Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 16:5-24 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

We began our study of 1Corinthians in November of 2013, today we bring our

study of this letter to a close.

In these last 20 verses, Paul speaks of his traveling plans, mentioning certain

situations and people; and through these we gain insight into Paul’s deep love of

serving the Lord and his deep love for the people of God.

Read verses 5-9… Paul has a definite plan, but within that plan he leaves plenty

of room for the Lord to both direct his steps and provide for his journey.

Paul could have rushed off to Corinth because of the conflict that was going on

there, but he doesn’t. His work in Ephesus was going well and He did not want to

leave until his work was completed.

Paul wanted to come to Corinth when he could spend a significant amount of

time with the believers there, in order to be able to care for them sufficiently.

It is prudent for all of us to plan ahead, in reference to caring for ourselves and

those we love. And as important as that is, I want to direct your thinking to your

own service to God, to knowing and growing in His Word.

Are you intentional and systematic about maturing in Christ and serving the

Lord, or are you just winging it, taking things as they come, hoping spiritual growth

will happen on its own, without a proper diet, ex ercise, rest?

Do you have a plan for becoming more intimate with God through a daily time of

prayer and Bible reading; how about your brothers and sisters in Christ, are you

engaged in a small group for prayer and Bible study?

Do you have time with the Lord before you engage your day? Do you plan your

calendar around time with God and God’s people? Is that a priority for you?

Are you seeking opportunities to serve the Lord, or are you too busy with other

things?

Are you learning how to better explain and defend your faith? How to share

your faith with others?

If you have kids in the home, or opportunities with grand children, are you

instructing them, modeling the things of God? Or are you leaving it to them “to

decide for themselves” what they know and believe about God?

A haphazard approach to spiritual growth may result in a weak, malnourished,

even disabled Christian life.

In the passage today we see that even though Paul is making plans, he leaves

room for God to change them, for Paul understood that the best laid plans of men

are sometimes very self-centered and short-sighted.

Have you noticed that some of the best opportunities we have to serve the Lord

come to us as interruptions.

An unplanned conversation at the Post Office or store.

The unexpected confession of a friend in trouble.

A stranger who asks about the symbol on your shirt.

Or perhaps the person whom you ask, “How are you?” answers, “Not so good,

do you have a minute?”

We must always be sensitive to the Lord’s leading in our lives, after all, we work

for Him, and our desire, like Paul’s, should be to serve God in whatever way He

calls us, at the same time caring for others (James 4:13-15; Ephesians

4:32-5:2; Colossians 3:17, 23-24).

Life is filled with opportunities for us to serve the Lord, one another, and anyone

who is in need; we all have the same amount of time in a day, but we use it

differently.

Are you giving more time to your self-indulgences than you are to God, God’s

Word, and God’s people?

Read Verses 10-12… Paul speaks of Timothy who came to faith in Christ through

Paul (1Timothy 1:2-5) and was set apart as pastor in Ephesus. Timothy’s mother

was a Jew and his father a Greek, here Paul tells the Corinthians to be kind to him

and accept him as a servant of Christ.

Paul speaks of Apollos, a Jewish convert who was a bold and learned man

(1Corinthians 1:22; 3:4-6, 22;4:6 ) well respected by Paul, and although Paul

desired him to go along to Corinth with Timothy and the others, Apollos wanted to

stay in Ephesus for now, and go later.

Read verses 15-18… Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, were the first converts

from the region of Achaia (1:16); they came to visit Paul, and encouraged him.

Paul says these men are to be appreciated and respected.

Read verses 19-24… Paul signs off by sending a greeting from Aquila and

Priscilla, who Paul had originally met in Corinth; they were tentmakers like Paul,

and in fact, had moved to Ephesus, where Paul most likely lived with them during

the three years he was there, holding church in their home. This couple also taught

Apollos when he was there in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28).

Read verses 13-14… Paul’s challenge and exhortation is very clear, he says we

should be “on guard and stand firm in the faith,” like a soldier on duty to protect

and serve, who must stay alert and stand his ground.

As Christians, it is easy to get distracted by other things, to let down our guard

(Proverbs 4:23), “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

What must we guard against? False doctrine, fear, apathy. Lies are promoted in

the church, on television, in movies, on talk shows, in popular books and music, in

our schools, our government, and our culture.

False doctrine can be so subtle that the only way to recognize it is by spending

time in God’s Word and knowing what God says (Colossians 2:8-10).

We must be on guard against fear, intimidation, and exclusion, leading to

apathy; Paul says, be courageous, refuse to be marginalized and bullied by the

media and the culture, “be strong” against the constant exposure to immorality,

lies, and pressure to compromise our faith.

Everything we do should honor the Lord: the way we work, raise our kids, spend

our money, the hobbies and entertainment we enjoy.

When our Christianity starts being dictated to or altered by social, cultural or

political pressures, we better wake up, get up, and do something about it.

If you are giving most of your attention to earthly necessities, enjoyments, and

pursuits, you will be stunted spiritually, and you will not have much to give back to

God (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:10; 2Peter 1:3-8).

Think about it? What are you doing to grow stronger in God’s Word and to

become more intimate with God? What are you doing for God’s Church? God’s

Kingdom? Perhaps it is time for you to give more attention to the things that have

eternal value: prayer, study, service?

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior and confessed Him as

Lord, that is the very first step (Romans 10:9-10, 13). No one is good enough to

go to heaven, that is why God sent His Son, to pay the penalty for our sins, that we

might be made acceptable to God through Christ’s sovereign death and

resurrection.

