Church - When Easter Becomes Just Another Holiday - 1 Corinthians 15 - April 4, 2010

Bible Study – Church – When Easter Becomes Just another Holiday – April 4, 2010

This is our final lesson in the series entitled “Church Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-19, 54b-58.

This study brought back may memories of Easter during my childhood. My mother and father went to early sunrise services. I had rather sleep but I went on occasions. Easter was the time to get new clothes and dying the Easter eggs. We did not get Sunday go-to-meeting clothes except to celebrate Easter. Of course, the Easter bunny came during the night before Easter with candy eggs, and sometimes a large chocolate bunny. The children would compare their chocolate bunnies to the ones their friends or cousins got. Some were larger, some smaller, some hollow and some were solid chocolate. Size was important. The ladies, men and children dressed in their finest clothes and it was truly an Easter parade of fashion as we all were excited to wear our new outfits to church. Church was usually followed by a gathering of family around a display of food which was followed by an Easter egg hunt. Sure we heard about the death, burial and resurrection of CHRIST during church and some people would join the church. But as a child I was more focused on the new clothes, the candy and the good time I would have with my cousins.

It is easy to focus on Easter as a holiday. But when you know that once you were a sinner and CHRIST gave HIS sinless life on the cross for your sins by shedding HIS blood out of love for you, Easter takes on new meaning. If CHRIST’S death was the end, Christians would be in a sad situation indeed. CHRIST died, was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day by the power of GOD as proof that HE had conquered sin and death. Because HE lives all who believe in HIM will also live. HIS passion prepared the human bodies of all believers to be indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT once they received CHRIST as their SAVIOR. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the assurance, the down payment, the confirmation that their faith in CHRIST is real.
Easter is a time of celebration of life eternal for all who believe in the resurrected CHRIST. Have you made this decision in your life? If not, make that decision right now. The benefits are eternal.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:

Resurrection Essential to the Gospel

1 Now brothers, I want to clarify[1] Or I make known for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. 2 You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed to no purpose.[2] Or believed in vain 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised (rose again) on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Paul was reiterating the gospel of CHRIST to the Corinthian Christians. Gospel means “Good News.” Paul said he had already presented the gospel message to them and they had received it and accepted it. It was a part of their lives. It had saved them unless they were only going through the motions of salvation. People can get caught in the hype of a Christian gathering and make an emotional decision for CHRIST rather than a heart decision.

Paul stated that he had given the truth of the gospel as he had receive it, accepted it and was living by it. The gospel message had not changed. The gospel message was that CHRIST died for our sins according to prophecy given in the Old Testament. CHRIST was buried and HE was raised (rose again) from the dead on the third day just as the Old Testament scriptures had stated.

One of the commentaries I study provides an excellent comment on this scripture. “The Greek words for died and buried are in the aorist tense, which describes actions at one point in time; but the Greek word for rose again is in the perfect tense, which refers to something that happened in the past and carries over to the present. Jesus’ death and burial were once-for-all acts; His resurrected life is continuous and on-going.”*

* “The Herschel Hobbs Commentary”, Bible Studies for Life, Spring 2010, published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19:

Resurrection Essential to the Faith

12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith.[4] Or preaching is useless, and your faith also is useless, or preaching is empty, and your faith also is empty 15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore those who have fallen asleep[5] Jn 11:11; Ac 7:60; 1 Th 4:13–15 in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

Paul was using logic to help the Corinthian Christians to comprehend the resurrection of CHRIST and the born-again believer. Paul began with “now if” CHRIST is preached. The word “if” can be translated “since.” It is not a question but a fact that CHRIST was being preached as being raised from the dead. Therefore, “How can you say there is no resurrection of Christians who die?” Paul tied the resurrection of CHRIST to the resurrection of those who have been saved by CHRIST. CHRIST is the first fruits of the dead as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 - 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the • firstfruits[6] Ex 23:19; Rm 8:23 of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, the people of Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.

The fundamental tenant of the gospel is that CHRIST was raised from the dead. HE died on the cross. Pilate ordered the legs of CHRIST to be broken to hasten HIS death. When the soldier went to break HIS legs he found CHRIST dead. To make sure HE was dead, he stuck a spear into HIS side and blood and water flowed out.

John 19:31-37:
Jesus’ Side Pierced
31 Since it was the preparation day,[12] Jn 19:14 the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special[13] Lit great day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that [their bodies]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. be taken away.[14] Dt 21:22–23 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him. 33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 He who saw this has testified[15] Jn 1:14–15,34 so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.[16] Jn 21:24 36 For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:[17] Jn 13:18; 17:12; 19:24 Not one of His bones will be broken.[18] Ex 12:46; Nm 9:12; Ps 34:20 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the One they pierced.[19] Zch 12:10

John 19:38-40: (I added this scripture because it helped convince me that CHRIST was really dead.)

Jesus’ Burial
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night – John Chapter 3.) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds[20] Lit 100 litrai; a Roman litrai = 12 ounces of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

JESUS was dead and HE was buried according to the burial customs of the Jews. Early Sunday morning the woman went to the tomb to complete the embalming process to discover that CHRIST had risen from the dead. HIS believers, including HIS disciples, were not expecting HIM to be raised from the dead. CHRIST had to prove Himself to the women, as well as, to HIS disciples.

Paul was saying to worship a dead CHRIST is unless. If CHRIST was not raised from the dead, there is no more reason to believe that CHRIST was the SON of GOD than any other deity. The Good News of salvation is the fact that CHRIST lives today, HE conquered dead and because HE conquered death, HE conquered sin. The original sin resulted in the death of mankind. Since CHRIST lives so will all who have a saving faith in HIM.

Paul says if CHRIST had not been raised from the dead then they were preaching a lie. CHRIST was not a religion to be followed to get you through this life on earth. CHRIST in you was not only to get you through this life on earth but HE was for your eternal security as well. If CHRIST was only for this life then all who have died believing that faith in CHRIST and HIS resurrection will get them to heaven are in real trouble. But that was not the case. CHRIST is alive and because HE lives so will all Christians.

Christians, at the death of their earth suits/bodies, their born-again Spirits exit their earth suit and go immediately to be with CHRIST and GOD.

I realize what I am about to tell you is more meaningful to me because I experienced it. Never-the less it is true and is yet another verification of life after death for Christians. This is an abbreviated version.

