Sharing the Love of the Lord

 Collection and a Conclusion

 Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 16

As we finish our study of the Book of 1 Corinthians, we should keep in mind that someone had written a letter to the Apostle Paul about things going on in the Church at Corinth, and the Apostle Paul had written or dictated to a scribe the answers to their questions and had sent this epistle in the hands of Timothy a young preacher to get this church headed in the right direction.

All the epistles of the Apostle Paul are written to the Church established by the Lord Jesus Christ and are, in fact, the written Word of God established by the Holy Spirit.

  It should have been clear to the Church in Corinth that it was from that first church in Jerusalem that the source from which all the blessings of the Gospel had flowed.

 It was fitting for the early church to help the poor people of the first church in Jerusalem if they were able.

 Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

 As we saw in Chapter 13, the Book of Love, the lovers of God give freely to Him. If we have the love of the Holy Spirit, then we will give to the Church.

 What had the Lord Jesus said? Act_20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

 Psalms 41: Psa 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psa 41:2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Psa 41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

 Pro 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

 The Lord Jesus is serious about this: Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

 Every child of God, even if they are poor, is also a saint of God!

 At this time, it was the poor Christians in Jerusalem who struggled the most.

They were being persecuted by the members of Judaism and fellow Jews.

 In Jerusalem was a sharp contrast between the rich and the poor, with the saints of God being the poorest of the poor.

 Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

 It is said many times that God will provide our needs, and many times He expects the Church to help in this matter.

 Remember this was to help the saints of God in the church at Jerusalem and not a handout to all the poor, even though at times we can help them, but the Church comes first. It is the Church that has the promises of God!

 This was to be a special gift for the poor in the church at Jerusalem, which we would call today a love offering.

 Paul had given these same instructions to other churches he had established.

 It had been thirty years since the church at Jerusalem had begun to practice the common ownership of goods, but this thing had soon ceased.

 Many believed this had failed and caused widespread poverty among the Jewish Christians.

 Whatever the cause, the believers in Jerusalem were in desperate need of help.

 God has a special place in His heart for those who give unselfishly!

 Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 What is being a good steward? 1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 *****1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

 This lesson is clear: the Church is to help meet the needs of the poor believers.

 Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

 We can also see from this Scripture that the churches gathered together on Sundays, the first day of the week.

 The Jews met on Saturdays as commanded in the Laws of Moses, but the Church has no such command, and the Church meets on the Lord's Day. The church can also gather again on any other day, for where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, we can have church.

 Rev_1:10 I was in the Spirit on “the Lord's day”, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

 It was on Sunday when the Lord Jesus Christ walked out of that grave.

 Joh 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 It was on Sunday that the Apostles gathered after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Act 20:7 And upon “the first day of the week”, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

 Paul preached on the first day of the week, which is Sunday.

 Notice the believers were not to make occasional offerings; they were to give regularly, every Lord's Day, on the first day of the week.

 They all were to give, even the poor were to give as they were able.

 2Co 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

2Co 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

2Co 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

 It is giving that builds a strong fellowship among believers, as verse 14 states.

 Any offering that was made was to be kept at God's storehouse.

 2Ch_31:10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.

 During the week, these believers were to lay up what they could and deliver it to the storehouse when they gathered together.

 Today, this would be the treasury of the church.

 Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

 *****1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

1Co 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

 Notice that those who were to handle this money going to Jerusalem were to be hand-picked by the church.

 This offering was to be handled very carefully.

 They must choose men of character.

They must be men whom the church could approve and “trust" to handle the money.

They were to be men whom the Apostle Paul could commend through letters of commendation.

 Paul would write letters on their behalf to the church in Jerusalem.

 If Paul could not go with them, he would write letters of introduction for them.

 This was something that was done so brothers could be received as brothers in the Lord and not as strangers.

 Act 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

 Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

 That phrase "your liberality" means the things we talk about in Chapter 13.

 If this offering were not voluntary, it would mean nothing to the Lord and bring no reward to this church at Corinth.

 It was not to be a gift of obligation but rather a gift of brotherly love for one another.

 Paul himself would not touch this offering so he could remain above reproach at all times.

 Even if his schedule allowed him to make the journey to Jerusalem, those men would be personally delivering that offering to the believers in Jerusalem.

 *****1Co 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

1Co 16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

1Co 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

1Co 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

1Co 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1Co 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

 We must know that there is always a need to keep in touch with God's people.

 All of us need strengthening and building up from time to time.

 This world will wear us down, and it is just going to get worse!

 We see here that God does not always want us to do as we plan to do.

 God's will must be the rule of our lives as we minister for Christ!

 God is not too busy with all the things He does to not get personal with us.

 We are wrong when we do not listen to Him!

 Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will":

 We must understand that all things are brought to pass by the will of God!

 God has a purpose for each one of us, and also as a group!

 2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, "but according to his own purpose and grace", which was given us in Christ Jesus "before the world began",

2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

 What the Holy Spirit is saying is "it's our time to shine" as we are brought into the plan God has had from the beginning, way back before Genesis.

 No one upon this earth is as wise as God!

 We can only be wise if we yield to the will of God!

 Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

 God does as He pleases, but everything He does is the right thing to do!

 God does not adjust His plan according to events that happen upon this earth!

 Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

 1) There is the directed will of God; these are the things God actively brings about.

 He creates. Isa 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

 He controls this universe. Dan 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and no one can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

 He establishes rulers and governments. Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

 He calls those to be saved. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 2) There is the permissive will of God.

 This means that even though God has determined all things, He may do them Himself, or He may bring them about through secondary causes.

 Sinful acts do not frustrate the plan of God; they just cause us to suffer the wrath of God. God does not ever cause sinful acts!

 Man is responsible for all sinful acts that happen in this world.

 All the things that God created have one purpose: they are designed to reveal the glory of God!

 Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

 Our Lord Jesus died, was buried, and has risen and returned to Heaven because this was the plan of God for our redemption.

 Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Act 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

Act 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Act 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

 The Apostle Paul knew he could return to this church in Corinth only if it was in the will of God for him to do so.

 At this time, they had Timothy, a young preacher who preached just as Paul did, and they would get the truth of the Gospel.

