“…the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word I preached to you…” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

            It is hard to find a more succinct summary of how important the Word of God is.  We preach it so that it will be received.  We receive it so that we might learn to stand by it.  We stand by it so that we may be saved by it.  We are saved by it as long as we hold fast to it.

If you are looking for a reason to read your Bible, I think Paul just gave it to you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

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

“…for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

            If there is division in a local congregation – it is not God who caused it; it is us.  If there is pettiness, lying, or meanness amongst the brethren – that isn’t from God; it is us.  If the preaching is unclear or the truth is not openly taught – that isn’t from God; it is us.  If you see immaturity, shortsightedness, or worldliness in the pews – that isn’t from God; it is us.

            God is the author of unity and peace in churches.  Satan and man are the sowers of discord and division.  Do not blame God for the failings of man.  Our shortcomings are not His fault.  Following Him is the cure for these things, not the disease that caused them.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:33-40

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 the spirit of prophets are subject to prophets.” (1 Corinthians 14:32)

            Paul was a prophet.  He knew more than anyone what a thrill it was to have something to say that was directly from God.  Can you imagine having a sentence or a message that you knew God wanted you to share because it was divinely provided by the Holy Spirit?  I cannot even begin to think about how excited I would be to talk!

            Yet, Paul also knew that even prophets can control themselves and wait their turn to talk.  If a prophet can wait and do things in an orderly fashion, we can, too.  Your spirit is subject to you.  You can control your tongue. You can control your temper.  You can control what you say and when you say it.  You can control your urges and your desires.  You can master yourself.  You are in charge of you.

            No excuses.  Take responsibility for yourself.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:23-32

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 is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the mind also.” (1 Corinthians 14:15)

            It is so easy to pray or sing to God and let your mind wander.  It has happened to all of us at one time or another.  Paul reminds us that true worship engages the spirit and the mind.  It is both an intellectual exercise and an emotional one.  In order to do it right, we must attempt to be present – and you must battle to remain present when praying to God or singing to Him.

            Whether it be finding a quiet place to pray without distractions, making sure to focus on the meaning of the words you are singing, making a list of what you are going to pray about, or looking for a connection between the songs you are singing and what is going on in your life – whatever it takes, understand that it is worth it.  Engaged worship is real worship.  It is a fulfillment of the first and greatest commandment – to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

            Make your worship intentional. Make it focused.  Make it real.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:13-22

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

“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)

In the church at Corinth, they were enamored with miracles.  It is hard to blame them.  I’m sure I would be the same way.  To see someone speak in a foreign language spontaneously or watch someone heal another right before my eyes would be a wonderous thing.  There is a reason miracles were referred to as “wonders” so often!

But like all things shiny and impressive, we need to stay grounded.  Paul reminded the church that those miraculous abilities were both temporary and only valuable inasmuch as they edified.  A miracle that brought glory to you honored the wrong person.  Glory should go to God, not us.

The important part of this passage is “seek to abound for the edification of the church.”  A servant of God wants to lift others up – that’s the goal.  Find a way to raise up others around you and elevate their lives, and you will have done your job.  Don’t jockey for position in the church; compete to comfort, encourage, and strengthen others.  The first will be last, and the last will be first.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-12

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

“[Love] does not act unbecomingly” (1 Corinthians 13:5a)

Though not as poetic sounding, I’m fond of the more straightforward translation of this verse… love is not rude.

Love has a way of making the world a more beautiful place, and rudeness does the opposite.  Rudeness is behavior that we don’t necessarily see as sinful, but it is behavior that is offputting for no good reason.  Talking over others and failing to listen is rude.  Forgetting to say thank you or please is rude.  Not returning your grocery cart is rude.

When we leave others to clean up a mess alone or stare at our phones in the middle of in-person conversations, we forget the importance of acting in a becoming way.  There are enough inconsiderate people in the world – let us be those who remove the rude and replace it with love.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

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

“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