This happened to me in 1971. I was driving from Charlotte, NC to Spartanburg, SC. A co-worker’s mother had cancer. Her name was Mrs. Green. I had never met Mrs. Green but several of us had been praying for her. Mrs. Green was at home when I left for an overnight trip. Driving back to Spartanburg, all of a sudden I saw a picture or vision high in the sky of a man and a woman walking down what appeared a dirt path. I could see the entire woman but the picture was positioned such that I could only see the male from under HIS chin down. It was a diagonal angle from the top of HIS left shoulder up under HIS chin. I know the top of her head was level with the top of HIS shoulder. I did not know the male figure was the LORD until I heard a voice as clear as I have ever heard a voice. The voice was clear, booming, with authority. The sound was not coming through my ears but inside my head. It was a 360 degree sound and unmistakable. The voice said “Mrs. Green has just passed away but she is walking with the LORD.” A joy spread over me like never before. I began to sing. The voice said again, “I told you Mrs. Green is fine, she is walking with the LORD, you pray for the family!” I did and I looked at my watch. It was 3:45 PM. I arrived at work a few minutes after 4 PM. I asked about Mrs. Green to learn that she had taken a turn for the worse and she was in the hospital. I told office and lab personnel what I saw coming down the road and they all said that her daughter, Elsie, had called earlier to say that her mother was resting. The phone rang and the lab supervisor answered the phone and it was Mrs. Green’s pastor’s wife to let us know that Mrs. Green had passed away. Her obituary stated that she was pronounced dead at 4:10 PM. I laugh and think she was walking with the LORD at 3:45 PM.

Mrs. Green was a wonderful Christian lady. The first time I saw her was when she was in the casket. She was nothing like the woman I saw in the picture. The woman in the picture appeared to be in her early twenties with long flowing brunette hair. She had on a white garment but the LORD had on a garment which had an emerald like color. The path they were walking down turned to the right. I never saw where they were walking to.

I was wide awake, driving down the highway with no clue that Mrs. Green was even in the hospital. In fact she had not crossed my mind that day. It was a normal day. Nothing like that has happened since. In fact, when my mother died, I though sure I would experience something but nothing. My mother slipped into the arms of the LORD without me experiencing anything.

This experience was an assurance to me when a Christian dies he/she goes immediately to be with the LORD. Paul confirmed that as well. Paul was stoned to death and he speaks of being taken to the third heaven. The first heaven is where the birds fly and the clouds soar. The second heaven is where the moon, stars and planets are and the third heaven is where GOD is. Paul also spoke of being absent from the body was to be present with the LORD.

CHRIST conquering death is a Christian’s assurance that he/she will also be resurrected with a body like CHRIST’S when HE returns to earth for the second time. JESUS tells believers in John 14:19-22:

19 “In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:54b-58:

Death has been swallowed up in victory.[19] Isaiah 25:8 55 O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?[20] Hs 13:14 56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Paul puts the crowning touch on CHRIST defeating sin and death by confirming the passion of CHRIST. Death was defeated because of the resurrection of CHRIST. Death had held mankind captive since the Garden of Eden but the death and resurrection of CHRIST defeated death and removed its sting. In CHRIST there is victory. If CHRIST did not defeat sin, then sin remains. The power of sin is the law because the law was a constant reminder that there is no deliverance from sin. People under the law need atonement for their sin and as soon as they receive it, they need more atonement because they constantly sin. Sin is never ending and was depressing.
How can Christians rejoice in this victory? The victory over sin and death comes from the passion of CHRIST – HIS Birth, sinless life, HIS death, HIS burial and HIS resurrection. Paul was telling the Corinthian Christians to hang-on to these truths because it was through the obedience of CHRIST that all who believe in CHRIST are set free from the bondage of sin and death. CHRIST is the hope for all mankind, therefore obediently serve the LORD.

Does belief make these facts true? No. The fact that the Bible confirms these as truths and the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT confirms these truths in our heart that make them true.

In my journey in investigating these facts over the years, the fact that the brothers of JESUS did not believe in HIM before HIS crucifixion but after CHRIST’S crucifixion and resurrection HIS brothers were in the upper room waiting for the arrival of the HOLY SPIRIT at Pentecost. CHRIST’S brother was martyred for CHRIST and CHRIST’S brother James went on to be the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem. Consider these scripture references:

John 7:1-5:

The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers
1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles[1] Or Booths [2] One of 3 great Jewish religious festivals, along with Passover and Pentecost; Ex 23:14; Dt 16:16 was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

Acts 1:12-14:

United in Prayer
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer,[3] Other mss add and petition along with the women, including Mary[4] Or prayer, with their wives and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

Paul met with James the brother of JESUS after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.

James 1:18-19:

18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know • Cephas,[8] Other mss read Peter and I stayed with him 15 days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8:

The gospel of Christ's resurrection
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he (JESUS) was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Some have physically seen HIM but most of us see HIM with our hearts.

Do you know the risen CHRIST? Ask HIM into your life today. The same power that raised JESUS from the dead will dwell in you: (Awesome!!!)

Ephesians 1:18-23 - 18 [I pray]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. 20 He demonstrated [this power]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens[15] Eph 1:3; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 — 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,[16] Lit every name named not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet[17] Ps 8:6 and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.

As Christians, this same power lives in you, will guide you each day as you seek to do HIS will and will take you to heaven the instant you die and will resurrect you. Your born-again Spirit will be united with your Glorified body when CHRIST returns to earth the send time.

If you are a Christian, rejoice in the LORD and rejoice this Easter knowing that because HE lives, so will you!!! HAPPY EASTER and Blessings.

Church - When Worship Dishonors God - 1 Corinthians 11 - March 28, 2010

Bible Study – Church – When Worship Dishonors God – March 28, 2010

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Church Gone Wrong.” We still have one more lesson in the series.

Our scripture is 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.

Worship is all about our hearts toward GOD. Often, we go to church and go through the mechanics of church and leave the same as we enter. Church is for Christians to be refreshed and restored. Christians need their batteries charged to prepare them for the next week. We can dishonor GOD by going through the motions of worship. We serve a living and dynamic GOD. HE wants us to let HIM know when we are down and need a boost. Churches used to have revivals to rejuvenate its members. We all need rejuvenating from time to time. Often we do not need a formal revival but we can tell our LORD, “I need a special touch from YOU.” Then look around you and behold HIS handiwork.

Our scripture focuses on participating in the Lord’s Supper with the wrong attitude and purpose. There are other practices that can be observed with the wrong intentions such as baptism, attending church, working in the church, giving money to the church to name a few.

I know there are denominations that will disagree with me regarding baptism. Some Christian denominations believe that a person must be baptized to go to heaven. Some people may get baptized hoping it will be their ticket to heaven.