 We would rather run our own lives, but once we recognize these truths of God, we know it is best to yield to His will for us, as did the Apostle Paul.

 As we learned from Chapter 13, Paul expressed love rather than division.

 *****1Co 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

1Co 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

1Co 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

 We should understand that this Christian family of Aquila and Priscilla was greatly involved in establishing the churches in Corinth and in Ephesus.

 They were also Paul's partners in a trade that provided Paul with the funds for his journey. He accepted very little help from the churches.

 They had established a church in their own home.

 Many churches have begun in the humble surroundings of someone's home.

 Gethsemane met first in the home of a church member.

 A holy kiss is the kiss of peace that should reign in all the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

 The body of Christ is supposed to be one body, but we know that is not the case in today's world.

 We are all supposed to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ!

We all have the same Heavenly Father.

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are all supposed to have the same Scriptures. There is only one true Word of God!

We are all going to the same New Heaven and New Jerusalem.

We are all filled with the same Holy Spirit.

 We have to wonder why we do not act like it.

 Paul's signature on these epistles was a sign of the authenticity of the Word of God coming by the Holy Spirit.

 2Th 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

 Anathema in this passage means that those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are objects of hatred, from disgust to all holy beings. They are guilty of rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ and deserve condemnation.

 They have exposed themselves to the sentence of "everlasting destruction” from the presence of the Lord, which is what Maranatha says.

 The word Maranatha means the Lord Jesus is coming, and He will judge all those who have made Him seem meaningless in this world, all those who are Anathema.

 God is very serious about how we treat His Son!

 Amen

The Resurrection of the Church

 The Gospel and the Resurrection

Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 15

 The word "Gospel" means "Good News". There is only one Gospel!

 The Gospel is described in many ways:

 Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 

 The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

 Act 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 

 The Gospel of the Grace of God.

 Mar 1:1  The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 

 Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

 The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, "lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them". 

 The glorious Gospel.

 Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

 The Everlasting Gospel.

 This church at Corinth, like many churches today, is confused about the resurrection of believers.

 This resurrection concerns our bodies, no matter if they are in the grave, have been burnt to ashes, thrown into the ocean, or eaten by some wild animal.

 Some were denying the resurrection of the body.

Some were following false teaching, claiming that it occurred at the time of our death.

Some just said God couldn't resurrect our old bodies when God made us from the dust of the ground to begin with.

 There is nothing too hard for God!

 Paul said this was a simple thing for God when He showed the power of resurrection by raising His own Son from the dead.

 We do not need any other proof!

 *****1Co 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 

1Co 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

 No matter where the Apostle Paul preached, he included the resurrection as part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 We cannot take our stand on the Gospel of Jesus Christ without standing on the fact of His resurrection and our resurrection.

 Heb 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 

 Paul had said earlier that he was not able to preach the meat of the Gospel to these Corinthians, but he did preach the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a major doctrine and principle of our salvation and our resurrection.

 We, as the Church, need to pay particular attention to this chapter.

 Eph 1:17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 

Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

 We should understand that we will see our Heavenly Father face-to-face, and we will be in a glorified body, and that body will be a version of the body we had when we were upon this earth.

 1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 Paul is declaring these things again to these Corinthians as if they had never heard them because they had not remained with them.

 We must live by faith in the Word of God.

 We already know that without faith, we cannot even please God.

 Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

 We are being saved by the same Gospel that was presented to these Corinthians!

 We must hold fast to the Gospel.

 When we take a stand as a Christian, we are standing upon the truth of the Gospel!

 Jas 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 

 *****1Co 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 

 The first act of the Gospel was that Jesus Christ died for our sins, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

 Isa 53:5-8, Daniel 9:26, Psalms 22, Zec 12:10, Gen 22.

 All these Scriptures teach us the death and resurrection of our Savior, God's Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 The death of the Lord Jesus Christ is the first thing that should be preached because with His death, He paid for our sins.

 Paul is saying that these are the first words that he received from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 1Co 11:23  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 

 Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

 The death of Jesus Christ was the substitute that Our Heavenly Father allowed for payment of our sins.

 Jesus died as our sacrifice.

Jesus died as our ransom.

Jesus died as our propitiation.

Jesus died according to the Scriptures.

 Luk 24:25  Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 

Luk 24:26  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 

 Joh 1:45  Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 

 He was wounded for our transgressions.

He was despised and rejected by men.

 *****1Co 15:4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 

 The second fact of the Gospel is that the Lord Jesus died and was buried, and He rose again on the third day, just as the Old Testament had testified.

 We should understand that there were many witnesses to these events; they were not done in the dark or hidden from sight.

 There are still those today who say there was no resurrection because there was no actual death.

 We need to just pay attention to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the truth, and it is our faith that saves us and our faith that pleases our Heavenly Father.

 Jesus Christ did die a human death. No one buries a man who is alive except a murderer.

 If Jesus had not been buried, then there could be no resurrection.

 The empty tomb is still evidence that the Lord Jesus arose from the dead!

 It is the resurrection of Christ Jesus that proves that our bodies will also one day rise from the grave, and our tombs will be empty no matter how our bodies were buried, scattered, or remain in some urn, or thrown in the ocean.

 The resurrection proves that the Lord Jesus Christ is exactly who He says He is, the Living God!

 There is no other power anywhere upon this earth that can raise people from their death!

 Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is our Savior.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is the Spirit of Life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He is no liar.

 Mat 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

 Psa 16:10  For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 

 The resurrection proves that Christianity is real!

The resurrection proves that our Heavenly Father accepted the work that His Son Jesus did for our reconciliation, our salvation.

 When the Lord Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, it was a prayer that His death would bring life through His resurrection.

 His Heavenly Father heard His prayer!

 Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 

Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 

Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

 His resurrection was essential in the plan of God for us to receive the Holy Spirit.

 Joh 16:7  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

Joh 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

Joh 16:9  Of sin, because they believe not on me; 

 There was an empty tomb.

There was the shape of the linen wrappings. Those wrappings still retained the shape of the body. The Lord Jesus had passed right through those wrappings.

 Remember Lazarus: Joh 11:44  And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

 The graveclothes of Jesus had remained in that empty tomb with the napkin folded and laid aside, which meant He would return.

 Then some witnessed seeing Him after He arose.

