1 Corinthians. 01
The first eleven chapters deal with carnality.
The next three concern spirituality and the gifts.
Chapter 15 instructs concerning heresy, and gives climax of resurrection.
Chapter 16 straightens them out on offerings etc.
Christ is mentioned in nearly every verse in chapter one.
Much of the book is on marriage, doubtful things and spiritual gifts.
v1,2. Paul wrote this book to the believers in Corinth from Ephesus at the end of his two and a half to three year stay there, but he speaks to believers everywhere. He confirms his authority as an apostle, and the church there had many problems which he addresses. Acts 18:17 indicate Sosthenes had been the chief ruler of the Corinth synagogue before being saved, and he perhaps carried the letter from Paul. Some form of the name of Christ appears in nearly every verse in this chapter and many of the other chapters.
v3-9. Continues the salutation and gives praise for what Christ has done for them.
v 7 In spite of problems, God withheld no gifts. Paul encourages them in waiting for the coming of Christ for believers.
v 8 establishes that there will no charge be placed upon them for sin. We can depend on God to keep His word, and He is the one who called us to Christ. Day of our Lord Jesus Christ refers to the Rapture, not Tribulation.
v10-17. Divisions: v10 Urging them to be united.
v11 Chloe, perhaps on business brought his word of the divisions.
v12 Some favored Paul, the initial missionary; some Apollos for his excellent oratory; some for Peter who tended more to Jewish ceremonies; others with pride proclaimed they were of Christ. None of them taught false doctrine.
v13-17 Paul does not renounce baptism, but only that it is not necessary for salvation. Chloe’s family told him of the contentions,’ but the fornication was common knowledge, 5:1. v17 has wisdom of words; v19 wisdom of the wise; v20 wisdom of scribes and disputers, 2:4,5 wisdom of men.
v18-25 Contrast the wisdom of man or this world with the wisdom of God.
v18, 21 It seems foolish to unbelievers that the preaching and Christ’s death on the cross could save anyone.
v19 is a quote from Isaiah 19:12; 33:18. God will destroy the wisdom of the wise. Jews sought a sign, Jn. 2:18, and the Greeks thought they excelled in knowledge.
v23-25 But salvation in Christ is available to both Jews and Gentiles if they believe on the crucified Lord.
v26-28. But God has chosen to use a simple gospel instead of all the world’s intellectualism. Neither believers or unbelievers should take pride in ourselves.
v31-33. But Christ becomes the wisdom of believers. He also provides righteousness, sanctification and redemption, so we glory in Him, not ourselves.
1 Corinthians 02
v1. Paul had not relied on human wisdom or great oratory, he called his speech contemptible,2 Cor. 10:10, but the simple gospel message.
v2. He preached other things, but the heart of his message was the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. See 3:10, 11 for the foundation and 15:3,4 for the death burial and resurrection of Christ.
v3. Emphasizes his humble presentation. 2 Cor. 10:10 His speech was contemptible and his presence weak.
v4-8. The wisdom of God is a mystery to the world. Pilate and other leaders lacked the wisdom of God or they would not have crucified Christ. [Some think this refers to the demonic powers of Eph. 6:12, who didn’t know crucifying Christ was what actually brought salvation to mankind.]
v9. This quotes Isaiah 64:4. It is beyond comprehension.
v10-12. Nevertheless, God reveals them to believers through the Holy Spirit.
v13. The Holy Spirit taught men the words to write, not by mechanical dictation, but in their own vocabulary. To understand these scriptures we must compare spiritual things with spiritual as meticulously as a decorator compares the colors and designs for the most proper decor.
v14. The natural man, though maybe very moral and intellectual, is unsaved, contrasted with spiritual men who are saved and carnal men who are saved but still walking after the flesh. The latter can only understand the milk, the simplest things of the Word.
15. The spiritual man is able to judge, examine and / or discern what is right and wrong, or good and best in life situations in relationship to God. However, the unsaved simply can not understand the spiritual man. (An unsaved friend frequently discussed various issues with me and I would try to answer based on scripture. Once he said, “Leaving the Bible out of it, how do you explain thus and such.” I replied, “If I were to leave the Bible out of it, I couldn’t answer thus and such.”)
v16. God’s thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts, Isaiah 55:8,9 that we must let Him direct our paths, Prov. 3:5,6. But we have the beginnings of the mind of Christ because of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 03
Spiritual Judges with discernment; Has mind of Christ; BE- Man Knows spiritual truths; Teaches spiritual truths
LIEER Carnal Continue to be babes in Christ; Fed with milk; Man Given to disunity; walk as men, fleshly
UNBELIRBER Natural Does not understand and Man cannot grasp spiritual thing
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v1-4. Chart above continues some thoughts of chapter one. The carnal person may be too wrapped up in sports, entertainment, their jobs, politics or even family, to take the time for spiritual growth. Carnal believers must be dealt with the same as babes in Christ. They tend to follow men and denominationalism.
v5-8. Paul was a church planter and Apollos followed up with teaching and discipling. They complimented, not conflicted with each other. Very different than an occasional pastor who visits a former church and undermines the work of their new pastor. Whatever our gifts, God gives the increase. This could be illustrated on a chalk board with a stick figure preacher sowing seed. Then a stick figure teacher with a sprinkler can pouring water. Finally a sun entitled Holy Spirit shining down giving life to little shoots of grass.
v9. Three analogies, laborers, farmers, and builders, each in his own task.
v10,11. An architect pays special attention that there is a good foundation, and Paul has wisely laid that foundation. The foundation of the Church is Christ, and we should all build wisely on Him, not religion, ethics, morality, philosophy. Our neighbor laid foundation which crumbled, had to be redone before building barn.
v12-15. Salvation is a free gift, but rewards are earned by works. The quality of our works (such as out of sincerity and love, or pride and hypocrisy) determines if our works survive and we receive reward. This is determined at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If our works are burned up, we lose our reward but not our salvation. (200 years earlier, Rome burned huts of Corinth, stone houses stayed)
v16,17. Here the temple is the Church, and we must keep it undefiled. In other cases it refers to our own bodies, 1 Cor. 6:19, and we should not defile, corrupt them by various drugs or activities that are not pleasing to God.
v18-20. Repeat the truth of 1 Cor. 1:20-25. Human wisdom in spiritual things is not only useless, but can be eternally destructive.
v21-23. There is a chain of ownership as God has given us spiritual leaders, but we are not to boast concerning them (nor they in themselves). Neither are we to boast in the things given us in v22, because we really belong to God, and our boasting should be only in praise of Him.