Baptism is a symbol which reflects what has taken place in a person’s heart when he/she is born-again. Baptism is a very important part of the Christian experience and should be observed but it is not necessary for salvation. It is a matter of obedience, which follows salvation. It reveals to others that he/she is not ashamed of being a Christian. It is symbolic of the person’s rebirth in CHRIST. When the new Christian is baptized by immersion, it is symbolic of him/her being buried with CHRIST, as he/she is immersed in water. When the person being baptized is raised from the water it represents his/her commitment to walk in newness of life as given by his/her relationship to CHRIST through the miracle of rebirth. It represents the new Christian dying to his/her old life and being resurrected to his/her new life in CHRIST. The new Christian already as this new life the moment he/she asked CHRIST to forgive him/her and to come into his/her life. The miracle of rebirth takes place in an instant. The person is saved and if he/she dies before he/she is baptized, he/she goes to heaven. How can I say this?
When JESUS was on the cross there were two (2) criminals being crucified with HIM. One (1) believed in HIM and JESUS told him that he would be in Paradise with HIM that very day. The new convert was not baptized, yet JESUS said he would go to the holding place called Paradise. When JESUS gave HIS life for the sins of mankind and went to heaven, JESUS took Paradise to heaven. Therefore, when a Christian dies he/she goes immediately to heaven to be with CHRIST and GOD.
Does a Christian have to be baptized by immersion? It is Biblical but immersion is not necessary, in my opinion. It is all about the heart. Some people have disabilities which prevent them from being immersed. They are just as much born-again believers as those who are baptized in the Jordan River.
Attending church, working in the church or giving money to the church does not assure a person of salvation. It is good for them to be in the church because they can be exposed to the Gospel of CHRIST but a person cannot earn his/her salvation. There is only one way to heaven and that is by asking CHRIST to forgive you of your sins, believe that HE died upon the cross for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life - Simple but eternal. It is CHRIST in you which make you a Christian.
So how do you get HIM in you? Ask HIM – Revelation 3:20 - 20 Listen! I (JESUS) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. (Holman)
I like the King James Version - 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man (or woman) hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Notice the order – HE stands at the door of a person’s heart. HE knocks. The person has a choice whether or not to open the door. The latch on the door is inside of the person. GOD never violates the person’s freedom of choice. Whoever hears HIS voice and opens the door of his/her heart, HE comes in and lives with him/her. This is rebirth. CHRIST in you equals Christian.
How do you know HE is there? Romans 8:16 - 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,
2 Corinthians 1:22 - 21 Now the One who confirms us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; 22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.
When a person is born-again, GOD will confirm it in his/her heart. It is a knowing that only the Christian can discern. Satan will try to make you doubt your salvation but if you have asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins, believe that HE gave HIS life for you and asked HIM to come into your life, HE is there. If there is a question then, ask HIM right now.
CHRIST in you is the only sure way to heaven. How about others? They will be judged by GOD. Do you want to be assured of going to heaven? JESUS said it best in John 5:24 - 24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.
Taking communion or the Lord’s Supper will not get a person to heaven. In fact, those who partake in the Lord’s Supper thinking it will get them to heaven are only fooling themselves. JESUS instituted the Lord’s Supper the night HE was betrayed. It was to symbolize HIS sinless body and blood given to pay the penalty for sin. When a person takes the elements of the wine and bread, he/she is remembering why CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross. I must quickly add that the resurrection is proof that HIS shed blood and bodily sacrifice to pay the sin debt was accepted by GOD. Because HE lives, so will all who believe in HIM!!!

Paul had to deal with the Lord’s Supper being used for the wrong reasons. As we discussed in our last study, the Corinthian Christians were opinionated and followed their Spiritual mentors. They had their own clicks. Therefore, when they came together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper it became evident there was a division between the haves and the have-nots. Let’s explore.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 11:17-22 and 33-34:

The Lord’s Supper

17 Now in giving the following instruction I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 There must, indeed, be factions among you, so that the approved among you may be recognized. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others, and one person is hungry while another is drunk! 22 Don’t you have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you look down on the church of God and embarrass those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I do not praise you for this!

Paul heard of a problem regarding the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper was intended to be celebrated as a fellowship meal. He began by telling the Corinthian Christians that their worship was getting worse and not better. Rather than moving to a more unified body of believers in CHRIST, they were moving away from unity. Their primary problem was disunity because of divisions among them. Paul gave us a clue about the divisions in verse 19. There were “the approved” among them. This was likely a group of Christians with means. This wealthy group had either brought or bought food which would be served. This group ate before the less prosperous arrived. Yet, it was supposed to be a common gathering and meal. In fact, some of the early arrivals had an early start on the wine and were drunk when the less prosperous arrived.

This action divided the church members into two (2) divisions, the haves and the have-nots. Such action does not promote unity. Such action was self-indulgent. The ground at the cross is level because rich, poor, short, tall, plump, skinny, intelligent or not so intelligent all receive salvation through CHRIST and by the grace of GOD.

1 Corinthians 11:33-34:

33 Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that you can come together and not cause judgment. And I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.

Paul told those who needed to eat early to eat before they left their home. They had missed the point of celebrating the Lord’s Supper. It was a time to remember CHRIST giving HIS life, as represented by the bread and HIS blood which was shed for the remission of sins, as represented by the wine. The elite needed to wait on and join in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper together in unity and harmony as true brothers and sisters in CHRIST.

Paul in essence was saying, “When the elite group used their position to go ahead of the less elite, they set themselves up to be judged by the less elite. So remove that potential stumbling block and eat together in harmony. CHRIST is not divided. HE is the SAVIOR of any who will call upon HIS name. HE is not respecter of persons.”

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26:

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: on the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, 24 gave thanks, broke it, and said,[6] Other mss add “Take, eat. “This is My body, which is[7] Other mss add broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way [He]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. also [took]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Paul made it clear that the instructions he was passing on to them came from CHRIST Himself. Paul stated what CHRIST said on the night HE was betrayed.
JESUS, the SON of GOD, did not put Himself first. But HE gave HIS life on the cross so all who would believe in HIM would have salvation from sin and eternal death. By the same token, those well off should not put themselves first before the less
fortunate; CHRIST gave HIS life for all.

The supper instituted by CHRIST was to be a time of gathering at HIS table to remember what HE had done unselfishly for others. It is a time of remembrance. If there is anything that keeps us from worshipping HIM in Spirit and truth, we need to confess it. It is a time of fellowship with HIM and our fellow Christians in unity and harmony. It is a time to remember that we were not created for time but for eternity and JESUS is coming again to redeem those who remain. Until HE returns we are to obediently serve HIM. Many of us will meet HIM in heaven and return with HIM when HE returns to earth. At that moment, those who have departed and return with HIM will receive their Glorified bodies which will be like JESUS’ Glorified body.
The Lord’s Supper is the covenant HE makes with all Christians to give them the assurance that what HE has promised will be fulfilled. Just as GOD made covenants with the Israelites through the ages, CHRIST made a covenant with all who believe in HIM.

