Dangerous Divisions

The Wise and Powerful Message

As Paul continues to address the divisions in Corinth, he does so by pointing the people to the word of the cross, the message of the gospel. The message of the cross is the power and the wisdom of God. The message of the cross saves those who believe, by faith in that message, but the message of the cross also offends. It is an offense to both the Jews and the Greeks (Gentiles) for different reasons. Ultimately, the message of the cross demonstrates the superior wisdom and power of God. As believers, we must receive and proclaim the powerful, wise and saving message of the cross (the gospel), because it surpassing the wisdom of the culture. Truly, the word of the cross, this message is sufficient for our daily lives.  The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit are often confused by modern interpreters. What is the role of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? Does the work of the Spirit always produce shocking, miraculous signs? Everything that we believe about the Holy Spirit must begin with the instruction that Jesus offers his disciples in the upper room, the night before he is tried and dies. This instruction about the Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the foundation for any true, accurate understanding of the Spirit. With this in view, the five explanations of the Spirit given by Jesus, recorded in the gospel of John frame our view of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to empower us, to teach us, to convict us and to indwell us forever.

Dangerous Divisions

As Paul begins his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul exhorts them about the divisions, quarrels, and factions that characterize them. Paul grounds his charge in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ calling the Corinthians to live for the name of Jesus, not their own sakes or the sake of those who minister among them like Paul, Peter, and Apollos. Paul calls them to say the same thing as one another. This is not a call to unanimity, but a call to think like Jesus, to care for the whole rather than only serving personal desires and priorities. Paul reminds these believers that the gospel is the priority. The gospel calls believers to unity, because the gospel emphasizes others, serving and a Jesus only focus on all of life. Because the gospel calls us to unity, Paul pleads for united thinking and a united purpose for the church.  The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

Toward a Theology of Singing

Why do we sing in church? What is the priority for singing? What makes singing important or even necessary? Is there a right or wrong way to sing? What is the biblical model for singing? These are all important questions that deserve consideration as we contemplate the Biblical Foundations for the Church. Singing is an important part of our worship. Singing provides believers the opportunity to praise and exalt God; it also provides believers the opportunity to minister to one another. Singing is an essential element of true worship, and our singing must be focused on our God and Savior. Our singing must be biblically grounded, theologically rich and lyrically satisfying. Our singing matters and as the congregation sings together is promotes growth and edification.  The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

Foundational Gifts

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to the church so that we can serve one another. Determining the gifts, their use and function in the church is important. Classifying the gifts into groups helps clarify their purpose and the role they serve in the church. The foundational gifts of the Spirit were given for the founding of the church. Foundational gifts served to supernaturally begin the church and help to keep it on track in the beginning. But as Paul describes the church as a building in Ephesians, he clearly states that this household is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone." (CSB) This is key to considering and establishing the foundational gifts given to the church. Foundational gifts then do not function today, not that they could not function, but they are not necessary because the foundation has already been laid. The Holy Spirit has given gifts to the church, and has given each individual to serve others. The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit are often confused by modern interpreters. What is the role of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? Does the work of the Spirit always produce shocking, miraculous signs? Everything that we believe about the Holy Spirit must begin with the instruction that Jesus offers his disciples in the upper room, the night before he is tried and dies. This instruction about the Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the foundation for any true, accurate understanding of the Spirit. With this in view, the five explanations of the Spirit given by Jesus, recorded in the gospel of John frame our view of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to empower us, to teach us, to convict us and to indwell us forever.

Faith in the Family

Paul writes to Titus, a young pastor on the island of Crete, offering instructions for the organization and function of the church. Paul specifically addresses false teaching and the right response to it - sound, faithful teaching. As Paul addresses the practical relationships of men and women in the church and home, he begins with the foundation of sound teaching. Accurate instruction is the foundation for appropriate living. Older men and women, as well as, younger men and women must first understand the truths of God in order to follow the instructions Paul offers to each group here in Titus 2. As believers today, we must be committed to sound teaching that leads to godly, Christlike living. The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.