Bible Time

[Jace]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

A week without activity? Ouch. Sorry guys I haven't been posting and I haven't read my Bible for a week because I went to church and then when I came home a left it downstairs. When I went to my room to read I didn't have my Bible there for a while. I was reading Mark today and I was wondering, why did Jesus not want anyone to know who he was? Was it because he didn't want people saying he was blaspheming and then kill him?

Onto Corinthians, which I haven't talked about. So far I've loved it, and I think Paul's message is really good. I hope this doesn't offend anyone and I may be biased, but I don't think there should be denominations. Maybe because my parents have raised me not having a denomination and going to non-denomination church. But sometimes it feels like we are different if we are from different denominations and we're not united as a church. At my old school there was a boy who had said, "I'm not Christian I'm Catholic." A girl from my old school came to my middle school. We don't talk much anymore but one day we talked for a while at school last year and I was saying how I hope I do well at public school and that I hope I hold onto my Christian beliefs, or something like that. I was expecting something along the lines of what I said, but she said "I'm actually not Christian I'm Catholic. I only went to that school because it was really convenient." She walked away, and I was kind of in shock. These kids are taught that they are Catholic as if is its own religion. If we are all united under Christ, why do we need different beliefs? If He gives us The Word, why do we add laws to it? That is what I have pulled out of Corinthians. I'm sorry if I get confusing and that I don't provide verses, that's kind of just the way I put it together.

Jesus had a perfect plan for the time when he was to be crucified, so he needed to "stay under the radar" in a sense for a while longer. If he had not, the Pharisees and Saducees probably would have had him crucified sooner, and Jesus still had much to do.

As for denominations: In my mind, the majority of denominations exist because people dispute what the Bible says. If everyone took the Bible for what it says and stopped trying to find alternate meanings, there would be no need for denominations. Roman Catholicism and it's straying from the Bible. That is why the reformation was necessary. While ideally, Christians should be unified, we should not be unified with those who teach false things that are contrary to the Bible. For this reason, the reformation was something that was absolutely justified. While there are catholics that are Christians, a great many of them (and the official Roman Catholic Church) believe in many unbiblical things, such as the need to pray to Mary, confessing to a priest, salvation by works, etc.

Hopefully that answers at least a few of your questions!

 

[Professor Palutena]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

I grew up in a non-denominational church myself and I still go to one. I think denominations can sometimes serve as a barrier and keep us apart from each other - and that's bad. If we are all one in Christ, why do we need to be divided? Exactly.

I needed to read something like this. In the town where I live, there are about 10 different denominations (and three of them are all within one block from each other). This is probably why the schools don't allow any religious discussion to take place; because they know that there are lots of different point of views about what the bible says. The sad thing is that there is a huge potential for greatness. I have friends who go to different denominations, but my parents won't let me hang out with them outside of school because of their different views, and I think that's dumb.

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's responses, and I've felt challenged by a lot of them.

 

[Binx345]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Hey back from my beach vacation very early due to hurricane. On the drives , I talked a lot about God with my best friend. And we survived a shark attack ,ok the shark was really just trying to attack a crab but still it was a 4 +? ft hammerhead and could have done serious damage so I have to thank God for not getting even a scratch- and having an awesome shark encounter (I love sharks and this one was only inches from us). Though there is no need for anymore shark encounters for me in this lifetime (lol).

Anyways , I read the last few messages and I aggree- denominations are kind of silly. And even between 2 baptist churches or between 2 catholic churches there can be huge differences in what is taught or believed. But also we have to understand everyone has different opinions and thinks differently and so 2 people could read the same sentence but get 2 different things out of it-- so denominations do help slightly by allowing diversity. Overall though it would be best (I think) to just call christian churches that and nothing more is needed.

To Bippa, that is sad your parents dont want you to hang out with people of different religious backgrounds. In the future you may just want to say something like "my friend John is a good person". And tell them you need to be prepared for how to deal with a world full of people with different beliefs, because after high school you will be thrown into that world and by not allowing you to hang with certain people they are actually only hindering you. For example, by hanging with people of different religious people you could increase your knowledge of religion, help your friends out who need a good christian friend, and/or possibly even spread the word of God. Hope that may help

Ive read a lot of Corinthians recently and I think Ill go read about the fall of Lucifer satan tonight as I cant fathom how an angel could have had such great love from God and yet commit the ultimate betrayel so its time for me to go learn more!