As Christians show unity in CHRIST, CHRIST wants Christians to show unity with each other. This was the message of Paul to the Corinthian Christians. What message do we send as we gather with fellow Christians as we take of the Lord’s Supper? Are we in harmony with our fellow Christians? If not, we must make it right. If the other party does not make it right at least we have done our part. Paul addresses such action in our next scripture.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32:

Self-Examination

27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way will be guilty of sin against the body[8] Lit be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,[9] Other mss read drinks unworthily, not discerning the Lord’s body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen • asleep.[10] Jn 11:11; Ac 7:60; 1 Th 4:13–15 31 If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged, 32 but when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned with the world.

Paul was saying that partaking of the Lord’s Supper was not to be taken lightly. It is serious business. In fact, a Christian partaking of the Lord’s Supper will be judged by GOD and if he/she has participated in an unworthy manner he/she runs the risk of removing themselves from GOD’S circle of protection and he/she could come up sick, ill or even died.

The key word in verse 27 is “unworthily.” It is not “unworthy.” We are all unworthy except through the redemption of CHRIST. The idea Paul was stressing was the attitude of the hearts of those partaking of the elements of the New Covenant. It was the manner or their attitude or heart toward GOD and their fellow Christians.

Paul continued to develop this point in verse 27 when he referred to “sinning against the body.” Body could refer to those failing to remember that CHRIST gave HIS body and blood for the remission of sin which makes the New Covenant possible or it could refer to the church as the body of believers or both.

It was likely Paul was referring to both because he was concerned with the lack of unity among the church. There were divisions. This influenced the Spiritual health of the body of believers, the church and it was a reflection of the poor Spiritual health of certain believers. Some had Spiritual heart trouble.

Christians getting sick, ill or dying was harsh but Paul was saying that partaking of the Lord’s Supper was serious, so they should be careful not to treat that which GOD has deemed sacred, frivolously. Therefore, each person should examine himself and his relationship to GOD and his fellow Christians. Confess that which needs to be confessed and resolve that which needs to be resolved. Make things right before you go to the Lord’s Table to remember what CHRIST did for you on the cross so that you will live in heaven with HIM for eternity.

Paul was not saying that Christians who partake in the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner would lose their eternal life but their earthly life could be cut short.

Paul encouraged participants in the Lord’s Supper to examine their hearts before taking the elements of the Lord’s Supper – The bread represented the body of CHRIST and the wine represented HIS shed blood. It is all about the attitude of the heart toward GOD and fellow believers.

Paul was telling the Corinthian Christians that the way they were observing the Lord’s Supper was wrong and they had better change or be prepared to suffer the consequences. In fact Paul thought some had already suffered consequences.

The Lord’s Supper is a Covenant and GOD takes a Covenant between HIM and HIS people seriously.

Jeremiah 31:31-33: (Old Testament - Testament means Covenant)

The New Covenant

31 “Look, the days are coming”—[this is]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord’s declaration—“when I will make a new covenant[35] Ezk 37:26; Lk 22:20 with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 [This one will]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke even though I had married them”[36] Isa 54:4; 62:4; Mal 2:11 —the Lord’s declaration. 33 “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will place My law[37] Or instruction within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people.

GOD was instructing the Prophet Jeremiah to look forward to the day when the Promised Messiah will institute the New Testament or New Covenant by giving HIS sinless body and shedding HIS blood to pay the penalty for sin. The Promised Messiah’s obedience unto death would break the sin barrier and open the way for all who believe in HIM to receive salvation and to be born-again by the Spirit of GOD into GOD’S family. Proof that the obedience of JESUS defeated death and paid the sin debt is the resurrection of JESUS.

GOD gives all believers the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT as the guarantee and proof that by accepting CHRIST as their SAVIOR they have been made righteous through the sacrifice of CHRIST.

Paul addressed the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: 6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast permeates (the Old Covenant) the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out the old yeast (the Old Covenant) so that you may be a new batch (New Life in CHRIST), since you are unleavened (No Yeast). For Christ our • Passover[2] Ex 12 has been sacrificed.[3] Other mss add for us 8 Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old yeast, or with the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

CHRIST and HIS disciples were celebrating the Passover Meal, Old Testament/Covenant, on the night that HE instituted the New Covenant. GOD is awesome. Only GOD could orchestrate impeccable timing of completing the Old Covenant while bringing in the New Covenant during Passover. The Passover was remembering when GOD delivered the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. CHRIST delivers all who believe in HIM from the bondage of sin and death.

When you take the Lord’s Supper or Communion, examine yourself and ask the HOLY SPIRIT to examine you to reveal anything that needs to be confessed or resolved before you come to the Lord’s Table to remember HIS death for you and the miracle of rebirth. Partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine with HIM is a time of fellowship with each other and a renewing of your relationship with HIM. It is a time to thank HIM for your salvation and a time to look forward to HIS coming again. It is also a time to see the world through HIS eyes and ask HIM what you need to do to obediently serve HIM as you wait for HIS coming.

Do not take the Lord’s Supper lightly. Do this in remembrance of HIM. Blessings to all.

Church - When Members Insist on Their Way - 1 Corinthians 8 - March 21, 2010

Bible Study – Church – When Members Insist on Their Way – March 21, 2010

This is study three (3) in our series entitled “Church Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, 4, 7-13; 10:31-33.

We continue in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Corinth. It is clear that the Corinthian Christians are Spiritually immature and very opinionated. Paul has to deal with another issue among the church folks.

As mentioned in our last study, Corinth was a wicked city. It was filled with all sorts of pagan gods and temple prostitutes. Those who worshipped the pagan gods offered animal sacrifices to them. Some of the animal was sacrificed; part was taken home to be eaten by the worshipper or that which was left over could be cooked and served in the pagan café or sold in the meat market at a discounted price.

Some of the Christians saw this as an opportunity to get a good meal on the cheap by eating at the local pagan temple cafe or purchase the discounted meat which had been offered to idols/ pagan gods. These Christians considered the worship of the these idols/pagan gods as bunk and felt free to go to the pagan café to eat or purchase the discounted meat at the meat market and take it home to prepare.

A problem arose when those who had previously worshipped some of these pagan gods and participated in these pagan activities had become Christians. These converts considered Christians who frequented the pagan café or pagan meat market were setting the wrong example for those coming out of pagan worship or those who may be tittering. It could send the wrong message to the non-Christians in the community – The Christians go to these pagan places therefore it must be okay. Those who came out of the pagan worship could be confused by seeing fellow Christians at the pagan sites. The pagan worship appeals to the flesh and things that appeal to the flesh are very difficult to break. Plus evil forces were involved with these pagan activities and pagan worshippers could open themselves up to these evil forces and become enslaved. Those who came out of such an environment should stay clear of any pagan practice and focus upon the power and deliverance of GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT.

