The Spiritually Dead Church

The spiritually dead church. Now, I am not talking about every church. There are a lot of good churches out there. I am talking about, the churches who have christians, that gather only for the sole purpose to gossip, gather at social meetings, and feel important. Alot, of churches, have turned into "apostasy" churches. Gathered only, to condemn sinners, and feel as though, they are more important than those they consider unworthy. Jesus Christ, told his followers and servents, "To gather the sheep, and preach the news to all nations. To minister to the lost, the poor, and the spiritually dead". The exact opposite, is happening. Christians, are becoming complacent, and have a hardening of their hearts. They believe, that they are above rebuke, and of higher standing than they really are. They forget, that they were once lost sheep and spiritually dead. This, my friends, is "apostasy". An abandonment, of their loyalty to Jesus, and their primary goal, "To win souls for Christ". We, as Christians, have a duty, to help those that need God in their lives. To praise Him, for everything he has done for us. For once we were lost, and now we are found. It saddens me, to think, how many souls are lost, in need of help, and a spiritual rebirth. To know that Christ died for our sins, (John 3:16), to save us, and we cannot help those that need our help the most. We as believers, in the Almighty Sovereign God of the universe, should in brace those, that need Him, and help them in times of trouble. To minister to our fellow brethern, and those that don't know him. This, is the primary goal of the church. To show love and tolerance for those that are lost, without hope, and desolate. For if we as a Church body, cannot show this, "How is God the father going to show it to us?" To many times, I have seen people who needed help turned away, and christians, believing that they are to good to help them. They fear, that they might become infected by these lost souls. They sit in church, and listen to the minister, but they do not absorb what is being said. They look and act, as though they are followers, but their actions, speak differently. They say, "They are doing the Lords will", but they are far removed from Him. Jesus, said," I have not come for those that are saved, but those that are lost. I have come to minister about my father's love, and to save those who do not know him." "Are we not to do the same"? Are, "We not to minister to them, and show The Father's love through us?" "How can we do this?", when we are more concerned, with what is going on around us, and not with those who need God in their lives. "How can we?", show Gods love, when we have no tolerance or patience for the lost sheep. I say, "We cannot, and should not, expect God to honor our lives, when we have not honored him!" We as christians, and fellow believers of Jesus, should chastise those that claim to be doing the Lord's will, but do not. We should not, hold ourselves above reproach and rebuke. We should honor each other, whether, saved or not. To do this, is to be found honorable, in The Almighty God's site. Do not, judge those who look different, or are not saved. Embrace them, tell them, how Jesus changed your life and how he can change theirs. Let them, know about God's love, and how he can help them. It will not be easy, but remember what Jesus said, " You will be persecuted for my name, but lo, I am with you always, even till the end of time." A minister for Jesus. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/53756