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

So, I felt like posting this. I know it isn't part of the I Corinthians study, but I really want to post this.

As most of you probably do not know, in addition to being a chemistry major at community college, I also take classes at a local Bible college - right now I've got one small class on Friday mornings (on the life of David as reflected in Psalms).
And although I'm only 2 weeks in, it's already amazing. The class as a whole has quite a few intelligent insights (which we share with each other while reading), but I got one that's a bit personal that I wanted to take home and share with you guys.

One of the three psalms we covered in class was Psalm 8. (The other two were 19 and 29.) The theme was basically how David as a shepherd was close to God's creation and realized both who God was and who he was in comparison. If you want to follow along click here (the link's in NIV, but you can change the version from there).

I know all of that is amazing, but I ended up zeroing in on verses 3 and 4. If you actually really think about it you realize just how small we all are.

Like, have any of you seen a sunset? How all the colors in the night sky just mesh together perfectly with incredible vibrancy? (I love watching sunsets and I'm sure many of you do as well.) Thinking about space is the same way. Look at the night sky, think about the stars, think about the planets. I'm sure you all realize how big Earth is. (I won't do the number crunching for you, but figure that Earth's circumference is about 25000 miles. From that you can figure out the volume.) Now, think about the Sun. That's at least 1000 times bigger than the earth, and it was created for the sole purpose to provide light, heat, and warmth to everyone on the earth - each individual thing.

Indeed, what is man, that God is mindful of us?

 

[safariblade]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

DNA, I love your insight. When I went to camp, were were up in the hills/mountains on Georgia, and there wasn't a city for miles. Probably THE best moment of camp was when me and a couple of friends walked to a hillside and sat and looked at the stars. The night sky is one of the most beautiful things ever.

Your class sounds great! I hope you get a lot out of it. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Serperior]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

^ It's truly amazing at how God is good, at how God can create something so beautiful.

My favorite place in the world is Versailles, (it's in France), especially the Gardens. I know, it's man-made, but God made man, and gave them the ability to create such a beautiful atmosphere for me to absorb and just...love.

There was a place in Rome I stayed at. From the front, it seemed like your average hotel. There wasn't any air conditioning, and my three roommates and I were tired from the plane ride. We didn't bother opening the window or anything. The next morning, we were boiling. We threw open the window, and there was a huge terrace we could walk out on. We were astonished with this terrace, but as we walked to the edge, God greeted us with the most beautiful lake surrounded by the greenest trees. I can still smell it!

Sometimes it's hard to realize God's greatness living in the monotony of our lives, but when we can, we ought to give the glory to Him.

Just thought I'd share that with you guys. I wish I could post pictures! (I'll try.)

 

[Chillarmy]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

My favorite place in the world is Versailles, (it's in France), especially the Gardens. I know, it's man-made, but God made man, and gave them the ability to create such a beautiful atmosphere for me to absorb and just...love.

Versailles is an amazing place. It really highlights God's creation, and shows how beautiful it can be.

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Versailles, eh? I've heard a lot of good things about that place. Glad to hear you guys had epic vacations to those places. Scenic vistas are...simply amazing.

And to speed this up, here's a quick read on I Cor 4, since it's been a while since the last chapter.

I didn't do this earlier as when I read it in my regular version (King James), it's too hard to accurately decipher even for me, so I switched to NIV temporarily to read this one. (Won't matter much - it's the same material, just different wording.) And yes, I know I didn't do my usual section-by-section format for this chapter, but it's because I don't think I can break this down like that. Ref

From what I can gather from this chapter, verse 1 seems to be the focal point - we regard each other as servants of Christ, to whom the mysteries of God are entrusted. And that's it - nothing higher. As you can probably see, being entrusted with the mysteries of God sounds like something very lofty, and indeed it can be considered such - hence the warning further in the chapter. Some people in the church then (and even today) have a big ego because of what they've been entrusted with. But God can knock down anybody no matter how lofty they think they are (Daniel 4:37), so let's keep ourselves in check.

From what I can see, a lot of this chapter is exhortation to the church at Corinth (most of the latter bit) and so I focused much on the earlier section, but since my examination is only really cursory, I'm sure there's something in there I missed that you guys picked up on. (That's also what I'm trying to do as well, so I don't say all the answers or color your interpretation with everything I say.)

I guess I could kick each chapter off since Safari/Bippa seem to be a bit busy...