Seeing Christians in these pagan activities could mean that they were there to worship either by sacrificing to a pagan god or through a temple prostitute. Seeing fellow Christians frequent the pagan sites could lure them back into the worship of these pagan gods and back into the worship practices.

There was a group of Christians that thought once a person became a Christian he/she understood that there was nothing to idols. They equated that understanding with being a Christian. They thought they, the new Christian, would know that idols were man-made objects that had no power. They considered GOD as the ONE true, all powerful, all knowing and all present GOD of the universe, therefore the pagans gods were of no concern. Paul agreed with those who said that idols or pagan gods were bunk but as Christians, they had a responsibility not to mislead their weaker brothers or sisters by exercising their freedom.

Paul had to set the records straight. Let’s discover.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3:

Food Offered to Idols

1 About food offered to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.”[1] See note at 1 Co 6:12 Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

Paul began by stating the issue – Food offered to idols. Paul used two different Greek words for “know.” In verse 1 Paul was saying we “know” as a result of study or an investigative process. Through study we gain knowledge. Book knowledge or investigative knowledge can result in a person being puffed up and filled with pride because of his/her vast knowledge. He/she has studied the matter and knows all about it. The problem is, is the source of their study material reliable?

Then in verse 2, the Greek word for “know” means a deeper and more experiential knowledge that leads to wisdom. This comes from living and experiencing. As we age and mature, we know what we know at the moment but we will know more and in greater depth as we live longer, explore, experience more and ponder life’s issues. Often, as we get older we look back and say, “If I only knew then what I know now.” Experiential knowledge leads us to a more accurate, true and complete knowledge.

This is true as Christians build an intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST. The more we get to know HIM the more we trust HIM and are willing to obediently serve HIM.

In verse 3, Paul was saying Christians should get to know GOD but the most important thing is for GOD to know you. When you love GOD it is a confirmation that GOD loves you and knows you. Relationship is all about you and GOD living and walking in obedient harmony. It is important that Christians be obedient to GOD’S guidance and not yield to their own guidance. We can only yield ourselves to that which we trust and have confidence in. We trust ourselves to a bridge as we walk across it. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to trust and obey HIM with their daily walk. But they have to walk to learn to trust HIM.

GOD already knows our capability but we do not know our capability. When we obediently walk with GOD each day, HE reveals to us knowledge about our relationship and we develop a deeper love and understanding of HIM.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 8:4, 7-13:

4 About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,”[2] See note at 1 Co 6:12 and that “there is no God but one.”[3] See note at 1 Co 6:12

The Jerusalem Council had addressed the issue of meat offered to idols regarding Gentile Christians converts in Acts 15:29 and 21:25.

Acts 15:29:

29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these things, you will do well.

Acts 21:25:

25 With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that[3] Other mss add they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

Paul confirms his belief that idols are nothing and the pagan gods are meaningless.

There is only the one true GOD. In essence, Paul was saying, “We know that idols are meaningless and have no power but we still need to respect those who believe differently. It is clear to us but others see it differently, not to be different. They have legitimate concerns because they have been associated with pagan worship, have had loved ones involved in pagan worship or know the power of influence by association. If Christians frequented those pagan places and those teetering or easily influenced saw them in such places, it could result in them being persuaded to also frequent these places. They could be trapped because of the strong appeal those pagan practices had to the flesh and the desires of the flesh.”

I must quickly add that Paul was well aware that pagan worship could open a person up to being influenced and enslaved by Satan, evil spirits and demons. 1 Corinthians 10:18-22:

18 Look at the people of Israel.[9] Lit Look at Israel according to the flesh Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but I do say that what they[10] Other mss read Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons! 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s Table and the table of demons. 22 Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

The meat itself did not contain Satan, evil spirits or demons but the knowledge of what the meat represented was a stumbling block for some. When the mind-set is not of the HOLY SPIRIT but of the flesh, the mind can create fantasies, when left unchecked, can lead a person back into his/her former way of life. Be filled with the
SPIRIT and dwell upon the things of GOD and what HE has done for you.

1 Corinthians 8:7-12:

7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now, that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if somebody sees you, the one who has this knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 Then the weak person, the brother for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. 12 Now when you sin like this against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother to fall.

In verse 7, Paul addressed those having been previous pagan worshippers but had become Christians. They knew the enslaving power of the pagan worship and they did not want eating meat offered to idols to defile their new found relationship with CHRIST. Yet Paul and fellow Christians knew that eating such meat did nothing because food had nothing to do with our relationship to GOD. Eating or not eating food offered to idols was a mute point and did not make a Christian more or less Spiritual. However, it was of importance to those who thought eating meat offered to idols was wrong and influenced them. Therefore, fellow Christians who thought differently needed to abstain from eating meat offered to idols for the sake of their weaker brother/sister. Compromise breaks a barrier and often opens the flood gate to allow compromise in forbidden areas.

It is like the frog in the water. Place the frog in hot water and it will jump out. Place the frog in cold water and gradually turn up the heat and the frog will be cooked. Christians are not to be instruments who cause fellow Christians to compromise. Paul made a powerful statement that when a fellow Christian used his/her freedom to cause another Christian to compromise; it was using their freedom in CHRIST wrong. I think stubbornness raises it head in the life of the strong believer. The stronger believer was not willing to change his/her way of life for the sake of the weaker believer. The Bible tells us that stubbornness is like witchcraft in 1 Samuel 15:23 - 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (KJV)

Paul had made it clear earlier that he thought eating meat offered to idols was a mute point. However, if his freedom caused his brother/sister to stumble he would not eat meat. This likely means when this was an issue, he would not eat any meat.

When Christians were invited out to a fellow Christian’s home the host could state, “We are having meat and it is not meat which has been offered to idols.” If the host did not state whether or not the meat had been offered to idols, the guest could ask whether or not the meat had been offered to idols. Or guests invited to a home where meat was served and the host did not say whether or not the meat had been offered to idols didn’t need to ask and should eat what was put before them.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 10:31-33:

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. 32 Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Paul asked his readers not to use their freedom to be a stumbling block or a rock in the road for some people to stumble over. But to use their freedom to abstain from the things they are free to do so they would not lead others into sin but to glorify GOD.

