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When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians 15:54 (I Corinthians 15-16, Acts 19:23-20:2)

Life is found only in the resurrection of Jesus The Christ. It is the singular event separating Christianity from all other religious thought and has been affirmed, validated and established by first hand witnesses. Because some early church leaders attempted to discredit this reality Paul gives the Bible’s most detailed teaching of resurrection theology. Don’t argue, debate or doubt this. Through faith you are saved and enter into the life eternal.

These thoughts are Paul’s closing comments in his first letter to the Corinthian believers. He is in Ephesus with other disciples awaiting news and declaring the promise of a living, breathing Savior, when the local silversmith guild becomes alarmed at the power of this new religious thought. It is being said that gods made by man’s hand have no power. The Ephesian economy was strongly bolstered by the presence of Diana’s temple. Taking over 200 years to build, it was a magnificent structure and is listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Worship of this goddess was a perpetual festival of vise, securing these craftsmen a hefty annual income. They became enraged and their ire caught on in the crowded streets creating a lengthy riot where some of Paul’s fellow laborers were beaten. A local official calmed things down, but for the good of public safety, Paul made his way to Macedonia.

Man has an instinctive need for tangible/touchable proof. We need the unexplained defined and broken into elemental increments we can comprehend and process. It is this urge that drove the early philosophers to discredit Christ’s living, breathing resurrection, but it is our only Hope and it is fact. Death has been swallowed and life remains, so live!

Love,

Gretchen

And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. I Corinthians 12:31b-13:1 (I Corinthians 11-14)

Chapter 11 is a difficult passage to interpret and is not wholly clear.  Corinth was a very licentious city and many cultural issues were being debated as diverse people came together under one authority to be The Church. Issues of modesty, diet and basic, domestic manners were a problem as these people learned to worship and abide together. Paul’s rulings had more to do with order versus disorder in a local setting than writing universal principles. However, one thing is crystal clear, unity does not mean conformity, but must be a priority to do the work of the Gospel.

Just like the human body, The Body of Christ has many parts of a whole with no part being greater than another. In Christ’s Body, we are all of One Spirit. Sorrow and joy are shared equally in a personal way. In contrast to popular conception, diversity is vital, but there can be no allowance for division among hearts and Paul writes a picture to show us exactly……a most excellent way.

More important than any spiritual gift we may ever receive is the choice we make to have three qualities; faith, hope and love. Of these, love is the greatest and in one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, I Corinthians 13, Paul details the real life application of love in his world and ours today……..toward every living being.

The Church has two missions: Strengthen the Body and take salvation to sinners. Gong’s and cymbals don’t do anything but irritate and cause people to turn a deaf ear without the rest of the symphony. We are called to bring this music in the key of LOVE, with some hope and faith mixed in for harmony.

Have an Excellent Thursday.

Gretchen

No Temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13 (I Corinthians 5-10)

It was not easy being a Christian in a city like Corinth. With Athens nearby, these residents considered themselves quite progressive and intellectual. By habit of culture they were argumentative and judgmental toward the world and each other. They had to be reminded their cleverness would always be a far cry from God’s wisdom. True knowledge was found in humbleness to the Spirit of God, which, no matter our socio-economic station, we are all slaves to.

A pitfall of the Corinthian church, as is for many others throughout the ages, was the urge to retain the immoral behaviors they practiced before repenting of their sins. In the shadow of the Temple of Venus, with public prostitutes (paid for by taxes) sexual exploitation was common and socially accepted as a right of citizenship. This congregation became proud of their freedom in Christ, which is a reality, but was sorely abused and wrongfully applied. Paul demands those who continue in depravity be delivered to Satan and excommunicated.

To the other extreme, there were those that inferred the intimacies of marriage were unacceptable for those who believed. Not so. Paul also addresses the issue of diet and payment for ministry. Finally, he admonishes all Christians to take their purity seriously. He goes back to Israel’s history to remind them of many who did not finish the journey toward the Promised Land and guides them to the evidence of God’s protection and provision for the diligent and sincere. For every trial, there is a way through. Choose to put your face toward the Throne of God and one step at a time, you will make it.

Love,

Gretchen

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:12 (Acts 18:12-19:22, I Corinthians 1-3)

The church in Corinth was established during Paul’s second missionary journey. This bustling city was one of the largest, richest and most important in all the Roman Empire. Here East met West with all the vices and pagan worship practices you can imagine. There were no Christian churches built until after the persecution, so believers met as small groups in homes and places of business throughout the city, all under individual leadership. They began to compete and develop conflicting understandings, theologies and liturgies. As Paul is traveling through Galatia and Phrygia on his third missionary endeavor, he became concerned for those who were previously converted. While Paul was in Ephesus, Timothy brought a least one letter from the church in Corinth, but it has been lost. What we title I Corinthians is actually Paul’s first response to their proposed questions regarding marriage, singleness, food sacrifices, idols, spiritual gifts, contributions and fellowship with pagans.

