Through the Bible for Skeptics and Seekers

In Paul’s day, the gatherings of the Corinthian church are chaos as some are getting drunk during their meals and the rich are excluding the poor. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the significance of taking the bread and wine, which symbolize the body and blood of Christ. He encourages them to do so in a worthy manner, examining themselves and recognizing the true meaning of this sacrament. The ove...

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the rebellion of the Israelites to caution them against complacency and overconfidence in their own spiritual standing. As believers, they should be careful not to engage in idolatry, sexual immorality, or grumbling against God. Paul reminds them that idols are not real and that eating food sacrificed to idols does not have any inherent spiritual significance. Howev...

Paul defends his apostleship and reminds the Corinthians that as an apostle he has the right to receive material support from the believers. However, he willingly forfeits this right to avoid causing any stumbling blocks. Paul presents various examples to illustrate the legitimacy of pastors receiving support for their work. He refers to the rights of soldiers, vineyard workers, and those who serv...

Paul addresses the issue of eating food that has been offered to idols. He begins by affirming that knowledge can make people arrogant, but love builds up. He emphasizes that love should be the guiding principle in the actions and decisions of believers. Paul acknowledges that idols have no real existence and there is only one true God. He explains that some believers, due to their former associat...

Paul addresses marriage and relationships. He acknowledges that it is good for individuals to remain unmarried if they have the gift of self-control and can devote themselves fully to serving God. However, he recognizes that not everyone has this gift and affirms the importance of marriage for those who desire it. Paul gives advice regarding marriage between believers and non-believers. Paul encou...

Paul urges the Corinthians to settle their differences among themselves within the church community rather than seeking judgment from non-believers in the courts. Paul shifts the focus to the topic of sexual immorality. He addresses the Corinthian context, where sexual promiscuity was prevalent. He stresses that sexual immorality goes against the purpose of the body, which is meant for the Lord. H...

Paul addresses a specific issue within the Corinthian church - a case of sexual immorality that has occurred among them. He recounts that a man has engaged in a relationship with his stepmother, a situation that even the surrounding pagan culture would find unacceptable. Paul expresses his concern and sorrow regarding this situation. He admonishes the Corinthians for their tolerance of such behavi...

Paul explains that he and Apollos should be seen as servants of Jesus entrusted with the responsibility of preaching the message of Jesus and caring for the church. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and accountability. The Corinthians struggled with being judgmental and critical. Paul reminds them that God alone is the true judge who will bring to light the hidden motives and intentions...

Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians as infants in their faith, unable to handle deeper spiritual teachings. He compares their spiritual immaturity to being fed with milk instead of solid food. He expresses his desire for them to grow in their faith and move beyond the elementary teachings. Paul highlights the issue of division and quarreling among the Corinthians. He addresses the factions t...

Paul acknowledges he did not rely on persuasive human wisdom or clever rhetoric to proclaim the message of Jesus. Instead, he emphasizes the simple message of Jesus Christ crucified. His intention is to let the power of God be revealed through the message, rather than relying on human eloquence. Paul highlights that the wisdom he shares is not of this world but a wisdom that comes from God. This w...

Paul expresses gratitude for the Corinthians' faith in Jesus and encourages them that they have been enriched with spiritual gifts and are not lacking in any spiritual blessing and holy in Jesus. Unfortunately, the Corinthians were divided by following different leaders and boasting about human wisdom. Paul highlights that the message of the cross of Christ is the power and wisdom of God, even...

These devotional videos are intended to help those reading the New Testament for the first time, those reading with doubts, those reading with unanswered questions, those reading along with a friend or family member they are helping, and those simply wanting to grow. To get the most of the experience, try this: Pray: "God, show me what you have for me in this passage today?" Read the cha...

At the end of his letter, Paul sends greetings and commendations on a long list of people - including several woman who were serving in prominent roles in the early church. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess from the church in Cenchreae, and asks the Roman believers to welcome her and provide any assistance she may need. This recognition of Phoebe’s leadership role indicates the value and...

Paul shares guidance on how believers should navigate differences in matters of opinion and live in harmony with one another by tackling the issue of food and drink preferences. Some believers have certain dietary restrictions or observances based on their personal convictions, while others have the freedom to eat anything. He advises believers not to judge or look down on one another based on the...

Followers of Jesus are called to submit to governing authorities and live as responsible citizens. All governing authorities are established by God and serve as instruments of His authority that are ultimately accountable to Him. The purpose of governing authorities is to maintain order, punish wrongdoing, and promote the well-being of society. We are to do what is right, follow the laws of the la...

Paul focuses on the need for mutual encouragement, the example of Christ's humility, and extending the message of Jesus to the Gentiles. He calls strong believers to bear with the failings of the weak and seek to build them up and encourages those who follow Jesus to live in harmony with one another, imitating Christ's example of selflessness and humility. Paul reminds those who follow Jes...

Those who follow Jesus should live differently. As living sacrifices to God, surrendering our lives and dedicating ourselves fully to serving God and others leads to a renewed mind and personal transformation. With humility, those who follow Jesus serve others with our unique spiritual gifts like a body where each member has different functions and roles. Genuine love shows sincere affection, hono...

Paul addresses the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan. He begins by asking if God has rejected His people, referring to the Israelites. He emphatically declares that God has not rejected them, explaining that he himself is an Israelite and a follower of Jesus Christ. Paul presents the idea that there is a remnant of Israel, a faithful group chosen by God’s grace,...

Paul addresses the theme of salvation and the role of faith in a person's relationship with God and emphasizes the accessibility of salvation and the importance of following Jesus. Paul expresses his deep desire for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. He explains that salvation comes through faith in Jesus who is the fulfillment of God's righteousness and through whom both Jews and Gen...

The apostle Paul addresses the issue of God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of salvation. He begins by expressing his deep concern and sorrow for his fellow Israelites, who have not fully embraced the message of Jesus as the Messiah. Paul explains that the promises and blessings given to the Israelites are significant and that God's faithfulness to His covenant with t...

Paul begins by stating that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This means that through faith in Jesus, believers are forgiven of their sins and are no longer under the guilt and judgment that sin brings. Instead, they have been set free. Paul then introduces the concept of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers. He explains that the Spirit helps believers live accord...

The apostle Paul discusses the struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit. He begins by explaining that the law of Moses, which includes the Ten Commandments, is good and holy, but it reveals the presence of sin within us. Paul shares his own personal struggle with sin, acknowledging that even though he desires to do what is good, he often finds himself doing what he d...

The apostle Paul addresses the concept of how believers should understand their relationship with sin and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Paul begins by asking the question, “Should we continue sinning so that grace may increase?” He emphatically answers, “No!” and explains why. Paul explains that when a person chooses to follow Jesus and is baptized, they are united with Him in His deat...

Since we’ve been made right with God through faith, we experience peace with God through Jesus who gives us access to God’s unconditional love - His grace. In a relationship with God, we now see everything differently. For example, our suffering in life helps us learn how to persevere which helps us develop character which helps us grow to have hope. Everything is different because we now know wha...

The apostle Paul writes about Abraham from the Old Testament. Abraham lived a long time ago and is considered an important figure in the Bible. Paul explains that Abraham was justified or made right with God, not because of his good deeds, but because of his faith. Paul gives an example and explains that if someone works and earns money, their paycheck is not a gift but something they have earned....