Category: 1 Corinthians

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 16 -DONE

Posted on by Christy Petty

I am getting er done!! Obviously I am the only one that enjoyed this study, since only I participated, it really was fun! 

This all began with Paul having to straighten out the WRONG WRONG WRONG thinking of the Corinthians, now he is closing the letter, taking care of the regular business as if they were not screwing up.  16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.   Take up offerings now so we don’t have to do it when I get there. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.  Travel plans 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.  Be nice to Timothy, don’t run him off. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time. Apollos won’t come visit, and I assume he does not want to associate with such a messed up group of people, his choice, and seems Paul agrees with him. 

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.15 I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.  I think Paul is telling them yet again BE NICE because they have a tendency not to be. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. Lacking on your part seems to be pointing out that where they are failing spiritually to build up and help these others did so. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.20 All the brethren greet you.Greet one another with a holy kiss.21 The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.O Lord, come! Pretty black and white. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gods Word is alive today, it pertains to today.  Hebrews 4:1212 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.The Corinthians were full of pride and had changed the Word of God to meet their needs and to dismiss those they did not approve of. I do not know if all the Corinthians were believers. I don’t think so. I do not think all who ‘practice’ Christianity are believers.   Today is not different than the day Paul wrote the letter. Ecc. 1:19 That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.   It would do us all well to abide to God’s Word, lest we be accursed. 

 
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 15

Posted on by Christy Petty

This Bible ‘study’ has not progressed as I intended. I have not stuck with it weekly as I intended. I am sorry.  And I had  hoped there would be more (some)discussion between myself and my followers, but  nooooooooo. I have had a few likes and some follows, following each Corinthians post, so maybe my hopes don’t align with God’s plan.  After 15, there is just one more book of 1 Corinthians, so this will end this ‘study’.  I do have another in plan, but more on that when it comes! Thanks for hanging with me here!!

In 14 Paul was explaining to the ‘believers’ ‘church goers’ how to have productive services. The service is not about them and how much they know or think they know. Chapter 15 he seems to be telling specifically what the purpose of church meetings is. 

15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  There is no need to discuss whose gift is better, if someone more important than another, when you have The Gospel of Christ to discuss.  Paul never runs out of ‘material to teach on, it is THE GOSPEL. That is what believing is about, that is why believers gather together . Christ. His life. His Death. His Resurrection. His purpose.  IF this is not why you gather, you believe then you missed the point, and possibly the boat 😉 T

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.  A quick Gospel, reminder of what it is they should be focusing on.  What they should be sharing with ALL others.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.  Paul is not one of the 12 apostles that walked with Jesus in the flesh. Yet he does the work of the apostles and Jesus, bringing all the Good News, transforming lives. Paul admits he is not the same as one of the 12, that he actually has little right to call himself that because of his own persecution of Christians. (He held the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen). Paul proclaims the miracle of God’s grace, the intervention that turned Paul into a possibly ‘louder’ voice than any of the 12 ever were for Christ. 

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  Some Sadducees must have infiltrated the Corinthians. 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.  15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. Paul is arguing that they can not have both beliefs, dead not resurrected and Christ resurrected because it is not logical. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Mans false doctrine is interfering with the Truth.  18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Christ’s resurrection is a necessary of Gods plan for us

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, all man dies physically and spiritually because of sin. even so in Christ all shall be made alive. In the resurrection of Christ, His ‘making’ it happen, allows for those that believe in that to ‘BE’ that.

 

CONFUSING!!! : The ‘But’ belongs to all(believers) shall be made alive23 But each one in his own order:  I think this is a list of the ‘order’.

1)Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 

2) 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 

3 )2 For He must reign  till He has put all enemies under His feet. A5ll those that are against Him/God are enemies, unbelievers, demons, Satan.

4)  26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. Physical death and eternal separation from God

27 For “He has put all things under His feet.”But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself Jesus will also be subject to Him God who put all things under Him Jesus, that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? I think he is pointing out the inconsistency of their beliefs/doctrine. IF there is no resurrection, then Christ can’t be salvation. And if dead don’t resurrect why are you doing this ritual of being baptized for those who have died and were not baptized before death. If you believe no resurrection it does dead not good.   30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” This is a bit like my argument against the new(old) universalist thinking, IF everyone eventually believes and is reunited with God, even after physical death, what is the point of telling Gospel and living a righteous life? “Eat drink be merry, die and get a bit burned in hell but you get out so go for it”….

