Reading the opening words of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 can cause confusion or concern. Once again I have found The Message to be a helpful reading on a difficult passage, showing how Paul is speaking about cultural symbols in his time, and the meaning behind them: 1-2It pleases me that you continue to remember and honor me by…
Author: Norm
todo poderoso
Its amazing how a song that I learned while in Mexico can still touch me deeply as I hear it. I do remember what some of the lines mean – its a great song! But the impact comes more from the memories associated with it, as we spent a week in Juarez, Mexico, and saw…
standing firm?
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. [1 Corinthians 10:13] In this passage, I…
in order to reach…
For some reason, when I prepared this reading schedule, I assigned 1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 9 to today (July 30). I have prepared two separate reflections for each chapter. Don’t forget to read the reflection on chapter 8 below. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily…
will others stumble?
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn’t worth it at the cost of even one of these “weak ones.” [1 Corinthians 8:12, The Message] In this discussion about whether it is OK to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols (would it be OK to…
1 Corinthians 7
I decided to read 1 Corinthians 7 from the Message, to try to connect with it better. It really helped, I like the way Peterson draws out the positive, affirming and inviting sense of Paul’s advise. One line in particular jumped out at me, summarizing the heart of the whole passage: All I want is for you…
God-saturated, God-driven
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. [1 Corinthians 7:7] The Corinthians had written a letter to Paul, asking a number of questions, including one about marriage. Paul speaks to them as a single, telling them…
something has changed in us!
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. [1 Corinthians 6:11] When a person surrenders to God and becomes a Jesus-follower, something changes. Something changes in us, and as…
healthy judging
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? [1 Corinthians 5:12] Having just spent time warning the Corinthians about not judging him, Paul goes into a serious case of judgment against a couple engaged in an incestual relationship. What’s with this, Paul refuses…
whose opinion matters most?
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. [1 Corinthians 4:3-4] The leaders in the church at Corinth were speaking against Paul,…