Paul

Bloom Where You Are Planted – 1 Corinthians 7

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1 Corinthians 7

During the days of Paul, the city of Corinth was a metropolis of wealth and immorality. A place in desperate need of the church Paul founded. This early church struggled in the midst of a pagan culture, so in response to the confusion of its members Paul wrote letters of both encouragement and instruction. One of the many issues Paul addressed, were the feelings of discontentment that plagued some of those who were still being influenced by a society who glorified the idea of “more”. …

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July 13th – Galatians 4:31

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Galatians 4:31

When it comes to describing the freedom we enjoy through Christ, and the difference between the old covenant and the new, the apostle Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah. Hagar bore Ishmael in the ordinary manner in which babies are born. Yet Sarah bore Isaac in a supernatural way, after receiving a message from God. Hagar, a bondswoman, had children born as slaves to the Law. These children represent Jerusalem before Jesus came, and all those who try to earn salvation through works. But Sarah, a free woman, had children born into that freedom. These children represent both Jews and Gentiles who are born under grace, and all who receive salvation through faith in Jesus and His promises. Paul goes on to tell us that just like Ishmael ridiculed and demeaned Isaac, Christians will face persecution from those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. But we needn’t fear but rather celebrate. For Paul tells us that only those who choose faith or works are “heirs according to promise”, and will receive the gift of eternal life. (Gal. 3:29)

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July 11th – Galatians 5:13

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Galatians 5:13

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been freed from the curse of the Law. But Paul is quick to remind us that freedom isn’t intended to cause us to sin. And it isn’t intended for us to lead lives of self focus, importance, or indulgence. Instead, knowing the great price Jesus paid for our freedom, we are to use our liberties to serve God and others. We are to, “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) Jesus left His mighty throne in heaven and in great love, humbled Himself before those He created. And if we love the Lord, we will love others. For as Paul goes on to say, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal. 5:14)

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July 7th – 1 Corinthians 6:12

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1 Corinthians 6:12

Through Christ we have freedom. Because of His fulfillment of the Law, we now live under grace. Unfortunately, like the Corinthians, some Christians use that grace as an excuse for sinful behavior. But Paul makes it very clear. Although all things may be lawful, they may not be profitable The liberties we receive through Jesus are only good if they don’t bring us into bondage, or make fellow believers stumble in their walk. Anything that we value above God, whether it be people, substances, or things, is sin. And any behavior we exhibit that harms or offends other Christians is also sin. As followers of Jesus, the grace He died to give us means that we are called to live by a supernatural standard. A standard only achieved when we live for the Lord, die to self, walk in truth and love, and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

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June 6th – Psalm 118:5

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Psalm 118:5

Although we may not find ourselves on a physical battlefield surround by enemies, we are in a real war for our very souls. For as Paul warns us, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephs. 6:12) The battle is real, and against the ruler of this world, Satan, we need all the help we can get. We need the protection of almighty God. For we cannot win the war on our own. And crying out to God in our distress is our greatest weapon. Because the Lord answers the pleas of His children, and like He did with the psalmist, God will set us on a high place. A place of freedom on all sides for our hearts and minds. And a freedom no enemy can take away.

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No Other Gospel – Galatians 1-2

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Galatians 1-2

After returning to Antioch, Paul learned that controversy was brewing among the newly founded churches in the Roman province of Galatia. Some Jewish Christians accused him of “sweetening the pot” to make the message of the gospel more appealing to Gentiles. They disagreed with Paul’s teaching that Gentile believers didn’t need to follow the Jewish laws and customs to receive salvation, and told the members so. …

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June 19th – Jude 1:21

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Jude 1:21

As the days grow closer to the Lord’s return, Jude warned that Christians need to closely guard our hearts. With the increase of false prophets, false doctrine, and the ridicule of our faith, it’s easy to see why Jude issued his warning. So how do protect ourselves from the attacks of the Enemy and the wickedness of the world? By keeping ourselves in the love of God. When we abide in Him, and He in us, are hearts become fully connected to the Lord, which no scheme of Satan can penetrate. And we are to follow the advice of the apostle Paul who tells us to each morning put on the full armor of God. (Eph. 6:11). For when we do, we can face each day wrapped in His divine protection as we wait in fervent hope for the mercy of our Lord and His soon return.

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June 18th – Acts 17:31

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Acts 17:31

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Ignorance of the law is no defense. ”With all of their culture, reasoning and education, the Athenians were ignorant when it came to the one true God. And so along with the gospel, Paul gave them a stern warning. Soon God’s Son, Jesus Christ, would be returning to judge the earth and its people. And no longer would God overlook the ignorance of those who reject Him. This warning Paul gave to the Athenians, he gives to us as well. The time for ignorance is over. Now is the time for repentance. For the days are growing darker and the appointed day will soon be upon us. Christ in all of His glory will be retuning to judge the world in righteousness. And ignorance of the Lord will be no defense.

 

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June 16th – 1 Corinthians 11:26

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1 Corinthians 11:26

When it came to observing the Lord’s Supper, the church at Corinth grossly missed the mark. It was their practice to hold “suppers” in which the rich and esteemed ate and drank first. They gorged themselves with the finest food and choicest wine, leaving little to none for those considered lower in status. Their gluttony and drunkenness caused Paul to chastise them for their distorted view of communion. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we do so in remembrance of the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus. It is a holy and sacred practice of praising the sacrifice of Christ and His gift of salvation. And we do it as one. As the body of Christ we eat of the bread and drink from the cup proclaiming the Lord’s death until His glorious return.

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June 15th – 1 Peter 4:13

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1 Peter 4:13

Jesus suffered greatly during His time on earth. He was ridiculed, scorned, beaten, tortured, and made to suffer a thief’s death. And as His followers, we too will face such suffering. For as Jesus tells us, “You will be hated by everyone because of My name…” (Matt. 10:28) And though no one likes hardship, Peter tells us not only to expect suffering, but to rejoice in it. For when we suffer because of our faith, we suffer for Christ as His body on earth. We rejoice knowing the privilege it is to share the suffering of our Savior who suffered so much for us. And as Paul reminds us, our momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. (2 Cor. 4:17) Jesus will soon be returning. And on that day, we can rejoice exceedingly when His glory is revealed to all!

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