Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Sunday, March 26, 2006

We began our study of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) Sunday. Tracy M. taught us from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. At the time that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, the eyewitnesses were living, so their testimony was verifiable! What "Scripture" do you think Paul was referring to in verses 3-4?

Next week, Rob M. will continue the study in 1 Corinthians 15 by teaching us from verses 12-19.

Also, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper at the home of Jeff and Joanne T. Don't forget Paul's instructions for the gathering at the Lord's Table in 1 Corinthians 11:17-24. Since we desire to be a body that comes together for the better and not for the worse, let us examine ourselves, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Monday, March 20, 2006

Spiritual Gifts and the Meeting of the Church

We finished studying 1 Corinthians 12-14 on Sunday, March 19, 2006. For six weeks we examined spiritual gifts and their use within the meeting of the church. Here are some of the important conclusions:
  • Spiritual gifts are given by the will of the Holy Spirit.
  • Spiritual gifts should be used to benefit others (not the one using the gift).
  • All believers and their gifts are important to the body of Christ.
  • Love must motivate the exercise of every spiritual gift.
  • Spiritual gifts should be exercised in the meeting of the church only if the church will be edified.
  • All believers should participate in the meeting of the church.
What do you expect when you gather together with the body of Christ? Do you expect to be entertained? Do you expect others to use their gifts to serve you? Do you expect God to only work through the "leaders" of the church?

Paul says that when we gather with the church, each one should expect the Holy Spirit to work through them in order to edify (build up, bring to maturity) the church.