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Q2. (1 Corinthians 1:21-25) In what areas do non-Christians in our culture stumble over the basic gospel of Christ? In the areas of common sense and human intelligence. To what degree can we help bridge this gap through careful and creative presentation? To a degree where the gospel will no longer carry power and authority to transform lives but appease the intellect and emotions. To what degree might that be “watering down” the gospel? Anytime we take out or add to the word of god, we remove it's authoritative power, which is life and spirit and leave them to be mere words. Why can’t we escape the tension between culturally-relevant communication and changing the essence of the message? Because culturally relevant communication crafted by man and not led by the Holy Spirit can change the essence of the message.

It is difficult for us within a cultural system to see it clearly, since we take it for granted. It is also difficult to discern the difference between Western culture and Christian values, since Western culture has been so strongly influenced historically by Christianity. But let’s try. Q1. Name four value differences between Christian teaching and the values you see pushed to us on television. Example: Sex between consenting adults is okay, vs. sex belongs in marriage. Now name four more. 1. Sex between to consenting adults of the same sex is okay vs. sex only belongs in a holy matrimony between one man and one woman. 2. It is okay to do what you feel is right vs. you must strive to do what the word of God says is right 3. It's okay to get out of a marriage if you don't love each other any longer vs. when God puts a woman and a man together as husband and wife, no one or nothing should put them assunder, unless by biblical permissable reasons. 4. Abortion is okay as long as you have a good reason vs. abortion is never okay under any circumstance.

The division in the church centers on those who consider themselves more spiritual than others and those who prefer a certain kind of music or style of preaching over the other. In our christian community, the division is between several different denominations of Christendom. Christians from several denominations don't associate with one another or agree or work together because of theological differences. The division in Corinth started because some members started preferring Paul's method of teaching and leadership over Apolos and vice versa. I think the christian community can come together and agree If we use the bible alone as our standard and not church doctrines and personal beliefs.

The division in the church centers on those who consider themselves more spiritual than others and those who prefer a certain kind of music or style of preaching over the other. In our christian community, the division is between several different denominations of Christendom. Christians from several denominations don't associate with one another or agree or work together because of theological differences. The division in Corinth started because some members started preferring Paul's method of teaching and leadership over Apolos and vice versa. I think the christian community can come together and agree If we use the bible alone as our standard and not church doctrines and personal beliefs.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) What gifts does God give us to ensure that we’ll continue in faith until the end? Why does each require our active participation to receive its full benefits? Which do you need to enter into more? A3. There are 9 gifts noted in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10. Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Power to do Miracles, Ability to Prophesy, Discernment, Tongues and the interpretation of Tongues. I will say in order to ensure we continue in faith until the end, God gives us the specific gifts needed to fulfill our purpose as saints. The bible says some are given this gift(s) and others are given that so I'm not sure if it's possible for one person to possess all 9 gifts. What is your intake on this Dr. Ralph? I believe God knows us and knows our strengths and weaknesses and will give us the specific gift needed to enhance our faith. I can't really say he gives every believer the same exact gifts as our needs may differ. Let me know what you think Dr. Ralph. Without our active participation, the gifts will lie dormant and cannot flow because God has given each and everyone of us free will. So if we choose not to operate in those gifts, it'll not be used. I need to work on discernment and interpretation of tongues because I come from a pentecostal background and everyone speaks in tongues but most or none is able to interpret the tongues being spoken. Discernment is also needed in my situation because as I mentioned earlier, almost everyone in my circle tends to be spiritual but some might be totally not of God but I won't know that unless I'm operating in the gift of discernment.. I don't want to fall into the sin of judging but discernment will make it clear. 1 Corinthians 12 To some people the Spirit gives the message of wisdom. To others the same Spirit gives the message of knowledge.9 To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. 10 To others he gives the power to do miracles. To others he gives the ability to prophesy. To others he gives the ability to tell the spirits apart. To others he gives the ability to speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages.

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? What does it say about Paul that he thanks God for the gifts of those who are at odds with him? What specifically does he thank God for about the Corinthian believers? A2. Honestly, I don't thank God enough for the blessing of those who don't like me or my enemies. But I pray always for God to give me the grace to love those who are unlovable and I believe He is working it in me. It's not easy, specifically when these people are proud and arrogant and they never tend to see thier faults but I know it takes maturity to understand such people and I pray for such maturity. Pauls ability to thank God for the gifts of those who are at odds with him confirms his role as a true leader who is completely matured in Christ. It also shows that he has the heart of a true father towards his spiritual children not to take offense but to counsel them in the right direction. He thanks God for the grace and the spiritual gifts that has been so freely extended to the the church inspite of their horrendous past!

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:2) “What does “called to be holy” or “called to be saints” mean? What is a saint according to the Bible? Why is it so comfortable for us to say, “I’m no saint”? What is expected of a person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God? What kind of behavior does the world expect of those who claim to be followers of Christ? A1. Called to be holy or called to be saints means being removed from the multitude and specifically marked to serve in a specific capacity. And since the One who called us is God Himself, and He is Holy and distinct like no other, we are to emulate his character and image. It's so comfortable for us to say I'm no saint because most people do not understand the meaning of saint. Most assume being a saint means depicting a flawless character in yourself when in fact being a saint means created to abide in the image the True Saint, our Lord Jesus so we can be like Him. If you've been set aside as the personal property of the living God, you are expected to serve Him and Him alone and when you become a selfless property of the Living God, by nature, you'll begin to act like Him. The world expect those who claim to be followers of Christ to act like Christ.

Hello, my name is Jennifer. My husband and I decided to study together so we can grow more in His word. We live in GA and love the Lord very much. We thank God for this opportunity to learn.