Sissydoodlebug

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) In what way does Christ represent God’s wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption? (A) Christ is God on earth he is the wisdom,righteousness, and redemption of God. Through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God we may receive these too. How far do these go to lay the basis of a truly Christian philosophical system? (A) as far as anyone will believe.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 1:21-25) In what areas do non-Christians in our culture stumble over the basic gospel of Christ? A.) I believe some feel that they are not worthy and have done too many wrong or bad things to be cleansed and accepted. Some feel that they would have to clean up their lives before they could enter a church or Jesus would accept them. Many believe what the world has taught ant that the Bible is just stories and that Jesus was just a man or it is all myths and only simplyons could possibly fall for such garbage. To what degree can we help bridge this gap through careful and creative presentation? A.) if we present the gospel and live our life in love with truth and sincerely I feel we can bridge that we can help bridge the gap to a great degree. Isn't that what we are called to do? To what degree might that be “watering down” the gospel? A.) I don't feel you will truly be able to bridge the "Gap" by "watering" down the gospel. I actually think it weakens the Gospel and our witness by trying to water down the truth of the Gospel. We must follow the examples of Paul, Christ and the rest of the Apostles and not soft pedal the Gospel to get people in church. True conversion and repentance can only come by knowing and embracing the fullness of Christ Crucified. Why can’t we escape the tension between culturally-relevant communication and changing the essence of the message? A.) the truth can overcome and dispel the darkened to water it down weakens the message to the point of no effect. We are to speak the truth watering down the message is basically the same as lying. We must maintain the integrity of the Gospel and our own witness while presenting it in a way that today's culture will understand and accept it.

Q1. Name four value differences between Christian teaching and the values you see pushed to us on by mans wisdom? Example: Sex between consenting adults is okay, vs. sex belongs in marriage, name four more. 1. legalized abortion - It seems the world is more concerned about saving and protecting pets and wild animals than protecting and saving the human child, especially the child still in the womb. Where it should be the safest most protected. 2. legalized drugs/alcohol - I see them as the same they both destroy families and individuals. If you drink alcohol you are more likely to get promoted? Seriously wrong. 3. Immorality - Our world seems to reward bad behavior. The more depraved a "star" behaves the more attention they receive. 4. Idolatry - Making idols out of actors, musicians and sports players. It's okay to like but they sure never be esteemed to the point they are worshiped.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 1:10-12) What kind of divisions do you see in your congregation or in the Christian community in your area? A. I have not seen any apparent divisions in our church. If they are there they are not prominent. I have seen many divisions in the Christian community; some topics that cause division are homosexuality, abortion, the position of women in the church, the Rapture, salvation (once saved always saved or not), miracles, healing, intercession, how to dress, money, divorce and remarriage, music, tribulation, cleaning the church, and more. Anything that any two people could disagree on can cause division. I think we still have some of the same things going on in our churches as the Corinthians did. I have heard so many different churches claim to be the only True church. What do we say today? I am a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Nazarene, Word of Faith, Charismatic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, non denomination, etc. Seems to me that is what the Corinthians were doing when they were saying I follow Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. What is the cause of divisions of the divisions in Corinth? A. Quarrels, contention, rivalry, strife, discord What is the cause of divisions today? A. Biblical Ignorance, pride, selfishness, being self centered, legalism, distrust, gossip, traditionalism, manipulation, heresy and a lack of true Christ like love. How do we obey the command to "agree with one another" (1:10)? A. We must put our focus on a close personal relationship with Christ and understanding the word of God. When we get close enough to Christ to truly see what he did for us, the sacrifices he made because he loved us, to feel that love, perhaps we will be able to truly love each other as we are commanded.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) What gifts does God give us to ensure that we'll continue in faith until the end? A. 1. Strength 2. Forgiveness 3. Faithfulness 4. Fellowship Why does each require our active participation to receive its full benefits? A. If we are given a gift and refuse to open it will be useless and I am sure disappoint the giver. Without participation on our part the gifts of God lay dormant and are of no value to us personally, others or God. We are stagnant, have no growth and show no fruit. Which do you need to enter into more? A. I of course need to enter into all of them more, but Forgiveness is the most dominant. I definitely have had difficulty in forgiving myself.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 1:4-7) How often do you thank God for the blessings of those who don't like you, or of your actual enemies? Until reading this I can honestly say I never even thought to than God for the blessings of those who don’t like me or are actual enemies. I have prayed for them but never considered that they could possibly be a “blessing”. I have thanked God a couple of times this week for the blessings of my enemies and those that don't like me. I am still not sure how they are blessings. What does it say about Paul that he thanks God for the gifts of those who are at odds with him? I believe this shows that Paul has gained spiritual maturity. What specifically does he thank God for about the Corinthian believers? Paul specifically thanks God for the “grace given you in Christ Jesus”.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:2) "What does "called to be holy" or "called to be saints" mean? Called to be holy or saints is be set apart, consecrated and dedecated to Gos for his purposes. What is a saint according to the Bible? All those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it so comfortable for us to say, "I'm no saint"? There is a lack of understanding of what “saint” means. Saint isn't something accomplished through your own personal works or actions but is because we belong to God. What is expected of a person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God? A person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God set apart and holy. To believe in our position with God and actualize our position in our obedience and love for God. What kind of behavior does the world expect of those who claim to be followers of Christ? The world expects us to be what the world would term “perfect”or above reproach. Although that expectation also varies with each individual. I think Mother Theresa is a good example of what the world would have all of the way all Christians should be.