A fitting example is the love that CHRIST had for those who are to receive salvation. CHRIST left HIS home in heaven, gave up HIS power and authority, humbled Himself and came to earth as a human. HE lived as a human, was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet HE remained sinless, gave HIS sinless life on the cross to pay the penalty for sin, and was resurrected from the dead by GOD, so that all who believe in HIM are set free from the consequences of sin, which is death.

Paul makes this correlation in Philippians 2:5-7 – 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.[1] Or to be grasped, or to be held on to 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.

Just as CHRIST gave up HIS freedom and glory in heaven for the sake of the lost upon earth, we as Christians should be willing to give up our freedom not to be a stumbling block to fellow Christians who are struggling with potential issues that could lead them into previous sin.

I knew a person who was an alcoholic and even the smell associated with a bar could trigger a binge. He worked for himself and went to a bar one morning, while they were closed, to do some work. The smell associated with the bar resulted in him going on a binge. He was missing for three (3) days and was found in a motel about 150 miles away. This was not a fellow Christian leading him astray but it is an example of the sensitivity of those who have issues that can enslave him/her.

Christians need to keep in mind fellow Christians and the things they battle today – pornography, alcoholism, drug addiction, sex, huffing, shop lifting and the list goes on. Just as there are triggers for drug adicts there are triggers for other things Christians have been involved along their life's journey. We as Christians need to be aware that our freedom could negatively influence a brother or sister and we need the HOLY SPIRIT to make us sensitive to the influence we can have on others. May we all be positive influences on others.

Church - When Immorality Comes to Church - 1 Corinthians 5 and 6 - March 14, 2010

Bible Study – Church - When Immorality Comes to Church – March 14, 2010

Bible study two (2) in our series entitled “Church Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 9-13; 6:15-20.

Paul was writing to the Christians in Corinth. Corinth was a seaport city and was synonymous with prostitution and all sorts of loose moral practices. A temple of the goddess Aphrodite, the sex goddess, was in Corinth. It has been estimated by one historian that Corinth had about 1,000 prostitutes. Prostitutes were the way to worship the goddess Aphrodite, therefore, sex and worship became ingrained in some of those living in that area. Immoral sexual relations and worship of a deity were tied together. This practice gave Paul a sense of urgency to deal with a problem among a Christian church member.

Christians in Corinth were exposed to many different sinful practices, which could have made them more tolerant of sinful practices. Nothing shocked them anymore. Does this remind you of our world today? Are we, as Christians, becoming more complacent with the declining morals in America? We are not longer shocked by what goes on.

Paul was informed of an immoral sexual situation in the church that the Church members should have already addressed but they had not. They had a male church member who was having sex with his step mother. This was considered incest by GOD and should have been condemned as blatant sin and dealt with. Yet the Christians turned a blind eye to what was going on, although such sexual activity was condemned by both the pagan and Roman societies. This incestuous relationship was a widely known activity and the Christian church should have been outraged, yet, the members were allowing it. It is believed that the woman was not a Christian and not involved with the Christian church but the male was a member of the church. In fact, the church members prided themselves for being tolerant of what was going on between these two people. Why? Were they trying to blend in with other pagan religious practices? What does this reveal about their heart toward CHRIST? Were they ashamed? They had a distorted opinion of Christianity. They needed to grow Spiritually.

But they are not unique to many in Christian society today. Often we straddle the fence, particularly, when we associate with powerful, influential people who do not hold the same Christian values as Christians should.

The church is a blend of non-Christians and Christians in various stages of Spirituality ranging from babies in CHRIST to mature Christians. Is the church a showcase for the Spiritual or a hospital for the needy or both? All Christians are sinners saved by grace and live each day under grace. However, grace is not a license to willingly commit sin. Grace is a tolerance GOD gives Christians as they grow from the flesh mind-set to the Spiritual mind-set.

Christians sin and must confess their sins and repent daily. GOD forgives them, cleanses and restores them. The problem comes when Christian church members refuse to confess and repent of their sins. The church has a responsibility to take action on a church member involved in open sin less the church give the impression that it approves of Christian’s immoral activity. This was Paul’s concern the Corinthian church.

Believers can slip back into their old way of life and become involved in sinful activities. When that happens, the church must take action.

Let’s begin with the last scripture in our study first because it gives us the reason why sexual immorality is such a serious sin. Paul knew the scriptures and he knew GOD had approved sexual activity between one woman and one man through marriage.

There are a number of scripture references regarding GOD’S condemnation of various sexual activities in Leviticus 18:8, 20:11; Deuteronomy 22:30, 27:20. I will only print the ones related to our study which involves a Christian church member having sex with his step mother.

Leviticus 18:6-9: (Chapter 18 is replete with various sexual sins.)

6 “You are not to come near any close relative[4] Lit any flesh of his flesh for sexual intercourse; I am the Lord. 7 You are not to shame your father[5] Ezk 22:10 by having sex with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual intercourse with her. 8 You are not to have sex with your father’s wife;[6] Lv 20:11; Gn 35:22; 2 Sm 16:21–22; 1 Co 5:1 it will shame your father. 9 You are not to have sexual intercourse with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s,[7] Lv 18:11; 20:17; Dt 27:22 whether born at home or born elsewhere. You are not to have sex with her.

Deuteronomy 27:20:

30 “A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not violate his father’s marriage bed.[7] Dt 23:1 in Hb [8] Lit not uncover the edge of his father’s garment; Ru 3:9; Ezk 16:8 [9] Lv 18:8; 20:10–11

What happens when we have sex with another person?

Having sexual relations is not an insignificant event. There is a bonding effect between both parties because of the intimacy and exchange of body fluids. Several years ago there was a study which showed that when a person has sex with another it is like having sex with all the people either person has been with sexually for the past seven (7) years.

Paul gives us a Spiritual reason in the following scripture.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20: (What’s Wrong with Sexual Immorality?)

15 Do you not know that your bodies are the members of Christ? So should I take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Absolutely not! 16 Do you not know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For it says, The two will become one flesh.[7] Gn 2:24 17 But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality! “Every sin a person can commit is outside the body,”[8] See note at 1 Co 6:12 but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.[9] Other mss add and in your spirit, which belong to God.

As Christians, we are Spiritually bonded with CHRIST and indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT. As Christians, we have been made righteous through the shed blood of CHRIST. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21 - 21 He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (believers) might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Christians have been made righteous by the shed blood of CHRIST. The passion of CHRIST made ready the body of a Christian to be a sanctuary, a HOLY place, for the HOLY SPIRIT. The very presence of GOD dwells in him/her. Sex is a bonding experience and when Christians have immoral sexual relations they bond that which is HOLY with that which is unholy.