 

[Binx345]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

I agree with you DNA on your sum.

soryy - i have not been on much

BUT - I did recently go to my best friends church and I really liked it. It was very different from all churches i had been to in the past. It had the look and feel of a nightclub-coffee house- gym mix! I really love i. AND i have been baptised! I wanted to be baptised before my birthday (sep 27) as a confirmation of my new relationship with God.

 

[safariblade]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Congratulations!!!
My youth started a bible study today. It's pretty cool so far.
I'm about to leave for another bible study at another church haha. I'll post my reading of 1 Corinthians soon.

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

I always like hearing when people get baptized. It's like a statement that you want to make a recommitment. Okay, never mind that 'like' bit - it is a statement.
Nightclub-coffeehouse-gym? Sounds like a very interesting combination indeed. Just so long as it accurately teaches the Bible, I think it's fine no matter what the surroundings.

I agree with you DNA on your sum.

On my what?

 

[Binx345]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Yeah it even has a coffee house inside and offers physical (like a gym would) strength training or etc classes. Very modern and cool.

i meant your sum of 1 Cor. 4

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Usually I've heard the word 'synopsis' to describe something like that, but I suppose 'sum' works too. I guess I didn't catch on.

 

[Professor Palutena]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Hey, sorry for not posting much anymore. My life's been hit by some rough times, and is testing how much I can trust God (or something like that).

Over the weekend, one of my friends was diagnosed with bone cancer. Our school also had four student deaths in the 2010-2011 school year, so my friends and I have been through some rough times. But the cool thing is that its giving everyone a chance to see how God works, and how we can connect with him.

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

/me awakes from slumber

So, in lieu of chapter 5 (which I haven't quite read yet), I have something quick I'd like to bring up. (Yes, I am a man of few words.)

Jeremiah 29:11.

What do you think about it?

 

[Zorua]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Only took me like...a month to work up the courage to actually post here xP

* DNA awakes from slumber

So, in lieu of chapter 5 (which I haven't quite read yet), I have something quick I'd like to bring up. (Yes, I am a man of few words.)

Jeremiah 29:11.

What do you think about it?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

When I read that verse, it gives off almost a sense of calmness and reassurance. It says that God always has a plan for all of us, that God will take care of us and lead us along that path. All it takes is just to put your life in God's hands, and he'll take care of you.

That's my view on Jeremiah 29:11.

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

A very true statement indeed. My view's actually very similar - no matter how things might look at the immediate outset, we don't know how things turn out at the very end. But fortunately, we know someone who does, and he's promised to lead us all the way there, so I'm comfortable that my life is in good hands.

There are many ways that we are reassured and this is but one of them. It's relieving to know that, hey, at least someone's in control and we're always going to arrive at a promised destination. Doesn't matter how many bumps are in the road, right? And many of those are necessary to making us stronger. The more we go through, the more we endure, and the more we can use our experiences and what we've gone through to strengthen and comfort others when they're going through similar situations. Even the death of a loved one could be something - yes it's terrible, but if you know they're in heaven, it's much easier to comfort other people who are going through much the same thing.

I could draw idea after idea after idea in a long extensive chain, and it would still work, but I think for now I'll just close the idea here and leave the rest of you to think up your own thoughts.

4,000th post YEAH!!!

 

[safariblade]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

I'm about to head to church and then Bible Study afterward. Thanks for sharing all of your thoughts everyone, and sorry I've been so inactive.

After finishing Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, I decided to read Genesis, so that is what I am now reading. I'm going to try to post some more Corinthians chapters soon.

 

[safariblade]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

Last night at youth, we had a list of a few verses that were could go over. I found that these two were really awesome, and I'd love to share with you guys and hear some feedback - activity has been down lately.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.

This is a really awesome verse. Not only does this reinforce that God is all-knowing, it also shows us his personal relationship with us and his care for each one of us. He knows everything and he is there for us.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

This is awesome. This helps me to realize that God has a plan for my future, and that is is full of hope. He will always be there to listen to us. These are beautiful verses. What are your thoughts?

 

[DNA]

RE: Bible Time - 1 Corinthians: Chapter 3

I think it's reassuring to know that no matter how much you screw up, you've got someone behind you who has your back and knew you were going to screw up anyway, and is always there to pick you up again.

(I'm not a big fan of overly wordy explanations - I like to keep my sentences simple and easy to pick up on)

Edit: When should we go forward with I Cor? After this? I think Tuesday might be an opportune time (gives people to talk about this for a few days while hurrying it up enough to keep us on track).