dixonle

Posted 21 May 2014 - 08:35 AM Q4. (1 Corinthians 3:17) Division and church splits injure people, especially tender new believers. Why do you think there is such a harsh punishment for those involved in hurting Christ’s church? What are better ways to deal with differences in the church? First of all, we are held accountable and responsible for the edification of the church; i.e., the teaching in the faith and the building up of the church. When the schisms/splits occur, the LORD must be quite disappointed because the church is being hurt by people being at odds with one another but also by splitting and people leaving for better green pastures… We have the responsibility to communicate and work together as the people of God rather than working against the will of God by putting forth our selfish motivations. God expects the church to work together.

Posted 21 May 2014 - 08:10 AM Q3. (1 Corinthians 3:9-13) In terms of building congregations in our day, how would you assess quality vs. slip-shod building materials and methods? How important is improving your ministry skills through training? Prayer? Practice? Diligence? Faithfulness? Doctrinal accuracy? Devotional life? Openness to spiritual gifts? Etc. Each church and each individual Christian within the church is held accountable for quality construction not only of buildings but of souls as well. In fact, Paul stated to the Corinthians that we was skilled, not shoddy, builder who concentrates on the quality of the construction from the inside out…that he was not just a run-of-the-mill builder but a highly skilled contractor. Likewise today whether constructing buildings or souls, the foundations of such need to be laid in direct relation to faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. In order to maintain those high skills maintained by Paul, we too must remain prayed up and trained up, taking advantage of as many training seminars and Bible studies in order to remain equipped for the work at hand. Our skills need not be dull but continually sharpened in prayer, diligence, our faith, our knowledge and accuracy of doctrine, as well as remaining involved with our devotional life and being open to the spiritual gifts with which the LORD has blessed us.

Posted 19 May 2014 - 09:34 AM Q2. (1 Corinthians 3:4-9) In what ways do denominations encourage Christian unity? In what ways do they foster disunity? Does belonging a “non-denominational” church make any difference regarding unity throughout the body? How can we tear down the barriers that divide us? There are all kinds of attempts for Christian unity among denominations from seminars to retreats to weekend gatherings. I am specifically referring to thos who remain true and loyal to the "matchless Word of God", wherein there is One true God, Son and Holy Spirit. Those efforts are Biblically correct and empahsize unity appropriately. Although there are legitimate reasons for denominations, that is one of the main reasons for disunity because there is quarreling and fighting to try to prove whose is the right theological way. The only thing that matters is our relationship with the risen LORD, not to which particular denomination we may belong. Although each Christian non-denomination or denomination can lead towards unity if they have the following in common: a personal forgiven relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ and working in sync with Him towards the unity of us all...

Posted 19 May 2014 - 08:12 AM Q1. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) In behavioral terms according to these verses, how would you classify yourself in terms of hunger for the Word? In terms of jealousy and quarreling? – infant, child, teenager, adult? What will it take for you to grow to the next stage? a. I have always been hungry for the Word Of the LORD. The Bible feeds my hungry soul so that I can become more like Chirst, get closer to Him, be enabled to love Him more and to serve Him more as I become more spiritually equipped. I continue to study the Word for my own edification but also teach his Word in my Bible Study class and small group ministry I facilitate. I take classes like this and also participate in other Bible studies as a participant to assist in my growth process out of infancy one day. b. In order to grow into the next stage, I must continue with what I submitted in paragraph a. above. In so doing, I stay away from any jealousy, quarreling or other stressful situations that might change my focus on the LORD and His will for me.

Posted 12 May 2014 - 12:54 PM Q5. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Explain how we can “have the mind of Christ.” How does this work, according to these verses? How does having the Holy Spirit “circulating” through our minds explain spiritual gifts working through us? First, the Spirit which is of/from God helps us to understand that the substance and the verbal expression of the apostles' witness to Jesus are indeed from God. Up to this point, it seemed that using the term "spirit" or "spiritual" seemed to refer to things or words but Paul seems to be moving in a different direction here in referring to "spiritual" people: only the Spirit can render the message of the cross truly understood to someone...this means that believers/Christians then are spritual people, and non-believers do not have the spiritual capacity to understand the things of God. 1 Corinthians 2.10b states that "the Spirit searches all things...no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God". Second, and according to verse 13, ESV, the Spirit "interprets spiritual truth to spiritual men", again making the point that people who have received the Holy Spirit have the frame of mind and perspective to not only receive but also to understand and comprehend spiritual things. V. 16 states that "he who understand the mind of the LORD has the mind of Christ". Acording to our lesson, we have the Holy Spirit and can communicate and share our thoughts even at their most basic level to someone else. The thoughts come to us from the Holy Spirit through Bible Study, prayer and intimate moments with the Spirit.

