Josh1Eight

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:29-32  "29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life."  Observations: Paul turns his attention to the subject of how Christians are to handle marriage in a godly manner. But when you read his instructions you kind of get the impression that maybe Paul is anti-marriage or somehow thinks that those who do get married will somehow be less effective as Christians or are somehow inferior to those who are single and can serve the Lord more successfully. But really, Paul is not slighting marriage here. But he is addressing a serious matte...

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 'Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you at a high price. So you must honor God with your body." Observations: Paul wraps up his very serious discussion with the Corinthian church regarding their warped attitudes towards sexual immorality and various other vices by pointing out that such behaviors and attitudes are incompatible with a lifestyle that claims to be devoted to Christ. His closing argument is pretty convincing- your body and the rights to your life (lifestyle) were purchased by Christ, therefore He now has sole ownership (exclusive rights) to your life (lifestyle). Consequently, "you don't belong to yourself" (vs. 19). That statement is a powerful truth many people miss. The question of ownership answers once and for all the question, "who's in charge of my life?" If I am the owne...

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people. 12 It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, "You must remove the evil person from among you." Observations: At first glance it sure sounds like Paul is either just having a really bad day and is being overly zealous and judgmental, or there was a very serious sin problem in the ...