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.  Don’t listen to the lies!! Don’t associate with those who are false teachers, elders included. You don’t become like those you don’t hang around with. 

35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” What if someone is cremated? 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. The seed of an apple is basically from a ‘dead’ fruit, and it produces a massive tree. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.  What I become after physical death will be what ever God makes me to be- I will be awesome!

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.  Biology, spiritology, science. God created all, in their own form

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  Man is flawed by sin of this world, our ‘new’ selves will be glorious 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being Human/Man the top of the family tree.” The last Adam Christ became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man Adam was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man Jesus is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Our sinful selves don’t get to ‘be’.  51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  Those who believe in Christ, His birth, His death His resurrection His purpose. Get to ‘BE” made new and continue with God. At the second coming those believers will not experience physical death

55 “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Our spirits/souls exist forever. It is where that forever is spent that we must decide. Do we go our own way, choose our own path, ignore the truth or change it to fit our comfort zone? Deny Christ and His resurrection and be stung by Death and reside in Hades? Or do we choose God, His Way, His Light, knowing that Jesus’ victory over death is ours for eternity with Him. 

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 14

Posted on by Christy Petty

Spiritual gifts are gifts from God. The exist and only through God. I have heard it said that we can possess only one gift, or that God gives one specific, and then will bless with other gifts in times of need.  I am not sure why those teaching on gifts need to set man made rules and interpretation on the gifts from God, I personally do not read God’s Word to say one gift per believer.  In 14:1 it says to desire giftS, especially prophesy. This sounds like it is for us to only ask and want and God will give.  I think the most important thing to know is God does gift us with spiritual gifts, to do HIS work, for HIM. Once a believer, we are given the tools by our Father to walk our walk well. 

14 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. The ‘tongue’ here does lean to being a language for God. IF in this circumstance it is, it is obvious it is not meant to be a bunch of mumbo jumbo BABBLE in front of a bunch of men. It is praying, speaking conversing with God, and I still think in OUR own native language.   3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. To have a gift, such as prophesy, that allows one to tell of God, His Word, the meaning of His Word, is a gift to everyone.  5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.  Paul wants everyone to converse with God, but more so to speak God’s Word to others. 

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.  First remember the attitude of these people, many think they are ‘better’ than others, because of their prestige, and possibly because they can MAKE themselves speak mumbo jumbo and claim it is ‘God’ speaking through them.  SECOND: IF tongues is ‘God’ speaking, how is that of use to anyone if no one can understand.  So instead of getting attention for yourself by babbeling, speak the TRUE words of God, to explain God’s wants of man. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.  Addressing the attitude again, don’t make up a gift blessing that is useless, ask for one that is for others. 

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.  If you speak in tongues, you need MORE, or you are useless.  Obviously saying there is more than one gift per person. 

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

 

20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

21 In the law it is written:

“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”[b]

says the Lord.

22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.   It seems Paul is saying that tongues is a different language not mumbo jumbo. Seems he has found a nice way of saying you that brag about tongues are faking it. Like a bunch of kids pretending to speak a different language. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?  If the Corinthians all stand around and speak mumbo jumbo, and unbeleivers come, they will not hear of God.  If a church denomination gets caught up in their own legalist rules of don’t do this or wear that, instead of just living out God’s true Word, then unbelievers will never hear the Truth.  24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.  Hearing the Truth and nothing but the Truth from those who live the Truth, one can not help but believe in the one true God

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anythingis revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.   Don’t compete to  be HEARD and seen. This is about GOD not you.  Let ‘new’ interpretations, and ideas be studied between other believers, don’t spout out every worldly thought, this only confuses those who are seeking the truth. 

34 Let your  women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. I HATE this.  I want to believe this is about these Corinthian women being over bearing and needing to find their place.  These Corinthians are messing up EVERYTHING in their church. BUT women, especially ‘church’ women over step their bounds more often than not, I think this pertains today, to all of us. 😦  Just think how much different things would be if Eve had just asked Adam, or if Sarai had discussed her fear of never getting pregnant with Abram, instead of giving him her servant 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.  Shameful? REally Paul?