Posted 08 May 2014 - 05:00 PM Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) In what way does Christ represent God’s wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption? How far do these go to lay the basis of a truly Christian philosophical system? Christ shares His reality of values, what is good for us, what is right for us through His life and through the matchless Word of God. He points us in the right direction for the right kind of living. He sets us apaart of His glory as our lives become dedicated to serving Him and the cleansing of our lives enrich and equip us to follow Him in service to Him and others.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 1:21-25) In what areas do non-Christians in our culture stumble over the basic gospel of Christ? To what degree can we help bridge this gap through careful and creative presentation? To what degree might that be "watering down" the gospel? Why can't we escape the tension between culturally-relevant communication and changing the essence of the message? Verse 21 states that wisdom was not something that the world knew and was a stumbling block but through preaching it can be obtained clearly. Most were not in good relationship with God and therefore like the world today do not comprehend and further refuse to try to understand and are more pleased with that status than being uncomfortable in a righteous realm of understanding. An attmept s to water down the gospel may sound attractive to the world but does not get at a personal relationship with the LORD; there is no concept of forgiveness of sin and no redemptive concept consequently enters the picture. we therefore continue to be engaged in the dichotomy of current culture and the attempts to change the truth of the message versus the validity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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. Worldly Attention to Money vs. Spiritual Wealth of God In Or Souls 2. The World vs. The Matchless Word of God regarding prayer, Bible, the mention of the LORD's name in public schools and government buildings 3. Empahsis on outward beauty especially in women vs. the beauty of the inward soul 4. Idolatry (many gods) vs. The Biblical Truth of One God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 1.10-12) What kind of divisions do you see in your congregation? There are continual divisions in our church because of the differences of opinions of various individuals involved in that process...it lends to not being in agreement and is against the command seen in verse 10. There have been schisms in this church in the past but that was a long time ago. The divisions now are problematic and if unresolved could very well go into a schism mode...this church leadership is more pastoral-led than members-led and due to that factor, divisions occur but overall work themselves out but not within the framework of unity in spirit and mind and thought. What is the cause of the divisions in Corinth? Within the Corinthian church were quarrels, contentions, rivalry, pride, discourse...all types of division that could easily lead to schisms, which, as our leader has put in the notes, is "ugly and sinful"! What is the cause of divisions today? Divisions today have the same basis or foundation as existed with the Corinthian Church which all related to non-unity among the people. How do we obey the command to "agree with one another" from verse 10. Even though we do have the common bond of the LORD Jesus we people still tend to try to push personal opinions through at the cost of unity. Paul was correct when he wrote to another church (at Ephesus) to "be humble and patient with each other, approaching one another and the issues in love, unity and peace because we all have one LORD, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father over all of us."

God gives us so many gifts and graces which include those in this study: strength, forgiveness, faithfulness and fellowship...without these gifts I would be totally lost on completely on my own. All those years in my life where I found myself on my own by own choice led me into total chaos, a mess, and totally distraught and downcast against me. But praise God, I came to my senses and started benefitting from these gifts. As I will emphasize, these are not one-sided, i.e., only to be received...sure they are free and undeserving but that is what grace is all about. I "do" have to participate and strive to become closer to Jesus along the way. By so doing I will gain the strength for the living of my days and the work of service in which I am involved. By seeking and receiving His forgiveness, I not only experience that great feeling of reconciliation but also can enjoy an increasing faith in Him while simultaneously knowing and experiencing His complete faithfulness to His promises of always being with me no matter what I do or where I am. Oh, yes, I know this to be true and can witness to that fact over a multitude of times in my life. And finally, there is nothing better than to be involved with and participate in the fellowship of believers. We brothers and sisters in the faith partner together with each other and with our LORD in an amazing realization of His love and our devotion to each other and to Him.

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 believer? So often I find it difficult to thank God for those whom I do not like or are not in good relationship with. It is an area that I try to pray bout often because I need help in this matter. Although I recognize that there is nothing impossible to Him, I need to pray even more intentionally about this. I admire Paul in that he could reach out much beyond himself to get the help/discernment he needs to pray for his enemies. In fact, Paul specifically asked the LORD that no one lack any gifts/blessings from the LORD God.

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? Called to be holy and/or a saint is being set apart by God to a special relationship with Him as one who calls upon the name of our LORD Jesus Christ and that we are called alongside all others called before us everywhere who along with us call upon the name of the LORD Jesus. We make a mistake and are misinformed by thinking that a saint is synonymous of "being perfect". The notes confirm that we are not perfect (as the world would wrongly expect us to be) and that sainthood does not reflect perfection but rather God set us apart into this relationship. We belong to God and it is HE who set us apart into this position/relationship. If we accept this calling, then we are aligned with Him in personal obedience and love for Jesus.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 7:25-35) The disadvantages of remaining unmarried include being deprived of sexual relations. What are the advantages of celibacy that Paul discusses in these verses? How can married believers maximize “full devotion” to the Lord? Celibacy provides the believer more ample time to serve the LORD as he/she is not tied up in , what Paul calls, worldly issues like meeting the needs of the marital partner, becoming engrossed in those things that tend to lead one away from serving the LORD. This is not sinful but is used to make point about the distractions that could be inherent in non-celibate people, not that it does. Married believers should therefore concentrate more on devotion to the LORD.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 7.10-16) What do these verses teach about divorce for married believers? What about divorce where on spouse is not a believer? What about remarriage? Paul turns to the matter of divorce where he accentuates the LORD's stance in stating that the believing wife should not separate from a believing husband and that the husband should not divorce a believing wife. However, simultaneously Roman law permitted either a husband or a wife to initiate a divorce with no state cause required...Paul's stance violates Roman law but support the command of the LORD. This chapters verses on this subject provide the following information: v. 10-11 (do not separate, but if you do, seek reconcilation); v. 12-13 (if the unbelieving spous consents to stay, do not seek divorce); v. 15 (if the unbelieving spouse separates/leaves the marriage, the believer is not bound/is free to remarry; v. 39 (if a spouse dies, the one who lives is free to remarry but only to another believer-Romans 7.1-4).

Q2. (1 Corinthians 7: 9 and 37) What do verses 9 and 37 teach about sex between couples who are engaged but not married? What counsel does Paul give to engaged couples who do not control themselves sexually? Paul prohibits sex between unmarried people due to the burning passions being uncontrolled is wrong and therefore it is better to be married where there is freedom of expression and control is not the issue as it is outside of marriage. This would include both singles as well as engaged couples.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 7:1-6) Why does Paul concede that “it is good for a man not to touch a woman”? What does he teach about sexual intercourse within marriage? How does he teach mutual rights within marriage, not just a man’s right? What does this passage teach about using sex as a bargaining chip within marriage? Paul states that it is not good for a man to touch a "woman" actually relates to outside of marriage because he refers to that in different terminology. Sexual sin infers to sexual immorality outside the marriage bond. Sexual intercourse within marriage is the right between husband wife at times they agree on including those agreed-upon time to abstain. It is also understood in Pauline theology and scripture that neither husband nor wife may use sex as a bargaining chip to get something the other one wants: hence, mutuality in marriage. Each spouse has the right to the pleasure of sex and intimacy.

Q5. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) What are the implications of the truth that you don’t belong to yourself, but to God? What category does it put us in if we resist that truth? Through the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, Christ purchased us by paying for our sins by the shedding of His blood. Through repentance by faith in Him and then merciful salvation we received from the LORD, we are one with Him. We are not our own anymore but belong to and are in union with the one true God in Jesus Christ our LORD. We were purchased, redeemed, cleansed and purified upon our confessed and repentant sin(s). The Word of God is absolutely clear on this in that we are not included in His body should we leave our condition in the state of the non-repentant sinner.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 6:13b-15) What does it mean that “your bodies are members of Christ himself”? What are the implications of that with regard to sexual sin? What are the implications of that with regard to your ministry? Our bodies are members of Christ Himself in that at the moment of salvation based upon repentance and forgiveness and being cleansed, we are accepted and adopted of being members of the body of Christ Himself. Because of that union we are designed to serve the LORD, to be present with Him because of the resurrection of the LORD, and the fact that being a part of His body means we cannot occupy/become one with another body such as through sexual sin simultaneously. We cannot be co-joined with more than one body.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 6:11) Why is the gospel such good news to those who have been involved in gross sin? On what basis can a person be forgiven? On what basis can a person be cleansed from sin? According to matchless word of God written by Paul, it is understood that continual participation in unrepentant gross sin as has been defined in these chapters will result in non-entry into heaven as there would be no salvation...period...end of the story. A person can be forgiven simply by truly being repentant and confession of the sins and receiving the forgiveness of the LORD Jesus Christ. This is the only way as then and only then will the LORD through His grace and mercy through his redemptive shedding of His blood wash and cleanse us of all unrighteousness within us. Through these acts on the person's part and the LORD's actions, the old person will be out off and ther new one will take its place, a new person created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) What does the scripture teach here about participating in homosexual acts? What does the scripture teach about heterosexual immorality? Why is repentance so important for a believer? The attraction is not the problem but the actual act, according to Paul, "is" sinful as well as heterosexual immorality. Repentance is crucial for all but especially the believer in order to maintain the correct relationship with the LORD. We cannot have that close relationship with Him with unrepentant sin in the picture as nothing can be hidden from the LORD and therefore needs to be confessed through repentance and forgiven in the LORD.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 6:1-8) How does it hurt the Christian cause when Christians take each other to court? How should disputes be settled between believers? How might this be instituted in a local congregation? Among churches in a geographical region? Going outside the church processes is giving the wrong message to the world that we cannot or will not use our internal processes; that we do not trust our own processes. Disputes between believers that cannot be settled one on one should therefore be reducted and dealt with using the internal church processes designed for this purpose and therefore handle their oen disputes resolutions..

Q4. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) According to this passage, with which sinners should we be willing to associate? Why make a distinction between unbelievers and believers? What are the dangers of associating with unbelievers? What are the dangers of associating with unrepentant believers? Paul states that we should not associate with unrepentant sinners for fear by that association to give a message of acceptance of the sin/life style...a distinction between a believer and non-believer relates to whether or not the person has repented of sin and has Jesus as their Savior...we should minister to unrepentant sinners by assisting in their restoration, by not fellowshipping with them but sharing the gospel, the good news, on how a person can be transformed when they repent. That is our role as believers regarding unrepentant worldly sinners/non-believers.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 5:6-7) How does the presence of openly sinning members affect others in the body? We might use the analogy of a “bad apple.” What in Paul’s background might explain his use of “getting rid of yeast”? Our instructor writes that “…the rot in one bad apple can spread to all the surrounding apples it is not quickly spotted and removed. Paul is warning the Corinthian Church that if they do not remove the unrepentant member, that this disregard for righteousness will spread to others in the church…” Paul alludes to the idea that using left over dough/yeast will infiltrate the new yeast and affect the quality of the new “mixed” batch.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? There are levels of correction inherently based upon the seriousness of the unrepentant sins. The book of Discipline in most organized churches will have its due process handling in addition to the matchless word of God. Actions might and should include counseling to 2 or more church people meeting with the unrepentant sinner. If and when the person repents of the sin(s), he/she is be accepted through forgiveness as if nothing had happened…sins that are harmful to the person and/or the church, actions such as excommunication might be appropriate in order to protect the body of believers, to maintain the standards of God’s Holy Word and until such time as the person repents and can be brought back into good standing in the body of believers.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 5.1-2a) Why do you think the Corinthians were so proud of their tolerance of immorality? What does this say about their value system? In verse 2a, Paul referred to the Corinthians as “arrogant”, which taken in context would seem to lean one in the direction that this population had strayed away from the sexual purity that Paul’s previous message had accented and more widespread was the idea that the people somehow thought they were free from normal sexual constraints. In using this strong language with the people, Paul was making the strong and poignant point that their actions and behaviors were doubly inappropriate in light of their shocking sins. The other fact is that the Corinthians were more tolerant of flagrant sin than the pagans among whom they lived. Additionally, the Corinthians had strayed far away from the standards of holiness and acceptable behavior.