1 Corinthians 04
v1,2. A steward is responsible for handling the things of a superior. Believers are ministers or stewards of God and must handle the teachings of the word carefully and faithfully. This also includes financial matters, our time, talents and possessions. Some neglect to be good stewards in the material things of the church.
v3-5. We are subject to self judgment, judgment of others and judgment of God. If we pay too much attention to opinions of others, we will be puffed up by praise or discouraged by criticism. God will expose even the thoughts of the heart, and His judgment is what counts.
v6-8. Apparently the Corinthians thought of themselves more highly than they should, perhaps even above their spiritual leaders. Paul takes a humble position and wishes that they could reign as kings, and he would rejoice to reign with them. They may have been proud of some gifts of the Spirit we will see in chapters 12 and 14.
v9,10. As gladiators were spectacles in the arena, the humble apostles were despised spectacles before the world. There preaching was a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, 1 Cor. 1:23.
v11-13. This is a list of some of the problems the apostles faced and how they reacted to them. “Naked”, insufficient clothing. “Buffeted”, struck with a fist and mistreated. They were considered refuse and scrapings, undergoing trials for the salvation of others.
v14. This is just to warn believers of tests they may face in all out service. The purpose isn’t to criticize them for not suffering. He is not being as an occasional pastor or missionary who tries to make people feel sorry for them, people who may have suffered more than they have.
v15,16. Paul had led them to the Lord and had the concern for them as a father, not just as many teachers would have. This is why he urged them to follow him, or as he worded better in the same letter, 1 Cor. 11:14, “as I am a follower of Christ.”
v17. From 16:10 we see Timothy was not yet gone but he planned to send him. He was apparently a little timid, because in that verse Paul urges the people to receive him cordially. Perhaps the same reason for saying “Let no man despise thy youth,” 1 Tim. 4:12. He was a “son” in the Lord and faithful and was to reinforce Paul’s standard teaching, but we don’t know how successful he was. Maybe he wasn’t, because Paul had to write 2nd Corinthians.
v18-21. Some didn’t respect Paul’s authority and thought he was bluffing. But he insists he will come and is not intimidated by them. He wants to come with a gentle love, but if they are unwilling to straighten up, he will have rebukes and discipline.
1 Corinthians 05
The first disorder in the Church is incest and lack of discipline, v1-13.
v1. His stepmother, Lev. 18:8. Certainly a gross immoral sin even in the sight of most unsaved. The tense, I understand, indicates this was not once but ongoing.
v2. Perhaps pride in their favorite teachers of 1:12, more than abuse of Christian liberty. The church ignored or was indifferent.
v3-5. With no need of further evidence, Paul declares with the authority given by Christ, that this incestuous offender should be excommunicated from the church. If we assume he was a believer, he was not delivered to Satan for eternal condemnation, but for present affliction or death. The desire would be that he would repent before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is not the Day of The Lord in the Tribulation.
v6-8. This “leaven” could permeate and destroy the whole church. The comparison is with the Feast of Passover when all leaven must be removed from their houses. Leaven was a type of sin, and that is to be replaced in our lives by an entirely new standard of sincerity and truth.
v9-13. We have no record of the epistle mentioned, v9. Obviously we can not be completely away with the evil people of the world, although some have tried by going to monasteries etc. Notice the evil practices that are all lumped together to be avoided. We may be forced to eat in the same cafe with these, but that is no problem. God will deal with those without. However we are not to eat in Christian fellowship with them as part of our church. They are to be excommunicated and avoided. (Except to witness) Do our churches obey this command? Our government?
1 Corinthians 06
“Do you not know” questions are found in v. 2, 3, 16, & 19.
v1. Another big problem was Christians going to law against one another instead of settling it before saints. They should be settled following the procedure of Matt. 18:15-17. Go to him alone, take one or two more, then tell it to the church.
The second disorder in the Church is lawsuits, v1-11. Third, fornication, v12-20.
v2-4. If some day we shall judge angels, even the least skilled in the church should be able to judge simple things of this life.
v5-8. It is a shame and fault to be going to law against another Christian, especially since it exposes the church to the scornful scrutiny of unbelievers. They delight to hear the sordid details of the people in church who are “No better than we are.” It is harmful to the church for this to happen, and believers all lose. So it would be much better to suffer loss than to do this wrong.
v9-11. Fornication is all kinds of sexual promiscuity. These terrible things are listed right in with coveting. None of these will get to Heaven unless they are saved; washed in the blood of Christ, sanctified (set apart) and justified by the Holy Spirit. If they are committed after salvation, we leave it to the Lord to determine if they were really saved. If saved they get to heaven “by the skin of their teeth”, Job 19:20.
v12. The Corinthians took a liberal stand on Christian liberty. Many things are all right in themselves, but the desire to indulge in pleasure apart from God is involved. Sex is ordained by God, but not outside of marriage. Eating is necessary, but not to gluttony etc. Likewise excess of coffee, pop, etc. We must ask if it controls us or builds us up spiritually. True, they don’t condemn us to hell, but that does not make them right or even acceptable. Three basic limitations on Christian liberty. 1, expediency, that is, is it profitable - does it build us up? 2, self control, or not be brought under it’s power.
v13-16. Gluttony and impurity are both sins against God, but impurity comes in a class all it’s own. The resurrection places a new value on our bodies as belonging to the Lord, not to lust. We are joined to Christ as members of His body, so it is unthinkable to be joined to a harlot physically, because it injures us spiritually and robs the Lord of what is His.
v17. The physical union of marriage is strong, but to be joined to the Lord is a higher unity of one spirit.
v18. Many otherwise Godly people have failed to realize the best protection against immorality is to flee, 2 tim. 2:22. Don’t just resist, get clear away from it. Compared to other sins, even suicide, which basically have outward results and physical consequences, it affects our very union with Christ.
v19,20. A strong reason for purity is not to defile the temple of the Holy Spirit. (Consider the holiness of the temple)Same with lesser things drugs etc. that defile our bodies. If slaves of Paul’s day could save up enough money to pay for their freedom, they went to the heathen temple and gave his money to the god. Papers were drawn up that he was free from his former owner and could go about freely because he was owned by the god and his allegiance was to it. This pictured to those people that we are no longer slaves to Satan and sin, but Christ has bought us with His blood, given us our freedom from sin, but we belong to Him and must seek to please (glorify) Him.
