Bible Commentary & Daily Devotional

 1 Corinthians 16 - Serve Well Sometimes it’s hard to refresh others when you don’t feel refreshed yourself.  Life is hard.  May God's word refresh you today so that you may refresh and encourage others.           This is a motivating and encouraging letter from God’s word.  It reminds us that despite the challenges of the human condition, we must press on.  You may be going through a cycle of anger to exhaustion or a feeling of futility - nothing ever changes, and the wicked seem to prosper when the godly are beaten and abused.  That often seems to be the case.  Be honest with God, and let Him how tough the battle is.  He knows already.  But tell Him.           Know this: victory comes from God; Jesus knows how much we can endure, and He will indeed bless His people (Psalm 3).  This chapter reminds us that in Christ Jesus we have every resource we need.  God made you in His image.  He loves you.  You are His prized possession.  If you know Him and love Him you are blessed beyond

  1 Corinthians 15 - Be On Guard - Stand Firm           Early morning walk, in downtown Chicago.           I was reminded this week of how much I appreciate small-town living.  I had to go to Chicago for a conference.  It is a big, busy world with millions and billions of people.  God loves each one.  He loves you.  And me.  He loves us so much that he died for our sins.  He was buried.  And he was raised from the dead on the third day.  Jesus was resurrected with a new body and seen by his followers.  All, just as the Scriptures said would happen - it was and is God’s mysterious plan (1 Corinthians 15:4).  That’s the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Remind yourself of it today; it is our only hope, our Salvation.           We must stand firm in the Good News (1 Cor. 15:2).  Wherever we go.  Chicago.  Saskatoon.  Saint Petersburg. Dallas.  Des Moines.  Wherever, stand firm in your faith in Jesus.  Some will literally be in the trenches - stand firm and trust Jesus.  Some will be

 1 Corinthians 15 - Remain in Christ          Today is a day to work enthusiastically for God. Let's remember God's promises today.  He loves you completely.  And gave His life for you and for me.  Everything we do for God is useful for His good purposes.           We all need a good reminder.  We get that in this wonderful summary chapter of the Gospel.  We must be unified in the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We must all preach and believe that same message.           And we must keep believing.  The Bible teaches that you must hear the Good News and continue to believe to be saved (15:2 and John 8:31, 2 Cor. 13:5, 1 John 2:24, 2 John 9, Colossians 1:23, Hebrews 2:1, 1 Timothy 1:19, and Jude 1:12).  Be very leery if you hear prosperity preachers saying all you need is a ticket to ride, once you have that you can do or believe whatever you, please.  It is essential to hold fast to your trust in our Savior, to endure.           Just as the Scriptures said, Christ died for our sins

 1 Corinthians 14 - God Will Bring Revival           I’ve got some great Christian friends.  They are the real deal, genuine Christians.  I’m constantly learning and encouraged by them.  They bring God up in every conversation.  They remind me that we must share with all people God’s goodness and righteousness (Psalm 145:7).  They remind me that Jesus will return when He is good and ready.  In the meantime, we get this amazing life to live - one shot to exercise self-control (Proverbs 25:28) and follow our King.           As men of God, we ignore Scripture and the plain commands of the Spirit of Christ at our peril.  Let’s face it.  Men want praise from people.  I do.  Who doesn’t want to be a bit of a big deal?  We want to be popular.  And non-offensive.  And generally acceptable to the world.  It’s kind of the Canadian way.           Jesus' men seek to please Him alone.  We recognize that His Way is different, better, harder, yet sweeter.  It is a way that makes love our highest

 1 Corinthians 14 - Pursue Gifts that Strengthen           With Meghan and Kari (Summer 1993)           This chapter says nothing about women being unable to lead in the home and the business community (as we see in Proverbs 31).  But it does make universal statements about the proper functioning of the public orderly worship gatherings of Christians.  In this passage, Paul states that Jesus commands that we obey these standards (v. 37).  So, he’s got my attention.           Many churches quote the previous chapter’s eloquent Christian distinctive of active love.  They do so at pretty much every wedding.  Yet at how many weddings do we hear preaching and unashamed adherence to 1 Cor. 11 and 1 Cor. 14?  Well, few, but some.           Here are the principles from this chapter.  Let love be your highest goal (v. 1).  Seek special abilities that will strengthen the entire church (v. 14), especially speaking forth and interpreting God’s word (v. 5).           Paul confirms that he will cont

 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 - Help Someone Today           The Bible is clear: men and women of God must be others focused - not focused on themselves.  God gifts us to help others.  Desire today to strengthen, comfort, and encourage others.  That’s our mindset.           God will give us a revelation of special knowledge, prophecy, or teaching that will help other believers.  He’ll keep our mouths shut when needed and give us just the right words to say if we seek Him and seek to be helpful.           You see, God expects us to bear fruit, to be effective, and practical.  The bugler must sound a clear call to bring God’s soldiers to battle (14:8).  Bugle clearly, for we are engaged in a spiritual war.  The gifts and spiritual abilities we seek have spiritual consequences.           Every language has meaning.  Speaking in tongues means speaking a language that has meaning (14:10).  God makes several universal Church standards in this chapter, but I think it noteworthy to reflect on what thi

 1 Corinthians 13 - Our Highest Goal is Love           God knows us completely (Psalm 139).  And yet, He still loves us.  That is love!  Jesus prays for us to share with others how much God loves them (John 17:23).  Just as He loves us, He commands us to love one another (John 13:34).           When we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit through faith in the Messiah we become new men and women.  I am not yet a perfect man, but I have the Spirit of Christ in me, a foretaste of my eternal body.  We become God’s people.  We become part of the Church, God’s family.  A people characterized by their Source, the Almighty King.  God is love.  As His people, we too will love others with supernatural love.  We even love our enemies and those hostile to the Good News of Christ.  We love because God loves and commands us to do so.           This chapter provides context and perspective to the teaching of the special abilities God gives us.  It is key to being a Christian man, a dad, a husband, and a