Satan’s method of operation is divide and conquer. This was evident in the rival cliques that arose among believers in this young church. They were confused by the baptism of John verses that of Jesus, and differing leadership such as Paul, Apollo and Peter. Mixed with pride and the arrogance of Greek philosophy, it is easy to understand the struggle facing Paul as he wrote to straighten things out. This was a sign of spiritual infancy and he calls this people to ‘Grow up!’ and demand maturity of themselves.

Paul begins my defining what they had in common; the Spirit of God.  The world has many spirits, all leading to wickedness, self satisfaction, gratification and personal agenda, but the Spirit of the One True Living God, freely given, creates in us one mind and heart.  There is simply no room for divisiveness when seeking to please God rather than man.

Have a Terrific Tuesday,

Gretchen

May the LORD direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. II Thessalonians 3:12 (II Thessalonians)

Less than a year after Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church he pens another addressing, among other things, the clarification of Jesus’ coming again. We label this section of Paul’s letter, chapter three. It is some of the most difficult of Paul’s writings to understand. We know he was speaking to those who did understand his points of reference, but we do not, so it is better to admit we do not know rather than incorrectly speculate. The one thing that is clear, the time of Christ’s return will be a day of terror for the disobedient.

There was a spirit of the Apostate church in the earliest moments of Christendom. Apostasy is a total rejection of Christ by someone who once believed and who usurps the authority that is given only to Christ. A false church led by an imposter will be a sign of end times. Presently, the force of inexplicable wickedness is held in check, but soon, man’s ability to defeat evil will be exhausted and Christ alone will rescue and declare victory for all eternity.

The final comments of Paul’s letter addresses those who misinterpreted his meaning concerning Christ’s return. The reaction of some was to only wait, not work or labor for their own sustenance. Paul strongly reacts with the admonition to work until Jesus comes, not just for the Kingdom, but for the greater good. Leaches will not be tolerated, sponging is unacceptable, if you can work you MUST work.

The verse above is a precious prayer for each of us. May our hearts always be one with God’s and Christ’s model of perseverance be our guide in times of difficulty, despair and disappointment.  Let it be so.

Love,

Gretchen

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 1:3 (I Thessalonians)

Thessalonica was a thriving port city, the capitol of Macedonia, along the Egnatian Way. Still today it is a thriving city. The churches here were established on Paul’s second missionary journey, but he was only able to stay a short period of time before local Jews began protesting and persecuting the new converts. For the safety of all, Paul fled, but quickly became anxious for the young congregations and sent Timothy back. Through his friend’s news, Paul learned this church was persevering through its difficulties and writes his first letter, I Thessalonians, to encourage them and give guidance where there might be weakness.

Believing in a risen Savior was great reason to put aside a life of pagan indulgences. While lives were changed there was still a mystery of life after death for the faithful. This concept was new, theology primitive and teaching limited. It was Paul’s desire they understand life is eternal and uninterrupted. In his closing remarks, 5:12-24, Paul gives detailed instruction for correct living.  He points out in chapter 4 verse 8 that all sin is against God. For those who feel justified to use or abuse, remember, mans’ actions toward others are essentially an expression of his sentiments toward Jesus.

With every reason to fail, the congregations of Thessalonica succeeded and thrived. In Paul’s salutation he acknowledged their work founded in faith and love, and perseverance for the things they hope for, but have not seen. Work, sacrifice (labor for which there is no personal gain) and endurance are directly connected to Faith, Hope and Love. Science may teach that all things are made of matter, but the only thing in life that does matter are these…….Faith, Hope and Love.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24-25 (Acts 16-18)

After writing to the Galatians, Paul is compelled to visit these people, accompanied by Silas. They meet Timothy who becomes Paul’s steadfast companion and mentee. This trip is referred to as Paul’s second missionary journey and Luke, (the author) indicates he began traveling with Paul at this time. 

Paul begins revisiting the churches he previously helped begin. After a vision of a man from Macedonia, Paul went there. Women were near a river praying, so Paul spoke and a woman named Lydia was converted. Paul and company stayed in her home during their stay.

Another day as Paul and Silas were going to a place of prayer, a slave girl with an ability to foresee the future kept calling out to them. For days the men ignored her outbursts, but on this day Paul called to the spirit to leave her.  Her owners were furious over loss of income and had the men arrested. Without trial they were beaten and put in prison. Throughout their night of incarceration they sang praises while the other prisoners listened. About midnight an earthquake freed them from their chains and stocks. The prison guard was terrified for his life, but instead of leaving him in despair, Paul and Silas delivered a message of salvation and he and his family were saved.

Paul journeyed to Athens while Luke remained in Philippi and Silas and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica. In the capitol of philosophy, literacy, science and art, the hub of pagan idolatry, Paul delivered a message of the living God who needs nothing from man, but instead, gives abundantly. Soon, Paul departed for Corinth where he spent one and a half years, supporting himself as a tentmaker with Aquilla and Priscilla, Italian Jews who were forced to flee Rome’s persecution.

Paul was relentless. He was not starting a religion or cult, nor was he pounding out a new morality. He was telling a story of the most wonderful Person the world has ever known. Nothing could keep him, or others, quiet. They knew love and through this they had the key to eternal life. Who can help but share it with the world. May we all refuse to hush!

Love,

Gretchen

“I do not set aside the Grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through The Law, Christ died for nothing.” Galatians 2:21 (Galatians 1-6)

Galatia is a Roman province where Paul’s evangelism has seen many gentiles come to believe. Soon, Jewish teachers who believe all Christians must first become Jewish proselytes, wreak havoc in the new churches. Paul is distraught by this false teaching and pens his most strongly worded letter, paralleling the content of the recent Jerusalem Conference, encouraging a return to salvation through faith, a new covenant relationship with Christ and freedom from The Law.

The argument made by the Jewish leaders is that of Abrahamic heritage made known through shared culture, namely circumcision and dietary restrictions. Paul defends it as faith that made Abraham a man of God and our sharing this faith brings us into kinship with him and his heritage. Anyone who believes Christ is the Son of God and Risen Savior is a child of Abraham and of God.

By restricting salvation to obedience to Jewish Law, these misinformed people attempted to trademark Jesus, yet again, for their personal agendas. The Gospel, the Law of Christ, is known only through faith and manifested in Love.

Have a Lovely Day!

Gretchen

They preached the Good News in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” They said.  Acts 14:21-22 (Acts 12-15)

To the great delight of the Jews who did not believe Christ was the Messiah, Herod Agrippa I unleashed brutal persecution against Christians. The first disciple to be martyred was James, Son of Zebedee, brother to John. Peter was to meet the same fate, but while awaiting execution in a high maximum security prison, an angel arrived and ushered him out. A night of high drama ended with humor when Peter walked to a home where people were holding a prayer vigil and the servant girl, Rhoda, answered the door, couldn’t believe her eyes and ran to tell others, leaving Peter locked out in the alley.

Herod came from a long line of evil minded rulers. His grandfather, Herod the Great, had infant boys put to death to make sure he wasn’t threatened by Jesus’ birth. His son, Aristobulus IV, murdered him. Uncle Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and joined Pontius Pilate in mocking Jesus. A great deal of wickedness in that family tree, but they all met a dark demise, including Agrippa who took ill and died after an especially arrogant season of self worth. Despite the enormous oppression and threat to life, the church expanded exponentially.

Twelve to fourteen years after Paul’s conversion, (he has now adopted the Roman pronunciation of Saul) he preaches a sermon much like Peter’s Pentecost message. Gentiles are now recipients of Grace, but the Messianic Jews struggle with tradition and law and how it applies to moving forward in worship with people of a different culture. There were many that felt Gentiles should be circumcised and become all things Jewish. A conference was created in Jerusalem and after prayer and reflection, it was discerned that Gentiles would not be circumcised, but would respect the dietary restrictions of The Law so there was no interruption in fellowship among all Christians.

The title Christian was first applied at Antioch. This city became the headquarters for Paul’s missionary work. From here he went and here he returned to give accounting of his evangelism. A major pagan hub became the anchor for Christianity. My what God can do when people choose to pray together, get along despite their diversity, and love for the greater good.

Have a Lovely Day,

Gretchen

Then Peter began to speak, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Acts 10:34-35 (Acts 9:32-11)

The Grace of God had thus far been extended to three groups of people: Jews, Samaritans who observed Jewish Law and proselytes (gentiles who converted to Judaism.) All work of evangelism had been focused here. Now, God introduces a new dimension to His plan to bless all nations. Through a vision, Peter’s entire concept of obedience is reset. He sees much more food as acceptable for ingestion and the appropriateness of interacting socially among gentiles. Cornelius, a Roman military officer who believed in The One True God and gave generously to the poor, sent for Peter and when he arrived to preach, The Holy Spirit fell on those of Cornelius’ household, the uncircumcised. Cornelius became the first non-Jewish convert.

Through the miracles of the Apostles, many came to believe, but for those who already new of Grace and Mercy, God sent visions to redirect their perspective and mission, and to erase preconceived notions that hindered the fulfillment of The Abrahamic Covenant, to Bless all nations. In the near future the Christians all around the world would come into crisis and those with a shared faith would be vital in the sustenance of their brothers and sisters in need. God began to love away prejudices and misconceptions as He extended His hand through His Body, The Church.

There is a thing called Folk Theology. It is a spiritual foundation solely built on hearsay and tradition rather than scripture. Personal engagement with God, through His Word, is essential to correct Christian development and growth. These men had no Gospels or Epistles. They didn’t need them because they walked in person with Christ. Make your Bible the personal belonging that wears out the quickest.

Love,

Gretchen