Bible Study Lesson on Joseph

Genesis 39-45 records the story of Joseph. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. The first-born of his beloved Rachel. Joseph was the son who Jacob planned to be his heir. He was relieved of shepherding and set apart - over and above his older brothers. It was Joseph that had dreams that his brothers would bow down to him. The elder brothers were envious and hated Joseph for these things. At 17 years old, Joseph was to be murdered by his brothers; he was cast into a pit. Judah pleaded for Joseph and as a result he was sold to a passing Midianite merchants for 20 pieces of silver, and brought into Egypt. So here was Joseph. His father's favorite son - to inherit his kingdom. Joseph who enjoyed the constant fellowship and teaching and love of his father. The one on whom the very promises of God rested. Promises of the land of Canaan and the Promised Seed. This young man who had dreams of others bowing down to him. How could God let this happen, some may ask. Where was God when Joseph was in the pit, when he was sold? Where was God's promise? Joseph was in a far country as the lowest kind of servant - a slave. Where was God when all these things had taken place? Genesis 39:2-5 What was Joseph's reaction to these events? Do we hear him in despair - do we hear complaints, and mumbling, questioning God; feeling sorry for himself, vowing to get revenge? Do we see him trying to run away from his Egyptian master? Was he given special treatment in Egypt? No. He was treated like the slave he was. His life consisted of obedience to his master. How did he act - he served (verse 4) honestly, faithfully, carefully, trusting God with everything - all rare virtues of servants, much less others. Joseph did not complain and try to get out of doing things - but obediently did more and more until he had complete charge of Potiphar's household, though he himself still owned nothing but the bread he ate (verse 16). God was saying to Joseph, "Behold, your service is pleasing to Me; I will be your reward, and I will render abundant satisfaction for your service to ungrateful men." This was Joseph's promise and consolation and this is far richer than all the treasures of the whole world. It is at this point that a great temptation confronts him. The lady of the house has become desirous of this handsome, virtuous young Hebrew. This took place about ten years after he had arrived at the age of 17. She had been watching him for a long time and began to flirt, and hint at what was in her heart. She tempts him in various ways, but is finally brought to the point of impudently saying to him: "Lie with me." She thinks that he has been charmed by her many gestures and attentions. She has made a plan where they would be alone - that Joseph couldn't refuse - for it would be very profitable for him. Joseph firmly rejects her, which she took very badly - a woman scorned. He tells her in an earnest and virtuous manner to turn her from her heated lust. 1.) It is a sin against God. 2.) You are the wife of my master and must maintain his honor. 3.) My master has trusted me with his whole household - I cannot violate that. Joseph did all he could to turn aside her passion - and then he ran away. She then turns to anger, to get back at him, and possibly also some fear - that he might tell her husband that she had tried to force him to lie with her. She clings to his cloak which she had grabbed when he ran. This was her evidence against him when Potiphar came. Then she called him "The Hebrew servant" that her husband had brought, thus putting the blame on her husband also. All Joseph's virtues and reputation disappear. He is accused of adultery, hypocrisy - and questioning his goodness as a pretense and cunning trick to hide his real desire - to have an affair with the lady of the house. She decided to disgrace him and bring him to his death. Her words arouse great anger in the husband - making it impossible to reasonably listen to Joseph's side. Joseph has no protection. He is dragged off to prison as an adulterer. Joseph had faithfully served for over 10 years. This was his reward. Much more often than not, the world will not acknowledge or pay for our faithfulness or diligence. Therefore we must never put our hope in the world's rewards. We must say, "I must keep on, because I do this for God's sake, not for the sake of the ungrateful world." Joseph is cast into the pit again, as if to death itself. He has no hope, nor any comfort. It is in this affliction and dishonor, in prison, in shame, and disgrace that the Lord helps Joseph. God is already planning to raise him up from this living death and hell. Joseph experiences the favor, grace, and presence of God. As II Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you; I will give you My Spirit, that you may not perish." We again see all that Joseph does prosper. The keeper entrusts him with his whole sphere of duties, just as Potiphar had done. Joseph was considered so trustworthy that the keeper didn't even demand an accounting from him. God was continuing His work in forming and fashioning Joseph according to His counsels and good pleasure. It is always God's wonderful practice to make all things out of nothing, and again to reduce all things to nothing. It is man's habit to make his own plans and then ask God to bless it and follow that definite method. Undoubtedly God laughs at such ignorant presumption, saying: "It has never been my custom to allow anyone to teach, direct, govern, or lead me. No I am God Who acts and Who is accustomed to doing the teaching, ruling, and leading." Chapter 40 recounts the two servants of pharaoh who in prison have dreams which Joseph interprets by praying to God. When the butler is reinstated, Joseph requested that he be remembered. The man forgets him, and two years pass. Joseph was only able to bear these years in prison because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the sustaining power of the Word of God. Chapter 41. God sends Pharaoh a dream which will occasion Joseph's deliverance - where the butler remembers Joseph's gift. Joseph's response when summoned was "God will give Pharaoh an answer that will bring him peace." Joseph goes on to interpret the dreams of the 7 fat and the 7 lean years, and advises the king on what is needed to be done. Pharaoh responds: "Can we find such a man as this who has the Spirit of God?" Joseph is exalted with authority over all Egypt, with the exception of the king only. Pharaoh says "without your consent, no man shall lift up his hand." We must learn, therefrom, that God is merciful, wise, and good, and that for this reason, He can, and wishes to, give us more than we could understand or dream of asking for. His mercy is greater than our ability to take it in. At the same time, we must observe how God exercises, exalts, and tries His saints. Nonetheless they endure the time of trial and keep the faith and hope. We must wait for the Lord through times of tribulation and distress. We must hold to the Word of faith without ceasing which is the strength and power of God for salvation to every believer. In Joseph we also have an outstanding example of moderation and humility after such a great exaltation. For it is much more difficult to hold fast to the Word after great success than in time of trial and misfortune. It is much more common for a man to become puffed up and proud as though he was a god to be adored. Joseph conducted himself reverently and humbly toward God, for whose sake he knew that he was in that position. A whole additional message is contained in Joseph's dealings with his brothers when they come down to Egypt to buy grain. But it must be passed over here. Joseph deals with them kindly and tenderly and yet in a way to lead them to confess and repent of their sin. Joseph had been tried and disciplined in a wonderful way until he was humbled, instructed, and finally raised up again. He had arrived at such knowledge of godliness and wisdom that he could counsel others and rule over them. In the same manner, Joseph also disciplines and humbles his brothers in order that he may exalt them. Even so, we are humbled to be cleansed. The more we are purged, the more fruit we bear, and the more we will be blessed in the life to come. God treats us as a father who loves and chastises his son. Genesis 45:7,8. Joseph repeatedly tells his brothers that God used their evil for great good. God had sent Joseph as an ambassador to Egypt for the salvation of not only his father, his brothers, and their households, but also of the whole kingdom and other lands. It was a physical and spiritual salvation, since he instructs the people in the faith and knowledge of God. No one wants to become used to the exercises of faith, but we want to live by sight and enjoy the things that are at hand. God very often puts off the promise or the blessing and gives us trials in order to test us and force us to live by faith. God calls on us to be faithful, to live by faith in Jesus Christ, to do all things to the glory of God, whether in good times or bad, in illness or health, in success or failure. God's plan for us is greater than we can ever imagine, but we must learn to be like His Son. When called upon to vote - find a man most like Joseph. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5769851