1 Corinthians 07
This chapter, like others, is to be taught, but with great prudence regarding the age and gender of those in the class, not as past prudes or present free expression.
v1. “Concerning” indicates the Corinthians had written him of problems also in v25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1; and 16:12. Corinth was noted for sexual promiscuity and related marriage problems affecting believers. Here celibacy is all right for those who choose. Touch, root word implies to fasten oneself to another sexually.
v2-5. Especially in their setting, but yet today, a proper marriage relationship helps deter fornication. Sexual privilege is not to be withheld as a means of control, but by consent of both, it may be postponed temporarily for spiritual purposes. The error of celibacy in many cases can be demonstrated by the widespread abuse of nuns by priests in time past, and the molestation of altar boys by priests of our day.
v6. This was not a direct command of Christ, but is inspired with equal authority.
v7-9. Paul cast a vote in the Sanhedrin, Acts 26:10, so he was required to be married at that time. Obviously he is not married at this time because suggests it is all right for unmarried and widows to remain as he was. We can assume his wife had died. (Not deserted him for his faith as some think, or he would not have the right to take another wife, as indicated in 9:5.) However, as in verse 2, he warns of being overcome by the temptation of sexual passion.
v10,11. There may arise such incompatible or unsafe relationships that one partner must leave, but if they do, they are to remain unmarried.
v12,13. The believer is not to initiate a separation. However, I believe that in the case of spouse abuse, the abuser shows by their actions that they are not pleased to dwell with the other, regardless of what they say. (Actions speak louder than words.)
v14.-16. The unbeliever as well as the children have a better opportunity to be saved if the believer can put up with the situation and remain. If the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is no longer obligated to him or her, but neither are they given permission to remarry. Remain in same position called, v17,20,24.
v17-24. Verses 17, 20, and 24 express a principle that Paul had laid down in every place he had been, that people remain in the same general status after they become saved. It is not necessary for uncircumcised to be circumcised, regardless what some Jews thought. If he was a slave heshould continue to serve their master as a good Christian slave. Whether slave or free, ultimately we are servants of Christ. This infers we don’t have to run out of our present marriage, location or circumstances to serve the Lord. On the other hand, in some occupations such as tavern operator, “Woe to him that giveth his neighbor drink”, Hab. 2:15, a believer should change occupation.
v25-35. Again by inspiration but not command, Paul recommends caution, not celibacy. There was no sin in marriage, but in the time of persecution, marriage opened up new problems. Two single people can each concentrate their interests in serving the Lord. When they marry, they must of necessity give much concentration to one another instead of fully to the Lord. However, as their marriage develops, they can turn their combined efforts to the Lord in a way that they could not have as singles.
v36-40. This could be a father and daughter or any virgin he has control over, he may restrain for their good. If they are pledged or strongly desire it, it is all right for them to marry, but it would be better if they were single under the persecution etc. involved. The context may show this to be a man and his prospect who is passing youth. The thought and warning of problems for marriage in difficult times continues. Withholding consent for his virgin had four requirements:
1. Be steadfast in his own heart about the matter.
2, Decision must be made freely, not distorted by custom.
3. He must have legal right to make the decision.
4. All urged to remain in their same condition in present distress, v26.
V. 39 stresses that only after a spouse is dead is the believer free to remarry, and then only to another believer.
1 Corinthians 08
v 1. Now concerning - this is response to another question. This chapter is specifically regarding eating meat that has been offered to idols. Some was eaten in feast, some to private homes, and some to the meat market. This is very similar to the instructions in Romans 14 and 15. Two key words, “Love” edifies but “Knowledge” puffs up.
v 2,3. Knowledge is only partial, 13:12, but leads to love of God and others.
v 4-6. We know that there is only one God, so there is no harm in eating the meat that has been left over from that actually consumed in sacrifice to idols. The problem was, some believers didn’t have the knowledge that it was all right to eat that meat.
v 9-12 To the strong, meat was meat, but to the weak it seemed associated with idolatry, and idol worship is demon worship. So out of love for that person, Paul was willing to go without any meat in order that the weak Christian does not stumble. The knowledge and liberty may damage the conscience of a weak believer and cause him to actually eat as something offered to the idol. Paul does not say we have to follow his example, we can discern. During the Great Depression my father sold eggs to a tavern till he realized some might not know why he was going in there. After that, even though he needed every penny, he sold them to an egg dealer at a lower price.
v 13 To not eat meat under some circumstances might make pagans think they were snobs, but even then, don’t do it if it made a believer stumble. A weak believer should not be a spiritual bigot dictating the life of others, and he need not continue weak, but he can be taught.
Things to consider concerning doubtful things in chapters 8-10/
1 How will it affect my own spiritual growth?
2 How will it affect my witness to others?
3 Some things are definitely wrong and are to be avoided. (Immorality etc.)
4. Some things may not be wrong but lead to sin. (questionable entertainment)
5. Some only wrong in the eyes of the beholder. (I was rebuked by an immature believer for eating cookies offered after prayer meeting. “We were there to pray.”)
1 Corinthians 09
v1-6. Chapter 8 raises other issues of Christian liberty. Paul could claim to be an apostle because he saw Christ on the Damascus road. These believers were the fruit and seal of his apostleship. As apostles, he and Barnabas had the right, or liberty, to do as they chose, even to having the churches provide their financial support. Paul also had the right, v 5 to take a believing (not pagan) wife. Compare my notes on 7:7.
v7-14. To prove his point, soldiers were paid, farmers were paid by their crops and shepherds by their flocks. He quotes Deut. 25:4 to show that even an ox trampling the grain was entitled the wage of food. God didn’t write that just for the benefit of the ox but for our benefit. Also the priests and others laboring about the temple received their portion. It was only reasonable that if he preached spiritual things he should be reimbursed in material things. The Lord had ordained that the preachers of the gospel were to be supported by people who had received the gospel. However, v12, Paul had not used that right in order that the people would have no cause to speak against him. He even made tents as part of his support, Acts 18:3.
v15-18. Paul had not exercised that right, and was not writing this to gain money. He felt compelled to preach the gospel and was willing to suffer financial in order that he could preach the gospel without hindrance or charge to them.