 *****1Co 15:5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 

1Co 15:6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 

1Co 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 

 Peter, who had denied the Lord, now became one of the greatest witnesses for the Lord.

 The Lord appeared to the remaining Apostles. Judas at that time was already dead having committed suicide. There were twelve Apostles after his death.

 Then there were five hundred witnesses at one time who could testify to seeing the resurrected Christ.

 Then the Lord appeared to James, His stepbrother, who would be the Pastor of the Church at Jerusalem.

 It is then that the family of the Lord Jesus Christ found out that their stepbrother was telling the truth all along.

 He later met Paul on the Damascus Road. Paul became the twelfth apostle hand-chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 And Paul preached:

 *****1Co 15:12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 

 Still today, some unbelievers deny the resurrection of the human body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 We know that the Lord was one hundred percent God, but He was also one hundred percent human. That human body did die, but God cannot die. He has always existed!

 Psa 90:2  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 

 Isa 44:6  Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. 

 There may be many things I do not understand and cannot explain, but the resurrection of my Savior has enough witnesses to make me a believer, and I have enough faith to accept all the Word of God as the truth.

 BUT:

 *****1Co 15:13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 

1Co 15:14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 

1Co 15:15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 

 If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then there is nothing to Christianity.

 Most of this world believes in some supernatural being, and that being would not be much if it could not bring a human body back to life.

 The message of the Gospel is the "good news" of our resurrected Savior, who is the God of the Bible and the God of all truth.

 Since the God of the Bible raised the Lord Jesus Christ back to life, He will have no problem raising all the bodies in the future that He wants to raise.

 Jesus said to his disciples after He had risen Luk 24:38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 

Luk 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 

Luk 24:40  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 

 I will live forever in the presence of the Lord!

I will have a personal face-to-face relationship with the Lord!

I will be made perfect and serve the Lord face-to-face in a New Heaven and a New Earth!

I do know that I know all these things are true!

 The Lord Jesus died to free me from death and all other believers, and His Father raised Him, so He will raise all those who have been freed from death!

 1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 *****1Co 15:16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 

1Co 15:17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 

1Co 15:18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 

1Co 15:19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 

1Co 15:20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 

 Christians whose bodies are in the sleep of death is a principle that we must reject as impossible!

 The goodness, the faith, the love, the tenderness of that Saint of God cannot be dissolved into nothing.

 God simply will not allow it!

 Since Jesus Christ rose from His death, then that old body of that saint of God that is asleep in Jesus will also rise from that grave!

 That old body will not only rise from the dead, but it will be glorified just as the body of Christ is glorified.

 The Lord Jesus did not have to take His earthly body back to Heaven with Him, but He did.

 He could just as easily have gone back in His Spirit, but He chose to take that earthly body with Him.

 If the Lord Jesus Christ did not arise from that grave, then neither will we. It is just that simple.

 Why do we question God so much when He expects us to have faith?

 The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ goes hand in hand with our own resurrection!

 If all we have is hope in this life, then certainly we will be miserable as we grow older in years.

 If we have served the Lord as He commanded and suffered for it, then we have endured something false.

 But now Jesus Christ is risen!

 1Co 2:12  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. 

1Co 2:13  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. 

1Co 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

 The fact is, we will live in the New Heaven with our Redeemer in our glorified bodies throughout eternity.

 Since we are in our old body that is now glorified, we will be known by sight, just as we will recognize those who have gone before us by sight.

 Where is our faith? 

 We should be very clear if it is possible to live in the presence of God, and it is, then the human body must first undergo a radical change. Th

 1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

1Pe 5:11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

 *****1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 If we are not settled on this issue of our bodies, then listen as Paul tells us how these things will take place.

 The human body is flesh and blood. It is a physical body and not a spiritual body that will be needed in the New Heaven.

 This body is made of earthly materials and substances, not spiritual materials and substances.

 This body must be completely remade!

 The bodies we have today are made to live in this physical world and dimension.

 This physical body is made for the kingdoms of this world and not to inherit the Kingdom of God.

 We cannot inherit eternity as we are; a change is necessary!

This means those who have gone on to meet the Lord and their old flesh was left behind and, includes any who are alive when the Trumpet sounds, and we will all meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds.

1Th 4:13  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 

1Th 4:14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 

1Th 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

1Th 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

1Th 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

When we meet the Lord Jesus in the clouds, it will not be for salvation, but the Lord will take this time to issue rewards for the work that was done on earth.

1Co 3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 

1Co 3:15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

 The workman is saved the work itself is burned with fire.

Both the living and the dead will receive newly created bodies.

These things will happen quicker than can be seen clearly and will be invisible to those who will remain on earth during the tribulation period.

We should not worry, as the Lord Jesus said, the Lord's children will hear that trumpet!

These things are absolutely certain!

The trumpet will sound.

The Lord's saints will hear it.

The dead shall be raised incorruptible.

We shall be changed.

These things will take place in the twinkling of an eye.

Joh 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 

Joh 5:28  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 

Joh 5:29  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 

The resurrection of the damned will take place over a thousand years later than the Rapture of the Church.

*****1Co 15:53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

The nature of our old bodies is corruptible, but the nature of our new bodies will be uncorruptible!

You do not have to tell a senior citizen about how his body is deteriorating, and his days are getting shorter, and a day of death awaits us all unless the Lord Jesus returns soon.

We are all waiting for our heavenly body that will live throughout eternity.

We know that if we are going to live with God, then these old bodies must change!

*****1Co 15:54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 

1Co 15:55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 

1Co 15:56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 

This change of our bodies will swallow up death, as it will not exist in our new bodies.

The grave will no longer be in our future.

This is the victory that was promised by Jehovah long ago.

Isa 25:8  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 

It is sin that gave death its power, and the New Heaven is a place where there is no sin and there will never be any sin.

Rom 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 

Sin will now be erased from the picture.

It is laws and standards that show us our shortcomings.

Joh 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 

Joh 11:26  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 

Yes, Lord, I believe you.

When we have been perfected by the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ, there will be no law hanging over our heads.

With no law, there will be no condemnation!

Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

*****1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

It was the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that proved He had the power over death.

It is through Him and Him alone that we can be resurrected from our death!