The Miracle - Jesus Christ

Jesus is the eternally begotten Son of the Father, the God/Man - 'All things were made by Him' (John 1:3). He conversed in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. He told them 'And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.' (Genesis 1:28). As Redeemer, He gave the Missionary mandate, the Great Commission, to combine with the Dominion Mandate. He also is the Judge. 'For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:' (John 5:22.) 'I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;' (II Timothy 4:1.) Jesus was a living miracle, a supernatural work of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born, and lived without sin. He died by choice, and was raised unto glory eternal with the Father. As a human, He spoke of spiritual things, the truth about spiritual reality. In John 8:12, Jesus made the claim, stated as factual truth. 'Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' Could just a man from the country of Galilee, uneducated, without position or accreditation, claim to provide spiritual, moral, religious, and intellectual truth and guidance for all of humanity? Either He was a raving lunatic, a brilliant fraud, or the very Son of God. The past nearly 2,000 years bear witness to the accepting of the latter. Not belief only - but also the conversion and transformation of lives for the better. Indeed, whole societies and cultures have been created in His Name. Unnumbered educational institutions, hospitals, charities, churches, and missions have multiplied in great variety around the globe. The majority of the ground breaking scientists and medical researchers were Christians. The were inspired by Him, spiritually, intellectually, and morally - seeking the benefit of mankind. The Resurrection is a glorified physical body. The Resurrection is considered by many to be the best proven fact in recorded human history. This is from actual eye witness accounts from a multitude of sources, whereas many historical facts are accepted by only one mention in even questionable texts. He claimed, 'By Him were all things created, that are in heaven...' (Colossians 1:16). 'All things were made by Him.' 'In the beginning God created heaven and earth by the Word, Who was with God, Who was God, Jesus Christ' (Ephesians 3:9). Christ keeps the sun shining upon us as well as all creation, 'by the word of His power.' (Hebrews 1:3.) 'By Him all things consist.' (Colossians 1:17.) In the eternal heavenly city, there will be no need for the sun, 'for the glory of God did lighten it; and the Lamb is the light thereof.' (Revelation 21:23.) 'In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.' (John 1:4.) 'In Him we live and move and have our being.' (Acts 17:28). His power sustains everything. If He stopped, everything would also stop. Everyone who lives in this world receives some spiritual light. If not the Gospel, then in the creation, in conscience, the witness of history, etc. They are therefore responsible for their response to that measure of light. If they respond positively, they are to be given more light unto salvation. Cornelius was finally sent to Peter to deliver the complete message of salvation In Jesus Christ. Acts 10:34,35. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Those who don't accept the message of the light they have, are without excuse and will die in their sins (Romans 1:20; John 8:24). The sad truth is - 'the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness, rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' (John 3:19.) Jesus said to His disciples, in Matthew 5:14 - 'Ye are the light of the world...' They were responsible to spread the light of the Gospel of Christ wherever they went. This is to be carried on by every Christian, the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Philippians 2:15,16. 15 that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Acts 4:12. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus as the Bread of Life. John 6:35. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. In one form or another, bread is the basic food in most societies of all ages. '...cursed is the ground for thy sake...In the sweat of they face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.' (Genesis 3:17-19.) To make a living means to provide daily bread, growing the grain, making the bread. Hard work, a difficult environment, the only way to sustain life. The only instance of an exception was the people of Israel, who did not believe God after the Exodus. They were to live in the wilderness for 40 years, neither planting grain nor making bread. God provided for them with the manna from heaven. 'The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.' (Psalms 105:40.) 'Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.' (Exodus 16:4.) It appeared every morning on the wilderness. The only effort necessary was gathering enough for each day, and twice as much on the day before the Sabbath. Psalms 78:24,25, names it 'angels' food'. When Jesus became human, the Jews demanded a sign from heaven, such as how Moses gave 'manna' from heaven. Jesus answered in John 6:32,33. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:48-51, 63. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. We do not have to understand everything fully, the depths of spiritual truth. Just to believe what we do understand is all that is necessary. John 6:47 - 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life.' Jesus spoke the words of God, and also is The Living Word of God - the truth. Deuteronomy 8:3. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Jesus rebuked satan by quoting Scripture in Luke 4:4. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Jeremiah spoke in 15:16 - 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. Uniquely among all written works of all the books ever written are the words of the Bible 'quick (or living), and powerful.' These words can bring life to those who will believe. It is only through the Scriptures that the Gospel came down to us. Jesus said in John 5:39 - 39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. II Timothy 3:15. 15 and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Paul spoke to the philosophers of 1st Century Greece of the Creator of the world in Acts 17:27,28. 27 that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. The daily bread we pray for should include our needs of daily sustenance, both material and spiritual. Let us look at the miracle of the Resurrection. The founders of every religion, but Christianity, are dead and their graves are known and revered. Christ's tomb is empty. Compared to all tests of historical fact and accuracy, Christ's resurrection has much more evidence for its authenticity than any other event in history before the modern era. Not only all the appearances to various people on different occasions, and places, as well as the empty tomb, and no one (especially His enemies) could produce His dead body. Also, the dramatic change in His disciples, from fearful fugitives to bold proclaimers of His resurrection add together as 'many infallible proofs' (Acts 1:3) that the Resurrection is the only possible explanation. 'He is risen, as He said.' (Matthew 28:6.) That death was the penalty for sin as instituted by God was settled when Adam sinned (Romans 5:12). Jesus spoke more often about hell than anyone else in the Bible (Matthew 5:30; 25:41, etc.). This is the place created for all those who reject Him as Lord and Savior. By His resurrection, He defeated death for all those who trust Him for forgiveness and salvation. John 14:19 - 'because I live, ye shall live also.' Our resurrection will be like Christ's - our bodies will also become glorified bodies - no longer subject to earth's natural forces of decay and death. Philippians 3:21 - Jesus 'shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body.' This renewal shall also extend to the rest of creation - the curse from sin will be removed. Romans 8:21 - 'Because the (creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.' II Peter 3:10-13. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Thus we shall ever be with the Lord. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6866691

Who is Jesus Christ?