Some person reading this could quickly say, “Well, I need to always have sex with a fellow believer.” No, that does not work either. GOD intends for sex to be between one man and one woman through the bond of love and marriage. True love waits. Unfortunately very few wait this day and time. So what does that mean to those who have not waited? 1 John 1:9 - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Bible tells us that sex bonds two (2) bodies together in a spiritual sense such that the two (2) are made one, just as Christians are made one with CHRIST when they become believers. There is unity or bonding both physically and Spiritually. We know, through science, when a person has sex with another person, they are bonded through biological chemistry. Paul tells us that there is also a spiritual bonding. Let’s consider another possible step.

I have no proof of what I am about to tell you. It is purely my thought on the subject of the bonding nature of sex. Ponder it and pray about it. The exchange of biological fluids is like having sex with each other’s sexual partners for the past seven (7) years. The Exchange of biological fluids results in a bonding of the two (2) bodies into one body. I think there is another bonding taking place in the spiritual realm and that is the evil that a person and their sexual partners have opened themselves up to can also be a part of the bonding process.

My rationale is since a Christian can bond CHRIST with a prostitute, the two (2) becoming one (1) as stated by Paul, the same is true with a person who has evil in his/her life. The evil can bond with their sex partner. Just as what is HOLY can be bonded with that which is not holy, then that which is not holy can be bonded with that which is HOLY. In other words evil can invade his/her life – lust, pornography, evil desires, bitterness, hatred, promiscuity, various compromises and the list goes on and on. Do not confuse evil with personality traits, natures and quirks. Some things come through the DNA, genes, etc. These physical traits can be a problem because once two (2) people consent to sex there is bonding and sometimes bondage. True evil comes from Satan, his demons and evil spirits. These are the ones I am referring to.

When a Christian sins he/she has broken the circle of protection, which opens him/her to the possibility for evil to oppress him/her. A Christian cannot be possessed by evil but he/she can be oppressed. When Christians are lured into sin, barriers are broken and they open themselves to the oppression of evil. When evil surrounds them it is devastating and will definitely lure them away from GOD and the person being invaded will lose the joy of their salvation and the unity he/she had with CHRIST. They do not lose their salvation but their relationship with CHRIST has been compromised. This requires confession and deliverance; Saturating yourself with GOD’S Word moment by moment. Some may have to take scripture written on cards and quote it throughout the day to keep evil at bay until CHRIST has been reestablished in their lives. Their salvation has not been lost but they have encountered evil. My prayer is that none of you will ever experience this.

When a Christian breaks a barrier and sins it makes him/her vulnerable to more of the same sin or other sins. It is like a person being on a diet and they are lured to the dessert table. They sneak a taste and bang it is all over. Christians DO NOT place yourselves in positions to be tempted. If tempted run away. It is not worth the heartache and devastation. Christians addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, food, homosexuality and the list goes on will tell you to avoid at all cost. Just stepping through a barrier opens you to all sorts of evil. GOD gives Christians barriers for their own protection. Satan will enhance the breakthrough experience so that the person will repeat it. Once enslaved, the sinful experience becomes a burden but the person is ensnared.

There is more to sex than a moment of pleasure. GOD tells us to be faithful to our mate for many good reasons, most of all because it is sin to have sex outside of marriage and has far reaching consequences – Pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, broken homes for those married and the list goes on.

Ladies and girls pay attention to this – Most of you equate love and sex as the consummation of the expression of love. Whereas, most males are in lust, not in love, which results in sex. The male will tell the female he loves them but often he is saying, “I am in lust with you.” The male wants to conquer and he often equates attraction with love. When the male is sexually satisfied then he returns to reality. Was the encounter lust or love? Ladies be careful who you have sex with. GOD does not call things sin to take the pleasure out of living. HE has very good reasons.

Some could ask, “If Christians are no longer under the law, why should sex outside of marriage matter?” We have already discussed several good reasons why true love waits. The Ten Commandments and GOD’S commandments are still relevant for Christians to keep. They keep Christians out of trouble and the consequences that result from violating them, both physical and spiritual.

So what is the situation with people who have been raped or married to or had relationships with evil people or people who have been promiscuous? The blood of CHRIST washes away all sin. Satan has to flee from the blood of JESUS. So confess it and claim the blood of CHRIST. Talk to CHRIST in prayer and ask HIM to cleanse you and set you free from anything that causes you to compromise your relationship with CHRIST as the result of sexual relationships or any other sin.

So what was the issue in the church at Corinth?

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 5:1-2: (Does Sin Still Shock Us?)
Immoral Church Members

1 It is widely reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even condoned[1] Other mss read named among the Gentiles—a man is living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are inflated with pride, instead of filled with grief so that he who has committed this act might be removed from among you.

First, we notice that the issue of sexual immorality was widely known both inside and outside the church. It seems the Christian members of the Corinthian church were proud of this incestuous practice and condoned it. Paul quickly put this incestuous relationship into perspective and called it sin. The Christians should have been grieved by what was going on by one of their fellow Christians but they were not. This sin was not to be condoned because it was wrong according to GOD. Besides that, the pagans and Romans also condemned such a sexual relationship.

The male involved was a Christian and a member of the church in Corinth. It is believed that the female was not a Christian or involved with the church. The male openly had sexual relations with his father’s wife, his step mother and seemed to flaunt it. His fellow Christians were proud of the fact that they were tolerant of this practice.

The scriptures are very clear, GOD condemned such sexual relations and the Corinthian Christians knew it but were proud that they were tolerant of such an open practice. Paul had written them about immoral sexual relations in a previous letter which has since been lost. Why were they proud? What does this tolerance of sin reveal about the hearts of the Christians in Corinth?

Why were they proud? We can only speculate. Were they trying to show the pagan world that Christianity was not a straight laced, intolerant religion no longer under the law? Was the male involved a person of wealthy, power and it benefitted the church for this person to be a member? As I stated earlier, we do not know.

What we do know is that the tolerance of such practice revealed lack of Spiritual growth and maturity of some of the Christians in the church. Did they consider themselves new age and beyond the dictates of GOD’S Word? Such a practice was wrong in the eyes of GOD and it was an issue that had to be dealt with. It was a teaching moment for Paul.

There is another interesting aspect to consider. The Greek word for “sexual immorality” is generally translated “prostitute.” Paul did not say they were committing adultery. This gives rise to consider that the father was either dead, had divorced the woman or abandoned her. It is possible the woman had been a temple prostitute and the son considered her fair game. Even under these circumstances the son was not free to have sex with his step mother because his father had been sexually intimate with her.

Since temple prostitutes were readily available, it was a strong reminder to Christians that open sex had major consequences. It has been reported that these temple prostitutes advertised that having sex with them bonded them to the pagan gods. Did they want to join CHRIST to a prostitute? Christians are to send a clear message to the rest of the world by avoiding promiscuous sexual activities and the appearance of condoning them.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 5:9-13: (How Should We Respond to Immoral Church Members.)