His perfect righteousness overcomes sin and sin's penalty; it condemns sin!

Rom 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 

Rom 8:4  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

Those who are afraid of the Holy Ghost will find that He is our greatest gift after salvation.

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 

Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

These things should encourage us all as we live for Jesus Christ.

These promises are to all those who believe the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! These are promises!

We must stand on the truth of our Lord, unmovable!

Unyielding.

Unshaken.

Undisturbed by what goes on in this world around us.

We must work harder for those we love and those we meet.

Our labor will not be in vain!

1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

Amen

Growing Into a Mature Church

 The Gift of Edifying

 Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 14

 

 Edifying is the building up of Christian knowledge.

 Edification is the process by which we, as believers, are built up. We are becoming advanced in knowledge and holiness.

 1Pe_1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1Pe_1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

 Without holiness, we will never get to see the Lord Jesus face to face!

 Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 

 Rom 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 

 1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 

1Pe 3:13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 

 We already know that "Love" is the number one gift we must seek, but after this, we should seek to prophesy, evangelizing the Word of God.

God calls each individual who He makes His Pastors, and Preachers, but we can seek the ability similair to this to be more able to witness for the Gospel and it is called evangelism.

We are all, every child of God is to be an evangelist. An evangelist is those who proclaim the "good news" of salvation effectively.

 Prophesy, as used here, does not mean foretelling of things to come other than the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no need for prophets today because we have the completed Word of God and there will be no new prophecies.

 Prophesy, as used here, means to open and apply the Scriptures to our lives under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

God calls those He wants behind the pulpits of the Church. All others place themselves and are not God called.

 We should understand that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used for the work of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

 We are to use the Word of God to help desperate people in this world we live in to see a new life.

 Desperate people are those who do not know the salvation plan of God and will perish without this knowledge.

 Every human being will get an opportunity to say "yes" or say "no" to our Heavenly Father.

 We should keep in mind that there are always some people who feel their gifts and abilities make them better and more favored and privileged than others.

 As we know, the gift of tongues is especially subject to pride and super-spirituality because it involves a heavenly utterance as opposed to ordinary human language.

The Holy Spirit would never give everyone in the church the same gift of tongues!

 Since chapter 12, the Apostle Paul has been speaking of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. All gifts come by the Holy Spirit, and He decides what gifts we need as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

 1Co 12:11  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

1Co 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 

1Co 12:13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 

 Some people may have natural talents, but these are different from the gifts of the Holy Spirit even though these talents should also be used for the cause of Christ.

 We know that the gift of tongues speak of languages and not some language of angels or any other Heavenly figure.

 *****1Co 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 

 Love in the Church will always be the number one gift of the Holy Spirit.

Every child of God is to possess the love of God!

 Remember God is love!

 1Jn_4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

 The Holy Spirit is God, so the Holy Spirit is love.

 Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

 The Holy Spirit produces love in every believer!

 The next we should desire from the Holy Spirit then would be "prophesy" which is the ability to spread the Gospel as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 There are no greater gifts of the Holy Spirit than these two!

 As far as the gift of tongues, listen to the Apostle Paul.

 *****1Co 14:2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 

1Co 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 

1Co 14:4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 

1Co 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 

 In reality, the gift of tongues was only for our benefit, and remember, tongues always speak of a known language.

 Act 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 

Act 2:7  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 

Act 2:8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 

Act 2:9  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 

Act 2:10  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 

Act 2:11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 

 The gift of tongues in the Book of Acts and the Book to the Corinthians were the same.

 Even if you know many languages it is still a lesser gift.

 1Co 13:8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

 The foundational gifts for the edifying of Church are: Apostle, Prophet, evangelist, pastor-teacher, and teacher.

 Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

 Tongues are not foundational gifts of the Church and were never meant to be.

 If anyone speaks in the Church, they must be understood if that message is to edify the Church!

 *****1Co 14:6  Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 

1Co 14:7  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 

1Co 14:8  For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 

1Co 14:9  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 

1Co 14:10  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 

1Co 14:11  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

1Co 14:12  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 

 There are two specific problems with tongues in the Church.

 1) Tongues do not communicate in the Church apart from some other gift, which is "interpretation".

 1Co 14:13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 

 Those sitting in the pews would not know what was being said and could not profit from the message, which is the job of the speaker for them to understand.

 The speaker is to share some revelation of the Holy Spirit or some knowledge, or some teaching given to him by the Holy Spirit.

 This can be proven by musical instruments, which must have a distinct sound, or that sound is meaningless.

 A military trumpet must have a specific message for the troops to understand.

 A person must speak words that are understood, or his message will mean nothing to those listening, who came to hear what God had for them on that day.

 There are many languages in our world, and each language has its own distinct speech.

 If a foreigner speaks to me and I do not understand, then I am a barbarian, dumb and senseless to him, or He is as a barbarian, dumb and senseless to me.

 We are to have zeal for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but tongues should be at the bottom of the list, still considering that tongues is all about language and not about some unknown language.

 If we are not servants to our particular church, then we cannot help our church to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus and our eternal blessings.

 2) The second problem is that tongues do not communicate even in prayer without "interpretation".

 If we get into our closet and pray to our Heavenly Father in some unknown language, no doubt He will know what is in our heart, but when I pray, I want to be concise because prayer is just too important.

 If someone is chosen to pray from the congregation and that person speaks in some unknown language, how is the congregation to know what is said without an interpreter?

 The truth is that tongues will not continue until the return of our Lord. Those who learn what the Bible says will stop the speaking of tongues themselves as they learn the truth.

 In truth, tongues were a part of the miraculous era of Jesus Christ and the Apostles and were necessary along with the gift of miracles as an authenticating sign of the Apostles.

 Since we now have the complete Word of God, these things are no longer needed, and the Holy Spirit will not give these gifts to God's people.

 1Co 14:20  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 

1Co 14:21  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 

 Tongues were a sign to the unbelieving Jews and, in this sense only were used only for evangelism.

 When unbelieving Jews would enter into any assembly and hear people speaking in foreign languages, it was a sign to them from Jehovah.

 Isa 28:11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 

Isa 28:12  To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 

 This sign should have led them to the Messiah, but they would not listen.