God loves us so much He made a way for us to know Him, to love Him, to honor

and obey Him, and to live with Him in heaven forever (1John 5:1-5, 11-13).

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

Read verses 1-4… Paul references “the collection” [the gathering of offerings] from God’s people, for God’s people, for he has already instructed on this subject.

In fact, Paul says this is to be done in the same way that he instructed the Galatians, i.e., on the first day of the week [Sunday], each person is to present a portion of their income by setting it aside, so that when it is needed it is accessible and can be used.

The point is, each person is to give a portion of their income to the church, and those offerings are received when the church comes together, on Sundays. The offerings are then put away in safe keeping, where they can be accessed when needed.

In this case, Paul says, they will be used to help the believers in Jerusalem; in fact, Paul may go along with those who are designated to present this monetary gift to the church in Jerusalem.

Notice several things from this passage:

1. Paul calls this gathering of offerings “the collection for God’s people.” The reason being, these financial gifts will be used to help the believers in the Jerusalem church who are in need. (Macedonia, Achaia and Galatia had already taken a collection)

2. This collection is to take place on the first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord’s Day.

3. All believers are to give a portion of their income, giving back to God from what He has already given us (James 1:17), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.”

4. The collection of our offerings is to be kept ready and accessible, so they can be used when they are needed.

Where did the Tithe originate? Genesis 14:18-20 records that Abraham gave a tithe [a tenth] of his possessions to Melchizedek, a priest of “God Most High.” Genesis 28:20-22 records that Jacob made a vow, that if God would watch over him on his journey, he would forever give back to God a tenth of all that God gives him.

Abraham and Jacob lived 500-600 years before Moses was even born, and so, the principle of the tithe predates even the Law of Moses. The OT pattern of the tithe (one tenth), was an integral part of the social and religious system of Israel, it provided finances for the upkeep of the place of worship, for the support of those who carried out the religious ceremonies and services, and it also provided for the needs of the poor and the oppressed among the Israelites.

Israel was a theocracy [a system of government by God’s Law, overseen by those men selected by God to serve Him, i.e., through the Levitical Priesthood].

God imposed several yearly tithes and taxes, which amounted to about 25% of the income and produce of the Israelites; this was used to operate the nation of Israel (Exodus 23:10-11; Numbers 18:21; Leviticus 19:9-10; 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:12-15).

Apart from that which was used to fund and operate the nation, all other giving in the OT was voluntary, with no required percentage or amount demanded by God (Exodus 25:2; 1Chronicles 29:9), but instead, each person was to give what was in their heart to give.

NT believers (that would be us) are not commanded in Scripture to tithe to the church; but we are required by God to pay taxes to our government (which about equal, in percentage, what the Israelites were required to pay to the theocratic government that ruled over them (Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:1-7).

The NT church’s social & religious system, & structure, is quite different from that of Israel. Our relationship to God is based on our personal belief in Him, not our blood line, ancestral heritage, or religious practice.

Titus 2:13-14, “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [who] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,eager to do what is good.”

Galatians 3:25-29, “Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

We are not under the Law or rituals or covenants or ordinances, for none of these bring us into or maintain our relationship with God.

Colossians 2:16-17, Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”`

Paul says (1Corinthians 16:2), “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”

When the church was first birthed there were no church buildings to maintain, believers met in homes, and although there was no set amount or percentage required, Christians were instructed to set aside a portion of their income, in a pattern of systematic giving.

Offerings were received and used for several purposes: 1. To support those in full-time local church ministry

(see 1Corinthians 9:13-14; 1Timothy 5:17-18).

2. To care for believers who cannot meet their own basic needs: adults, children, widows, orphans. (James 1:27), “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” (1Corinthians 16:3-4), these special offerings are going to poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem from the Greek believers in Corinth. (Galatians 6:

Share with God’s people who

are in need.”

3. To aid fellow missionaries in other places who are serving to reach those who belong to the family of God

(See 1Corinthians 9:4-12a).
Our giving to God, to the work of God’s church, and to God’s people in need, is

to be done out of an overflowing thankfulness to God (see 2Corinthians 9:6-15).

As Christians, we are not required or bound to give a tenth of our income, we are not commanded to tithe. What we are to do is to give generously, because God has so mercifully, graciously and abundantly given to us; in fact, 2Peter 1:3 says God has, “given us everything we need for life (bio, biological life) and godliness (zoë, spiritual life) through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness,” and Philippians 4:19 promises us that, “God will meet all [our] needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

No wonder Paul proclaims (2Corinthians 9:15), “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Let us therefore, give generously back to God!

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

The Hymn “Because He Lives” has a wonderful refrain:

Because He lives I can face tomorrow. Because He lives all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives.

Think about that! Because Jesus lives, we can have a better life now. Because Jesus lives, we have eternal life. Because Jesus lives, we will see our departed loved ones who also belong to Him.

Jesus Christ provides hope for today and tomorrow. Christianity is much more than just waiting around to die in order to go someplace better.

Paul is describing the difference between the bodies we are in now, and the resurrection bodies we will be given for Heaven. This is indeed a “mystery,” i.e., “the secret counsel,” the “hidden message of God,” something unknown until the Lord revealed it to Paul.

Our bodies are mortal and are not designed for Heaven; so, for those who are going to heaven, our bodies must be changed! That is what Paul says is saying (vv. 35-49), that although we die, we will be raised in a body like Christ was, a new and perfect body.

Death is a door of hope for those who know the Lord, allowing the spirit to be free from the prison of this body to await the day when the body is resurrected from the grave or changed in flight as we ascend into heaven, as did Jesus.