Church Discipline

9 I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 by no means referring to this world’s immoral people, or to the greedy and swindlers, or to idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world. 11 But now I am writing[4] Or now I wrote you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother who is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a reviler, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. 12 For what is it to me to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But God judges outsiders. Put away the evil person from among yourselves.[5] Dt 17:7

As mentioned earlier, Paul had already written a letter to the church in Corinth instructing them to avoid people who were sexually immoral. This letter has since been lost. However, the point is that he had already addressed the matter of sexual immorality and they apparently ignored his request.

He was not asking the Christians not to associate with immoral people but not to associate with immoral Christians. As you may recall, in our last study we discussed the disunity in the church in Corinth. Church members were saying “I am of Paul, Apollos, Cephas or CHRIST.” This revealed their Spiritual immaturity. It is believed that Christians in the group referred to as “I am of CHRIST” considered that they answered to no one. They had salvation through CHRIST; therefore, they could do whatever they pleased. This could have been a group of immoral Christians other Christians should avoid.

Paul tells them not to judge the non-believer because GOD will do that. Believers should make a judgment regarding fellow believers based on their actions and fruit – a fellow Christian who is sexually immortal or greedy, worships idols or a reviler (those who are violent or abusive either verbally or physically toward others), a drunkard or a swindler. Christians are not to associate or eat with the believers who are still involved in such immoral acts. Such immoral living reveals that their lives have not been transformed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. Avoiding immoral Christians was to show disapproval of their lifestyle. It also made a statement to non-believers that the immoral lifestyle of those calling themselves Christians did not represent the lifestyle of Christians who were led and guided by the HOLY SPIRIT.
This may seem harsh. The Bible tells Christians to go to a Christian living a life of sin and attempt to restore him/her back into fellowship with CHRIST and fellow believers. As Christians, we have freedom under grace but it is not a freedom and a grace to follow the dictates of the flesh. Paul gives us insight in his letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 5:1 - 1 Christ has liberated us into freedom (freedom from sin). Therefore stand firm and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery (sin).

Galatians 6:1 - 1 Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted also.

Christians are to go to fellow believers who are in sin and try to restore them. It is imperative for those who are Spiritual and attempt to restore fellow believers caught up in sin and wild living, to keep a close eye on themselves. Even though a Christian is Spiritually mature, who is attempting to restore a fellow believer, needs to be aware that they can be lured or enticed into sin. Satan uses every opportunity to lure and trap those who are Spiritual and he does it when they are trying to aid others. Those who think they are Spiritual are the very ones who must be on their guard because they are likely vulnerable.

Christians must be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT when confronting fellow Christians battling sin. GOD’S wisdom is needed to help those involved in sin and not to drive them deeper into sin and away from GOD. A married couple may be dealing with an affair and may be trying to work through the hurt and disappointment that it brings. Our governor in South Carolina is an example. He is battling mid-life crisis. Mid-life crisis can be a problem for either a male or a female. Mid-life crisis is like adolescence and the person looses every grain of sense he/she ever had. This is not to justify it. It is real and it is devastating to any marriage. There is a strong urge for that new car, motorcycle, the urge to be free and travel the world, dump the job and sadly change his/her marriage partner. The person needs serious counseling and time for their mental chemistry to rebalance, which can take years.

So why am I saying this? The new car, motorcycle, dumping the job or traveling the world can be managed, if the family is pulling together until sanity returns to the person experiencing mid-life crisis. However, if a couple is struggling with infidelity, they need to be surrounded by fellow Christians and lots of prayer, support, encouragement and Christian counseling. The offender needs to, if possible discretely, step down from any Christian leadership, until the matter is resolved. In my opinion, the couple needs to be in church as they attempt to pull their relationship back together. Infidelity is a huge embarrassment to the innocent spouse. If the other person is also a member of the same church that compounds the problems. The key is to pray and go in Christian love to offer support for reconciliation. Sexual immorality can be devastating. CHRIST will forgive, cleanse, restore and forget when the involved Christian asks HIM. It will take agape love (love that demands nothing in exchange, the same love CHRIST has for sinners) for the person offended to forgive and restore the relationship. Forgetting is not so easy but CHRIST can heal a broken heart. The offending person must remain faithful until “death do you part.” It takes time to build trust.

We end with Paul’s statement of Christian purpose in our next scripture.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 6:12-14:

Glorifying God in Body and Spirit

12 “Everything is permissible for me,”[3] The words in quotation marks are most likely slogans used by some Corinthian Christians. Paul evaluates and corrects these slogans. but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,”[4] The words in quotation marks are most likely slogans used by some Corinthian Christians. Paul evaluates and corrects these slogans. but I will not be brought under the control of anything. 13 “Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods,”[5] The words in quotation marks are most likely slogans used by some Corinthian Christians. Paul evaluates and corrects these slogans. but God will do away with both of them.[6] Lit both it and them The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Christians have freedom but using that freedom to do whatever they want to do is contrary to GOD’S desire for them and leads to Spiritual compromise. Christians are not to allow anything to control them except the HOLY SPIRIT. This life is temporary. We were not made for time but for eternity. Just as the power of GOD raised CHRIST from the dead after HIS crucifixion, HIS power will transform us by the renewing of our minds to live for HIM, when we yield to HIM. GOD’S desire for every believer is for them to be made into the image of CHRIST. Believers have been bought with a price, which is the shed blood of the LAMB (CHRIST). Believers have been made righteous by the shed blood of CHRIST and are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT.

Believers have been redeemed to be HOLY and GOD has made their bodies a sanctuary where HE dwells, therefore, do not contaminate what is HOLY by sexual immorality and riotous living.

This is why true love waits. GOD’S desire is for male and female believers to be united in love and united as one after marriage, which is consummated by sexual relations. Just as the miracle of rebirth takes place in an instant, the moment a person asks CHRIST to forgive him/her for his/her sins and to come into his/her life, so does the union of two (2) human bodies the instant they have sex.

By this same power when believers confess their sin, GOD will forgive them, cleanse them and restore them. If you are a Christian and guilty of illicit sex confess it to GOD through CHRIST and repent. Repent is to agree not to do it again. 1 John 1:9 - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The church is a hospital for sinners seeking salvation and for Christians struggling and seeking to grow and mature Spiritually in CHRIST through relationship. Life is not easy but it is impossible without CHRIST. 1 Peter 5:6-7 - 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time,[10] Lit in time [11] Jb 22:29; Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11; 18:14; Jms 4:10 7 casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.[12] Ps 55:22; Mt 6:25–34