People have debated Jesus Christ's existence or non-existence for a number of years. Was he really born of a virgin birth? Was he just a prophet or teacher? Was he God? And did he die and resurrect himself from the dead? These questions have caused many people to divide into multiple religions and faiths, because some believe and some don't. God created us to have free will and to decide for ourselves what the truth is and who we will follow. But God has also given us many examples and tests, to help us determine that Jesus was and is real. Let's first look at how Jesus came into this world approximately two-thousand years ago. Matthew 1:20-21 says, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." This scripture clearly tells us that Jesus was born of a virgin birth into this world, to save us from our sins and eternal death. Was Jesus a prophet, teacher or God himself? Many religions teach that Jesus was a prophet, teacher or holy man. Because Jesus had the ability to perform miracles, by healing the sick, making blind people see, and raising Lazarus from the dead, he was considered a prophet. Because he spoke to a multitude of people about loving God, loving one another and teaching them the right way to live, he was considered a teacher. Jesus did those things, but he also told them he was God, by saying, "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) Many Jews wanted to kill Jesus, because claiming to be God, was the greatest blasphemy one could claim. But Jesus still tried to convince them by the miracles he was able to perform as proof. John 10:37-38 says, "Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." Even in John 8:56-58 Jesus told the Jews that Abraham, which was a great prophet, rejoiced at the thought of seeing the day that Jesus was revealed. The Jews couldn't believe that Jesus had seen Abraham, who existed before Jesus was born. But Jesus continued by saying, "Before Abraham was born, I am!" John 1:1 also says, "the Word was God." And John 1:14 says, "the Word became flesh." So if we look at these scriptures, you can clearly see that Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. Did Jesus die and become resurrected from the dead? Jesus told his disciples that he was going to die and become resurrected within three days in order to prove to them that he was the Son of God. Mark 10:33-34 says, "We are going up to Jerusalem, " he said. And the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise." Even though some have chosen not to believe in Christ's resurrection, the bible continues to tell us that what Jesus predicted came true. Luke 24:2-7 says, "They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again." We have had two-thousand years worth of proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and therefore God himself. Who are we to argue and debate his existence? There are many scholars who have tried to disprove or discredit Jesus, but were they there? Did they listen to him or serve with him? Were they exposed to Jesus' direct teachings themselves? The point is, Jesus had to be God to die and pay the penalty of our sins. If God did not do this, the world would be lost and we would have eternal death- physically and spiritually. Because God loves us so much, he died and rose again on the third day, so we could spend eternal life with him one day. Salvation is only available through faith in Jesus Christ. For John 14:6-7 says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Based on the information that's been given to us through the bible and the Holy Spirit, I choose to believe in him. I have faith that one day, I will see his face and live eternally with him, and others who believe, forever. For the devil's job is to convince you that Jesus does not exist and to spend eternal life with him in hell. But if you just pray to God for help and for his spirit to be revealed, he will show you the truth and save you today. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2176227