36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? Don’t know if he is addressing women still.  I think this could be teaching for anyone who has tendency to interpret the Word to fit their agenda. AND to point out to ALL that God speaks the Word, not any MAN, EVER.  37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.  Remember ignorant is to be uneducated, not knowledgable of, it is not being an idiot. 

39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.  

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 13 -Love love love…..

Posted on by Christy Petty

1 Corinthians 12 :27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. …….. 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

The greater gifts- faith, hope LOVE.  To be had, to be achieved. To be used. To be only through God

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  First ,Paul IS NOT saying he does speak in language of angels, nor understand all mysteries or have all knowledge or is able to move mountains with his faith. He has sacrificed his needs for his ministry, but that is not the point.  What Paul is saying is if he was the clone of Jesus Christ all he ‘did’ would be worthless if he did not have ‘love’. Love is God. God is love. Then to the ‘works’ of ministry it is all for naught, if it does not come from the Spirit of Love- Christ.  

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.    1John 4:16  God is love, and he who abides in love abides inGod, and God in him.  1John 4:8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.   Man on his own is incapable of having, doing, living, knowing ‘Love’ unless he is possessed with ‘Love’ – God,Jesus Christ-Holy Spirit. We can not be without envy. We are prideful. We are rude. We seek to serve ourselves before others, we are selfish. We react with anger, defensively. We contemplate murder and thievery. We are drawn to the muck of the world, Vegas Baby!.  Without Love/God we are incapable of withstanding the death and hurt and illness and attacks from this world. There is no hope, with out God/Love. With Love/God we do endure, beyond human ability. 

8 Love never fails.  God NEVER fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  Everything MAN does even if the man be a prophet of God, it will eventually fail, or end, because it is at least ‘tainted’ by man.  10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.  Christ has come and someday, all the ‘man’ mistakes will be gone

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  We have no idea how little we know, how far we have to go.As a believer we learn more, get better vision of what we are to be everyday.  When we are with God, we will have all understanding.  We don’t need to MAKE it happen now, because we can not.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  Abide: stay,continue, dwell, be present, remain, stand- with faith,and hope love– A choice to have. 

We read chapter 13 at weddings, this is the LOVE chapter.  The perfect recipe on loving each other. People use this Love ‘is’ patient, forgiving,not rude, not proud and say rebuking and confronting, disagreeing with others, especially fellows in church is being unloving. Many use these verses to say the only way to be ‘loving is to accept anything and everything others do, turn the other cheek, always. Many say love God, love others, meaning be ‘accepting’ of everything from everyone to show your love for God.   I think we miss the point Paul was trying to make about ‘love’. 
Remember how Paul started this letter, the reprimand, the revealing of the sins, the misconduct, the pious attitude these ‘believers’ at Corinth have.  Paul spoke earlier in this same letter of their removing a man or members from their fellowship for not abiding, for being WRONG with God. Where is the ‘love’ in that? Or what WE define love to be?
I say we can not love others without the LOVE/ God in us. We cannot love with out God.  
What we define as ‘love’ is NOT the love of God. God’s love is truth. God’s love hates evil. Psalm 97:10 you who love the Lord, hate evil!God’s love condemns evil eternally away from Him. God’s love has no fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind  God’s love does not compromise. God’s love is unconditional. God is love.  The love Paul is speaking that we must have is God. We do rebuke, confront, exhort, chastise, minister,give, judge,disagree, oppose evil/wrong all in the name of God/Love. 2 Timothy 2:24 And ca servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 fin humility correcting those who are in opposition, gif God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. To tell someone they are wrong, they are going the wrong way is love. God tells us that all through His word God loved David and let him suffer the consequence of his disobedience to God, David’s child died because of his disobedience. God loved Moses and Moses did not enter the promised land a consequence of letting his anger trump God’s commands.
God’s love is NOT in every person  John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.  Paul warns to disassociate with false teachers with those in fellowship who are actually not believers but have come to destroy. These are people within the ‘church’ . It is NOT loving, it is NOT of God to associate with evil.  2 Thessalonians 3:14 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Posted in 1 Corinthians

