The Daily Discipleship Podcast

World events happening in the Middle East ARE not separated from Religion, but are intricately interwoven with them.  We need to sit up and take note. These things could mark the very soon rapture of believers in Jesus from this world.  We need to watch and be ready.

Paul exemplified one who laid aside his rights for the sake of the Gospel. He had much he was undoubtedly entitled to, but he laid it all aside for the sake of seeing others won for Christ.   Are we willing to do the same for the sake of Christ's Name?

What does the Bible say about caring for and supporting pastors and missionaries?  How do you do at supporting your pastor(s)?  Do they know you love them and pray for them?  Are they provided for so that they can live comfortably?

We may have the liberty to do any number of things not expressly forbidden in Scripture, but practicing those liberties can be harmful if we aren't conscientious of how those freedoms may impact others. 

Should a person get married?  Is it okay to remain single?  Should I separate from my spouse?  Our belief in Jesus should temper how we answer each of these questions.  What does the Paul say on these issues in this chapter?  What should we do?

Marriage can be wonderful.  Marriage can also be tough.  In fact, it can be so tough that we may want to call it quits.  But not so quick.  In this chapter Paul provides instruction about marriage, divorce and remarriage.

Why get married?  What is sexual fulfillment in marriage to look like? Paul addresses these questions in this section of 1 Corinthians. 

Paul makes some rather strong statements in this passage.  If all the sample sins mention in this passage will keep one from the Kingdom, then who can get in? At issue is how our desire for the things of God outweigh our desire for the things of the flesh as some indication of where we stand spiritually.

Should Christians sue each other?  How should Christians settle differences?  What is the way of Jesus when there are offenses?

While we should beware judgmentalism, there are also times when we should cast a judgment in the Body of Christ.  What does this chapter reveal about judging and its purpose?

Sometimes, the world will mock you for your "foolishness" in following Christ. Endure it as God will prove all things in the end. 

We can have confidence in the things of Christ.  We are supposed run contrary to the world's system and the world's ways.  Our bodies are the the place where God now resides.

We can have disagreements within a local church.  We can have disagreements among local churches. Paul says that this ought not to be.  How should we then live?

The marvelous mystery of God's grace demonstrated through Christ has been given to us...unless you don't understand the mystery.

Who do we follow?  A man? A denomination?  There is no room for division or pride in the Body of Christ.  It is all the Lord's work. We will boast only in Him.

Paul had specific calling for His life.  You, also, have both a general and a specific calling for your life.  You will be most completely yourself when you live into that calling.  Know that it is God who will strengthen you to do it.

1 Corinthians is just as relevant today as the day in which was written.  What is the background of the book?  When and why was it written?  What does it say to us today?  Let's take a look.

As we financially partner together in the spread of the Gospel, God supplies our need. There is a very rich promise linked to previous action in v. 19.

Can we learn contentment in this life?  What about being content when life throws hard things at us?  Paul tells his readers that he learned the secret of contentment.  Let's learn that secret, too!

The apostle Paul was well qualified to address the fact that life has troubles that bring anxiety.  So, when he provides his instruction, he is not speaking as a theoretician, he is speaking from vast personal experience.  God provides a pathway from anxiety to peace in perplexing times. 

Jesus & Paul both put a premium on right relationships among believers.  Sometimes we have to do the hard work of trying to make things right between ourselves and other people.  Remember that the Lord says when we humble ourselves, He will lift us up.  All of this for the sake of the Gospel. 

We can live energetically for Christ today with the prospect of the future hope that tomorrow holds.

Christ can be so much more to us that simply religion.  He is meant to be life...our passion, our pleasure, our pursuit and our power.  Where do you stand in relationship to Christ today?

There are so many things which people can point to which they equate with being a good Christian.  Are they the same things Paul points to?  How does our own self-righteous flesh get in the way of all we are meant to be in Christ?  Christ alone is our confidence.

With Christ as our example and the Holy Spirit as our aid, we should now shine like stars in this world, holding out the Word of Life in our own generation.