 You want to get on the wrong side of the Lord?

 Be the cause that someone walks in off the highways and hedges and thinks the whole church is mad because they cannot understand what is going on, and they leave and go to Hell because they never returned.

 1Co 14:23  If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 

 Worship must be orderly, showing the love of God!

 *****1Co 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

 We should understand that the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit are for the edifying of the people of God, who are the Church.

 The Church is not some building but the people of God, those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are trying to follow in His ways.

 There is only One Church, the Body of Christ!

 This Scripture gives a view of just how divided this group of people was.

 Each one of us must prepare ourselves before we go to the House of God.

 We all have questions that we would love for the Lord our God to answer.

 We should never go before the Lord empty-handed!

 When in our daily lives we are made more aware of what the Lord Jesus Christ has given to us then He by our own mouths would love for us to tell Him about it.

 We could call this a testimony, and we all should have a testimony of what the Lord has done in our lives after we confess to Him our sins and invite Him into our hearts.

 He loves to hear from us how the Words of God have affected us.

 When we attend the gathering of the Church with these things, we will notice our heart is filled with Him.

 Sometimes may feel empty, and we want a refilling of the Holy Spirit and the message God has for us on that day we gather together.

 At Corinth, everyone came with something, but the services had degenerated into utter disorder and mass confusion.

 They all wanted gifts from the Holy Spirit that attracted attention much more than the gifts used to edify the Church and each other.

 They were neglectful of the Church order!

 Some had a hymn of praise.

Some had some doctrine they wanted enforced.

Some had a hidden mystery they wanted to reveal.

Some had an interpretation peculiar to themselves.

Some had some utterance in a foreign language.

 None tried to promote common welfare for all their brothers and sisters in Christ.

 Everyone was talking and doing their own thing.

 This was a church in disorder!

 To the visitor who came into the church, they heard nothing to tell them they needed a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

 The thing that made matters worse was when they all tried to speak in some unknown language.

 If these things did not stop, this church would never be effective in the work the Lord Jesus Christ has given us all to do.

 Every child of God with a personal relationship with Christ Jesus has the same job, and it is to tell others about the salvation plan of God through His Son Christ Jesus and what He has accomplished in our lives.

 We attend Church to be edified by the Holy Spirit, and we must hear His message and apply it to our lives outside the Church.

 *****1Co 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 

1Co 14:28  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 

 We know that every word in this epistle came by the Holy Spirit.

 We know that the word tongues is always interpreted as languages.

 The Holy Spirit says no more than three people in the service were to speak in tongues and them not at the same time.

 There was to be nothing out of order and no confusion.

 There was always to be an interpreter, or no one was to speak in tongues (languages); they were to remain silent.

 The person who spoke was to have the gift of tongues.

 This was not some person who stood up with an impulse from the Holy Spirit that the person could not resist.

 The one who stood up to speak had control of his words because he had the gift, and he could control what he was saying.

 Those who stood up saying they had a message from the Holy Spirit in some gibberish did not have the gift of tongues.

 No one could interpret such unknown words!

 It would be hard to stop this sort of thing in a place where this takes place, but that place is to follow the Word of God, which is the Divine Truth.

 This type of tongues, which is some unknown tongue, will only edify the person who is speaking it, as no one else will understand what is said.

 The gift of "interpretation of tongues" involved the supernatural ability of someone in the assembly to interpret a foreign language, and that language would be translated into words for the people who were present to understand.

 It was not a gift to translate some unknown language spoken on that day, which is impossible for people and not of God.

 Since we now have the complete Word of God, the gift of tongues, along with the gift of miracles, is no longer given by the Holy Spirit.

 God has given us the complete Bible, all the Word of God we need, and miracles happen through prayer and some intervention by God's Angels.

 If there were more than one man called of God to preach in that service, then they would take turns, and the other one would judge the words of the speaker to see if he followed the truth of God and the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, the Gospel.

 *****1Co 14:29  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 

1Co 14:30  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 

1Co 14:31  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 

1Co 14:32  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 

1Co 14:33  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 

We should understand that the preacher has one job and one job only, and that job is to edify their brethren.

2Ti_4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

What Word: 

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

Did you know it is a sin to despise the Word of God?

1Th 5:20  Despise not prophesyings. 

We are to listen closely to the preaching.

1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 

1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Every true preacher has a message from the Holy Spirit and will contribute to any church.

If the Holy Spirit lives within the man of God, he will know how to bridle his tongue until he gets his chance to preach.

All of us who sit in the pews are to hold fast to the truth of God!

1Th 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

1Th 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

We are not to accept everything we hear unless it is the truth of God.

Keep in mind, most of those in this church in Corinth did not have a copy of the Word of God, it was being written by the true men of God.

Today, here in the USA, we all have our own copy of the Word of God, so we can know that that preacher is speaking the truth or not.

When we accept the truth of God, we will be at peace and we will not be confused about anything that the Holy Spirit has given to us!

The next subject has caused some division in the Church just as it did in Corinth.

*****1Co 14:34  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 

1Co 14:35  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 

This chapter has been about the speaking of tongues, which, remember, are languages.

Next, this chapter has been about order in the Church.

We are never to take Scripture out of the context when it is given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Some believe that the women in this church were using tongues more than the men, and even this was causing the church to be divided.

This is not the only place Paul addresses the women in the church:

1Ti 2:11  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 

1Ti 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 

The family is the model of what the Church should be.

Eph_5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

This Scripture was written for the turmoil of that time that was happening in Corinth.

Whatever this passage is saying, it is not saying that women are barred from participating and sharing their own gifts in the Church.

Act 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 

Act 2:18  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Act 21:9  And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

This word prophesy means to speak under Divine inspiration.

I believe that women should not teach a men's class, and I also believe that a man should not teach an all-women's class.

Paul had already recognized the fact that women could come under Divine inspiration.

1Co 11:5  But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 

1Co 11:6  For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 

1Co 11:7  For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Without good, godly women, most churches would fail to exist.

Paul then asks the church if they had received some special revelation on all these matters.

*****1Co 14:36  What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 

1Co 14:37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 

1Co 14:38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 

1Co 14:39  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 

1Co 14:40  Let all things be done decently and in order. 