v19. A new concept, Paul was free, but made himself their “slave” to reach more.
v20-23. When in Jerusalem Paul observed (for practice, not salvation) Jewish ceremonies, even paying the vows for four men, Acts 21:20-26. See also Acts 16:3; 22; 26:5. Among the Gentiles he did not require Jewish ceremonies, Gal. 4:12; 2 Cor. 11:29, hoping to reach more both places. He was made all things to all men, v22. This of course doesn’t mean we should sin, use drugs to witness to drug dealers or join false religions to reach them.
v24-27. To use Christian liberty effectively, a Christian must discipline himself. He illustrates this by the foot race and their type of boxing with loaded , nail studded arm and wrist bands. The runner must train rigorously to win, and the Christians needed to be in self control, disciplined against sin and indifference. The Olympic winners received the wreath on the “Bema”, or raised platform on which the judges sat. In addition to the wreath, he was exempt from military service for life. Education was paid for all of his family. He was exempt from all taxes for life. A hole was broken in the wall of his house, which he then crawled through. Then a bronze plaque with his and his family’s name inscribed was fitted into the hole for permanent recognition. All of that was nothing compared to the rewards in eternity. For Paul to be a castaway (disapproved or rejected) was not loss of salvation but loss of rewards.
Illustration of one of the Olympic runners who won the gold medal a few years ago. When the judges examined him, he was found to have illegal substances in his body, so he was disapproved or rejected. He did not face a firing squad for this, but he lost his gold medal reward.
1 Corinthians 10
v1-5. The “all” in each of these verses indicate that the Israelites leaving the idolatry of Egypt all had equal opportunity to receive the Lord’s blessing and to honor Him. However, many did not and most were destroyed in the forty year wandering. v4,The water from the rock did not follow Israel. In other areas they relied on other sources, Num. 20:11; 21:5, 16. God gave water to show that the spiritual rock, Christ, was accompanying them. As the rock was smitten to provide life giving water, Christ was smitten to provide eternal water of life for all.
v6. They were an example to us. Don’t lust after evil things, better food etc.
v7. Avoid idolatry. (For us, anything that comes between us and Christ.)Ex. 32:6.
v8. Avoid fornication. (Often associated with actual idolatry.) Num. 25:1-9.
v9. Don’t presume on the goodness of God. Idol worshipers call upon their false god’s and expects it to do what he wants done. How much different are believers who demand things of God instead of asking, then submitting to His will in faith?
v10. Don’t murmur & complain against God’s provision. Num.14:2-29;26:63-65.
v11. Important, repeated that these things were for our example and admonition.
v12. Even the strong Christian needs to be very careful or he may slip into the very sins he thinks he has avoided or conquered. Israel fell again and again.
v13. With all the temptations of youth today, they are just as much without excuse for falling into sin as in any other period. God may test us to prove our loyalty, but not more than we are able to bear. Rom. 5:20, Where sin abounds, Grace much more abounds. He always provides a way to escape, but many times we would rather sin. John 18:8 is a great illustration of providing a way to escape. When the disciples were tempted to their limit, He said, “Let these go their way.”
v 14,15. Sometimes it is best to flee, here idolatry, but for us, especially immoral situations. So be wise and take heed.
v16,17. This speaks of the unity and separation of believers at the Lord’s Table.
v18-22. This contrasts the offering to idols which is an offering to demons. We may eat meat which has been offered to idols, but definitely do not participate in the offering. When we partake of the Lord’s Table we are obligated to Christ. When they partake (continuous implied) of fellowship to idols and demons, they are obligated to the demons. There can be absolutely no compatibility. This would provoke the Lord to jealousy as much as the Israelites in the wilderness.
v23,24 The rest of the chapter returns to the counsel of 6:12 and Rom. 14:1-23. Our first concern is to be the welfare of others. Having liberty to do a thing does not make it the right thing to do.
v25-33. Only if someone called it to their attention were they do abstain from the meat, and that only because of the conscience of the weaker brother. If we thank God for our meat we should not be criticized even if has been offered to idols. However, seek to avoid offending others, laying aside our own feelings with the hope that more may be won to the Lord. The key is verse 31, do everything to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 11
The section of verses 1-16 deals with a problem specific to the culture of that day. We should treat hair and covering respectfully in our lives, but not legalistically. Five reasons for the women’s covering symbolizing scriptural subordination in worship.
a. v3, The Divine order, God the Father, Christ, Man, Woman.
b. v7-9, Creation, man created first and woman the glory of the man.
c. v10-13, Example of the angels, even they hid their faces in God’s presence, Isa. 6:2. Some would point out they were spectators of the Church, 4:9; Eph. 3:10.
d. v14, Natural male - female differentiation.
e. v16, No universal church practice of departing from the covering.
v1. Paul and ourselves are only fit examples as we follow Christ.
v2. Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the latter detailed in v 23-34.
v3-16. We have a message on v 23-34 monthly, but how many decades since I have heard a message on v 3-16. This chapter deals primarily with the church, but the home is here used as an illustration.
v3. The chain of authority is God, Christ, man, then woman.
v4-6. Men of that culture were to pray in church with their physical head uncovered to honor their spiritual head, Christ. Women prayed with their heads covered to honor their head, their husband. This could be a veil, hat, portion of her cloak, or her longer hair as a covering. Without one of those coverings to show her subordinate place in worship, she had just as well be shaved. Then, a shorn head on a woman implied adultery or prostitution. Eliminating her covering was not an act of liberation, as she intended, but an act of degradation. [Prostitutes today in some places wear long hair, other places, medium. Know the custom where you travel]
v7-16. Man is the image and glory of God, Gen. 1:27. Woman, by being created from man, showed his glory (and her subordination, not inferiority) by the covering of the head, but both are essential for each other. Man is God’s representative, and the covered woman shows she is allied with man in his responsibility. In ancient culture men only covered their heads to express shame or intense sorrow.
v10-13, even the angels covered their faces in the presence of God, so it was not unreasonable for the women to have a covering. Rebekah covered her face when she first met Isaac. In that culture it showed respect and reverence, just as Sarah called Abraham lord. Today the attitude is most important.
v14,15 How long is long? Ezekiel 44:20 gives the length in the millennial priesthood, which is comfortable for me today. Not shaved [as today’s “skin heads”] or long locks. [A young friend loved football but quit because of his school rule that players could not have long hair. He admitted to me that he was wearing long hair as a sign of rebellion.] Long hair does not mean a sissy, depending on the culture. Absalom was caught up in a tree by his long hair, 2 Sam. 18:9, but for women it is beauty and covering [Oriental women took great pride in their hair].
