The Sermon ' 1corinthians 10

When we consider our reactions to others, they are inherently internalized by that individual and then projected to those they have contact with. Therefore, our ability to impact society is greater than the small handful of people that most people interact with each day. The teachings of the Bible and living to serve God provides us with a platform or a roadmap that has the power to influence many when we listen to our own personal worldview. For many of us, this comes easy. We, as humans, are kind, gracious, loving and supportive individuals. However, when we stir in life’s challenges such as: work, balancing schedules, caring for small children or aging parents, financial circumstances and other unforeseen obstacles, our behaviors are undoubtedly put to the test. What we, as followers of God, often do not realize is that these life challenges are secret or hidden opportunities. They are opportunities to show others how one can rise above our impulses of frustration or lack of patience. When we demonstrate this behavior, it is contagious. Others that spiral from this radius will feel the same goodness and strive to do the same. Maybe we are waiting in the long grocery store line, while risking picking up our children at daycare, and still need to stop for gas. Or maybe colleagues/bosses are putting our

The apostle Matthew was a tax collector prior to being called to serve Jesus Christ. Matthew gave up the life he had, all the wealth and prestige because he knew he needed to follow Him. Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s table. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” He was a witness to the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus. A good example of this is the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5-7. Matthew has the largest sections dealing with Jesus’s teachings. In his book, Matthew constantly refers back to the Old Testament to focus on Jesus and how He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in order to specifically relay the important message

God is a relational being and we, as humans, are made in His image, thus we are relational as well. Our stories and God’s bigger story are woven together in a way that allows us to live out our calling - ultimately allowing us to create our own story that relates to God’s. With use of the rituals, ceremonies, gestures, and Tradition, we are able to craft a life that relates to the plan God possesses for us.

Paul continues to instruct Christians in how they should live. He begins by stating that Christians should respect and honor the governing authorities because they have been appointed by God. Also, Paul commands us to love one another. As he explains, all of the other commandments will be fulfilled by loving our neighbor. Therefore, “love is the fulfilling of the law” (13:10). Finally, Paul urges Christians to live in preparation for the day that Christ returns. Constantly fighting sin, we must put on the mindset and character of Jesus Christ, in preparation for that day.

Drinking and drinking is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. God made humans in a splitting image of Himself. Anything we do to harm our body, or do something unholy not only hurts ourselves, but it hurts our Lord. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

1st Corinthians 5 speaks of an incestuous relationship between a son or daughter and their

Chapter sixteen of 1 Corinthians is a freshener of countless items. There appear to be a few final issues with which Paul wishes to deal. Two of these include the collection for the Jerusalem church and the return of Apollos to Corinth. The second part of verse six may be seen as an attempt to meet the Corinthian desire to give Paul some financial support. He will not accept support for preaching there or an offer of investment that would make him someone’s in-

The Sermon on the Mount was very important in the Gospels because Jesus was basically describing how to live a righteous life. The sermon was about love in our hearts, and to be careful not to harshly judge others. I can imagine, just like it is for most people today, that it was hard for the average person to hear and accept what Jesus was saying. Back then, just like today, people will have a hard time trying to love and pray for their enemies or even themselves. It was probably especially harder for the people of Jesus' time to do this. We now know that Jesus was real and He died for our sins. We can see a more clear picture of God through the Holy Spirit that was left with us to comfort us after Jesus went back up to Heaven.

God desires to have a relationship with his creation. That is the ultimate essence of his mission. Through that his name is proclaimed to

Paul describes that it is in fact God’s grace that makes us righteous in Titus 2:11-14:

Following His discussion of behaviors that one needs to possess for life in the kingdom, Jesus begins talking about the influence of those within the kingdom of God. One of the principles the Bible repeatedly stresses is the absolute obligation for His people to show an example to others. The children of Israel had various laws that made them separate and unique from the people around them (cf. Deut. 14:2, 26:18). Providing a purpose behind this separation and uniqueness, God intends for the idolaters and evil people around them will see their goodness (cf. Deut. 4:6 - 8). Similarly, God expects His people today to present an example to the outside world.

All throughout the beginning of Paul's missionary journeys and after, he suffered great trials. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 Paul recounts what he went through such as imprisonments, countless beatings, and near-death experiences. Paul also struggled with sin just like a typical man. In Romans 7:15-25, Paul speaks of his inability to do what he desires, but instead he does what he hates. He aims to do good and not evil. Also in 2 Corinthians 12:7 it says, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." Paul was given abundant revelations and a thorn in the flesh. The following verse mentions that he asked God to remove it three times; however, God refused and told him that His grace is sufficient.

“Your actions and acts of kindness of integrity from the Holy Spirit of God, are integrated into your heart, mind, body and soul, so that everyone is fully aware of your intentions, identifying your input and involvement in the Kingdom of God.” ~ Jon Barnes

The passage Wanda is referencing is from 2 Corinthians 6:14a and states: “do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (English Standard Version). Most often this verse is associated with marriage, but it can stand for any kind of close alliance between a believer and non-believer (Boomberg, 1992). Paul is concerned that the Corinthian believers will turn back to idolatry if they closely associate with non-Christians. In the second half of the verse “for what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14b, ESV) he clarifies that he wants them to differentiate themselves from their former behavior and the standards deemed appropriate by their culture, but not by God (Boomberg,

“4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God 's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone 's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus ' sake.6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”