Verses 50-53… Paul reveals the truth that some of the Lord’s people will not have to pass through the door of death, but that they will be “changed,” “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye,” (1Thessalonians 4:16-17).

When that moment comes, Jesus will call His redeemed people home to be with Him- the dead will rise first in their resurrection bodies; the living will then be instantly changed, and we all will go up together to meet the Lord Jesus in the clouds. This great “mystery” was revealed to the believers in the New Testament.

The word “flash” (v. 52, NIV) is rendered “moment” (NASB), from the word from which we get “atom,” referring to “something that is indivisible.” And so this speaks of the “smallest amount of time imaginable.”

The word “twinkling” was often used to refer to “the flap of a wing; the buzz of a gnat; or the twinkling of a star.” Note: Scientists have estimated that a blink of the eye takes place in 1/30th of a second. A twinkle of the eye takes place in 1/10,000th of a second.

In other words, when Jesus comes for us, it will be instantaneous; it will not be a process, but will happen so fast it will be over before we even know it started! One moment we are here and the next we are gone! It makes no difference whether we are dead in the grave or alive on the earth; all of God’s people will be taken away suddenly! That is why Jesus said (Matthew 24:44), “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Notice, verse 51 uses the words “we” and “all” – referring to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Only those who trust in Christ will be given their heaven suits, i.e., Jesus is coming for those who have been “born again,” (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7, 16-18). If that doesn’t describe you, then you need to get right with God, right now, through His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Those who are left behind at the Rapture won’t even realize what has happened, but they will remain in their lost, without Jesus. Those are left behind, will enter the Great Tribulation, where they will experience the closest thing to Hell on earth before they die and go to Hell for all eternity.

That is not a happy thought, but it is the truth (Hebrews 9:27), “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” If you have never trusted in Jesus, do it now, make sure you are ready for His return!

God says there is coming a day when those who died in faith (v. 52), “shall be raised imperishable [incorruptible].” They may have died of old age, or from cancer, or in a fire, or plane crash, but they will be raised with a body that can’t get sick or die. Your loved ones are not gone forever if they belonged to Jesus, for He will bring them back to life by glorifying their bodies and you will see them again!

Paul says “we will be changed,” meaning “one thing will cease and another will begin,” one minute we are here, the next we are there,for we are going to “put on” a new redeemed body and a new life.

The last sound we will hear before this happens will be the sound of God’s trumpet, calling us up to meet Him! No wonder John writes (Revelation 22:20), “Come Lord Jesus!”
Verses 54-57… Our greatest enemies will be defeated: death and the grave, sin and the Law. The Bible says “the sting of death is sin,and the power of sin is the law.” But, in Jesus, we have victory over sin, death, the grave, and the Law.

Sin devastates our lives and dooms us to Hell, it separates us from the Lord and corrupts every part of our lives, but in Jesus, sin is defeated! For although the law shows us that we are sinners, revealing our true nature as lawbreakers, in Jesus the Law is fulfilled and we are free from accusation (Romans 3:21-26; 6:23).

To those in Jesus, there is no longer any power in sin, death, the grave, or the Law, for we have victory in Jesus, and (Romans 8:1), “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

God’s Son came to this world, put on the flesh of Jesus, lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and rose from the dead on the third day, just like He said He was going to do (Matthew 16:21), “Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

When the Lamb of God suffered death on the cross and then rose from the grave, death was no longer a threat to those who trust in Christ (John 11:25-26), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die,” (2Corinthians 5:1-5).

Jesus came to this world as the Son of Man, although He was the Son of God. He perfectly kept the Law, not failing at one point, and so He fulfilled the Law, destroyed sins power, and saved all who will believe in Him.

Verse 58… Because of all that Jesus did for us, we are to take our stand for Him, to live our lives for Him, refusing to be minimized or marginalized from speaking out for Him, or moved from where He wants us to be.

For you see, this world is not all there is for us. We have a special purpose, and we have God’s provisions to accomplish what He wants us to do.

We are here to bear fruit for the Lord, for it is Him working through us (John 15:5, 8), “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

As we yield to Him, He will live through us, as we honor Him, He is glorified and His will is done (Ephesians 2:10), “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Paul is saying that to live for Jesus is our purpose. Christ has conquered all our enemies through His own death and resurrection; therefore, we need not fear the Law or sin, or death or the grave, for we have a risen Savior, through whom we have received forgiveness for sins and eternal life.

You see, the good news is that Christ was victorious on the cross, and out of the tomb, and therefore we can give ourselves fully to His work, allowing Him to live through us (Galatians 2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

We will receive resurrection bodies in the presence of the Lord, along with all our loved ones who have died in the Lord, and we will enjoy a new heaven, a new earth, and a new universe forever, never again will there be death, disease, or pain.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Peter said it so well (1Peter 1:3-5), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord

Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

Sermon Notes Available soon

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 2015 29-34 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

One of the greatest motives for believing in Christ is the resurrection, through which we have the hope of salvation now and forever through Jesus, the Savior. Verse 29… This is perhaps one of the most difficult and/or ambiguous passages in the New Testament. We will explore some of the proposed meanings of this verse, but first, I want to make it very clear what this verse does not teach: this verse absolutely does not teach vicarious or proxy baptism (as practiced by Mormons), through which a living person is baptized on behalf of a dead person.

Mormon “apostle” Bruce McConkie said, “…the Lord has ordained baptism for the dead as the means whereby all his worthy children of all ages can become heirs of salvation in his kingdom (Mormon Doctrine, p. 73).

This practice takes place in every active Mormon Temple, whereby a Mormon convert assumes the name of a dead person and is baptized on their behalf, quoting 1Corinthians 15:29 as the prooftext for this practice; which, but the way, is a clear misinterpretation of this text, more than that it is heresy!

We can’t save ourselves by baptism, let alone can we save anyone else, whether they are alive or dead!
Hebrews 9:27, “a man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” (Death ends all opportunity for the salvation of those who reject Christ ) Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Baptism is an act of obedience through which one who trusts in Christ, proclaims allegiance to Him. Baptism doesn’t save us, it is our public testimony confessing Christ as Lord and Savior.

When a believer and follower of Christ is baptized, they identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus, for they have confessed Him as Lord and Savior. Romans 6:3-5, “don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his

resurrection.”
In 1Corinthians 15, Paul proclaims, verifies, and defends the resurrection; first,

that of Jesus Christ from the dead, then, all those who belong to Him throughout the ages, from the beginning of time to its end.

Throughout chapter 15, Paul clearly proclaims and testifies to the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ:

• Many eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection (vv. 5-8)
• If there is no resurrection, Christ is still in the grave, the Bible’s teaching on salvation is false, our faith is in vain, and we are totally without hope (vv. 13-18) • (vv. 19-28) Christ has been raised, the “firstfruits” of all who will be raised to life, for through His resurrection He conquered death, not just for Himself, but for all who trust in Him (the Church, Tribulation Saints, OT Saints); those who reject Christ (unbelievers) are also resurrected, but this is to Judgment, the Second Death.
John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”

For those of us who belong to the Lord, physical death is not the end, and the grave is not our final resting place.

In 1Corinthians 15:29, Paul is in no way insinuating that a living person can be baptized for one who has died; that would go against all Paul’s teachings on baptism.

Consider the Greek word translated for, i.e., “Baptized for the dead,” it could also be rendered “because of.”

Paul seems to be saying people were being saved because of the witness of believers who had died; it is not uncommon for a person to come to Christ because of the testimony of a follower of Christ, perhaps one who died, nevertheless, they were influential in the life of one who then later came to acknowledge Christ as Lord.
1Peter 2:11, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

It is very possible for an unbeliever to be drawn to the Savior after losing a loved one who openly trusted in Christ; unbelieving spouses and children, have committed themselves to Christ after the death of a loved one.

The hope for life after death, not to mention that of being reunited with a loved one, is strong, whether a believer or unbeliever; it was this hope that encouraged David after the death of his son (2Samuel 12:23), “But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Verses 30-32… Whether or not Paul fought literal wild beasts, we don’t know; but we do know he stood before magistrates, governors, and kings, many times being stoned, beaten, chained, jailed, robbed, shipwrecked, without food, without clothing, without shelter. All of this happened because Paul believed in, proclaimed, and wholeheartedly served Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.

Paul is saying, if there is no resurrection for believers, why put yourself in danger daily, let alone hourly? Why suffer for Christ’s sake? If He is still in the grave, He did not conquer death, and we might as well live it up now, i.e., “eat, drink, and be merry,” for that is all there is!

But the Lord is not just alive, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with authority over sin, salvation, life, death, eternal punishment and eternal reward. Revelation 1:8, ”I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 17b-18, “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 22:12, ”Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
Verses 33-34… Paul warns us not to be deceived or influenced by those who reject the resurrection of Christ; they are “bad company” (evil associations) who promote bad theology that eventually corrupts good character.

The hope of the resurrection encourages us to obey God’s Word and to live for the Lord, without it we have no incentive to live holy lives or to proclaim the gospel. Paul is saying, those who know the truth of the resurrection should be leading

“those who are ignorant of God,” into a true knowledge and relationship with God; instead, these believers were allowing unbelievers and heretics to lead them into immorality and godlessness.

Notice (v. 34), “I say this to your shame,” i.e., stop sinning, live for Christ, serve Him by proclaiming the truth that He died and rose again. We who believe in Him will live with Him in heaven forever, and so, we are to live for Him while we are on this earth knowing, obeying and !
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Hebrews 1:3, After he [God’s Son, Jesus Christ] had provided purification for sins [taking our penalty on the cross], he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven [He was raised to life, appeared to many, then ascended back into heaven to receive glory and honor].
Hebrews 12:2-4, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

Last week we looked at the testimony of witnesses of Christ’s resurrection; and because Christ was raised, so we also can expect to be raised with Him. But, if there was no resurrection, we are wasting our time with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Verses 12-15… In verse 12 the construction of the sentence is such that, it is making the point that Jesus has indeed been raised, and He being a Son of Man; therefore, the resurrection of the Son’s (and daughters) of men, i.e., humans, is most certainly possible.

Remember, when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after His crucifixion (Luke 24:39-43), He made a point of having them touch Him, saying He was not just a spirit, but that He had flesh and bones, and in fact asked them for something to eat and He ate it in their presence.

Peter’s message at Pentecost (Acts 2:22-23) makes it very clear that Jesus was a “man,” and that He was put to death; Peter also proclaims (Acts 2:32) the resurrection of this Jesus was evidenced by the witness of many.

At the beginning of great book of Romans, Paul makes it very clear concerning the humanity and divinity, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-4).

The apostle John also made clear the humanity, divinity, death, and resurrection of Christ.

