Hi @heartathome , @DownMoreThanUp , @Appleblossom , @ENKELI , @tyme , @Shaz51 , @MissGremlin , @REDLINEZ750 ,
I Corinthians 14 (and I Corinthians 15 and 16 following - sorry a bit long)
- Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.
- He who speaks in tongues speaks not to men, but to God - he builds himself up.
- He who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort - he builds up the church.
- Paul would rather speak five words with his understanding, in order to teach others also, then ten thousand words in another tongue.
- Tongues were intended as a sign to unbelievers.
- If all prophesy and some unbeliever or outsider comes in he is convicted by all and is called to account by all. The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, "God is really among you."
- Paul talks about orderly worship - each a hymn, teaching, revelation, tongue, interpretation - everything is to be done for building up.
- If there is no interpreter - then no one should talk in tongues.
- Everything is to be done decently and in order.
I Corinthians 15
- Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel on which they stand and have been saved by:
- Christ died for our sins
- He was buried
- He was raised on the third day
- Appeared to Peter
- Then appeared to the Twelve
- Then appeared to 500 brothers and sisters at one time
- Then appeared to James
- Then appeared to the apostles
- Lastly appeared to Paul.
- The teaching about Christ, and our own salvation, depends on there being a resurrection.
- In Christ all will be made alive.
- Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.
- The last enemy to be abolished is death.
- What will the dead raised look like? Think of a seed which becomes a plant - totally different appearance - sown a natural body raised a spiritual body.
- In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
- Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
- Therefore be stedfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
I Corinthians 16
- Paul talks about a collection for the Jerusalem saints.
- Paul hopes to stay with the Corinthians over winter.
- Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote/finished the letter.
- Paul mentions Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, etc - recognise the people who work hard for the church.
- Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
- Do everything in love.
- The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!
Come, Lord Jesus. Come. Paul says Christ will return "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." ... "and we will be changed." What a beautiful thought!