We should understand that no lost person can receive a Divine revelation from God until they have first come under Holy Ghost conviction from the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

We must also understand that there will never be a Divine revelation to anyone that goes against the Word of God that we already have!

There will always be those who think they are God's greatest gift to mankind and to the Church.

There will be those who say they have some truth that no one else has.

Those who say they have some special insight.

Those who say they have some special revelation.

Those who say they have some special understanding.

All these are liars who are full of pride, and all puffed up about themselves.

Only the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of the truth and not some man or woman.

Many church groups say they are far above all others.

They, too, are deceived.

We should understand that the Books of the Bible from the Apostle Paul are the commandments of God, just as the Red-Letter words of Jesus Christ.

The speaking of tongues should have already left the Church and be non-existent, but it lingers on in certain denominations, even though they now have the truth of God, but they are not our enemies; they are dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is the preaching of God's Word that is the greatest of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Church is to conduct its business of leading the lost to Christ in an orderly fashion, but the Church is not to be so orderly that it becomes stiff and cold!

The congregation is to participate, and it is not limited to singing and the giving of offerings, but also testimonies, praise, and a good Amen from time to time.

Psa_47:1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

1Ti_2:8  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

All those who reject the truth of the Apostle Paul are rejecting the truth of God.

Amen

The Body of Christ

 Unity Gained from Proper Use of Spiritual Gifts

 Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 12

 What are Spiritual gifts?

 A Spiritual gift is the God-given ability to serve Him in the command that He has given to us.

 Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

 Spiritual gifts are given to the saints of God for the purpose that the whole Church might be built up and increased and grow to maturity.

 It is the Holy Spirit who decides what gifts are best for us and best for the Church.

 Jas 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 

 The Holy Spirit He is God with equal standing in the Trinity of God.

 God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Not three Gods but one God in three persons. The Triune God!

 We may be born with natural talents, some of which are passed down from our parents, but Spiritual gifts have their origin with the Holy Spirit.

 Some of these gifts are even called "grace" gifts, a gift of God's "grace".

 Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.

 Our lesson begins with verse 12, but let's see verses 4 and 11 before we begin.

 *****1Co 12:4  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 

1Co 12:11  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 

1Co 12:12  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co 12:13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.   

 The Apostle Paul is addressing these issues because of the controversies raging in this church in Corinth over so many things, and now, Spiritual gifts.

 Paul said that there should be no pride, no controversy, and no division over Spiritual gifts because these gifts are decided by the Holy Spirit.

 God had given many Spiritual gifts to the saints in Corinth so they could minister to the pagan citizens of Corinth, but this church could not minister the Gospel because of the many divisions inside the church.

 The Lord Jesus Christ identifies His saints with Himself.

 **The life we now live belongs to our Savior: Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 **We have put on the New Man: 2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

2Co 5:18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 

2Co 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 Eph 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

 Col 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 

 **The Church is now the Body of Jesus Christ: Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

 When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, we were baptized in water as a symbol of our relationship with Christ.

 We know from Scripture that we are now home to the Holy Spirit, so we are now baptized by the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

 **The Holy will convict, chastise, and strengthen us until we are a useful member of the Body of Christ. Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

Joh 3:4  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 

Joh 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 

 It does not matter what our background in life had been; we are all treated the same by the Holy Spirit, but this does not mean we will all have the same gifts to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are all united in One Body of Christ.

 Act 10:45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 We should understand that the Holy Spirit is in fact, the "Living Water" of God

 There is only one Church, one Body of Christ.

 *****1Co 12:14  For the body is not one member, but many. 

1Co 12:15  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 

1Co 12:16  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 

1Co 12:17  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 

 Some who are less gifted feel like they are unimportant to the cause of Christ.

 Some who are more gifted feel like they are God's gift to the Church.

 These are untrue things!

 Every child of God has the same importance if we remain in the will of God!

 The "Body of Christ" is not one member but all its members working in one cause.

 Gal 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Gal 3:29  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. 

 The unity of the Christian Church is most important because we seek one common life, and it is eternal life.

 It is the Life of Jesus Christ that supplies nourishment to the Body of Christ, and if one part falls away, then the Body of Christ loses its strength.

 Why is the Church failing today because much of the Church has abandoned the nourishment that can come only from Jesus Christ!

 1) Each member is necessary.

2) Each member has an essential function in the Church. The Church cannot function if the members do not function according to the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit.

3) Each member is placed in the Body of Christ according to the will of God. God does not just set prominent members in the Church; God sets all members in the Church.

4) Each member is distinct.

 Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 

Rom 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 

Rom 12:7  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 

Rom 12:8  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 We must try to make the best use of the gifts God has given to us!

 *****1Co 12:19  And if they were all one member, where were the body? 

1Co 12:20  But now are they many members, yet but one body. 

 Luk 10:21  In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 

 We must not envy those we think have more important gifts.

 Those who seem to be more gifted must not look down on those who seem to have less gifts.

 In fact, the less gifted members are more necessary to the Church!

 That worker who is never seen by the crowd is much more essential to decisions for Jesus Christ than the evangelist who is at the center of view.

 In fact, the prayer warrior who can reach Heaven may be the most essential member in the Church, even more than that great preacher behind that pulpit.

Charles Spurgeon had a hundred and twenty praying for him in a room right under his pulpit, and he gave the credit for his great sermons to them.

 The point is that no believer or group of believers is to look down on the less gifted members in the Church, who are actually the backbone of the Church.

 1Co 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 

1Co 1:28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 

1Co 1:29  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

 *****1Co 12:21  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 

1Co 12:22  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 

1Co 12:23  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 

 What we consider great or small is never the same as how Jehovah sees things.

 To God, only one thing is important, and it is that we faithfully fulfill the order He has given to us, His will for us.

 God does not reward the size of the gift but the faithfulness to use that gift.

 Mat 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

 In the human body, we have things like the heart, the kidneys, the lungs, and other organs. Though we cannot see them, they are of crucial importance to the body. 

In the Body of Christ, it is exactly like that.

 All the work that is to be done for the Lord Jesus Christ must be bathed in prayer. Therefore, the greatest gift may be that prayer warrior, but every member has their importance to the plan of God.

 Even those sitting in the pews each have their particular importance as prayer warriors, and workers who take God's message out into the world.

 We are to support one another as we love each other. Support can mean many things besides money. Sometimes a good compliment goes a long way if it is done in love.

 We must take our place with the gift God has given to us and pay attention to where we can be of the most profit to others.

 Love is the greatest power in the Church, and many times it is shown the most by the faithful women of the Church.

 We are all to complement one another for the Church to reach those that God intends to be reached!

 *****1Co 12:24  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 

1Co 12:25  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 

1Co 12:26  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 

 “Comely” means handsome, suitable, graceful, but just a little less than beautiful.

 It can also mean well-formed, honorable, and noble.

 We must understand that there is a difference between the Christian Doctrine of unity and equality, and the world's doctrine of one standard for all.

 In the Church, there is a place for the rich and the poor, the great and the small, the high and the low, the greatly gifted and those whose gift is unnoticeable to others, and no class of Christians is above the others or lower than the others in the Church.

 We sometimes forget that it is the Lord Jesus who is building the Church for Our Heavenly Father.

 With the Holy Spirit in the lead, the Church will be at peace with each other and the Church will be strong in the world.

 A Church at peace and full of love will be full of members who have the same care for one another.

 Act_4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:

 This should describe the Church that the Lord Jesus is building during the Church Age, while realizing that the Kingdom of God is very near.

 When one member is suffering, then all the Church should be suffering with them.

 When one member is rejoicing, every member should be rejoicing with them.

 Not one member is more important than another in the eyes of God, and we must use this as the Lord's design for the Church.

 *****1Co 12:27  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 

 Every believer is a member of the Body of Christ!

 Every believer has their own place in the Body of Christ!

 It is a supreme privilege to be known as a child of God!

 1) God has set Apostles in the Church if we understand that the modern apostle is an ambassador for Christ.

 As ambassadors for Christ, we belong to Christ. We are commissioned by Jesus Christ. 

We possess the authority and the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

 Just as every apostle, each ambassador is chosen by Jesus Christ.

 There are no true Apostles today who saw the Lord Jesus when He was alive.

 No one today possesses many of the gifts given to those Apostles.

 Still, as ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will give us the gifts that are needed and that we can use for the good of the Church and the glory of God.

 2) Second, God has set prophets in the Church, but those prophets are our preachers, pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, and do not use the name prophet anymore because we have the complete Word of God which the Holy Spirit uses to give that man of God the message God wants us to have on that particular day.

 I'm sure God still speaks to those He has called, but there is no new prophecy to be given that we do not already have in the Scriptures.

 3) God has set teachers in the Church, and each teacher is to use the existing Scriptures to teach as the truth of God and not deviate from those Scriptures.

 2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 4) It is only God who can perform miracles today, and much of it is because of prayer, but we also know we are surrounded by Angels, and we may not know until we get to Heaven the things God has saved us from and the miracles that have kept us going. Even when the Apostles performed miracles, it was through the power of God, not a power they had themselves. They also had the Holy Spirit living within them.

 5) The gift of healing is no longer given to men but comes according to prayer and the will of God.

 Jas 5:13  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 

Jas 5:14  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 

Jas 5:15  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 

6) The gift of helps belongs to those who are always ready to jump in to help others who are in need. Some believers are always ready to lend a helping hand, and every Christian should have a part of this gift because it is a sign of love.

7) The gift of tongues is looked upon differently in many denominations, but the Bible is specific that the word tongues means languages and known languages.

Act 2:6  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Act 2:8  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 

Act 2:11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

They never spoke in an unknown language. This was never a foundational gift to the Church.

Tongues were actually a sign of unbelief!

1Co 14:21  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 

1Co 14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 

What we should understand is that the Holy Spirit will give us what we need to remain in the will of God and be useful to the glory of the Church and the glory of God.

There is a reason the Holy Spirit gives such gifts to believers: Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

We are to take the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Glory of God and not any glory for ourselves!

Amen

Agape Love

 Agape Love

 Book of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13

 

The word "Agape" is the Greek word for "love".

 Our lesson states that "if a church is having problems, love is always the fix".

 Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ will resolve any doctrinal issue within the Church.

 When we love the Lord Jesus, we will love each other, and Church problems will go away.

 There is no question, "what the world needs now is love, sweet love"!

This love must be according to the truth of God!

 What the Church needs is love, the love that Jesus Christ has shown to each of us and His expectation that we will follow in His ways.

 Throughout this passage, the word we see for love is "charity".

 In the Bible, the word "charity" is not used as we use it today for supporting a Christian cause; it is always used for "love".

There are a whole lot of charities out there today that do not support good causes, but they are allowed to exist.

 Let's compare the various types of love:

 1) There is "passionate love or eros love". This is the physical love between a man and a woman.

It can also describe the love we have for our nation or the ambition of those who are seeking power, wealth, or fame.

This type of love is never used in the New Testament.

 2) There is "affectionate love or storge love". This is the kind of love that exists between a parent and child and between a loyal citizen and a trustworthy ruler.

This type of love is also not used in the New Testament.

 3) There is "endearing love or philia love". This is the love that cherishes. This is the love of a husband and wife for each other, or a brother for a brother, or a sister for a sister, or a friend for their dearest friends.

It is a love that cherishes, that holds someone or something ever so dear to their heart.

 4) Then there is "selfless and sacrificial love or agape love.” Agape love is the love of the mind and loves a person even when they don't deserve it, even those who are unworthy to be loved, the love our Savior has for each of us. The love our Creator has for His creations.

 It is the love of God for the ungodly.

It is the love of God for the unworthy.

It is the love of God for His enemies.

It is the love of God for sinners.

 Selfless love, Agape love, is the greatest love in all of life and in all of Heaven!

 Mat 22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

Mat 22:38  This is the first and great commandment. 

Mat 22:39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

Mat 22:40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

 *****1Co 13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

 There is an absolute necessity for love in the Church!

 There is an absolute necessity for love in every child of God!

 The superior quality of life is love; it is not in any gift we possess.

The most excellent way to live and serve the Lord is to possess and share His love; it is not in gifts.