1Corinthians 12

Posted on by Christy Petty

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: Ignorant is not knowing. You are an idiot if you choose to stay ignorant after told the truth.  2 You know that you were Gentiles,  unbelievers and or uneducated of the TRUE God carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.   Today we have ‘maybe’ believers being led away by dumb idols, who are men/preachers/false prophets (i.e. Dallas Willard, Rob Bell,Leonard Sweet )who think they have a better ‘way’ other than the ONLY WAY to eternal life with God. Many now say, if we,mere men, love people enough, we can ‘save’ people with our perfect love from God. WE ,mere men, can excuse all the sins, because we love, love ,love the ‘unbeliever’.The unbeliever will be saved eternally, even without his believing in Jesus as the ONLY Way, because after physical death, their ‘Aha’ moment of seeing believer’s with God eternally, will save them. The dumb idols have also figured out that a loving God would not ever condemn sin. Mere men have redefined God and His word, His TRUTH, so that no one will ever be excluded from God eternally. These dumb idols have called Jesus accursed, by His sacrifice not being needed  for eternal life with God. Man just loving and being loved by God is enough.  By this scripture those that speak this heresy, are not speaking by the Holy Spirit. It is NOT for me to say, nor interpret,  that the dumb idols, or even those who believe the dumb idols, are not believers and the Holy Spirit is not with them, only that when they believe anything other than the Truth, they are not following the Holy Spirit, they are not abiding. 

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. No one person is used the same by God. But the same God is the ruler of all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,  12:8

The word of wisdom -From   A power of understanding and explaining the  wisdom of God in the truth of gospel salvation.

The word of knowledge – different from ‘wisdom’, maybe the  ability to understand and explain and apply the Old Testament types and prophecies.

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, ultimate trust in God in ALL circumstances, knowing in the end God is there, nothing to fear, even physical death. 

to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, not just healing diseases with a word or a touch as Jesus and disciples did, but  also apply to those physicians, nurses,(Clara Barton) mothers ;), gluten free queens (Me), scientists,(Pastuer), midwives (Sandy)  that seem to ‘know , where natural remedies are applied; and it maybe this blessed gift, not superior skill, which makes some more ‘healing’ than others.

10 to another the working of miracles, removing demons, moving mountains killing fig trees, water from rocks, God does all, and still does, He just does them all by himself now, everyday.

to another prophecy, NOT predicting the future like ESP, but interpreting God’s word, His actions to explain what God intends to bring about.

to another discerning of spirits,  the ability to know  if men are acting from God’s spirit, and evil spirit or a human spirit. To be able to distinguish between the truth of Scriptures and deceptive doctrines.  

different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  Given ability to speak in different language to those who need to hear The Word in their language, and ability to hear someone who speaks different language inquiring of God’s word. 1

1 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.  God gives these gifts through the Holy Spirit, and as God decides. I believe every believer receives the Holy Spirit and thus gifts. Gifts are not magical powers, they are abilities God gives us to do his work. I think we may receive one specifically, but all as needed, in our ‘race’ to the goal. 

12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.  All believers are of the ‘body’ of Christ, we become ‘attached’ by the Holy Spirit, Christ is our head.  15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  This is a finger wagging also, remember how Paul already reprimanded some of them of thinking they were better than because of prestige, baptism regions etc?  No gift is of more importance. All are under the head. Wrist bone is connected to the arm bone arm bone is connected to the elbow, etc. 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” If the eye sees a danger it withdraws the hand. If the hand becomes angry with the eye and want’s it removed for pointing out a danger, should the eye be plucked or the hand cut off? 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. They say we lose all balance if the big toe is cut off 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  Paul is emphasizing there is no one greater, in the body. If an important part has issue with what is considered unimportant it is to be assumed the ‘unimportant’ is probably right, and NOT the important . 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Pretty self  (or non self) explanatory  27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. We are a body WITH Christ. BUT we are also individuals, responsible for our actions.