v16. The issue caused some contention but there was no custom for women in the church to be uncovered. Pagan women were considered inferior, Christians not so, but to be uncovered, these women were flaunting Christian liberty. But the real issue was that she have a quiet, modest, worshipful attitude. The matter of women speaking in public is taken up farther in 14:34,35 and 1 Tim. 2:11,12.
v17-22. Instead of fellowship before the Lord’s Table there was division. Some probably stemmed from the previously mentioned division as to their leaders. Some from the matter of the feast in which the poor were left hungry, to their embarrassment, and the rich became gluttons. This is in contrast to my up bringing, and probably contrary to how it originated with all things being in common. We had a basket dinner in which all food was pooled, and the poor ate as freely as those more affluent. After the shared meal, we had the “Covenant Meeting”, at which the church covenant was read and our responsibilities to the Lord, the Church and each other was, at least theoretically, recognized. Then we partook of the Lord’s Table.
The Agape or love feast came first and took the place time wise of the Passover feast. The Lords Table comes from the word Eucharist or thanksgiving.
(See the end of this lesson for the events at the last supper.)
v23-26. The Passover looked back to the deliverance from Egypt and forward to Christ, the Paschal lamb. The Lord’s Table looks back to Christ’s death on the cross and forward to His coming again. The Lord’s Table followed the so called love feast, and is a replica of the Lord’s Supper instituted by Jesus at the close of the Passover Supper. It is a new testament or covenant in His blood, and the old covenant Passover Supper is no longer needed. They would have used unleavened bread, because they could have no other in the house at this time. Likewise the wine had to be free of leaven, and was a wine of reconstituted grape syrup. Catholics say the bread and juice by transubstantiation were actually Christ’s body and blood. Thus by withholding the wafer, the priest could actually withhold salvation. Both thoughts are totally unacceptable. Lutherans claim that the bread and juice contain Christ mystically, and we take Him into our lives mystically. We dogmatically believe that they merely represent the body and blood of Christ. We are not told how often to observe the Lord’s Table, only that as often as we do it, it is to be in affectionate remembrance of Him. “Remembering” Him, is a deterrent to sin and a stimulus to holiness.
v27-32. The wealthy drunken Corinthian or the bitter poor one would have been partaking in an unworthy manner. The same would be true of any believers who are living in unconfessed sin. Some err to not partake, knowing they have unconfessed sins or are not perfect. We would not want an erring child to sulk and not eat, but to repent and join the family at the table. To this end we are to examine ourselves, confess our sin to God (and to others if it is timely and appropriate), then partake. Failure to do so invites the judgment of God. If we don’t judge ourselves He will judge, and it may result in sickness or death. I think I may have witnessed such a situation, a young person who met a violent death after definite, persistent rebellion against God. However, I would be very careful not to judge someone else, leave that entirely up to the Lord. Remember that not all sickness and hardship is the result of sin. The believer is chastened, not condemned to eternal death. God chastens only his children, He condemns the children of the devil, and they may or may not prosper in this life.
v33,34. This goes back to the discussion of verses 17-22, the impropriety of the way they were handling the feast before the Lord’s Table. The meal was not so much to satisfy the appetites as to provide a social unity among the believers. It would be better to eat at home rather than the way they were doing. No clue is given as to what other things that Paul would set in order when he came, but they were probably other questions concerning the Lord’s Table which did not need Divine inspiration for the Church in general.
Here is a brief summary of what happened at the last Passover with Jesus:
Paschal lambs must be under a year old and without blemish. Because of the thousands being offered and the long waiting line, they may be killed as early as 1:30. Usually though, they are killed and offered between 2:30 and 3:30, but definitely before 6:00 in the afternoon of Nisan 13. Then they are eaten after sundown, which would be Nisan 14. Jesus sent Peter and John in to make preparations for them to eat the Passover. He told them, “When you enter the city you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner, ‘The Teacher wants to know where the guest room is so he can eat the Passover with his disciples’. He will show you a large upper room furnished, there make ready for the Passover.”
They found everything as he said, and the room, which ordinarily would have been reserved by this time, was available and ready for use. They went about purchasing the lamb, unleavened bread and wine, and other things for the meal, then took the lamb to the temple and killed it. The nearest priest caught the blood in a gold or silver bowl, and it was relayed to a priest who sprinkled some toward the base of the altar. Then the lamb’s entrails were removed and burnt with incense on the altar. Some try to fix the day of crucifixion by claiming Jesus ate the Passover a day early. Obviously, you couldn’t hire a priest to go through that ceremony a day early. The Jews considered any part of a day as a whole day. The three days and three nights or the third day simply means in our terminology, the day after tomorrow. With the help of the servant at the home, they roasted the lamb and had every thing ready by sundown and the arrival of the others.
Only Jesus and the twelve disciples were there, with the exception of one or more house servants who helped with the food. It was probably a very nice banquet room with three low tables set in a U shape, so the house servant could walk between and be of help to anyone. Many places have mat sort of couches on which the diners recline. However, this one probably had soft couches which sloped from the floor in back, up to the table in front. This made it easy for them to lean on their left elbows and eat with the right hand. From time to time one might lean slightly on the diner to the left to relieve pressure on the elbow, or even relax on their stomach on the incline. Of course at the original Passover they stood, but this practice developed over time to show that they were no longer slaves in Egypt but are at rest.
On the table were the roasted lamb, loaves of unleavened bread, wine with no leaven content, and a salad of wild lettuce, endive and possibly some other bitter herb. There was also a sauce in which to dip the bread or bitter herbs. This was usually a mixture of vinegar, figs, raisins, almonds, dates and spices. These were all consumed in the accepted order and with Scripture quotations and singing of Psalms 113 and 114 at the appropriate times. Interspersed and at the close they would also be singing Psalms 115 to 118.
After the washing of the disciples feet, Judas leaving and the meal completed, Jesus instituted the Lords Table as we have in 1 Cor. 11. When a fifth cup of wine is passed as they had just done, it is followed by the singing of Psalm 136. Jesus led them in this and they sang the reiterated response,”For thy mercy endures forever.” After singing this hymn, they went out.
