MATTHEW 13:24–30; 36–43 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared (Matt. 13:26). In Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43, Jesus teaches that the visible church on earth is a mixed body of tares and wheat, reprobate and elect. Jesus’ teaching proves that we can never have a “purely Christian” church … Continue reading “TARES AMONG THE WHEAT”
Author: Administrador
A UNIFIED BODY
1 CORINTHIANS 12:14–26 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body (1 Cor. 12:20). When Paul compares the church to the body, he brings out four very important points. First, God has lovingly and graciously given us gifts for the edification of the whole body. No matter what that gift may be, we … Continue reading “A UNIFIED BODY”
GIFTED FOR OFFICE
1 CORINTHIANS 12:27–31 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers … (1 Cor. 12:28). God has appointed individuals in His church to hold certain offices. The gifts He has given determines the office. Paul reminds the Corinthians of this fact and emphasizes that not everyone holds the same … Continue reading “GIFTED FOR OFFICE”
THE CHURCH OF GOD
ACTS 20:17–38 … shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). First Corinthians gives us a broad look at the inner workings of the church. From this epistle, we find that the church is diverse in its many gifts, that it is composed of various offices, that it functions … Continue reading “THE CHURCH OF GOD”
UNITY AMID DIVERSITY
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4–6 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4). The second point the apostle seeks to impress upon the minds of the Corinthians is that spiritual gifts are diverse, and their diversity of character are connected, are unified, in their source and purpose. Paul is not dividing the gifts … Continue reading “UNITY AMID DIVERSITY”
A VARIETY OF GIFTS
1 CORINTHIANS 12:7–9 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:7). The various gifts given to the church by the Spirit are bestowed not for individual gratification but for the edification of the church. In making this list, Paul shows that not everyone possesses … Continue reading “A VARIETY OF GIFTS”
DISCERNING THE GIFTS
1 CORINTHIANS 12:10–13 … to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10). The nature of the gift of prophecy is clearly exhibited in the 14th chapter: “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” “It consisted in occasional inspiration and revelations, not … Continue reading “DISCERNING THE GIFTS”
CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT
1 CORINTHIANS 11:25–26 “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:25). This second part of the service begins like the first, with Christ offering a blessing connected with thanksgiving. We should always come to the Lord’s Supper with thanksgiving … Continue reading “CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT”
PARTAKING UNWORTHILY
1 CORINTHIANS 11:27–34 For he who eats and drinks in any unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:29). Those, like the Corinthians, who treat the symbols of Christ’s body and blood irreverently are guilty of irreverence toward Christ Himself. The result is God’s judgment in the … Continue reading “PARTAKING UNWORTHILY”
THE WOMAN’S GLORY
1 CORINTHIANS 11:13–16 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her … (1 Cor. 11:15). To sum up his teaching on head coverings in public worship and the divinely appointed order of authority established at creation, Paul exhorts Christians to judge the matter for themselves. Should we not do what … Continue reading “THE WOMAN’S GLORY”