28 And God has appointed these in the church:  Paul now gives the ‘jobs’ of the church, to go with the 9 gifts previously spoken of.  One not more important than the other. I still see a bit of finger wagging. All positions in the church are necessary and none any more important. An apostle needs a teacher.

first apostles,- Men sent to preach the Gospel they have ‘Wisdom’. But aren’t we ALL called to preach the Gospel? So those that discern, help, heal, etc. their gifts allow them to posses, for a bit, the gift of Wisdom, to preach. 

second prophets,- Speak words given by Holy Spirit, to explain God’s word, to apply it to today and tomorrow. To Prophesy.  Knowledge. Discern. 

third teachers,- To teach the truth, -Discern and explain the Truth , Knowledge of the scriptures. Wisdom of The Word.

after that miracles,- to’work’ God’s miracles. Healing, Faith of, helps

then gifts of healings, – To heal, to teach of healing. Helps,Faith,Discern

helps,- Faith, Healing,miracles,

administrations,  – Discernment, wisdom, knowledge 

varieties of tongues.- speaking and interpreting tongues. Knowledge, wisdom discernment.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  Not all who discern teach, and not all who have faith help etc. Your gift does not box you into a certain ‘job’ for the Lord. Each individual is blessed to use their gift in what ever ministry they are called to.  Sorry Tim, Herman,Fred, I disagree with doing only what my ‘Rainbow’ tells me to. I discern so I actually do know 😉31 But earnestly desire the best gifts.Want for ALL the gifts and these to come. WANT Choose.  And yet I show you a more excellent way.– There are BETTER gifts than mentioned and WE are to desire, to possess— Next chapter

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Posted on by Christy Petty

Paul is moving on to another issue–But the main issue is still, their NOT BEING OF ONE CORD, they are not a unified body.

17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.  After all the other he has spoken of, yeah these Corinthians have divisions, issues. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.   20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.  22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.  The Lord’s supper is not dinner with friends! Eat at home, worship and respect the Lord in his home.23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat;[b] this is My body which is broken[c] for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.  27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood[d] of the Lord. .  28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body.   30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.  31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.  32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Communion has been turned into an interesting ritual by the different churches. Catholics and Baptist have communion only exclusive to ‘their own’. Methodist and Bible Church’s open communion, to all who believe. Some use wafers some use baked bread. Some use communal cups others little individual cups. Some must go to the ‘land’ of Holy of Holies to receive others sit in their seats and it is passed to them. Some insist on baptism as a prerequisite. Some do it weekly, others monthly, some just at Passover/Easter, some at weddings.

There are a lot of man-made rules attached to communion today. Must be of this religion or that. Must have no sin. Must be baptized in this church or that. Must kneel. Must have a clean heart. Must not hold any anger towards a brother in Christ. Must have no unforgiveness. Must be forgiven. Must be wine. Must not have ever had wine.

I have heard the scripture  1 Corinthians 11:27 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body. with  Matthew 5:23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  used at communion to ‘tell’ the partakers to make sure they have the ‘right heart’ to receive the elements.  Some will say Paul was talking about ‘examine yourself’ as to if you have divisions amongst yourselves, then throw in Matthew 5:23, which is totally different speaker and time and context, to prove you have to be all hunky dory with you fellow church goers before you have communion.  I disagree with this interpretation by man, to dissuade communion of man and their Father.  

In 17-19 Paul does reprimand for the discord in the church. The Corinthians are a dysfunctional group of people. There are those that think they are better than others, powerful because of their education and social status. The are pointing fingers and condemning the actions of the lowly and holding themselves and their cronies at different standards. Paul is disgusted by them. We have to imagine what was told him about the Lord’s supper mayhem. Remember Paul has a list of ‘problems’ and questions from these people and reports about these people. The church is NOT one. He is saying you are coming together for communion, for what? It shows their hearts are not for ‘the body’ in the way they conduct the communion it is a literally a drunken brawl. It is like a church picnic where people bring food only for themselves and don’t share. Or worse, like bringing breakfast burritos into church service and eating it and washing it down with the communion wine. This church has no respect for others nor God.  After pointing out they have no reason to have communion, he starts to explain how to have communion. If they dare. 😉

Communion is for the believer to remind themselves of the price paid for them. Jesus’ life. To remember His body, the bread of life, was given to us, so we might ingest it and have life eternally. The literal body of Christ was broken so the Holy Spirit can dwell in us. The blood of Christ was spilled, he died yet conquered death, so that we too can have the opportunity to escape death, eternally. To have communion for any reason other than recognizing the price Christ paid for the believers eternal life is disrespectful, to say the least. 

I venture to say, it also wrong for a man to interfere with the communion of a believer and God, based on man’s judgement of man. We are to judge our own hearts. We judge to know we,ourselves, are realizing the sacrifice made for us, each time we take communion.  If we are not ‘perfect’ if we are angry, unforgiving, unforgiven, accused, fearful, doubting, in sin, have adversity in our lives, wouldn’t this be the time we most need to commune with God?

