or taught, the name (gospel) of Jesus Christ.
In the last portion of this lesson Paul makes if very clear that to those who don't understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is silliness, but to those of us who have been saved by faith in the abundant grace of God, through the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is our salvation.~

Lesson 448

(Lesson 448)(11-06-12) 1Corinthians 1:1-10, "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 theirs and ours: 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. 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."

In this lesson, Paul writes to the Church at Corinth. We should note that he very clearly defines the purpose of his letter. As we continue our study into what he wrote, we should be careful to not lose sight of the intent of he letter.

After offering proper salutations to the membership, he gets down to business,Verse ten, "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." Paul said this to set up the lessons that are forthcoming.

By writing this letter Paul demonstrates that there was confusion and dissention in the Church at Corinth, one of the earliest Christian Churches. Sadly, those same problems still face the Church today. This letter will clear up a lot of those problems, if only we are careful to learn and adhere to what Paul is teaching herein.~

Lesson 447

(Lesson 447)(11-05-12) Romans chapter 16, "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

In this lesson Paul asks his fellow Christians in Rome to honor and accept those disciples from the other Churches in the area. He lists several of the saints by name.

He also warns the churches to beware of those who would come preaching pretty words of deception in an attempt to make personal gain from their lack of knowledge.

Paul blesses them all and encourages them to stand firm in the doctrine of Christ and to always give all the credit, honor and glory to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTE: Paul sets apart the "Churches of the Gentiles". "Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." I find no scriptural explanation for his setting apart the Gentiles from the others, unless it has to do with what we noted in an earlier lesson, so that the Gentiles would remain exempt from those portions of the law, the Jews unnecessarily retained and imposed upon themselves.~

Lesson 446

(Lesson 446)(11-04-12) Romans 15:23-33, "But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."

In this lesson Paul expresses his long running desire to visit, in person,with the disciples in Rome. He assures them that after his mission to Jerusalem is complete, he will be coming to visit with them.
Paul demonstrates how the disciples in Macedonia, and Achaia, have shown their love and appreciation toward those poor disciples in Jerusalem by making contributions to them. He also requests prayer for his safety as he goes back among those Jews in Jerusalem who so bitterly hate him and all that he stands for.

There are two distinct lessons that modern Christians may draw from this text. One being that, out of love and appreciation for the saving grace of God, we should always tend the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. The other, and possibly the most important, is that, no matter what physical harm might await us as we go, or how we might encounter some who despise us, we are to continue to spread the good news of salvation to those who seek it, no matter where they may be or what the circumstances are that might surround them. ~

Lesson 445

(Lesson 445)(11-03-12) Romans 15:18-22, "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you."

Like so many other New Testament lessons, this one is greatly significant to today's Christianity. Paul very clearly assures the reader that he would never make demands upon those who seek the grace of God beyond those that are clearly established in the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.

This simply means that we are to teach ONLY those things that are included in the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, never using the power of that message in an attempt to enforce meaningless tradition.

In the latter portion of this lesson Paul states that, in his ministry, he was always careful to stay away from the areas where the law of the Jews had greatly influenced the local belief system. He did this to establish the law of faith in Jesus Christ on its own foundation. He clearly intended Christianity to be separate and apart from the traditions of the Jews, in all aspects.

Paul opposed the watering down of the pure gospel of Jesus Christ by demands for pompous, ritualistic tradition within the Church, such as has been allowed to become basic tenets within many "isms" today.~

Lesson 444

(Lesson 444)(11-02-12) Romans 15:8-17, "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God."

This lesson again confirms that it was God's plan, since the covenant with Abraham, to deliver, through the downfall of the Jews, salvation to both the Jews who would believe in Christ as well as the Gentiles.

Paul said, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." We should take that advice and know that, through faith, and the power of the Holy Ghost, we can accomplish anything within the will of God.~

Lesson 443

(Lesson 443)(11-01-12) Romans 15:1-7, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

There are few lessons in the New Testament that, in my opinion, can be equally directed toward the modern "Christian" than this text.

Paul, very clearly, expresses the responsibility charged to those of us who "have" toward those among us who "have not". We are responsible for the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters without exception and without complaint.
We, modern day "Christians", have in large part, instead of taking it upon ourselves to seek out those who are weak and in need wherever they are, remained parked in comfortable pews while waiting for the lost and those in need, to come to us. This group includes far to many of us and has gone on far, far too long.

I certainly don't mean to imply that there are none who take it upon themselves to go the extra mile. Its just that they are few and far between.

In reference to, what I believe represents modern Christianity, the example of the Church of the Laodicians Rev. 3:14-22, I believe The Holy Spirit gives us fair warning, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

The gospel demands only two things of us: One is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ with all that we have, the other is to faithfully tend his sheep.

It greatly behooves us to turn away from rituals, disagreements and false securities and gather all our strength toward diligently teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, and secondly, ministering to the needs of others, being careful to do it all toward the honor and glory of God.~