2John 7, “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”

Revelation 1:8, ”I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 17b-18, “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Jesus conquered sin, death, judgement, and hell; this could not have been done apart from the resurrection! And so, to preach a Christ who is still in the grave, would be to present an gospel without salvation, for there would be no hope of forgiveness for sins, and no hope for eternal life. Christianity would be impotent, a sham.

Verses 16-19… If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave, neither will any of us, and not only that, but what about the long history of those who have trusted in Christ, the Hall of Heroes (Hebrews 11)?

If no resurrection, we have all believed in vain, in fact all those who lived for Christ throughout the ages, did so for nothing. And we have no reason to come together, to study the Bible, to pray, to worship, to serve the Lord, to encourage one another, or to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who will listen.

But, that is not the case: Jesus is indeed alive, and He has provided both forgiveness for sins and eternal life, for He is (John 14:6), “The way and the truth and the life,” and the only way to become acceptable to a Holy God, and the only way to get into heaven, is by believing in and confessing Jesus as Lord & Savior.

Verses 20-23… Christ is the “first” fruits of those who have died – meaning, there will be more “fruit” after Him; just as He was raised, so we, and all those who believed in Him, will also be raised to new life.

Notice in verse 22, through Adam death came to all of humankind, because of sin; but through Christ life comes to all who believe (Romans 5:12), “sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men.”

Romans 5:17-19, “by the trespass [sin] of the one man [Adam], death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. The result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Spiritual life is granted by Christ (John 11:25-26), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Christ was raised first, then all those who belong to Him will be raised. When will that happen?

First, the resurrection of the Church, Pre-Tribulation:

1Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Second, the resurrection of Tribulation saints:

Revelation 20:4, “And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

OT saints are also resurrected Post-Tribulation:

Daniel 12:1-2, “There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Verses 24-28… Christ will deliver the world back to God the way it was intended to be, after every enemy of God is conquered and abolished; not until after the Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom, and the White Throne Judgement.

There is also to be a resurrection of the unbelieving, the unrighteous, those who are not saved through Christ.

Revelation 20:7-15 tells us that after the Tribulation Period and the Millennial Kingdom there is a last rebellion, at which time the devil is cast into the lake of fire, after which all those who rejected God will be cast into hell.

Revelation 21:8 tells us, “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

The final enemy of God and man is death (Hebrews 9:27), but death, along with everything that displeases of opposes God, will be abolished; for through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all dominion, authority and power is conquered by and subjected to God, in order that “God [the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit] may be everything to every one,” finally revealing the mystery of the Trinity of God (Ephesians 4:6), “who is over all and through all and in all.”

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 14:20-40 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

*Note… Video is slightly out of focus (actually, it’s focused on the pulpit by mistake). This will not be an ongoing problem.

Read verses 20-22… Clearly, prophecy is given to teach and instruct believers, prophecy is not a sign, but is a gift that edifies the Church! Tongues on the other hand was a sign to the unbelieving Jews, it was a judgement upon Israel.

About 1500 B.C. God warned Israel (Deuteronomy 28:49), “The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand.”

Around 700 B.C., through Isaiah (28:11-12), God warned that “with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people [Israel], …but they [will] not listen.”

About 100 years later (600 B.C.) God again warned Israel (Jeremiah 5:15), “‘O house of Israel,’ declares the LORD, ‘I am bringing a distant nation against you– an ancient and enduring nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you do not understand.’”

So, judgement was declared on Israel through the tongues (or languages) of foreigners (Gentile languages); at Pentecost, there were Jews from many countries present; in fact, 15 different dialects are mentioned in Acts 2:7-11.

God’s judgement on this people was proclaimed by Peter (Acts 2:22-23), holding them responsible for the murder of God’s Son, in 70 A.D. God used Rome to bring a disastrous judgment upon Israel: Jerusalem was destroyed, 1,100,000 Jews were slaughtered, the Temple was desecrated and robbed of all its gold and silver.

Israel had been the one and only nation set apart by God for His own glory and honor. But tongues announced to the Jews that God would no longer favor one nation, people, or language above another.

Tongues proclaimed judgment on unbelieving Israel, it was a sign that God would now welcome, bless, and have relationship with individuals from every nation, people, and language who (Acts 10:35), “fear Him and do what is right.”

Read verses 23-25… Again, more sarcasm from Paul. Yes, tongues was a gift through which a real language unknown to the speaker was spoken by him and there must be at least one present who understands the language and can interpret it.

Tongues-speaking was a means by which the message of God could quickly spread from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth – from the Hebrews to the Gentiles the message of God was spread.

However, Paul says, concerning the speaking of tongues during times of worship, it is unprofitable, for anyone coming in would think the people are out of their minds; where as, prophecy given in intelligible language, would bring conviction, by God’s Spirit, so a person would repent, believe, and worship God (John 14:6; 16:8-9).

Read verses 26-28… Worship is to be honoring to the Lord and edifying [lit. housebuilding] to His people, i.e., to encourage, equip, exhort, nurture, and mature the body of Christ. But the Corinthians’ worship assembly was carnal and self-centered, everyone chiding in with a Scripture, a teaching, a new revelation, or a message in a tongue— it was total chaos.

And yet, Paul’s instruction was very clear concerning tongues: one person at a time, a total of three speakers max, each tongue to be interpreted by one gifted person within the

church; in fact, if there is no interpreter there was to not be any tongues-speaking; and if someone was compelled to speak in a tongue without an interpreter, he was to remain silent and just talk to God in prayer.

Read verses 29-33a… Paul says, at most there are to be three prophets, speaking one by one, and there is to be accountability in that the message given by a prophet is to be authenticated by the other prophets, for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

Read verses 33b-35… Without getting to sidetracked, let’s look first at what God is not saying here. He isn’t saying women can’t talk in church, the word “speak” has to do with teaching, leadership, exhibiting authority in the church, i.e., (v. 26), “when you come together,” or when you assemble, this is talking about the structure of church leadership.

Last August we studied chapter 11 in 1Corinthians, on the subject of “headship,” and if you missed that you may want to check those lessons on our website.

God is clear concerning headship in the home.
Ephesians 5:22-23, “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is

the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.” God is clear concerning headship in the Church.

1Timothy 2:11-14, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.”

God is clear concerning headship in society:
1Corinthians 11:3, “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and

the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

Paul says, it is shameful, improper, for a woman to “speak” in church, i.e., to lead or to teach, neither are they to ask questions in a disruptive way, but instead they should ask their husbands at home. This implies that men should be well versed in the Word of God – in a perfect world maybe – but because many men do not have a good understanding of the Scriptures , neither do they lead responsibly, in their homes; this can lead women to rebel, even to attempting to take a man’s role as head.

God is not saying that women aren’t gifted to be good teachers or leaders, but in the church they are not to exercise authority over men.

Read verses 36-38… Many Corinthian believers, both male and female did not agree with Paul on this topic; note Paul’s sarcasm (v. 36).

Paul is very confident of his authority as an apostle of God (v. 37), “what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” Paul’s teachings are not up for debate, they are God’s Word and no believer has the authority to ignore, alter, overrule, disregard, or disobey God’s sovereign and authoritative Word.

Paul makes it clear concerning the role of women, in reference to tongues, prophecy, teaching, and leadership, in the church (v. 38), to the point that anyone in the church who rejects or fails to recognize God’s authority in Paul’s teaching, is to be disregarded, i.e., ay one who rejects Paul’s teaching rejects God’s teaching, and so, they cannot serve in the church, for they have disqualified themselves as teachers and leaders and are therefore to be considered ineligible!

Read verses 39-40… The biblical and legitimate use of the gift of tongues was to be allowed in the churches, at least, until such a time as tongues would cease, which probably happened, in my opinion, sometime after 70 A.D. and before 96 A.D.

However, the much more important and greater gift of prophecy, which, by the way has not ceased, should be strongly desired and promoted, for it edifies believers by building them up and equipping them to both know God’s Word and to do God’s Will.

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Ephesians 4:11-16, “It was He [Jesus Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-22 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

*Note: There will not be any video posted for this week.

Read verses 1-22. Paul’s focus in Chapter 14 seems to be to correct the abuse and misuse of spiritual gifts, specifically, the gift of tongues. Paul does not forbid the use of genuine tongues, but he lays out God’s priority, purpose and the acceptable practice of tongues; while making it clear that prophecy is much more important because it edifies the church.

Paul says spiritual gifts should always be used in a way that transforms and trains our minds, so as to conform to the Word and the Will of God (v. 19), “I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Read 14:1-4… When Paul uses the word “tongue” (singular), he is speaking of the false gift associated with pagan practices that involved ecstatic speech, where by a person was said to be talking to a god or a spirit, found in verses 4, 13, 14, 19. Read 14:5-6… When Paul uses the word “tongues” (plural), he is talking of the genuine gift given by the Holy Spirit, by which a person is able to speak a language that is unknown to him, found in verses 5, 6, 18, 22.

Even the true gift of “tongues,” in reference to its benefit to the church, the body of Christ, pales in comparison to the gift of prophecy, for prophecy proclaims the wonder, the wisdom, and the will of God in order to edify and build up those in the church.

The gift of “tongues,” was the ability to speak real languages, known languages, not some garbled gibberish or some private prayer language or some god or angel language (See Acts 2:2-8).

In 1Corinthians 14:9-10, Paul writes, “Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Sounds and utterances without meaning are of no use, whatsoever. There are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.” Paul is advocating intelligent communication expressed through known languages that can be clearly understood.

The ecstatic gibberish of the modern charismatic movement is not true biblical tongues. Paul goes on to say (v. 11), “If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me,” i.e., all true language has meaning, and if the meaning cannot be understood, if there is no translator, it sounds like useless gibberish.

Paul’s sarcasm is clear (vv. 12-13), “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. One who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret what he says,” i.e., when someone genuinely spoke in tongues, it was translated for those who heard it, otherwise it was not from God. Read verses 14-17… Everything done in the public worship service is done to glorify God and to edify God’s people, and so, the people must be able to understand the message if it is going to benefit them.

Notice how many times in these first 22 verses that Paul uses terms like understanding, edification, and the mind. Clearly, true spirituality is not something that bypasses the mind and intellect, and somehow operates mysteriously or mystically in a person’s soul,apart from their knowledge. True spirituality is being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Read verses 18-20… Paul is saying, “grow up, quit thinking only about yourselves like self-centered children, instead, you should seek to know and to obey the Scriptures,” (vv. 21-22), “In the Law it is written: ‘Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

Paul is contrasting the gift of tongues (a sign to unbelievers) with the gift of prophecy (a sign for believers). But, what is his point? I’m so glad you asked (1Corinthians 12:7-11; 14:1, 3-4, 5b).

All the recorded occurrences of “tongues” in the New Testament, were spoken in Gentile languages, never in Hebrew (Acts 2, 10, 19). Think about that for a moment – Hebrew was the language of the Jews, and Aramaic was a first-century variation of Hebrew. Every other language was considered a Gentile language.

The fact that God would reveal His word through a Gentile tongue was shocking to the Jews. At Pentecost, the disciples were not only speaking in languages that were not their own native tongues, they were proclaiming God’s word in Gentile dialects. No true son of Israel would ever do such a thing.

Jews in first-century Israel often spoke Greek, because that was the common language of commerce, some of them also spoke Latin; but when they went to the Temple, to worship, to offer sacrifices, and to pray, they spoke only in Hebrew, because it was considered to be the language of God and His people.

The gift of tongues changed all that, for tongues was used to proclaim that God’s wonderful grace was now available outside of the boundaries and the blood line of Israel, to every nation, people, tribe, and language.

For the first time ever, the works of God were revealed by God in languages other than Hebrew; this was a remarkable sign, to the unbelieving Gentile hearers, but also to the unbelieving Jews, to whom it spoke judgement (Isaiah 28:11), “With foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.”

In 1Corinthians 13:8 Paul said tongues would be stilled, they would stop. Did that happen? Yes, in fact after chapter 19 in he Book of Acts tongues is no longer mentioned, and by the end of the first century, at the completion of the New Testament, the gift of tongues had come to an end, its purpose fulfilled, it ran out of energy. Tongues were for a time, they ceased by the time the New Testament was competed.

After the New Testament was completed, tongues were not practiced, preached, or promoted in the church; but then, in the 1900s, the Pentecostal movement popularized a showy tongues phenomena, declaring it to be a supernatural sign of “blessing” from God, when in fact it was a sham, a counterfeit, a lie.

The great preachers of the past – Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, D. L. Moody, and many others, understood that signs, wonders and miracles had ceased with the completion of the New Testament; for tongues purpose was to authenticate the Apostles as God’s spokesmen, purveyors and proclaimers of divine truth; (2Corinthians 12:12), “The things that mark an apostle–signs, wonders and miracles.”

Jesus never instructed His Disciples to seek or to speak in tongues; Paul didn’t instruct the church to seek or to speak in tongues. Why is that? Because tongues do not edifying the church (1Corinthians 14:22), “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

Tongues were given as a sign of judgment upon the Jews, a rebuke on their unbelief and rejection of God’s Messenger and God’s Message: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Lord and Savior.

Prophecy was given to proclaim the wonders, wisdom, and will of God to all believers, all God’s children from every tribe, nation, people and language,in order to equip encourage, and exhort us to honor and obey God.
2Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Colossians 1:10-12, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

More on Tongues…

Tongues (languages unknown to the speaker but known to the hearers in their own native tongue) were given by God to proclaim the presence, the power, the message and the majesty of God at the birth of the Church:
Acts 2:4, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (known languages) as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs –we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”

Tongues was a sign to unbelievers:

1Corinthians 14:22, “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

Tongues was not given for individual edification, but for the common good:

1Corinthians 12:4, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 11 “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he has determines.”

1. The first occurrence of tongues (speaking a language that the speaker did not know) occurred at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): God’s judgment on mankind.
2. The next occurrence is Isaiah’s warning to Israel of a coming judgment by a nation that would speak to them in another language (Isaiah 28:11-12; 1Corinthians 14:21).
3. At Pentecost, tongues were a sign, confirming Peter’s indictment of Israel’s rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Messiah (Acts 2:12-36).
4. Tongue-speaking was the means by which the message of God was quickly spread from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth: from the Hebrews to the Gentiles.
5. Tongues-speaking was a sign to unbelievers, not believers (1Corinthians 14:22).
6. Tongues-speaking was a sign-gift and therefore, it was not meant to be exhibited by all believers (1Corinthians 12:30).
7. Tongues-speaking was less important than prophecy and far less important than love (1Corinthians 12:31; 13:1).
8. Paul said that tongues-speaking would cease (1Corinthians 13:8).
9. Preoccupation with tongues-speaking was a sign of immaturity (1Corinthians 14:20).
10. Tongues-speaking was not the universal evidence of the baptism of the Spirit, because while every true believer is baptized by the Spirit, not all believers spoke in tongues (1Corinthians 12:13, 30).

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

God’s love is permanent, it will never fail, never pass away, unlike prophecies, tongues, and knowledge.

Prophecies will cease (be abolished, pass away, be done away with), knowledge also will pass away (cease, be abolished, be done away with) both of these infer [someone or something else will cause them to stop, from without]. Tongues (meaning known languages) will be stilled, i.e., they will come to an end through a self-causing action from within, like a battery with a limited energy supply and lifespan, Tongues stops by itself.

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection [NASB- the perfect] comes, the imperfect disappears [the partial or imperfect, will be done away with].

Prophecy and knowledge are said to end when the perfect comes; but interestingly enough, the ceasing or coming to an end of tongues is not mentioned in relation to the coming of the perfect. Why is that? I’m glad you asked. The reason is that speaking in tongues (other known languages) will have ceased at an earlier time.

By the end of the first century the New Testament was completed and the gift of tongues had come to an end, its purpose fulfilled, it ran out of energy, it ceased! You see, its purpose was to serve both, as a confirming sign of apostolic authority under the new covenant of Grace and as a judgment on the Jews, a sign of rebuke toward their unbelief. In Isaiah 28, God is fed up with the hardhearted disobedience of Israel (v.11), “Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people.”

1Corinthians 14:21-22, “In the Law it is written: ‘Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,’ says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

When the perfect comes there will be no need for rituals, regulations,or holy days (see Colossians 2:13-17), nor will there be any need for knowledge and prophecy; in fact, we won’t even need our Bibles.