Posted in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 11: 1-16

Posted on by Christy Petty

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you   Remember Paul did not number or chapter his letters, later on people did.  This is concluding his answering the list of questions he was given. Saying, just do what I do and you will be alright. 

Now I think Paul is addressing some things he has been informed of, pertaining to the behavior of these church goers, I think specifically those who think they are a bit more important that the rest. 

This following is not about oppressing women. Paul is not saying women are lower than men. Paul is explaining what is the truth. The purpose God has set before men and women in relations. A bit of culture is mixed in, but basically the culture gleaned from the order of authority God set in place at the beginning of man. 

These Corinthian women were prophesying and praying in public, maybe not such a bad thing in itself, but they also were taking off their covering, their showing of being subject to their husbands. This P & P had given them the big head and they brought themselves to the same ‘level’ or even higher, than their husbands/men, by removing their cultural coverings. 

.3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head,  Have you ever witnessed a woman who is pretending to be caught up by the ‘Holy Spirit’? Wailing, babbling, waving their hands making a spectacle of themselves? I have. I don’t believe that to be honoring of God at all!for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. I think Paul is going into the extreme, saying these women are taking on man roles, or at least taking off their show of being women, trying to make themselves equal to men, so why not cut their hair like men.  Women dressing and looking like a man would be shameful.  Just as a man dressing and looking and acting like a woman would be shameful.  But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Paul is speaking the truth, God created male first, in his image, from dust, then created woman from a part,the rib of man. Eve was created because God wanted a suited helper/mate for Adam. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.  Don’t get cocky men, because without woman there would have been no more men, beyond Adam. God created man, an order for creation, and man and woman alike are Gods creation. 

13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her[a] for a covering.6 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor dothe churches of God   Paul saying figure it out on your own, this is not a ‘law’ matter, nor is it a commandment of God that women cover their heads. BUT from where Paul is from, the chicks cover their heads, and they act like ladies.  😉

Recently it was decided that women can participate in full combat military. Yipee? 

It is not that I do not think women can fight, shoot a gun, kill the enemy, endure the harshness of ‘war’. I know they can. I could. There are women who are much stronger and tougher than I that could and will.  I just don’t think we, women are ‘suppose’ to. Society, the world, says we can and should. But that does not make it correct to do so.

Our world has turned upside down. It tells women like myself I am weak and insignificant because I will not take on the facade of a man. I need to work 40+ hours a week, be a CEO, or at least be telling some man what to do, to be of any real worth.  Dresses, jewelry, pretty clothes, fluffy hair, lipstick, that is what the uneducated bimbo who has too many kids and husbands wears. It is shameful to answer that “What do you do? with “I make my house that my husband provides a home. I care for my kids. I work in my church/community. I cook dinner every night. I wrote a cookbook so other women can cook dinner every night too. I am a grandmother who can’t wait to spend time with my family. I pray. ”  My husband pulls my chair out for me, opens doors for me, orders my meals for me. Not because I am not capable, but to honor me, to care for me.  I can do a lot of things for myself, that he does for me, and visa versa. I do for him those things that honor him, and he does those that honor me.  I show I am his wife by wearing a ring on my finger, by standing by his side, by doing as he requests of me, caring for him, going to him for counsel. 

Now we celebrate having women, mothers, sisters, daughters in the military. Being sent across the world to be in war-torn countries, put in harm’s way, in danger of being killed and leaving their children without mothers. We celebrate the reunions of mother and child after a long tour. But these separations should not have been. I mean no disrespect to our military, I honor them, all, male and female. BUT, the women should not be in the military. 

All this women’s lib stuff has taken honor and protection from women. Women demand to be treated like a man, to have the same ‘rights’.  To uncover their heads and not show they are married.  To be the financial support of the family. To go and protect our nation, and kill men and be killed.  That is not what God intended us to be. God created woman for man. To be a helper, to be honored by and treasured by our men. 

This world is not ‘run’ by God. Satan has domain here. Satan is the main influence here. If it is of THIS world, you can bet it is not God’s way.  That is the dilemma for all of man, US. To choose the things that are not of this world, or continue to be a part of it.