“…just as I teach everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:17b)

            The Christianity that Paul taught was a system that could be replicated in every city and every church.  Christ’s church can be copied from city to city and country to country and from age to age.  It is both timeless and simple enough to be followed by God-fearing people the world over.

What Paul taught in one church, he taught in every church.  Which means what the Holy Spirit teaches in one church, He teaches in every church.   We need not discuss the need to “modernize” the New Testament church or “adapt” to the times.  The teaching of the New Testament is already adapted for all times both modern and ancient.  May it be said of us that we were simply Christians, not 21^st century versions bearing that title but bringing different teachings.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:11-21

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 that in us, you may learn not to exceed what is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6b)

            The early church was created out of a menagerie of people.  Jewish converts who were steeped in their rabbinical traditions and Pharisaical additions to God’s commands combined with Gentile converts who had a history of idolatry, emotionalism, and habit of diving into whatever the newest contemporary religious practice was.  Whether in Pharisaic traditionalism or pagan modernism, Paul’s warning was clear – shun all but what is written.  Go no further than the text takes you.

            The goal for us should be the same.  To seek to neither restrict ourselves beyond what the text does or to travel beyond its sacred boundaries.  The debate should not be whether we should be more “conservative” or “progressive” but how we can become more biblical.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-10

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

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

            Whether the house be made of brick, wood, stucco, or stone… the foundation is the beginning.  At the cornerstone of every Christian life and every congregation must be a sincere and deep devotion to follow Jesus.

            Many churches spend a lot of time pointing toward the quality of the work they do – impressive worship, large numbers, extensive outreach, exceptional efforts to do good works, or a long vibrant tradition, but these are secondary things.  No matter how many rooms a mansion has, if it is sliding off the foundation, I’m not interested.  I don’t care about the paint color and the skylights if the house’s foundation has crumbled.

            Whether it be a desire to modernize or a desire to hold to long-beloved traditions – a church that forgets the foundation is Jesus and His Word has forgotten the vital cornerstone of growth.  Go back to Him; go back to His Word, and whatever be built from there will be sound.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:11-23

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

“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.” (1 Corinthians 3:5)

            We are quick to assert which leaders in the church we prefer and which ones we dislike.  We are often quick to argue over and sometimes even divide over the leadership of others.  We dispute the leadership of men, forgetting that they are just men.  Of course, Apollos will have some traits preferable to those of Paul!  Of course, there are times you will find yourself closer to Paul than Apollos – such is the case when dealing with men.  Apollos may be more appealing to the sensitive at heart.  Paul more appealing to those driven and passionate… or maybe Apollos just led your favorite song on Sunday, and Paul never leads anything but slow songs.

            Far too often the wrong questions are asked in our hearts.  The better question is: what opportunities has the Lord given to me?  Am I seizing them?  Am I doing the work He has made me for?  When I focus on my work, I am less critical of others laboring elsewhere in the same vineyard.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-10

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

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

            If you are a rock collector – rocks are fascinating.  Their colors, their shapes, their origins, etc.  All of these things excite you because rocks are of value to you.  To everyone else, they are just rocks.

            Ever wonder why more people aren’t compelled by the gospel?  Why so many live their lives without any care or concern about their souls?  Same reason you probably don’t care about rocks.  A rock man appraises rocks highly.  A spiritual man appraises spiritual things highly. 

Not everyone cares about the spiritual realm and what happens when we die.  Of course, eventually EVERYONE will care a lot about those things, but right now, only some do.  To everyone else it is just “church stuff”, and they’ve got other things to do.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:11-16

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

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1)

            One of the great fallacies of evangelism is that in order for it to be effective, we must be eloquent and persuasive.  Paul intentionally avoided filigreed language and salesmanship.

            It is our job to keep our speech plain, not persuasive.  It is our job to keep our tone loving and sincere, not sensational.

            The gospel doesn’t need your ornamentation, just your proclamation.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-10

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

“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31)

            The world would be a far better place if every conversation about success, progress, innovation, or victory began by giving God credit.  We are nothing without Him.

            Today, make it a point to boast in the Lord, not take credit for His work.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:21-31

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

“…that you all agree and that there be no divisions amongst you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

            When Paul saw the divisions which existed within the church at Corinth, he was disturbed and afraid for them.  A congregation that fractures from within cannot last long, nor can it faithfully execute its responsibility to share Jesus with the world.  Unity isn’t just important; it is vital.  He calls them to “all agree” and be of the same mind and judgment.  What does Paul mean by that?

            “All agree” can’t mean that they all agree on every tiny detail – differing maturity alone will always mean that Christians within the same congregation are not always on the same page.  Paul addresses how Christians can disagree faithfully in Romans 14 – so Paul’s admonishment to “all agree” can’t mean always agree on every detail on every subject at all times.

            Instead, Paul clarifies the mind and judgment we need to all have – we must build our faith upon the judgment and mind of Christ, not man.  In Corinth, some were following Paul, others Peter, and others Apollos.  What they all needed to be doing was following Jesus.  All disputes and disagreements need to be rendered through what Jesus’ Word says, not anyone’s opinion.  Far too often churches fracture because of tradition instead of truth.  Regardless of your view on something, always be studying Scripture for the answers.

            If we all agree that we will use the mind of Christ found in the Scriptures as the rule for all judgments, we will be just fine.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-20

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

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling…” (1 Corinthians 1:2)

            Paul referred to the Christians at Corinth as “saints by calling”.  What exactly does that mean?  Such language is found throughout the New Testament.  In the same chapter, Paul will tell them to “remember their calling” (1 Cor 1:26), and Ephesians will remind the saints of the “hope of their calling” (Ephesians 4:4) and to walk in a manner “worthy of their calling” (Ephesians 4:1).  Even the very word ‘church’ means ‘the called out’.

            So, how do we receive this calling?  Who has God chosen to call?  The answer is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:14 – “He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  God calls us through the New Testament – the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ.  God calls to all in the hopes that all will heed the calling and walk in a manner worthy of it.  Yet, we must also remember Jesus’ words, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

            The gospel is the method by which God calls all men to Himself that we might have hope, worth, and glory.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

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

“This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10)

Paul taught in one place, the school of Tyrannus, and all of Asia heard the word of the Lord.  This speaks to the power of the gospel.  We don’t need to keep the faith; we need to share it.  Paul shared the faith, and those whom he shared it with spread the word further until all Asia was blanketed with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If we each shine our lights where we are, the flames of the gospel will ignite other torches, too.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Acts 19:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
2. How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
3. What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
4. What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?

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