1 Corinthians 12
Chapters 12-14 have to do with spiritual gifts, with 13 showing what is greatest. This is now 25 years after Pentecost and the Corinthians have some specific questions they have asked, which Paul is addressing in 7:1; 8:1; 12::1; and 16:1.
v1. Spiritual is pneumatica , spirituality, or things pertaining to the Spirit. The gifts or charismatica is not mentioned till verse 4. They were causing a problem in the Corinthian church, some of them were spectacular causing pride in those who had them, so Paul is answering their questions about them.
v2,3. Some purporting to be prophets, in frenzy called Jesus accursed. This was obviously not the Holy Spirit in them.
v4-6. Differences in the gifts and their service or operation, but all are under the Trinity: v4, Spirit=Spirit v5, Lord=Son v6, God=Father.
v7. Is given. Already given at the time we are saved. Not for exhibitionism, but for the benefit of the whole church. Use a chalkboard divided to list the difference between talents - artistic, musical, vocal, writing, mechanical, good personality etc. compared to gifts which follow.
v8. We get the impression that every believer receives at least one gift.
Wisdom, makes known the mysteries of God and the means of salvation. Knowledge, intelligent grasp of and ability to explain the principles of the Gospel. Knowledge has more to to with facts and wisdom the ability to use knowledge.
v9. Faith. Some believers have a special ability to understand the need of the moment and claim the promise of God to meet it.
Healing. The danger of misuse has apparently caused God to limit this power after the initial stage in the early church, and much more limited today.
v10. Miracles. Similar to limitations of healing.
Prophecy. Some prediction early as Agabus [Acts 21:1011] warning Paul, but for the most part it is speaking the Word with authority to edify, exhort and comfort.
Discerning of spirits. Ascertain whether one is speaking by the Holy Spirit or some other spirit. Important when there were those making false claims. Even in our day a man told me he was cursing in the Spirit. I quickly informed him with a reprimand that it wasn’t the Holy Spirit, and he said no more.
Tongues. The ability to speak an unlearned but true existing foreign language in presenting the praise or message of God.
Interpretation of tongues. Ability to understand the tongues that were spoken and to translate them for the benefit of the audience.
v11. The Holy Spirit has given each gift according to what God wants us to have.
We are not to boast of these or to demand of God what He has not given us.
v12-27. As our body has different parts for different functions, so our spiritual functions may be different but all for the operation of the body of Christ.
v13. Regardless of our background we are baptized by the Holy Spirit [not water baptism here] into the body of Christ at the time of our salvation.
v28. The three main gifted offices are apostles, prophets and teachers.
Apostle. One sent. Pioneers of the church similar to present day missionaries.
Prophet. See verse 10. Declares the Word. In the earliest church prophecy did include direct inspiration, but that has ceased today, Rev. 22:18.
Teacher. Expounds the words of the prophet and gives further training.
Others included miracles and related healing ministries; helps, or giving relief and assistance; governments, or administrative and moderator functions, and again in last place, diversities of tongues. If tongues was a general active gift today there would be no need for missionaries to spend years becoming efficient in languages.
v30. Not every one and not in every church did people have these gifts. the ones causing the most trouble were the spectacular ones that were used boastfully, not necessarily to build up the church, tongues and interpretations.
v31. This can be viewed as imperative, a command to desire the best gifts. More accurately it is interpreted as indicative, or as a fact. They were coveting the attention getting gifts rather than the best, but in chapter 13 he shows them a much better way. The gifts are good, but only if administered in love. Those gifts causing the greatest problem will be dealt with in chapter 14.
1 Corinthians 13
This is called the Love chapter and can stand alone. There are many kinds of love: Puppy love, a temporary youthful infatuation which may be quite real to the “puppy”; Mother love, a devoted bonding, self sacrificing and protective, and maybe gullible concerning faults; True love, harmonious, places the other first, and can be independent of sexual attraction; Passionate love, involves sexuality. This is the Greek philos or physical love, compared to agape, or brotherly love.
Here we are treating this chapter as a part of the discussion of spiritual gifts.
v1-3. Three gifts were the most desired by the Corinthians tongues, prophecy, and philanthropic giving. They would attract a lot of attention and bring praise and honor to the one exercising them. However if they are not done in love, they are valueless in the sight of God. Illustrate on chalk board by multiplying any number by 0, giving an answer of 0. Then multiply “ Gifts” by 0, the answer still being 0. Next multiply 5x3 with an answer of 15. Then multiply “Gifts” x “Love” = “Effectiveness.”
v4. Love negatively endures but uses kindness positively. It has no jealous hatred but enjoys another's good fortune. It doesn’t show off, which some of the Corinthians were doing with their gifts.
v5. It does not act in bad taste or seek it’s own advantage. “Easily” was not in the original but may have been inserted in KJV because of King James violent temper. It has no resentments or fits of anger. ASV says takes no account of evil, a business term which means to charge it up to an account. Some add up every grudge or peeve against some one, but love dismisses or takes no account of the wrong.
v6. Love does not demean and gossip but grieves over the fall of others. It seeks truth whether it is good or evil.
v7. He shields with a cover of silence those things which need not be exposed and seeks to believe the best rather than the worst of others. Hopes for the best in those whom he has expressed a belief (a young Christian in his struggles against doubts and temptations). Love has persistence and the ability to take it in the face of ridicule or persecution.
v8-10. Prophecy in either sense will one day be fulfilled. Tongues will be unnecessary, and knowledge will be replaced with truth. The Bible was not yet complete then. All things are but fragmentary now, but when God’s entire redemptive plan for mankind is completed, we will have full realization of all things. Perfect is come.........face to face, v 12, compare 1 John 3:2.
v11. Like a child, the Corinthians were immature in their desire to display their gifts. While the gifts were to be recognized and honored, love was the mark of the full grown Christian.
v12. Another contrast between love and the improper use of spiritual gifts is compared to seeing in an imperfect bronze mirror and seeing face to face, as we will one day see God and know Him as He knows us.
v13. Faith, belief in our relationship to God; Hope, confident expectation of eternal salvation; Love, true affection for God and man because of His love for us. Faith and hope look to the future, but after the object of our faith is visible and the goal of our hope has been reached, love will not be outdated. We will be drawn to Christ more than ever before.
