Through 1 Corinthians for Skeptics and Seekers

Through 1 Corinthians for Skeptics and Seekers

These devotional videos are intended to help those reading the New Testament for the first time, those reading with doubts, those reading with unanswered questions, those reading along with a friend or family member they are helping, and those simply wanting to grow.

Try this:

  1. Pray: “God, show me what you have for me in this passage today?”
  2. Read the chapter while paying attention to the thoughts you may be having towards how to apply what you are reading.
  3. Watch the video.
  4. Write down what you discover in your journal or in the comments of the video.

During the 1st century, the city of Corinth was a bustling and cosmopolitan center of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire. The seaside city had a diverse population with people from various cultural backgrounds, including Greeks, Romans, Jews, and others. It was a city with a reputation for luxury, immorality, and excess. The Corinthians were exposed to various influences and philosophies, including the prevalent Greek philosophy of wisdom and rhetoric.

The cultural religion of the Corinthians who were not Christians was predominantly based on the worship of Greek and Roman gods. The city had numerous temples dedicated to deities like Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and others. The Corinthians participated in religious festivals, sacrifices, and rituals associated with these gods. They also engaged in practices that were influenced by the prevailing Greco-Roman religious and philosophical traditions.

In his letters to the Corinthians, Paul addressed specific issues and challenges that were present in the Corinthian church. These included divisions and factions within the church, moral and sexual immorality, improper conduct during worship, abuses of spiritual gifts, and questions regarding marriage, food offered to idols, and more. Paul sought to address these issues by providing guidance, teaching, and correction based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Christian faith. #newtestament #corinthians #outreach #mission #bless #christianity #faith #spirituality #jesus #earlychurch #discipleship #evangelism #unity

Romans 16 – Are You Wise About What is Good and Innocent About What is Evil?

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” – Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬, ‭19‬ NIV

At the end of his letter, Paul sends greetings and commendations on a long list of people – including several woman who were serving in prominent roles in the early church. He begins by commending Phoebe, a deaconess from the church in Cenchreae, and asks the Roman believers to welcome her and provide any assistance she may need. This recognition of Phoebe’s leadership role indicates the value and respect given to women in positions of authority within the early Christian community.

He also mentions Priscilla and Aquila and refers to them as his co-workers. They are described as risk-takers who have worked side by side with Paul, exemplifying the equality and partnership between men and women in ministry.

Paul concludes the chapter with a final exhortation to be wise and cautious regarding those who cause divisions and teach false doctrines. He urges the believers to remain faithful to the teachings they have received and to continue in obedience to God.

#newtestament #romans #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch