Snoopy Considers 1 Corinthians
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Eminent sociologist Peter Berger has called Pentecostalism the most explosive religious phenomenon in religious history.
The number of Pentecostals in various forms (Charismatics, etc.) is now in some estimated to be as hgh as 600 million.
For Pentecostals--and for me--1 Corinthians is the most important book of the Bible because of its soaring treatment of agape love and its detailed discussion of the purpose, general availability, and dangers of abuse of the various charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I was surprised to learn that the Corinth of P\aul's day was many jmes bigger than Athens, due in part to the large number of slaves in Corinth.
The large areas of ruins of ancient Corinth lie by the sea and against a large hill on which the ruins of the cult of Aphrodite tower above the city.
That cult had a lot of cult prostitutes who created problems for the Church at Corinth and help explain Paul's warnings about sexual transgressions.
When we get to the passages on sex, I will discuss the shocking evidence of this problem preserved in the fabulous museum in the ruins of ancient Corinth
The number of Pentecostals in various forms (Charismatics, etc.) is now in some estimated to be as hgh as 600 million.
For Pentecostals--and for me--1 Corinthians is the most important book of the Bible because of its soaring treatment of agape love and its detailed discussion of the purpose, general availability, and dangers of abuse of the various charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I was surprised to learn that the Corinth of P\aul's day was many jmes bigger than Athens, due in part to the large number of slaves in Corinth.
The large areas of ruins of ancient Corinth lie by the sea and against a large hill on which the ruins of the cult of Aphrodite tower above the city.
That cult had a lot of cult prostitutes who created problems for the Church at Corinth and help explain Paul's warnings about sexual transgressions.
When we get to the passages on sex, I will discuss the shocking evidence of this problem preserved in the fabulous museum in the ruins of ancient Corinth
paradox3
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There's some great information in your post, thanks @Mystic
However, I question the need to bring Pentecostalism into a Bible study thread like this one. There are better places on WC2 to discuss the joys of Pentecostalism and its success. (R&F, Church Life)
Please let's focus on Corinthians on the Corinthians thread. Glad to hear you are keen on these two books.
However, I question the need to bring Pentecostalism into a Bible study thread like this one. There are better places on WC2 to discuss the joys of Pentecostalism and its success. (R&F, Church Life)
Please let's focus on Corinthians on the Corinthians thread. Glad to hear you are keen on these two books.
Context is key when diving into Paul's letters to the Corinthians. Remember, Paul was addressing a bustling, diverse community in Corinth with its fair share of challenges. His letters are filled with heartfelt advice on unity, love, and living out faith in a messy world.
A fun approach would be to think of yourself as a member of the early Corinthian church, receiving these letters firsthand. How would Paul's words impact you personally? How can you apply these truths to our modern context?
You're welcome p3, my pleasure. You always do such a great job at leading Snoopy's Bible studies. It must sometimes get really challenging with our mixed group of people here
More than one time, I've definitely heard it preached that there are many parallels. People, I've found, tend to mention that when they're introducing a series of sermons on Corinthians, to lead the listeners to identify with the Corinthians. As many times I've heard it preached that churches today should see themselves not in the Ephesian church...
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The Corinthian Church shows how easy backsliding can take over when a competent leader is absent from the Church that is not grounded and rooted in their Faith ----there are many issues going on in that Church that are very relevant in our Church today ----
It shows the need for guidance on how Christians should be living ----and the need for God's Grace and striving to do God's will ---and it shows how a good leader has Agape and Patience to get a backslidden Church back on the right track -----no matter how disgruntled the Church feels about that good leader --The leader stays the course showing Grace and Love and Patience in trying to deal with the spiritual warfare that has engulfed the Church ---
It shows the need for guidance on how Christians should be living ----and the need for God's Grace and striving to do God's will ---and it shows how a good leader has Agape and Patience to get a backslidden Church back on the right track -----no matter how disgruntled the Church feels about that good leader --The leader stays the course showing Grace and Love and Patience in trying to deal with the spiritual warfare that has engulfed the Church ---
paradox3
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1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
www.biblegateway.com
1 Corinthians opens with a salutation from Paul and Sosthenes. They greet the church in Corinth.
Paul is grateful for the people, made rich in Christ Jesus. They do not lack any spiritual gift and will be strengthened to the end. God is faithful, by whom they were called into fellowship with the Son..
Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - New English Translation
Salutation - From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of our Lord Jesus...
1 Corinthians opens with a salutation from Paul and Sosthenes. They greet the church in Corinth.
Paul is grateful for the people, made rich in Christ Jesus. They do not lack any spiritual gift and will be strengthened to the end. God is faithful, by whom they were called into fellowship with the Son..
It's a beautiful start, but soon enough he's going to be telling them off. I wonder if that's the way we pastors are supposed to do things, not that I've had a reason yet to tell anyone off.1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - New English Translation
Salutation - From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of our Lord Jesus...
1 Corinthians opens with a salutation from Paul and Sosthenes. They greet the church in Corinth.
Paul is grateful for the people, made rich in Christ Jesus. They do not lack any spiritual gift and will be strengthened to the end. God is faithful, by whom they were called into fellowship with the Son..
The start of 1 Corinthians is so inspiring. It's incredible to think about the deep gratitude Paul felt for the Corinthians and how he emphasized their spiritual richness in Christ. I love that he reassures them of the strength they'll receive. The reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness is such a source of comfort
God, I believe, calls people into faith.Snoopy's Snappy Question: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Is being a person of faith a calling or a decision one makes?
However, I also believe that people's response to this calling involves a decision: a heartfelt commitment to follow Christ and live in accordance with his teachings. So, while the initial act of faith's a divine calling, the journey of faith's filled with daily decisions and actions that reflect people's commitment.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 reminds us that God equips and strengthens believers in this journey
paradox3
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Yes @Jae I also believe faith to be a combination of a call and a decision. I always wonder, though, at the "coincidence" of God calling me to the exact faith of my upbringing. 
Here I am, 70 years old, still in the denomination my parents chose for my baptism and religious education.
They were both cradle Anglicans and my dad identified as an atheist (more of an agnostic in my view.)
Here I am, 70 years old, still in the denomination my parents chose for my baptism and religious education.
They were both cradle Anglicans and my dad identified as an atheist (more of an agnostic in my view.)
unsafe
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Look at all the 12 disciples ----were they called or did they decide on their own to Follow Jesus ----Did Paul make the decision to be the Teacher of the Gentiles or was He called by God ----
We in our corrupt Nature state are unable to call in the right Faith to please God -----and serve God's will -----We have to be Drawn by the Father to follow His Faith -----
So here in 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 ----
Pauls says he was summoned by God's will and for God's purpose ----
This is Important as many Preach that are not Called by God but by their own Decision to Preach -----
So we see that these people are consecrated and purified and made Holy in Jesus Christ and are called to be Saints -----
So we see Paul thanking God for bestowing His grace upon this Church -----which is His Favor and Spiritual Blessing ---
This Church is ready to speak out in full power their Faith --Knowledge and Illumination of His word ---
Again this is important as without the Holy Spirit indwelling in you ----you only have human knowledge and human illumination of His word ---your True Spiritual knowledge and Illumination is veiled ----
So we see that the power and divine Grace is operating through them by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ----and they lack nothing in any special spiritual endowment or Christian grace -
Paul assures them that God is Faithful --and Trustworthy and reliable and says they were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
So again we see they were called ---they did not decide on their own to have this personal relationship with Jesus Christ -----
"4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift"
The Corinth Christians justify their divisiveness by the mandate of their many spiritual gifts, Their gifts are listed in chapter 12: divine healing, miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues. Paul concedes that they have these gifts)and, further, that these gifts confirm Christ's presence among them. But Paul will teach them they have not merited these gifts because the gifts are imparted by grace, which is unmerited favor. So these gifts are not a badge of their spirituality. That insight will be the starting point for Paul's call for unity in love'
The Corinth Christians justify their divisiveness by the mandate of their many spiritual gifts, Their gifts are listed in chapter 12: divine healing, miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues. Paul concedes that they have these gifts)and, further, that these gifts confirm Christ's presence among them. But Paul will teach them they have not merited these gifts because the gifts are imparted by grace, which is unmerited favor. So these gifts are not a badge of their spirituality. That insight will be the starting point for Paul's call for unity in love'
That is the way things go with some people, p3, but not with everyone. In my case, in my 60 or so years of age I've been an adherent/member of three UCCanada churches, four Baptist churches, and one Presbyterian church. Decades ago I had a friend who was Hindu before he had a dream one night that led him to Christ.Yes @Jae I also believe faith to be a combination of a call and a decision. I always wonder, though, at the "coincidence" of God calling me to the exact faith of my upbringing.
Here I am, 70 years old, still in the denomination my parents chose for my baptism and religious education.
They were both cradle Anglicans and my dad identified as an atheist (more of an agnostic in my view.)
As for my folks...
My Mom was in the UCCanada pretty much her whole life until near the end of her days when she became an adherent of the Baptist church I was a member of before coming to Korea.
My Dad began life as a Roman Catholic, then became an adherent of a UCCanada church when he and my Mom got married. In time, he became a Gospel Magician who performed magic
in all kinds of churches, giving evangelical messages. However, near the end of his days he became more Unitarian in his thinking
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Absolutely unsafe, the Corinthian Church is a timeless example of the challenges we face when, lacking good leadership, we begin to drift from our faith. It's a reminder that churches fall into ruin without good leaders and a firm foundation in God's word.
In times of struggle, it's essential to remember the role of a good leader: someone who embodies love and patience. We modern-day Christian leaders must show grace and keep leading people back into God's Word, even when faced with all kinds of resistance
paradox3
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1 Corinthians 1:10-17
www.biblegateway.com
Paul addresses the divisions in the church reported by members of Chloe's household. Various factions are aligning themselves with Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ.
He emphasizes that baptism is in Christ's name.
But Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel. And not with clever speech.
Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - New English Translation
Divisions in the Church - I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose. For members of Chloe’s household have made it clear to me, my brothers and sisters, that there are quarrels...
Paul addresses the divisions in the church reported by members of Chloe's household. Various factions are aligning themselves with Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ.
He emphasizes that baptism is in Christ's name.
But Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel. And not with clever speech.