1 Corinthians 14
v1. Gifts is supplied and should be omitted here. Love should be our main concern in seeking spirituality, pneumatica , from the Holy Spirit. Prophesy is the important thing because by it the Word was given to others. At this time some prophesy was still inspired.
v2. Unknown in each case is supplied. The tongue is a real dialect spoken some where. As a gift to edify the church, a tongue must be spoken to men, not God.
v3. Values of prophecy: edification, exhortation and comfort. (Not mysteries)
v4-6. Compared to prophesy, speaking in tongues edifies only the speaker, not the church, unless one interprets. To be profitable it must contain the instructions, v 6.
v7-11. Neither musical instruments or the voice have meaning if we do not understand them. [Even instrumental specials in church are appreciated, but it is the words clearly sung that present the message of salvation or growth].
v12-25. Speaking in tongues is not condemned, but the emphasis is on speaking in such a way that everyone in the church can understand and be blessed by it.
v15. It is possible to pray or sing just as spiritually in a known tongue.
v19. Paul stresses numerically the more important value of being understood. When I was lost in Tokyo it did me more good to be able to say the two words “Tokyo post office” in Japanese to the conductor, than thousands of words I might have said in English.
v21,22. This quotes from Isa. 28:11,12. As warned by God, Deut. 28:49, because of unbelief, Israel was over run by Assyrians whose language they could not understand. The sign of tongues was of judgment on unbelieving Israel and at the same time confirmation of the Church to take their place. Believers, even unsaved who are receptive, are not to be instructed through tongues, but the words of prophesy.
23-25. Unlearned - Jews who have not understood the sign of tongues or a babe in Christ would think them mad. The unbelievers are not those definite rejectors, but those open to the Word. It is only through forth telling prophesy that they can profit.
26-40. Regulations regarding worship in the church and particularly tongues.
v26. Church was not formal as today but was of participation. Everyone was scrambling to show off their gift, so the goal should be to edify, see also v. 40.
v27,28. Tongues rules: 1, No more than 2 or 3 during one service. 2, Only one at a time. 3, There must be an interpreter, otherwise be still in the church.
v29-33. Prophesy rules: 1, Only 2 or 3, understood not talking at once but may have the floor together. 2, Others to evaluate if they are speaking the truth (perhaps by one with gift of discernment). 3. All led of the Spirit may speak, but one at a time. There could be spontaneity, but not confusion.
v34,35. Women’s rules. 1, Not allowed to cause disturbance in church by chattering in their emancipated role, in fact showed shame of insubordination for women to speak in the church. 2, They were to ask their husbands at home, not speaking across to them to the other side of the room. It is noteworthy that several cults have had women at the root, & Miriam, Ex. 15; Num. 12.
v37-40. They were to not be proud and assertive, neither were they to be forbidden to prophesy or speak in tongues, at least in that day. the Important thing, v40 was to do all things with decency and order.
1 Corinthians 15
Problem: The Greeks believed in the immortality of the soul but not the resurrection of the body, which they held to be the source of weakness and sin, so they didn’t want to go back into a body. Thus Paul gives the facts of the resurrection.
VERSES 1-11 FACT OR EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION
v1,2. Paul reminds them that they had received the gospel he had preached to them and were saved by it. He had told them they were washed, sanctified and justified, so all that would be in vain if his gospel was not true.
1st CORINHIANS 15:7 JESUS VISITS UNKNOWN, PLACE AND TIME UNKNOWN BUT COMMONLY SUPPOSED TO BE JAMES THE LORD'S BROTHER.
v3-8. Four main points of his gospel:
1, Christ died for our sins, as prophesied
2, He was buried, which proved His death, as prophesied.
3, He arose the third day, as prophesied.
4, He was seen by many, as proof of His resurrection.
Then he enumerates various living witnesses and some who are dead. He had a special revelation, as one born out of due time, or prematurely. That is, his conversion by the appearing of the Lord in glory was a preview or illustration of the national conversion of Israel which is yet to come.
v9-11. Though not worthy because of past deeds, by God’s grace he was still made an apostle, and through his preaching, they believed.
VERSES 12-19. NECESSITY OF THE RESURRECTION
v12-16 Argues the absurdity of the dead not rising since many true witnesses saw Him after His resurrection.
v17-19. If Christ had not risen, those who have died would be doomed and their would be no hope for the living, a futile way of life. His resurrection was necessary to:
a, Give assurance He hadn’t just died for His own sin.
b, Demonstrate His perfection as a redeemer, Acts. 2:24.
c. Demonstrate the acceptance of the Son’s work by the Father.
d. Prove that our sins are gone, Rom. 5:9.
VERSES 20-28. THE ORDER OF THE RESURRECTION
v20-22. Adam is in contrast with Christ. Because of Adam’s sin, death was pronounced upon all men. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, all who trust in Him are made alive.
v23. a,Christ arose first as the “first fruits”. The harvest comes later.
b, Afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming. 1 Thess 4:16,17 add that the dead will rise before the living, but they will be caught up together.
v24-28. “The end”. Following the Rapture is the Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom, and final judgment of all demonic beings and wicked men. It was an ancient custom in many countries for a conqueror to literally trample on the vanquished. These picture Christ trampling His enemies under His feet. Then Christ delivers up the Kingdom to the Father and the new heaven and new earth come in.
v29-34. The moral value of the resurrection.
Mormons baptize for the dead with the idea that one has to be baptized to be saved. When I pointed out to a Mormon that the thief on the cross was not baptized, the reply was, “We don’t know that!” This is behind their genealogical research, that they may baptize for them. At Salt Lake City I saw a series of people going in to be baptized for other dead.