The B I B L E: Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth.

So, what is the perfect? The perfect seems to be the eternal heavenly state of believers, it begins for each of us, either at death, when we go to be with the Lord, or at the rapture when the Lord takes us to be with Himself, where we’ll be forever in the presence of the Living Word, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only Perfect Son of Man, for He was sinless.

Spiritual gifts are only for a time, but love, God’s Love, is for all eternity.

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Wow! Paul is illustrating what happens when the perfect comes,when we are perfected. In our earthly lives we are merely children, compared to what we will be when we are perfected in the presence of God. Paul uses an example common to him, to illustrate this: A Jewish male was considered a boy until his bar mitzvah (“son of the law”) after which he was considered to be a man. One moment he was a boy; the next he is a man.

Our perfection in Christ will be a type of eternal spiritual bar mitzvah;for at that moment everything childish will be removed. All immature and childish imperfections, even the limitations of knowledge and prophecies will be done away with.

In this present life, we have God’s Word completed, revealed, and the personal indwelling of His Holy Spirit; yet, we are incapable of fully understanding God, for we see only a poor reflection like that in a mirror.
Deuteronomy 29:29, ”The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”

James 1:25, “The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.”

One day, we will enter into the Lord’s presence, and we will see Him face to face (see Revelation 21:1-4).

Now we know only in part, but then we shall know fully just as we also are fully known; for we will be incorruptible, immortal and perfect; as we live in the presence of the Lord forever (1Corinthians 15:50-57).

The greatest thing in the world is to be an instrument of God’s love; for everything else is going to pass away.

Our greatest expression of love for Him is in dying to ourselves, living in a manner that reflects His love in us, i.e., our obedience to His Word (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Jesus loves us so much, that He sacrificed His own life as the payment for our sins. Everyone is a sinner in need of God’s love; but only those who accept God’s provision of love through Jesus Christ will know God’s love.
Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

No wonder Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life; He has given us new birth into a living hope, and we are eternally protected through faith, for God’s love never fails: it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This is how we know what love is (1John 3:16) “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us,” (1John 5:3) “This is love for God, to obey His commands,” (John 15:12-14) Jesus says, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Verse 13… And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 31, “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” 38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

My fervent prayer today is that each one of us will seek to serve God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, trusting in His sovereign protection and provision today, tomorrow, and forever, knowing that God’s Love is Eternal!

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: 1 Corinthians

In previous weeks, we have studied how God’s love is patient and it is kind; it isn’t envious or boastful or arrogant or rude or self-centered; nor is it easily angered, and it doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. God’s love turns away from all that is evil while at the same time turning toward all that pleases God! Love’s opposite is hate!

Verse 7… The word “always” used here means, “in all things,” “at all times,” “in every way,” i.e., everything within the revealed and expressed will of God.

Love always protects. God’s love watches out for others, in a way that covers

them, bearing their burdens, even enduring anything that would come against them or bring harm to them (the Greatest Commandment).
Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.”

God’s love feels the very pain of those it loves and it helps to bear or carry their load and their hurt; even to the point of being willing to take the consequences or punishment for the sins of those it loves.
Isaiah 53:4-5, “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the greatest example of how God’s love fully protects us from the condemnation and punishment we deserve for our sin.

Love always trusts. This doesn’t mean that God’s love is easily fooled, ignorant, or tolerant of sin.

What it does mean is that God’s love always wants to believe the best of someone, to give them the benefit of the doubt. Hatred breeds distrust causing us to believe the worst of others; whereas, God’s love urges us to think the best of others, simply because we have received God’s complete forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32).

Love always hopes — meaning that as long as God’s grace is still operative, human desire and human failure will never be the final authority of how things turn out. Although our faith may be shaken at times, we can stand secure in the hope we have in and through God’s love.
Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”
1Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

We are never to give up hope: You may be the father or mother of one or more backslidden children who have wandered away from the faith they were taught; you

may be a believer who is married to an unbeliever; you may be the one and only Christian in your family, or perhaps the only student in your class who believes in God.

As members of the Body of Christ, the Church of God, of which Christ is the Head, we are the parts of the body, to be continually reaching out, with the message of faith, hope, and love, to those who have no hope because they don’t have Christ.

God’s love hopes that the wayward child, the unsaved spouse, the unbelieving brother, sister or parent, even the atheist classmate, will come to salvation through Christ.
John 8:31-32, “Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
1John 5:12-13, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Love always perseveres. The word used here means to endure; it is a military

term used of an army holding a vital position while under heavy attack.
While being stoned (Acts 7:60), Stephen fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord,

do not hold this sin against them.” After he said that, he died, and went to heaven. 2Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Verse 8a… Love never fails. The word “fail” has the basic meaning of a flower or leaf falling to the ground, where it withers, and decays, i.e., dies.

God’s love will never fail or die. The word never here refers to time, not to frequency, i.e., at no time will divine love ever die, for God’s love is permanent, it last’s forever, because God is eternal and God is love.
John 11:25-26, ”I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

The permanence and eternal nature of God’s love through Christ is not easily comprehended, but God does allow us to understand His unconditional love for us. 1Corinthians 2:9-10, ”No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”– but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”

John 4:14, To the Samaritan woman Jesus said, “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 6:51, To the crowd near Capernaum, Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”

John 14:1-3, On the last night before His death, He said to His disciples, ”Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
6, “Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 16-18, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” 21, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” 23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

God’s love is victorious against all odds, all opponents, the devil, even death itself; God’s love always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres. God’s love is eternal, the greatest of all things, now and forever, in Christ.