Good morning,
Did you know that history repeats itself?
The Church today is split in different camps. Some follow this teacher as opposed to another teacher. Some Church’s believe that the Bible is God’s Holy word while others do not. Some believe it is inerrant, to be taken literally, and that it is life changing, while others see it as symbolic. Some believe that God is through with the nation of Israel, while others who read the Bible literally, know that is not the case. Divisions and strife. That is why Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers.
The Corinthian Church was involved in divisions and strife. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) That was Paul’s desire. Then Paul tells them how.
Preach the gospel
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Why? Salvation “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:20-21)
Spirit of God
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)
Let no man glory in men
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)
Strife and divisions are overcome by God. Salvation, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach, and focusing on God rather than men will fix the problem of strife and division in the Church.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
Leave a Reply