Note for 2024/05/21

‭1 Corinthians 16:1-24 KJV‬

[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. [2] Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. [3] And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. [4] And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. [5] Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. [6] And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. [7] For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. [8] But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. [9] For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. [10] Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. [11] Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. [12] As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. [13] Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. [14] Let all your things be done with charity. [15] I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) [16] that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. [17] I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. [18] For they have refreshed my spirit and your's: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. [19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. [20] All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. [21] The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. [22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.16.1-24.KJV

Look at this greeting too, friends. What can we learn from it? Yes, there are updates of the activities of the missions, what is being done and what is planned next, if the LORD permits. There are instructions and there is the matter of provisions even who will carry it to where it must go. There are validations of those that are working along for the cause and can we miss the greeting with a holy kiss.

In verse 22, regarding, "If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, Anathema Maran-atha," these words that may be foreign to us means... Let him be cursed, our Lord Comes.

How do we greet each other, do we wave the hand? Do we nod the head? Do we greet at all? Do we even acknowledge each other being alive and present? Do we administer help for one another? Do we fund and provide resources for one another even for missions? How do we contribute today, or should the church be happy that you came? At least we can know that some at least still read these epistles from Paul even to this day. Do we share our testimonies with each other, do we share what we have learned? Do we encourage one another and rescue one in trouble? How do we serve?

I, an ordinary man, have been requested to speak at the memorial of those that passed. And what was there to be said? Do we share with each other how we believe and are inspired by the Word of GOD. Can people tell if you love the Lord Jesus Christ?

Here at the conclusion of this epistle, even to this day, we can know what Paul said to them, what he instructed them. But here with us, what is the nature of our speech? Do we deal in encouragements and hope or is it all complaints and foolishness? What is it that we share with one another. Have you not heard that the mouth boils over from what the heart is full of? What is our contributions, in word and deed, to those we should love?

Oh! Yes friends, even this salutation of Paul leaves lessons to be learned. Day by day, we live and we have options; we can wash our garment or we can soil it. We can add to our hope and faith, or we can deplete it. We can help or we can demand service from one another, what then is good? Every word spoken, every gesture and activity has an impact on those around us, but also even to ourselves.

What of you is known by those around you? Is it that you serve the Lord in Love? How do we treat those He loves, for whom He died? Or, do we have a greater right than the next? For a simple example, do you own the road that you travel upon? Do you never lose concentration? Are you always focused on doing what is righteous? If then not love yet, at least tolerate one another until that love is formed in you.

What still of a holy kiss? Friends, there is a whole lot that must be corrected, can you now see it? And I include myself, I too must become more focused on the Lord's will in all matters. Love the Lord your God with ALL your mind, ALL your heart and ALL your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

The Lord's business is everyday business, even every moment. (For a point of reference)

Shalom

For better Understanding:

1 Corinthians 16:22. In the King James Version (KJV), it reads: “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” Let’s break it down:

“Anathema”: This word signifies a curse or condemnation. It implies that someone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ is under a curse.
“Maran-atha”: This Aramaic phrase means “Our Lord, come!” It expresses a longing for the return of Jesus Christ.

In essence, this verse serves as both a warning and a prayer. It warns that those who lack love for Christ are under a curse, and it also expresses the desire for the Lord’s return. The difference between genuine believers and unbelievers, especially false teachers, lies in their love for Christ. Paul likely prayed for God to specially curse those who might lead the Corinthian Christians away from faith in Christ

Verse of the Day

(YouVersion)

‭John 8:12 KJV‬

[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.8.12.KJV

Extended Reading

As I completed my usual task for the day, in this, I was led to read the following two sections in the Word of GOD. From another reading plan, I only read from there when I am inspired to read from it, so it is not a daily thing. Even when I do read, it is usually just the section from Psalms of it. Today, I was guided to 4 verses from Proverbs too.

‭Psalm 82:1-8 KJV‬

[1] God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods. [2] How long will ye judge unjustly, And accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. [3] Defend the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy. [4] Deliver the poor and needy: Rid them out of the hand of the wicked. [5] They know not, neither will they understand; They walk on in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are out of course. [6] I have said, Ye are gods; And all of you are children of the most High. [7] But ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes. [8] Arise, O God, judge the earth: For thou shalt inherit all nations.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.82.1-8.KJV

‭Proverbs 15:1-4 KJV‬

[1] A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. [3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Beholding the evil and the good. [4] A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.15.1-4.KJV

In Closing

Friends, I do not expect you to be convinced of what the Lord gives me, I am testifying that I am convinced. I am amazed, because I know it cannot be of man. The Lord brings the most beautiful words, concepts and events together that have me in awe, fully convinced, not only that the Word of GOD is the Truth, but that The Word of GOD is alive. It comes by a guidance from within that fits everything I have read of The Holy Spirit. So has it come that I do not only know of The Holy Spirit, but know The Holy Spirit. And I know that I am not special or extraordinary, I also know from scripture that what I experience in my walk of faith, is available to all who believe. This here, daily, is my sharing to my brothers and sisters in the faith for encouragement and hope.

As the image above poses the question: What would Paul have to say about the world today? Can you imagine? I mean, if Paul had to stand in one of the church congregations today, how would he evaluate it against that which he was given? But I have witnessed church leaders cancel words written in The Bible. This is a major problem, because that is changing what GOD has given. My heart is full of concern for all of you, I have witnessed this. How people are altering things to fit some doctrine, or to even excuse behaviors in the Church by saying, “this no longer applies.”

Shall I then stand in agreement with Paul? Shall I say as he said? “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” For we know that our love for Christ is in obeying His commandments, and did Christ Himself not appear to Paul, selecting him for the purpose?

Friends, we must discern things in the Spirit. May the Lord lead you in all matters unto His Righteousness.

Shalom.

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