Read Reflect It is one thing to speak the truth and to have people simply reject your message but it is quite another thing to be threatened with death for doing so.  Such was the case with Jeremiah who again declares God’s message of warning to his listeners (vv. 4-6).  This time, rather than ignoring […]

Read Reflect Paul writes as a missionary-pastor to house churches in the Roman city of Corinth. This section of Paul’s letter contrasts prophetic speech with prayer in unknown languages. Modern readers need to recognize two things. First, there was a competition for “air time” or public recognition in the Corinthian house churches. Paul was concerned […]

Read Reflect This passage provides wonderful insight into the participatory nature of worship in the congregations of Corinth. Paul begins by emphasizing that that all aspects of worship must for the good (building up) of everyone present (v 26). He concludes by stating that every aspect of worship is to be done properly and with […]

Read Reflect Death often comes to us an unwelcome intruder, an enemy, and a destroyer. We are shocked by the violent murder of innocent people or the diagnosis of a terminal disease. We all grieve the loss of loved ones. Death hung over a city like Corinth. Mortality rates were high (by modern standards) particularly […]

Read Reflect Death is more than the result of age, disease, and accidents. Powerful individuals and groups can use the power in an evil manner to inflict death. In Paul’s time, Rome’s armies were feared by conquered people and nations on the borders of the empire. Today, violent people engage in genocide, terrorism and war. […]

Read Reflect The first few lines of this passage present such an incredible mindset to aspire to: “My thoughts are filled with beautiful words for the king, and I will use my voice as a writer would use pen and ink.” The king in this passage is commonly interpreted as Jesus, which only brings that […]

Read Reflect Honesty and hard work: these values were once coveted, but in mainstream society today they have lost their lustre. Life is fast paced, honesty is often blurred with half-truths in order to achieve desired results, and hard work is quickly abandoned in favour of easier routes that promise the same end goal. Here […]