 Note: Paul did not say he spoke with all the languages of man, nor did he say he spoke the language of angels; he just said even if he did and did not have the love of God in him, he would be nothing more than a trumpet or a cymbal.

 Being able to have a conversation with anyone we meet and we do not show the love of God is meaningless.

 We all know that if a person with no musical talent, such as myself, were to use cymbals or any musical instrument, I would be making nothing but noise!

 There are Christians today who can speak in almost all languages of the world, but if they do not know how to show the love of God, then they are not good witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 When we do these things, without love, we become useless to the Lord Jesus Christ!

 Though someone becomes the best preacher in the world, if he does not have love, he is just someone who is making noise that the church can do without.

 *****1Co 13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

 Even if a preacher has the gift of speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they can predict and proclaim the truth of God's Word, but have no love, they are useless in the work that Jesus Christ has given to us to accomplish.

 He may possess the stature, the eloquence, and the descriptive language in the world, but if he does not have love, he is nothing, and his gift of preaching means nothing because if those he is preaching to cannot feel the love of God, then his preaching is nothing and he is nothing.

 There is a great danger of those who know so much about the Word of God that they make themselves superior to God's people, and God's people will be turned off by this speaker.

 It is possible to long for souls and preach the glories of Heaven and the tragedy of Hell with an attitude and a tone that no one sitting in the pews will ever want because there is no love in his words.

 There is such a gift of understanding "all mysteries and all knowledge" of all the things God has revealed and all that man has ever learned and discovered, yet without love, this knowledge is meaningless because there is always the danger of looking down on others.

 There is such a gift as the gift of faith, and it is a very special gift given by the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus said this faith could move mountains and do great things for God, but without love, he could do nothing to win those lost souls for Jesus Christ.

 Some of these men of God have an overblown sense of importance about themselves; they are not good witnesses for the Lord Jesus.

If we are trying to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ, then nothing can help us more than having love in our hearts for all people as He does and as He showed when He was upon this earth.

 *****1Co 13:3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

 When we give out of duty, God does not acknowledge that gift.

When we feel forced to give, it is meaningless.

When we give because we have it and the needy do not have it, it is meaningless.

When we give with a rebuke because those who receive are irresponsible, it means nothing.

When we give unsacrificially, it is meaningless.

 If we cannot express the love of God to those around us, then we are useless in the work the Lord has commanded us to do!

 1Jn 3:14  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 

1Jn 3:15  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 

 1Pe 1:22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 

1Pe 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 Without love, I am of no benefit to my Heavenly Father, and He cannot use me!

 *****1Co 13:4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

1Co 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

1Co 13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

If we do not know it, then we must know it is love that builds the Church!

Any church that does not show love to anyone, and this means anyone, who enters the sanctuary of God will not gain any new members.

What is given to us in these Scriptures is not to be taken as a definition of charity.

What is given in these Scriptures is the behavior of each Christian as we live before others in the Church and before the world outside the Church.

Our love for the lost of this world must endure in these last days.

Our love for the lost of this world must endure the evils in it, as this world gets even worse than it is now.

There is nothing in this world that we should envy. Envy includes malice, grudge, jealousy, and an evil eye.

Love is patient with all people, but not patient with the circumstances of their sin!

Love does not seek revenge.

Love controls itself to win another person to Christ and to help them to live and serve.

Love is kind even when we do not want to be kind.

Love is not boastful.

Love is not full of pride, nor brag, nor seeking recognition.

Love does not think evil of anyone.

Love is not rude.

Love is not disgraceful.

Love is not selfish.

Love seeks to serve, does not seek to be served.

Love is not resentful.

Love suffers any evil that comes to it and then forgets that it happened.

Love will never rejoice in unrighteousness!

We should understand by now, in these last days, that we will only be fed with tragedy from the reports of the world, and many times with open lies, and they are intentional.

Love rejoices in the truth, and there is no greater truth than the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ!

Love endures with patience and dignity unless the well-being of our brothers and sisters requires us to stand against such things, and then we will stand on their behalf.

*****1Co 13:8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

Love never fails because the Word of God is the truth, and truth cannot fail.

The prophecies of Muhammad will fail.

The prophecies of Zoroaster will fail.

The prophecies of Krishna will fail.

The prophecies of Confucius will fail.

The prophecies of Joseph Smith will fail.

The prophecies of Ron Hubbard will fail.

The prophecies of Nostradamus will fail.

The prophecies of these men will fail and then fade away!

The prophecies of the Lord Jesus will reign supreme because He cannot fail!

Love is perfect and complete, but as humans, we do not know what perfect means unless we know the sinless Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ!

The "Day of Perfection" will come with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ!

On that day, only those who will be made perfect will stand and endure throughout eternity.

What is the one word that will describe Heaven? That word is charity, "love", "agape love"!

Love is far superior to any gift that the Holy Spirit may give to us in the Church Age because love rules every Age.

Far too many believers glory in earthly gifts and abilities instead of serving the Lord and ministering in love!

It is love that will bring a Christian to maturity of behavior, the love of Jesus Christ!

While upon this earth, all that we are and all that we possess, including our abilities, our knowledge, and our being, are all as a child.

While we are on this earth, we are immature and imperfect, no matter what area of life we are in at that time.

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 

Rom 8:20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 

Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

*****1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

We can only be perfect on the Day we are Redeemed!

Eph_4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Luk_21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Love is being face-to-face with our Holy and Perfect God!

Love is when a Church can come together and truly be identified as the Body of Christ.

Eph_4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

It is only love that will bring us into a face-to-face relationship with Jehovah and a perfect knowledge of the truth!

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 

*****1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

What are the three characteristics every Christian must have?

Faith, Hope, and Love are the sum of perfection on Earth!

We believe only in the things we love!

We hope only for those whom we love!

Love alone is the sum of perfection in Heaven!

We see that faith and hope cannot work without love!

The Holy Spirit is love, and He produces love in every child of God.

If God does not possess love, He could not produce love in each believer!

1Ti 1:5  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pureheart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 

1Pe 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 

When we get to Heaven, the one thing we will all witness will be the perfect love of our Savior.

We witness the love of Christ in the Scriptures, but we just cannot wrap our minds around what it really means, but we will on that day we are made perfect!

Amen