chuckblack

I think this was a very good question for Jesus to ask the invalid. Interestedly enough there are many with illnesses of some form who have become very attached to the illness. I believe Jesus wanted the man to really think about whether he wanted to be healed after 38 years. I work as a Prison Chaplain. I see men who get parole after 20, 30 , 40 years of prison time. Sometimes (many times) they are right back in the prison---can you imagine how strange it is to go back into a society that has moved way beyone what the inmate knew when he was on the outside. (including women, I just word at a men's prison). No choices have to be made in prison - it is all rule driven. Now the released inmate must make all his decision so he can live. Fortunately more programs are in place and being developed to assist with this transition time. Discernment is always necessary, praying for God's guidance on how to help someone. We may think we know but many times we don't really. God bless!

The mindset of sexuality was totally different in Corinth-it's hard to relate today to what the mores were then. Perhaps they felt that they were being all inclusive to everyone and that was what Christians should do. Paul explained why this was not the case.

Interestedly I don't view God as a judge at all. I do believe God is sad when I sin and this results in my distance from God, but in order to flourish I had to understand that God is here for me in all times, in the good and the bad. I do feel that asking God's forgiveness is showing respect to the Divine that I love. Thanks, Chuck

Hello Community, I just started the course with 1 Corinthians. I live in Berkeley, CA. After 25+ years in business working as a CPA, I decided to change directions to serving God. I started my Master of Divinity program and completed it in 5/13. I am now completing a one year Master of Theology program. I am completely swamped most days but want to keep the Bible in my life and thought this would be a fantastic way to do that with these studies. I am so grateful for this program. I usually don't have time to comment/answer the questions, but I do read the assignment and some of the forum comments. They are so rich with wonderful comments. I will begin commenting this summer as I have more time. I am a Roman Catholic and my work is focused on Prisons. I volunteer at San Quentin and am now planning a 9 class course to teach at the prison. This is my ThM Project as well. I feel called to Prison work and hope to work as a prison chaplain. My time meeting and talking to the inmates is so gratifying to me. So Dr. Ralph - much gratitude to you for these studies. I originally lived in Sacramento when I move from Texas. I worked with several people who lived in Rocklin. Blessings to everyone, Chuck B