Note for 2024/05/03

‭1 Corinthians 1:1-31 KJV‬

[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, [2] unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: [3] grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; [5] that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; [6] even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: [7] so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: [8] who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. [10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. [13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? [14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; [15] lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. [16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. [17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. [26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] that no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.1.1-31.KJV

Friends, read here to whom Paul wrote this letter, not of Corinth entirely, but who in Corinth? Who is called, and who is sanctified by Who? Should we be divided? Should there be multiple Gospels to proclaim, or are we to stand in one accord, and one mind? Does the Spirit that works in me not recognize the Spirit that works in others? It is I that fumble, not the Spirit of GOD in me. I make mistakes, but the Spirit in me corrects me. The Holy Spirit comes in the Power of Jesus Christ from GOD above. How can I claim any glory unto myself, if I was saved just as you?

So can a man speak words, the ears hear; but only the Spirit of GOD confirms which draws from my lips the, "Amen." If the words we hear are not washed by the Holy Ghost in us, our human understanding may lead us unto divisions. And it is not my wish that we stand divided in anything.

Paul explains here that divisions come from who we follow. So he speaks of all the Apostles and whose teaching people held onto. So, do not follow a man; set your sights on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You will become like him that you follow, don't you know that? So, please, do not follow me; read the Word of GOD and follow Christ. If I do then inspire anyone of you, may it be to follow Christ Jesus, because He is the One I follow.

Friends, I have looked into so many things in life that I have become accustomed to the road signs of the wrong road. I see the sign, and then I say, "No! Not again." Then I go back to what I know. We need to know when we reached a turn back moment too.

We are enticed by things of interest or even some hidden things, but read here to who the Grace of GOD was sent? It is to simple and poor people, dare I say, people who recognize what Hope is. Faith, an unseen thing, yet it manifests in beautiful ways. I am not clever enough to debate in the debates of this world, but by the Spirit, I know when I am told to separate myself from something or sometimes even, sadly, someone.

Divisions have come into the church by the theories of people. One say this, the other that; but what does GOD have to say on the matter? GOD is not a trickster, no! The trickster is He that hates the children of GOD, because He hates GOD. We read, we see and hear, but it is the Spirit that brings understanding, not? What of the Spirit that works in us? How then would an evil spirit lead those it possessed? Would it not be by lies and confusion? Who then is it that sanctifies us, unto what?

I say again, I do not have a diploma or a certificate I can hang on a wall to give anyone comfort with my teaching. I stand in no authority of my own, but walk by the direction of my Lord and Savior, by the gift of Salvation and The Holy Spirit that is available to all who have been called. I just answered, "Here I am, Lord," when I was called.

Whose call are you listening to? For I know He who called me, has love for all. He died for me, while I was yet a sinner, lost in the troubles I fell into through foolish decisions. He is my Savior, because I know how deep I was found in trouble. Standing then in a selfishness which now I am embarrassed of even just in recall.

You see, I have tried my own ways and I know beyond a doubt, that it came to failure. I had to be saved, even from myself then. I have learned to trust Him in me, more than myself. If you are lost, it simply means your ways didn't work. Then it is time to consider the Way that Christ Jesus made available to all who would believe in Him. So it is not my way any more, but His. I use myself as the example here, in order not to offend any of you.

Now, this takes some understanding. You see, the enemy likes to convict you, he wants you to know that you are a sinner. Great! Because that is who Jesus Christ died on that Cross for, sinners, like me. And by the Holy Spirit we are being delivered from all that is impure in us. When we discover a sin in us, it gives us the opportunity to repent of that. So, one by one, every spot on our garment is being washed. The Lord determines the pace. We are not without guilt, but we are forgiven from what we have been found guilty of. So Christ said, "Go and sin no more."

In short then, this world will drag you before the court where learned men stand in judgment. But, The Lord responds in a manner of, "let's fix it." And while man may stand in wonder of the healing of the flesh, how grateful I am of His healing of my soul. I am grateful for Him, when I can make a better choice now than I would have done before. That is not of me, no! That is of Him that saved me. I know the choice I may have made if I was alone.

Friends, can you bring divisions among you to an end? Is that not at the core of loving one another? Why all these arguments? Why all the debate? Are we not saved by the Same Jesus Christ, and how do we deny that Salvation from another? Is that not a form of judgment, and will we then not be judged the same? He that does not know the Way, should not lead at all. Find then The Way, in Jesus Christ.

Shalom

Bible Verse of the Day

(From YouVersion)

‭2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV‬

[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.12.9.KJV

Expanded for Context:

‭2 Corinthians 12:6-10 KJV‬

[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.12.6-10.KJV

Background Information

What does division look like when people follow the teachings and doctrines of men over the course of 2000 years?

The oldest and most prominent denominations of the Christian faith are:

In terms of prominence, several other denominations have had significant influence and large followings over the centuries. These include:

Each of these denominations has its own unique traditions, beliefs, and practices that have developed over centuries4. They all contribute to the rich diversity of the Christian faith2.

The Christian faith is diverse and has many denominations. Here are 12 major ones that are prominent today:

Each of these denominations has its own unique traditions, beliefs, and practices that have developed over centuries1. They all contribute to the rich diversity of the Christian faith1.

The First Division

The first significant division among the Apostles in the New Testament occurred over the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved. This dispute is recorded in Acts 15:1-51.

Some men from Judea taught that unless Gentile converts were circumcised according to the custom of Moses, they could not be saved1. This teaching led to a great dissension and debate with Paul and Barnabas1. The church then decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some others should go to Jerusalem to discuss this issue with the apostles and elders1.

This event, known as the Council of Jerusalem, was a pivotal moment in the early Christian church as it addressed the relationship between Jewish law and the new Christian faith1. The decision of the council, which affirmed that Gentile converts did not need to follow the Law of Moses, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles1.

The Second Division

The second significant division in the New Testament was indeed between Paul and Barnabas1 2 3. This division is recorded in Acts 15:36-411 2 3.

After some time, Paul suggested to Barnabas that they should return and visit the believers in all the towns where they had preached the word of the Lord1 2 3. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them1 2 3. However, Paul disagreed because John Mark had previously withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work1 2 3.

This disagreement led to a sharp division, resulting in Paul and Barnabas going their separate ways1 2 3. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus1 2 3. Meanwhile, Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord1 2 3. This division led to the formation of new teams and further spread of the gospel1.

This is how denominations formed from way back then, it is done; these divisions exist today, because the church forgot its First Love. We are born into a divided world, which stands for the principles of man, coated in a layer of pretense. These divisions started out by a break away from what the Apostles had at first.

If we could look into the future and consider that man will do again what he has done before; what more may come into the doctrines of a divided church? What will man say is permissible, though it was not at first? How long can the church continue and hold on to sound doctrine? I state it to you my friends, to a large degree, that sound doctrine may have already been lost.

Imagine then for yourself what the church of tomorrow may look like, if we do not return to the unity in Christ.

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