Jesus and Paul

It is incontrovertible that the discussion on the message of Jesus and Paul is a highly debated area in biblical scholarship. The pendulum swings from the phrase 'Jesus or Paul' to 'Jesus and Paul?' When Paul made ethical pronouncement such as "Bless those who persecute you" (Rom. 12:14), why didn't he cite the authority of Jesus (Matt. 5:10-12)? When Paul says in Romans 8:26, "we do not know what we ought to pray for", does this mean he was unaware that Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer to his disciples (Matt. 6:9-13) and Luke 11:2-4)? Those who claim that Paul takes up an independent attitude towards Jesus would hastily conclude that they had a different message, a discovery I view as misleading. I support the viewpoint that "Paul's understanding of God is completely in line with Jesus' teaching" (Bruce 1977, 19) CRITICAL ANALYSIS A question scholars who believe that the messages are different normally ask is "why did Paul on page after page, in paragraph after paragraph appeal to the words of Jesus as authority for what he was advocating?" (Sandmel 1979, 107). They view it as incredible for Paul to give only one quotation from the statements believed to have been made by Jesus namely, His opposition to divorce. Why did he neglect the parables, aphorisms and annunciations of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Some like A.N. Wilson have even claimed that it was Paul, and not Jesus, who founded Christianity. But how does this thesis, which in various forms has been debated for over a century, stand up? Wright (2001) in his book What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity leads readers through current scholarly discussion of Paul and gives a devastating critique of views like Wilson's, showing that they fail to take account of all the evidence. Wilson (a journalist and biographer) dismisses Christianity as an unhappy accident, the product of a radical party based on Greek rationalism and partly on Jewish mysticism. Wilson fails in three areas - historical, theological and exegetical. The greatest value of Wright's work is that it clarifies and successfully defends the orthodox position as the only true one. Indeed Paul was not the founder of Christianity, rather a faithful witness and herald of Jesus Christ. Although it is realistic however to observe that without Paul "Christianity would probably never have survived" (Grant 1982, 1), it is misleading to call him its founder. Wenham (1985) in his book Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity provides a broad look at the relationship between Paul and Jesus. Considering the recurrent position of how much Paul knew and was dependent on the teachings of Jesus, he studies the Gospels and Paul's letters, systematically compares the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and convincingly reveals intriguing connections between them. Furthermore, Wenham (1995) builds on this study in another text, Paul and Jesus: The True Story, writing against the view that Paul is a religious freelancer who corrupted Jesus' teachings. Writing in dialogue with those who wish to distance Paul from Jesus, he shows the importance the ministry and teachings of Jesus were to Paul's own thought. Indeed, what emerges from a study of Paul's epistles is a man who drew extensively on the traditions of Jesus and faithfully worked to spread his message to the rest of the world. Although Paul never saw Jesus during his life on earth, Lahaye (1997) aptly noted that "his writings show he was thoroughly familiar with the life of Jesus of Nazareth many years before the Gospels were ever written" (103). Perhaps no contemporary evangelical scholar is better equipped like Bruce to refute the claim by liberal scholars that Paul represented a departure from that of Jesus. Bruce (1974) is among those scholars to delineate Paul's teaching (distinguishing between those elements Paul received directly from God and those that he received from Christian tradition) and demonstrating that the ways of salvation to which Paul and Jesus pointed were identical in essence. The beauty of the argument is in its apt summary: Paul agrees with the outline which we find elsewhere in the New Testament, and in the four gospels in particular. Paul himself is at pains to point out that the Gospel which he preached was basically one and the same as that preached by other apostles (1Cor. 15:11), a striking claim if we consider that Paul was neither a companion of the earthly Jesus nor of the original apostles, and that he vigorously asserts his complete independence of these later(Bruce 1974, 20) The above quotation is so central to the viewpoint of the writer that he quotes it verbatim on page 94 of another publication (Bruce 2000). Some portions of his book, A Mind for What Matters, could be sees as a "protest against the tendency to represent Paul as having no interest in himself in the character and teaching of the historical Jesus, and as depreciating any such interest on the part of the others" (Bruce 1990, 114). Many other writers echo Bruce in several ways. It is incontrovertible that "upon a careful inspection, a fairly full summary of the main contours of Jesus' life can be pieced together from Paul's writings" (Blomberg 1997, 379). Among examples cited are His descent from Abraham and David (Gal. 3:16; Rom. 1:3, upbringing of the Jewish Law (Gal. 4), gathering together of His disciples including Peter and John, having a brother named James (Gal. 1:19,29), an impeccable character and exemplary life (Phil 2:6-8), 2 Cor. 8:9; Rom. 15:3,8), the Last Supper and betrayal (I Cor. 11:23-25) and numerous details surrounding his death and resurrection (Gal.3:1, 1 Thes. 2:4-8). These are therefore "some clear indications of Paul's knowledge of and interest in at least some basic aspects of the historical life and teaching of Jesus" (France 1986, 93). A closer examination reveals other striking similarities in the messages of Jesus and Paul. Does Romans 12:17-19 contain a cluster of allusions to the Sermon on the Mount and the principles of love? Is Romans 13:7 familiar with Jesus' famous teaching on paying taxes? These could be answered in the affirmative. I Corinthians contains three direct references: the first is on marriage and divorce (7:10), the second on a worker and his wages (Luke 10:7; 11:23-25) and the third with its detailed knowledge of the teaching of Jesus about the Passover bread and wine (11:23-25). According to Blomberg (1997), I Thessalonians again contains three clear clusters of references to Jesus' teachings: 2:14-16 resembles selections of Matthew 23:29-38, with its invective against the Jewish leaders; 4:15-17 refers to a word of the Lord concerning his return and contains several echoes of the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13); and 5:2-4 refers specifically to the Day of the Lord coming like a thief, in dependence on the parable in Matthew 24:43-44 and Luke 12:39-40. More generally, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 refers to belief in a coming AntiChrist reminiscent of Jesus' teaching about the abomination that causes desolation... (Blomberg 1997, 379). It is realistic to note that key themes in Paul's theology, as different as it superficially seems to be from Jesus' own thought, also suggest stronger lines of continuity. One cannot deny the fact that "the great mind in the New Testament to interpret the meaning of the person and work of Jesus is the converted Jew, Paul" (Ladd 1974, 360). It is also forcefully argued that although "the hardest of direct reference is meager... it is possible to trace many more echoes of themes of Jesus in his (Paul's) letters" France 1986, 92). Paul's understanding and proclamation of Jesus Christ did not by-pass the life and character of the One proclaimed as crucified and risen. It is clear from Paul's own letters that he did not know Jesus directly but this does not mean that he did not know Jesus' teachings. He refers to himself as "Paul an apostle - sent not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Gal. 1:1). Further down he observed that "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel that I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (11-12). There are similarities in the teachings of Jesus and Paul on divorce, treasure, government and parousia. Paul's fullest discussion of this is I Cor. 7:20, immediately prior to the passage listed above where he issued the maxim. Jesus issued a very firm teaching against laying up of treasure on earth. In admonishing his followers, Jesus said: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth rust and destroy, and where thieves bread in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be" (Matt. 6:19-21). Paul had a similar doctrine though one may be tempted to note that it was a different term. As he observed, "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1-2). Paul's conviction of the imminent end of the age heavily influenced his acceptance of the Roman authorities. Why rebel or mount a revolution and go to all the trouble and grief of planning and executing a violent overthrow of Roman authority in Judea, when the Lord was about to take care of it any day? Here again, Paul agrees with Jesus in his stance towards the Romans. Jesus also acknowledged the authority of the Romans when Pharisees deceitfully confronted him to know whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. In His reply, he observed that one should "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's". There are certain similarities in the message of Jesus and Paul in connection with the parousia. All through Paul's writings, one sees a striking parallel with Jesus' emphasis to be prepared and also compared His return with the coming of a thief (Matt. 24:42-22; 13:34-37; 25:1-13; 32:36. In all fairness to Paul, he was consistent with the teaching on watchfulness and preparedness. Paul's comment on the right of gospel preachers to have their material needs supplied is not inconsistent with Jesus' teaching. Before sending the seventy-two, he gave them several instructions. One was to "stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages" (Luke 10:7). When admonishing the Corinthians, he based his argument on the advice of the Lord when he stated that "in the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (I Cor. 9:14). Elsewhere he observed thus: "the Scripture says 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages" (I Tim. 5:18). Commenting on communion, Paul observed that he was merely passing on what he had received from the Lord. He quoted Jesus directly: "This is my body, which is for you, do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me" (I Cor. 12:25). It must be noted that Paul was well acquainted with the sayings of Jesus even in areas where he did not quote His actual sayings. It is realistically noted that. We ought to compare the ethical section of the Epistle to the Romans (12:1-15:7), where Paul summarizes the practical importance of the gospel for the lives of the believers, with the Sermon on the Mount, to see how thoroughly imbued the apostle was with the teaching of his master. Besides, there and elsewhere, Paul's chief argument in his ethical instruction is the example of Christ himself. And the character of Christ as understood by Paul is in perfect agreement with his character as portrayed in the Gospels (Bruce 2000, 93). Paul's mention of "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (I Cor. 10:1) reminds us of Jesus' words, "I am meek and lowly at heart" (Matt. 11:29). When Jesus called the crowd, he said, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to lose his life for me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:34-35). Paul notes that "...even Christ did not please Himself..." (Rom. 15:3). Therefore, "we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1). If Paul's aim was to preach Christ and Him crucified, it would be misleading to observe that his message was different from that of Jesus. After his conversion, he observed that he no longer lives but rather Christ Himself dwells in him. One may be tempted to use the first part of a verse in one of the letters by Peter to support the likes of Wilson who see the teachings of Jesus and Paul as different. Peter may generally have been referring to the exhortations of holy living when he observed that "he (Paul) writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:16). A part of the above verse that states that "his letters contain some things that are hard to understand" may be sued by critics to argue that Paul, unlike Jesus, preached on themes that were hard to understand. This argument is merely building on a sandy foundation because even the learned Pharisees could not understand when Jesus observed that he would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. There is supportive evidence in Scripture that Jesus gathered His disciples to explain what they did not understand when He was preaching to the crowd that followed Him. The second half of the above verse clearly states that unstable and ignorant people would twist Paul's message just as they do other Scriptures, with fatal consequences. On cannot deny that Paul's writings can be complex. We cannot also presume that everything he wrote about will necessarily be relevant to our twentieth century. In all fairness however, Paul was dealing, after all, with problems arising out of a world very different to the one in which we live. Is it perhaps Paul's style that puts people off him? They may not be the first to discover that he does not always read as smoothly as one would wish. Paul's letters are obviously not carefully planned theological treatises, otherwise one might have the right to complain about his lack of clarity. They are most emergency writings, written... to answer special needs. Paul did not just sit down and write as one might sit and write an article (Richards 1990, 5). His letters therefore were not the result or product of reflective thinking behind closed doors in the comfort and isolation of a study. They emerged out of his experience as a church pioneer, and their contents inevitably reflect that experience. It is therefore necessary to be sensitive to the above when we read his letters today. Paul never intended these letters- to be read either separately or all together- to be a comprehensive account of the Christian faith. Furthermore, Paul did not expect them to be read by anyone other than those to whom they were addressed. Some were detailed replies to other letters that had been sent to him - letters that no longer exist for us to consult. This is very important in our understanding of Paul. If one is listening to a telephone conversation, it is possible to misinterpret the communication simply because he is not listening to the individual from the other end. It is possible that there could have been some important information in a missing letter that would have explained what now seem difficult to understand. Maybe the nature of the writings we now have as letters increases our difficulties. Paul's letters are not books of theology dressed to be like letters. It is almost certain that "if Paul had not come up against the Judaisers in the Galatian churches, we should not have had the letter to the Galatians with its explanation of the relationship of the Christian to the Old Testament Law" (Drane 1986, 358). By extension, there would have been no I & II Corinthians had there been no factions in Corinth. Without involving in these arguments, would he have written Romans in the way he did? CONCLUSION It would be a misleading oversimplification to state that Jesus and Paul had a different message. If he was "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Gal.1:1), how can he have preached a message that was different from Jesus? Paul's attitude therefore was not to invalidate Jesus' teaching but rather to carry it on in the proper way. He does not abandon Jesus but continues his teaching. The situation is brilliantly analyzed when it is observed that "Jesus and Paul are looking towards the same mountain range, but whereas Jesus sees it as lying before Him, Paul already stands upon it and its first slopes are already behind him" (Schweitzer 1955, 114). The message however is the same in essence. One may only understand Paul when his background is carefully studied. It is a truism that "a good understanding of Paul's thought as could be gleaned from his writings therefore entails a reference to his background" (Gwamna and Pali 2000, 267). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1109553

