Take Your Stand

What is the Bible? Where did it come from? How did we get it in English? These are just some of the questions I hope to answer in this season of the podcast. In this first episode, we explore the question, “Who's Word is it?" In the second part, I review the book, “The King James Only Controversy,” by James White. Ryrie, Charles. “Basic Theology,” Kindle Edition. Moody Publishers: Chicago, 1999. p...

As we wrap up Chapter 3, we are reminded once again not to put our trust in mere man. God’s wisdom is far above our own or anything the world has to offer. I conclude with a few remarks about studying epistles in general, then review “Rediscover Church” by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman. “How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth,” Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart: https://www.amazon.com/How-Rea...

In this section of 1 Corinthians 3, Paul calls us to recognize what God has been saying and submit to it. The message may not be one the world honors, but the Lord’s wisdom is what we should seek. Also in this episode, I share about “Gospel-Centered Counselling” by Robert W. Kellemen. “Gospel-Centered Counselling: How Christ Changes Lives,” by Robert W. Kellemen: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Cent...

I share a brief word from 1 Corinthians 3, then interview Tish Bouvier about her book, “Everyday Haiku: Life is a Prayer.” “Everyday Haiku: Life is a Prayer,” by Tish Bouvier: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Haiku-Prayer-Tish-Bouvier/dp/B092CR8785/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Here is Tish’s website: https://tishbouvier.com/ Here is the podcast episode of “For the Church” th...

As Paul discusses the way we relate to the church, he gives a solemn warning. Yet rather than create a spirit of fear, these verses should move us to examine ourselves and also be encouraged by God’s love. Later in the episode, I share about “Soul Harvest” by Tim LaHaye and a principle of unity from Ephesians. Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart. “How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth,” Kindle Edit...

Reading in context is so important, and part of 1 Corinthians 3 provides a perfect illustration of this point. There is a call for each of us to be careful in how we help build up the church spiritually. As the apostle Paul gives this instruction, he also offers a promise for those who faithfully serve the Lord. Also in this episode, I share about “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis. Gordon D. Fee...

Paul has been spending a lot of time speaking of the unity that ought to exist in a local congregation. That unity and cooperation gives each of us a level of responsibility in the service of the church. I look at how Paul calls each of us to “build” the church upon the one foundation—Jesus Christ. I also talk about “The Prodigal God” by Timothy Keller and share another aspect of unity we sometime...

I share a brief word from 1 Corinthians 3, then I talk with Dr. Todd Price about Bible translation in the Roma languages. Having the scriptures in one’s own heart language is so powerful, and Dr. Price shares how he and his team are working toward this goal for the Roma people. In the section about books, I reflect on “The Visitation” by Frank E. Peretti. To find out more about Dr. Price, the mini...

Studying the Bible shouldn’t just result in us gaining head knowledge. Rather, we ought to examine our own lives in the light of Scripture and see how the Lord would grow us in Christ’s image. The first 7 verses of 1 Corinthians 7 provide an excellent example of this. I also share about some books I’m currently reading, “Expositional Preaching” by David Helm, and a perspective about virtual church...

In this episode, I share about two simple tools or techniques to use when studying Scripture. The beginning of 1 Corinthians 3 gives us a perfect example of how to keep the flow of thought going and read the book as it was intended: as a letter. I also share about the book, “Church Membership,” by Jonathan Leeman. “Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus,” by Jonathan Leeman: h...

The Holy Spirit is central to our understanding of Scripture, and Paul brings this out at the end of 1 Corinthians 2. Because believers have the Spirit inside them, they can understand the things of God, but they themselves can’t be understood by the world. This has great implications for how we approach the study of Scripture and how we view the world. I also discuss the study “My New Life” put o...

As we return to 1 Corinthians, we see Paul continue the theme of the higher wisdom, the true wisdom from God. As he makes this point, he emphasizes quite emphatically our reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Also in this episode, I discuss “Devoted to God’s Church” by Sinclair B. Ferguson. “Devoted to God’s Church,” by Sinclair B. Ferguson https://www.amazon.com/Devoted-Gods-Church-Christian-Fellowship/...