The point here is, of what value is it for one to be saved and then baptized to fill up the ranks of believers who have died, if there is no resurrection for believers? Why risk your life and the pleasures of this life if there is no resurrection? If there is not, we might as well say as the wicked in Isa. 22:13, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. There would be no hope and no need for morality. This attitude was leading some of the Corinthians into sin, so in v. 34 Paul speaks to their shame and warns them to awake to that which is right and stop sinning.
v35-50. The resurrection body.
v35-38. What might seem as a reasonable question, Paul answers, thou fool. He then points out the obvious, that a seed planted dies in order to produce the plant. The body will be different than the seed which died.
v39-41. Whether man, beasts, birds, celestial or terrestrial all are different.
v42-50. Our natural body dies but we will be given a spiritual body. The first Adam was made a living soul and had a natural earthly body. The last Adam, Christ, was a life giving spirit and gives spiritual life and a heavenly body. There is no third Adam. v46, Adam was first in the flesh, then Christ came in the flesh afterwards. Our earthly body cannot inherit the kingdom of God, we must be born again to do that. Neither can that which is incorruptible, spiritual, become like our corruptible bodies, and would not want to be. Difference between the bodies are described:
Earthly Heavenly
v40 Glory of the earthly Glory of the heavenly
v42 Sown perishable Raised imperishable
v43 Sown in dishonor Raised in glory
v43 Sown in weakness Raised in power
v44 Sown natural Raised Spiritual
VERSES 51-58. HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION
v51. At the Rapture, believers of the Church Age, whether living or dead, will all be changed. There is no partial Rapture. [Saints of other ages will be resurrected at a different time, but that is not the object of discussion here. The bodies of unbelievers will remain in the grave and their souls in torment until the White Throne Judgment.]
v52,53. When the trumpet sounds, believers will all be instantaneously changed to the incorruptible and immortal. Do not confuse this with the last trumpet in the book of Revelation as post millennialists do. That is the last trumpet judgment of the Tribulation. This is dealing with believers of the Church Age, and whether there have been any before, this is the last of this age. There will be no other, the Church is complete.
v54-57. Christ was victorious over death resurrection morning and he gives us that victory at the Rapture. Death is sin’s penalty, and breaking the law gives the power to sin to enslave and condemn. Redemption frees us from the power of sin, and the final triumph is at the resurrection.
v58. The hope of the resurrection should give stability and vigor to our Christian lives. We are not just freed from troubles of this earth, not even just rewarded, but we enter a new phase of eternity with our Lord.
1 Corinthians 16
v1. The last major topic Paul brings up is the matter of the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem. Apparently these are the same or similar to instructions he has given to the other churches.
v2. Gifts were to be brought on the first day of the week, Sunday, as the church was not observing the Jewish sabbath after Christ arose on the first day. Notice this does not stipulate a tithe or any other amount, but as God has prospered them. Since God expected a tithe in the Old Testament, it seems a tithe would be a good starting point now. 2 Cor. 8 and 9 suggest giving liberally and cheerfully, not out of necessity. This should be already done before Paul came to avoid any inconveniences. Some people use this verse along with Malachi 3:1 as the basis for “Store House Tithing”. This is a very narrow approach in which no money can be given to any missionary or religious work, but must be given entirely into the local church.
v3,4. The gifts would be sent by one of their representatives along with Paul.
v5-9. He would like to arrange his tour so that he could spend the winter with them, but he sees the need to remain at Ephesus for a while. If there is an open door, expect that there will be adversaries, and go ahead.
v10,11. Timothy was apparently somewhat timid and Paul is clearing the way for him. He not only admonished them not to despise Timothy, but encouraged him,“Let no man despise they youth”, 1 Tim. 4:12.
v12. Apollos had been in Corinth and was the favorite of some, chapter 1.
v13,14. In light of all the problems discussed they were to be watchful, steadfast in faith, brave and strong, but all through love as in chapter 13.
v15,16. The Corinthians should be submissive to Stephanus’ household, the first converts in Achaia and now faithfully laboring, as well as other of Paul's helpers.
v17,18. This is not a rebuke for their lack but recognition of what these men did.
v19-24. Here other greetings. I still prefer the hand shake to the holy kiss. Paul was the writer and the signature at least was his own. Knowing the problems of their church, perhaps Paul wanted to put in one last warning, v22. Any that didn’t love the Lord should be “accursed”, and regarding his words about the resurrection, “Our Lord cometh.”
\In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat Robertson
BEGINNING APOLOGETIC’S 3 by Father Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham
BEGINNING APOLOGETICS: HOW TO EXPLAIN AND DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH by San Juan Catholic Seminars
BIBLE PROPHECY HANDBOOKS by Carol Smith
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH by Libreria Editrice Vaticana;
CATHOLIC AND CHRISTIAN BY Alan Schreck
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRAMENTS by Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY MARY BY Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY PENANCE by Catholic worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY PRAYER by Catholic worship
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY THE EUCHARIST by Catholic Worship
CATHOLIC FOR DUMMIES by Rev John Trigilio JR, PH D, TH D, and Rev Kenneth Brighenti, PH D
CELEBRATING THE MASS by Alfred McBride O Praem
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHISTIAN SOUP by Health Communication Inc,
CHRIST AMONG US By Anthony Wilhelm
CHRISTIAN CULTS AND RELIGION 7TH EDITIONS by Rose Publishing
CHRISTIANITY CULTS & RELIGIONS by Rose Publishing;
DENOMINATIONS by Rose Publisher
DEPARTED GODS-THE GOD’S OF OUR FATHERS by Rev B.N. Fradenburgh Ph D.D.D.
ESSENTIAL DOCTRINE MADE EASY by DR. Norman L. Geisler
FAITH CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD by Dr. Lester Sumrall,
FAST FACTS ON FALSE TEACHINGS by Ron Carlson and Ed Decker;
FIFTY PROOFS FOR THE BIBLE by Rose Publisher
GOD’S WORD by World Wide Leadership Council Inc
GOOD NEWS BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
GREIVING THE DEATH OF A MOTHER by Harold Ivan Smith,
HALLEY’S BIBLE HANDBOOK by Henry H. Halley
HANDBOOK FOR TODAY’S CATHOLIC by Framcos Cardoma; Geprge
HOLY BIBLE by Tayndale House Publishers Inc
HOLY BIBLE CONDORDANCE by Scorield Reference Edition Oxford,
HOW TO GET INTO THE BIBLE by Stephen M. Miller
HOW TO GET INTO THE BIBLE by Stephen M. Miller,
ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE BY Herbert Lockyer, Sr ;
LAUGHTER FROM HEAVEN by Barbara Johnson,
LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY Edited by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray
LIFE APPLICATION NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc;
LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE; NELSON’S STUDENT BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers;
LORD PLEASE MEET ME IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM by Barbara Curtis,
LUTHER’S SMALL CATECHISM WITH EXPLANTIONS by Concord Publishing House
NAVE’S TOPICAL BIBLE By Orville J. Nave
NEW LIVING TRANSLATION by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc;
NIV SENIORS DEVOTIONAL BIBLE by Zondervan Publishing House,
OCEAN: Search Computer program by Chad @ bahai-eduction.org
OUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen
08/19/2011