Reflect the Light of Jesus Christ

During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews had a ceremony of lights. They lit huge golden candlesticks with golden bowls on them and placed them in the Temple area in the Court of the Women. These lights illuminated all of Jerusalem. Chapter 8 of Book IV of the classic work The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim, tells us in this connection that the term "light" was specially applied to the Messiah. It was in this context that Jesus Christ clearly indicated that he was the Messiah when he said "I am the light of the world," as recorded in John 8:12 (KJV). Christians are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to the world and to help spread the gospel to all the world. We Are to Walk in the Light We have been called by God the Father to walk in the light of his truth as the apostle John shows in I John 1:5-7: "5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (KJV) God has given all power in heaven and earth to Jesus Christ, who is head of the Church. Jesus Christ has given his disciples the great commission of spreading the light of the gospel to all nations. We must follow the light of Jesus Christ because a good example is important in fulfilling our calling to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Although Satan may appear as an angel of light, the true light comes from Jesus Christ and the Word of God. They light our path so that we can follow where the light leads with boldness. We are to study God's Word diligently so that we can see the true light for our journey. We need the light of God's Word to guide us in our daily lives at school, at work, in the home, and in the church. We must admit our sins when the light shows us that we are off course, seek God's forgiveness, and ask Him for a course correction. Sometimes the course we are following seems to be good, but we must be willing to change course as we better understand the Word of God. We must walk in the light by faith. We must grow in grace and knowledge so that we can better reflect the light of Christ to others (II Peter 3:18). We Are to Be Lights to the World Jesus Christ instructs us to be lights as recorded in Matthew 5:14-16 "14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (KJV) Jesus Christ, the source of light, tells us that we also are to be sources of light. However, the light does not originate with us. We can only reflect the true light that comes from Jesus Christ. Our good works light the path for others. Nothing teaches others better than does a good example. People usually do not care how much we know about the Bible. However, they are moved by our example and how much we care about them as shown by our good works. What are some of the ways that we can reflect the light of Jesus Christ through good works? Our good works do not have to be major events or cost a great deal of money. Little things mean a lot. A card, letter, or telephone call can help to brighten someone's day. Prayer for those who are sick is something we all can do. When and Why They Will Glorify God People who see the good works of Christians will glorify God in the day of visitation as the apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 2:12: "12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." (KJV) The day of visitation is when God calls them and begins to work with them. They will glorify God in the day of visitation when they view the good works they have seen from Christians more closely. They will see that God is the source of their light. As we navigate our ships through life's stormy seas, we should keep our eyes on Jesus Christ the true lighthouse. We should walk in the light of Jesus Christ and the Bible and reflect it to others. We should keep our eyes on the mission of helping to shine the light of the good news of the Kingdom of God to all the world. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/188161

How to Become a True Disciple of Jesus Christ

What do we mean by a true disciple of Jesus Christ? This is the question that needs to be answered before we can deliberate on how to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. This is what we have been called to be. Jesus commanded His followers to go to all nations and teach people to observe all He had commanded them to do. He promised to be with them until the end of the age. True disciple of Jesus Christ defined A disciple is a follower or learner. So true disciple of the Lord is one who follows and a learns from Him. Such a person is committed to the ways of God. We have been called to be followers of Jesus Christ. Anyone can become a true disciple of Jesus. It is a matter of taking a decision to make Jesus Lord over one's life. Now, let us look at the marks of such a disciple: 1. Jesus must be first in your life In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us that anyone who follow him must deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. Many things compete in our lives. They all need our attention and our time. Many things compete in our lives, they need our attention What is obvious is that we cannot do all the things we want to do, so we need to make choices. So if you want to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, He must be first in your life. 2. Become a living sacrifice You must become a living sacrifice if you want to be a true disciple of Jesus. Romans 12:1 encourages believers to present their bodies a living sacrifice that is acceptable to God. In other words one needs to offer himself to the Lord. God does not force anybody to serve Him and that is why the apostle Paul begged the Romans. Be available for God's use. The Lord wants to win more people into His Kingdom, so He needs you. Train yourself to obey Him. 3. Abide in the Word In John 8:31, Jesus told the Jews who had believed Him that if they would abide in His word, they would be His true disciples. So a true disciple of Jesus keeps His word. He is not only a hearer but a doer of the word. God knows what is right for you. Therefore, obey Him. Make His word the standard of your life. 4. Watch and pray Jesus would depart from His followers and go to solitary places to pray. He had an assignment to carry out on earth, So He needed God the Father. He gave you an assignment as well. So you need to also watch and pray to be His true disciple. Receive direction from the Lord as you watch and pray. 5. Fellowship with the church The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminded believers not to forsake the habit of assembling together. A true disciple of Jesus Christ sees the value of contributing to and receiving from fellowship with other believers. 6. Witness for Jesus Christ The Apostle Paul said he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because it was the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord over your life, help others to become believers. Propagating the Gospel is a mandate of believers. So a true disciple of Jesus Christ will witness for the Lord. The Lord commissioned us as believers. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus is our call. Be a follower and a learner of Jesus. Be true to Him. Let the marks that I have highlighted be evident in your life. Make Christ be the first in your life. Be a living sacrifice. Be a doer of the word and pray to God. Keep fellowshipping with other believers and also witness for the Lord. Having done all these things, you shall meet the Lord when He comes back. Visit http://www.truelifesolutions.org for more information. Every Problem or Challenge has a Solution! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8018220

How to Be a Follower of Christ

Following Christ is a way of life that leads to union with God and humanity. When one is in communion with the divine source of life and with fellow human beings, happiness comes into being. And since happiness is the main goal of a fulfilling human existence, Christ invites people to follow him so that "you may have life, and have it to the full."(John 10:10) Anyone can be a follower of Christ. How? By living out the core values that nourished and guided Christ´s life. To be a follower of Christ is to put into practice the values of obedience and compassion that propelled Christ´s mission. Christ or Jesus of Nazareth as he was historically known, lived out his mission in submission to God whom he called 'Abba' (Father). He sought the will of God and followed it in love over and above any existing laws during his time. Not his own will but the will of God prevailed and pervaded his thoughts, words and actions. The will of God is the law that determines his life and mission. In obedience to the Father, Christ was deemed disobedient to existing dominant religious laws. By placing the will of God above the wills of religious authorities and masters of the law, Christ was condemned to death. He was obedient to God up to his last breath. Christ´s obedience to God was expressed in compassion in relation to people. He obeyed God by being compassionate to the people. He obeyed the will of God by loving the people in need of mercy and forgiveness. He followed God´s law by seeking and welcoming those who had been rejected and marginalized by religious laws and traditions. In compassion, Christ was a friend to the sick, the poor, the outcasts, the sinners and those considered unworthy by religion and society. So, his compassion challenged the dominant standards of holiness and perfection. He was considered irreverent and offensive to established rules of purity and sanctity. But all he did was obey God by being a man of compassion. In the midst of suffering people, he could do nothing but be merciful, consoling, self-giving... compassionate. If one wishes to be a follower of Christ, one must be always obedient to God no matter what and compassionate to the suffering people no matter who they are. Following Christ is an act of freedom expressed in obedience and compassion. It leads to path of happiness. Ramlit Navarro is a Brazil-based author who writes about a variety of topics ranging from spirituality, psychology, philanthropy to social issues, religion, internet marketing, non-profit organizations, fund raising and tourism. The author has written well-read articles at http://hopemessenger-wordworld.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7454294

The Christian and Freedom

Freedom means liberty hence the two words are most often used interchangeably. To have freedom or to be at liberty denotes that one is free, a verb of the noun freedom. These are known to every Christian or any religious person. Freedom exists at different levels. We have freedom of association, freedom of speech; freedom implying that one's right and privileges are recognized and are preserved as such. No restriction, no control. However, freedom has a price. Its price is the choice one makes or neglects to make. More grave is the time and place at which freedom is actuated. Walking about nude in the street of a typical African country confers the status of madness on the one that does so. But to take a bath one strips oneself within an enclosure usually known as bathroom. There is freedom of speech. But one is not covered to go about insulting and abusing others without tenable reason, even within tenability there are admissible restrictions. Nor can a Christian or a non-Christian go about slapping others; it would readily be concluded that the person is out of his mind through and through. You're at liberty to cross a highway quite all right, but not such as would get you in the of a moving vehicle. It you get knocked down (God forbid) and you don't die you would have a share of the blame, contributory negligence. And many a great number more. The freedom to serve God is different. It doesn't seem to have immediate repercussions. A person is at liberty to go through life doing all but evil. His punishment will send him to hell on the Day of Judgment. If he does repent even on his death-bed God will forgive him. This is unlike the case of the atheist. The atheist resists every persuasion pointing to the existence of Almighty God. He's cunning enough to have ready-made arguments to counter a reasoned position for the existence of God. If he agrees there is God and when he dies he finds that there is no God, he will lose nothing. On the other hand, if he sticks by his convictions that God doesn't exist and at death he finds that there is God, he will lose everything. By then, it would be too late for him to have a rethink. As a Christian, watch what use you make of your freedom. Shalom. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2556495

Freedom's Limits

Paul begins this 1 Corinthians 9 with a series of questions. The original letters in the New Testament were not divided into chapters. Rather, like any letter they just flowed from one thought to the next. By asking questions Paul was, in effect, making statements. The implied answer to each question is yes. Paul states: I am free. I am an apostle. I have seen the Lord Jesus. You (the Corinthian church members) are my workmanship in the Lord. And finally, Paul tells them that they are the seal of his apostleship in the Lord. A seal is a mark of identity, or proof of authenticity and ownership. They themselves were the confirmation of Paul's authority, apostleship and the effectiveness of his ministry. Paul also told them that they themselves were the "defense to those who would examine" (1 Corinthians 9:3) him. What examination was he talking about? What defense? What proof? Who was calling for an examination or a proof? Why was Paul on the defensive here? Who was calling his apostleship into question? And why? It helps to keep the larger context of this chapter in mind. Paul was writing to the Corinthians in response to a controversy that had irrupted in the church. That was the reason for this letter and his impending visit. A lot of issues were dealt with in this letter, and yet the context of the letter was laid out in the first chapter as being the wisdom of the gospel vs. the foolishness of the world (the Greeks). That concern played itself out in several ways -- sexual immorality, unity and diversity, food laws, spiritual gifts, etc. Paul identified the underlying issue as a philosophical and/or theological dispute between two groups of people who had deep-rooted and opposing views of things. He explained the issues by talking about how the wisdom of Christ was different than and opposed to the wisdom of the world. Today we call this kind of thing competing worldviews. One group interpreted everything through the eyes of the prevailing worldview of the day -- various forms of Greek philosophy. The other group interpreted everything through the eyes of Christ. Many new believers had been added to the roles of the Corinthian church, and in the midst of their growth pains one of the church leaders was found to be involved in an illicit romantic relationship with his "father's wife" (1 Corinthians 5:1). No doubt more was going on than what had been expressed in the letters to or from Paul. The issue that had been presented to Paul concerned a church leader who had been teaching, implicitly or explicitly, that there was nothing wrong with such a relationship because in Christ Christians were free, in Christ Christians were no longer bound by the Old Testament or by their old moral habits. We tend to think that we in our day are different than the early Christians were, but here we see that things have not changed much regarding the fundamental concerns of the churches. Such concerns are still rife in the church today. Paul was responding to a question (or a series of questions) that the Corinthians had written to him about. That original letter has been lost, but we know about it because Paul referred to it. In chapter seven Paul wrote, "Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: 'It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman'" (1 Corinthians 7:1). After answering that concern with the traditional biblical view of marriage in chapter seven, Paul clarified the issue of freedom in Christ using the concern of food sacrificed to idols in chapter eight. Yes, we are free in Christ, he said. But there are limits to our freedom that impact more than our own salvation and morality. There are social issues that involve us in the care and concern of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Though we may be technically free to do so, we must not model behaviors that can be misunderstood by others. So, though we are free to eat food that has been dedicated to idols, though we are free to participate in pagan (popular) holiday festivals and celebrations, the better course of action, said Paul, the more mature and responsible thing to do is to avoid such activities, not because they are in and of themselves wrong or immoral, but because other Christians who are less discerning may misunderstand our actions and motivations and fall into temptation and sin as a result of misreading our actions. Paul understood the tensions related to the issue of Christian freedom. Paul understood the ease with which the most sincere Christians can misunderstand the most basic things. On the one hand, freedom in Christ was the evangelistic cry of the Early Church in the face of political domination by the Romans and similarly in the face of religious repression by the Pharisees. The cry of freedom, then as now, was at the forefront of social and political change. Against the tide of unrestrained freedom, Paul argued for caution and restraint. Here and elsewhere Paul argued that freedom in Christ did not mean that Christians were free to do whatever they wanted to do, even if there was nothing ultimately wrong with some particular action. But rather, Christians were free in Christ to live in obedience to Christ, free to care for and model behavior suited to the least discerning of Christ's people. Christians can err by improper evaluation of their freedom in Christ, and they can err by improper evaluation of their duties of obedience to Christ. But the danger dealt with here in First Corinthians lies in unrestrained freedom. Other dangers and concerns are dealt with elsewhere. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3264467