Taking a break from 1 Corinthians, I take a look at part of Matthew 1. There can be some great insights that come from pausing to consider even a single phrase in Scripture. I also share about the book “The Soul Winner” by Charles Spurgeon and play a new song entitled, “I Will Trust You Still.” “The Soul Winner” by Charles H Spurgeon: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Winner-Charles-Spurgeon/dp/19411294...

As Paul continues his argument about the pure gospel, he reminds us that we are not “settling” for anything when we hold to Jesus alone. The world’s wisdom is adamantly opposed to God, and is beneath the true wisdom of God. I also share this week about the book, “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald Whitney. “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” by Donald S. Whitney ht...

Paul continues his defense of the pure gospel by pointing out two more elements: his own example and the message the Corinthians believed. Rolling into Chapter Two, Paul ties all of this together and reminds us of the goal, the glory of God. In the final segment of the podcast, I also discuss “Pure in Heart” by J. Garrett Kell. “Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God” by J. Garrett Kell...

As we close out the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, we see how Paul adds further proof to his claim that we are saved by Christ alone. There is also a discussion of moving beyond just reading the text to self-reflection and evaluation. In the final segment, I discuss the Left Behind series of books briefly. “Left Behind: a Novel of the Earth’s Last Days” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins: https:/...

As we continue in 1 Corinthians, we see that Christ truly is the fulfillment of what we need. We are saved by Christ alone, and we must not lose that focus. In this episode, I also discuss the book “Path to Being a Pastor,” as well as reasons why we can still give thanks during difficult times. “Path to Being a Pastor: a Guide for the Aspiring,” by Bobby Jamieson https://www.amazon.com/Path-Being-...

The trap of taking pride in our own intellectual abilities is a real one, even for believers. We begin to trust and rely upon man’s wisdom and philosophical ideas, almost beginning to act as if they are most important. In the portion of 1 Corinthians we look at this week, Paul calls us back once again to the pure gospel. “From God to Us, Revised and Expanded: How We Got Our Bible,” by Norman L Gei...

In Bible study, we can tend to focus on either the details or the big picture at the expense of the other. However, we should strive to keep both in mind. Doing so will help us gain a fuller understanding of the text. “Right Cross” by Andrew Huff: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Cross-Shepherd-Suspense-Novel/dp/082544649X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Scripture quotations taken...

Moving into the heart of 1 Corinthians, this episode discusses how unity within a local church should flow directly from our relationship with God. I also discuss the next book in the Shepherd Suspense series, and close out with a brief word about Bible translations. Here is the link to “Passages,” a podcast by Mere Orthodoxy: https://mereorthodoxy.com/passages/why-were-starting-passages/ “Cross S...

In this episode, we finish the introductory paragraph of 1 Corinthians. In these verses, we pay special attention to how we grow in Christ and assurance we have of His return. In the middle segment, I share about the novel, “A Cross to Kill” by Andrew Huff. And in the final segment, I share some thoughts on setting Scripture to music and provide a few examples. “A Cross to Kill,” by Andrew Huff ht...

The participle in 1 Corinthians 1:2 is actually dative not third person. I had misspoken in the audio. To send your thoughts on the concepts presented, send an email to: luke.hisministries@gmail.com Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

We often pass over the opening lines of a New Testament epistle, but this is unfortunate. There is so much we can learn—and should learn—from examining the introduction to these letters. This week, we’ll begin digging into the introduction of 1 Corinthians to see how this plays out. I learned some of these principles from Dr. Peter Link from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in my Hermeneuti...

John MacArthur's Website: www.gty.org Blue Letter Bible: www.blueletterbible.org Fee, Gordon D. "The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Revised Edition." New International Commentary. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2014). Kindle Edition.