Corinthian Controversies: The Final One
The Final controversy Paul addresses in his first letter shouldn’t be controversial for believers. Paul begins, “Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I…
Year: 2024
What Happened to Matthew 18:11?
Recently, a friend discovered that Matthew 18:11 is missing from modern English versions. That verse is in the King James Version: “For the Son of man is come to save…
Corinthian Controversies: Tongues and Prophecy
In Paul’s list of nine spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), two top the rest on the controversy scale. We’re good with words of wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of spirits. Faith,…
Are We There Yet?
Are we there yet? How many times have we said or heard that phrase? The cliché occurrence is a child going with their parents to someplace special. But how often…
Corinthian Controversies: Pursue Love
The bride was radiant. The groom was resplendent. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes as the minister read this familiar passage. “If I speak with the tongues of mankind…
Corinthian Controversies: A Different Unity
Why does our body have an appendix? It doesn’t seem to do anything. Unlike our other organs, it has no grand function. Yet it exists and can cause serious problems…
Corinthian Controversies: Spiritual Gifts
It’s all good in sports until the referee or umpire makes a bad call. Tempers flare, dust flies, and people are ejected from the game. That’s nearly the same scene…
Prophetic Anxiety
One central truth of following Christ is His return. Paul writes, “For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain…
Corinthian Controversies – Reboot
What is Standard Operating Procedure Number One when a piece of tech is malfunctioning? Reboot it or remove its power. I’ve given that instruction countless times with success. And sometimes,…
Going Your Own Way
The world encourages us to “go your own way” and for “you do you.” While it may seem that the rise of self is more evident these days, it’s really…
Corinthian Controversies: Hair, Respect, and Value
The first line of a NASCAR race opening ceremony is, “Would you please rise and remove your hats.” In our culture, it is a sign of respect for what follows:…
Corinthian Controversies: Freedom’s Restraint
The Christian controversy of freedom versus restraint is nothing new. The early church struggled to find the right balance. As we’ve seen in the past few weeks on these pages,…