In this video, Nino Gonzales speaks to the Assemblies of God National Office chapel service about two challenges to sustaining spiritual revival, based on Acts 8:4-9a. What I especially like is his spiritual–rather than political–interpretation of immigration. “The Challenge of the Great Commission” by Nino…, posted with vodpod Continue reading “The Challenge of the Great Commission” by Nino Gonzales
In 1 Corinthians 9:1–12a, Paul argues that he has a right to the financial support of the Corinthian church. This right derives from his status as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Having made the case for this right, however, he turns around and repudiates it in verses 12b–18: But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the … Continue reading Why Paul Repudiated His Rights (1 Corinthians 9:12b–18)
In 1 Corinthians 9:1–27, Paul defends his apostleship against Corinthian Christians who question it. This defense seems like a digression from his main argument about food sacrificed to idols in 8:1–11:1, but really it isn’t. The Corinthians disregard Paul’s instructions regarding idol food because they doubt his authority. And they doubt his authority because they question his apostleship. So, Paul lays out his argument in several stages. Yesterday, we looked at the root and fruit of Paul’s apostleship (9:1–2). Today, we look at Paul’s apostolic rights as he outlines them in 9:3–12: This is my defense to those who sit … Continue reading Apostolic Rights (1 Corinthians 9:3–12)
In this video, Dr. Jim Bradford continues his series, “How God’s Spirit Guides Us.” “Find a Prophet” by Jim Bradford, posted with vodpod Continue reading “Find a Prophet” by Dr. Jim Bradford
“The Pilot of Your Life” by Doug Clay, posted with vodpod Continue reading “The Pilot of Your Life” by Doug Clay
In the ancient world, people sacrificed animals to their gods. They consumed some of the meat at religious feasts in pagan temples. Priests sold whatever they didn’t use in the public market for consumption at dinner parties in private homes. In 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1, Paul examines whether Christians can eat food sacrificed to idols in either pagan temples or private homes. In chapter 8, he outlines theological and ethical guidelines. In chapter 10 he applies those guidelines to specific cases. In chapter 9… To be perfectly honest, the logic of Paul’s argument in this chapter is difficult to follow. Imagine … Continue reading Apostolic Root and Fruit (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)
In 1 Corinthians 8:1–13, Paul answers the question of whether Christians can eat food sacrificed to idols. For modern American Christians, this question is not relevant, since our culture does not sacrifice to idols. The way Paul answers this question is relevant today, however, for it addresses how we educate people out of their ignorance. Paul identifies two crucial issues: what we know and how we use that knowledge. For Paul, knowledge liberates. Idols are objectively unreal, so eating food sacrificed to idols is objectively insignificant. Knowledgeable Corinthian Christians therefore eat such food freely. On the other hand, ignorance oppresses. … Continue reading Good Theology Rightly Applied (1 Corinthians 8:9–13)
People say “Ignorance is bliss” and speak about “the burden of knowledge.” I know what they mean. My two-year-old son doesn’t know that I work to provide him food and clothing. He is happy, well-fed, and stylishly clothed nonetheless—thanks to my wife, his mother. On the other hand, I know that my livelihood provides for his needs, so I take care to remain gainfully employed. He is blissfully ignorant. I am burdened by knowledge. But in another sense, ignorance makes us unhappy and oppresses us. Consider 1 Corinthians 8:7–8, where Paul writes: But not everyone knows this. Some people are … Continue reading Ignorance Is Not Bliss (1 Corinthians 8:7–8)
What we know influences how we live. For example, I know that my father’s side of the family has a history of heart disease. I also know that my weight, diet, and exercise regime will either exacerbate whatever genetic predisposition I have toward heart disease or alleviate it. So, I choose to lose weight, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. What I know influences how I live. The interplay between knowledge and behavior takes center stage in 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1, where Paul argues with the Corinthians about food sacrificed to idols. To a significant degree, Paul agrees with the Corinthians’ theology—what … Continue reading What We Believe about God and Idols (1 Corinthians 8:4–6)
Knowledge is power. The crucial question is, Power for what? First Corinthians 8:1–3 offers an answer: Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God. In these verses, Paul contrasts knowledge as power for self with knowledge as power for others. The former is the viewpoint of the Corinthians. The latter is Paul’s own. Which is ours? At various stages in my life, … Continue reading Knowledge for Love’s Sake (1 Corinthians 8:1–3)
GeorgePWood.com 