“If they were all one member, where would the body be?” (1 Corinthians 12:19)

            The next time you are frustrated with a fellow Christian – remember this passage.  Be careful that you aren’t cutting off your nose to spite your face.  It is quite possible that the Christian you are irritated by is different from you for a reason, and your differences would glorify God if you could learn to work together.

            Too often, congregations fail because they try and drive away all the members who aren’t like them.  Churches that do that aren’t functional; they are a pile of amputated parts. Then they wonder why they aren’t able to succeed.  Eyes to see without hands to grab don’t get much done.  There is strength in numbers and strength in differences.  May we be many members united as one, not one member masquerading as a whole body.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.” (1 Corinthians 12:2)

            When Paul spoke to the church in Corinth about idolatry – they knew the subject well. The city of Corinth was a hub of religious plurality; the city was packed with gods of every shape and size.  Their idols were suited to match all desires, personalities, and worldviews.

            Religious confusion is vast and varied for a reason – each is led into lies through different means.  That is what Paul meant when he spoke of how they were led into paganism “however you were led”.  There are thousands of reasons to follow the world’s religions (or the world’s irreligions)… but there is only one reason to follow Jesus.  Those who are faithful unto death do it because Jesus has the truth and is the truth.  There is no reason to “take up your cross and follow” Him if it were not so.

            Religious confusion is a pick-your-poison game.  Christianity is a love of the truth and submission to Jesus proposition.  There is a reason that few find it (see Matthew 7:14).

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” (1 Corinthians 11:33)

In a world rife with remote options, we do well to remember that God did not intend for the Lord’s Supper to be done remotely.  We are admonished to “come together” and “wait for one another”.

There is no substitute for the collective gathering of Christians on the first day of each week.  When we unite around the same table and proclaim Jesus’ death until He comes again, we fulfill His request (and command!) for a weekly, shared memorial feast.  There is no virtual replacement or remote substitute that will suffice.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:26-34

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you because you come together not for the better but for the worse.” (1 Corinthians 11:17)

Sometimes, Paul was a blunt guy.  When he instructed the church on how to gather and take the Lord’s Supper, he made it clear to them that the reason they were receiving that instruction was because they needed rebuke, not praise.

That’s true for all of us.  Sometimes the thing we need most is to be told we are wrong.  It doesn’t do us any favors to let us feel good about our flaws.  Where error exists, truth must correct.  It is no kindness to allow someone to continue on a path away from God.

The church in Corinth was sinning, and it didn’t matter that they felt good about their gatherings.  If you are comfortable in your sin – find someone who will make you uncomfortable.  We need more blunt love in this world.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-25

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.” (1 Corinthians 11:16)

            To fully appreciate the above verse, you need to read the ones which come before it.  The practice Paul is addressing is that, in the church, men and women are taught as being different: different roles, different responsibilities, and different strengths.  The idea that men and women are different from the biological beginning is a contentious topic today.

            So what is the Bible answer when society is upset by the Holy Spirit’s teachings on gender? Paul says, “We have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.”

            Don’t apologize for biblical gender teachings.  We must remain consistent while the world is fickle.  After all, it is best not to take advice from a society that can’t even decide what a woman or a man is.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:9-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:2)

            There is a time to hold to traditions and a time to let them go.  Traditions are simply customs and beliefs handed down from one generation to the next.  There are times in the Bible where God warns against traditions – for example when the traditions of the Jews became more valuable than following God (see Mark 7:13) or when Paul warned against the power of tradition to lead us astray by human philosophy (see Col 2:8).

            However, there is a time to hold to tradition.  The teachings of the apostles and prophets is tradition – how the church should behave and how Christians should live are traditions handed down through Scripture from one generation to the next, and we need to hold to those traditions exactly as they were delivered to us.  We have a rich heritage of faith we inherit from the generations which have gone before us and called upon the name of Jesus Christ.  Let us, unfettered by human tradition and philosophy, hold to the traditions of God found in the New Testament.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-8

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:32)

            One of the difficulties of living to the glory of God is subjecting ourselves to the needs and preferences of others.  If someone is going to be offended by us, it should be because of our faith, not our rude behavior.

            From the waitstaff at the restaurant to our neighbors around the block to the woman two cubicles over at work – our behavior should be thoughtful, polite, and kind.  Don’t talk down to the waiter and don’t reheat smelly fish in the office break room! Embrace people with mindful patience and make sure your behavior is highlighting the gospel, not overshadowing it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?” (1 Corinthians 10:22)

            Jealousy happens in a relationship when there is suspicion that there is a lack of commitment to it and potential unfaithfulness.  Jealousy is an ugly thing when it gets in the middle of a relationship – it leads to pain, distrust, and deterioration of intimacy.

            Does your life provoke the Lord to jealousy?  If He watched your day (and He does!), would He feel the prick of jealousy as you flirted with the world, or would He have confidence in your faithfulness to Him?

            Does your life provoke jealousy or trust?

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:11-22

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” (1 Corinthians 10:2)

            The Old Testament is full of shadows and types that point toward Jesus and His kingdom.  In the New Testament, we are told that baptism saves us (see 1 Peter 3:21) and that it is a death to an old life and a birth into a new one (see Romans 6:2-4).

            The parting of the Red Sea is a shadow of that.  When Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea, they walked “under” the water as it was a wall to them on both sides… and there was no turning back.  Once they left Egypt, they could never return again.  Their baptism made them followers of God and Moses forevermore.  Egypt would never again accept them, nor would they belong.

            It is the same with our baptism into Jesus.  There is no turning back.  We are warned about the dangers of returning to our old life.  Baptism is the beginning of a new life.  Press forward.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24b)

            Our love for competition is obvious.  Professional sports is a multi-billion dollar industry.  We play video games, board games, and mind games with each other!  Humans are hardwired to compete to win.  Why?

            Because life is a race, and God wants you to live it to win.  It is an endurance race that requires resolve of spirit and an understanding of the rules.  We must know how to serve God, and then we must throw ourselves into the task of faithfulness.

            Be competitive with your life.  Strive for the goal.  Get up, get after it, and make this day a step closer to heaven.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:20-27

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision