Monthly Archives: August 2010

How can you tell whether you are dealing with an angel or a daemon?  How can you tell if a spiritual moment comes from heaven or hell?  How can you discern spiritual realities?  Paul gives us the answer in the … Continue reading →

In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul praised the Corinthians for following his teaching.  This is probably with regard to freedom and equality in Christ.  He then reined them in a little because they were taking things too far contrary to social customs and conventions.  … Continue reading →

The term ‘cup’ in 1st Corinthians 11 is evocative of the cup of God’s wrath.  This is quite significant because it sets the tone for just how seriously a person should approach communion.  If someone comes with a self-focused attitude … Continue reading →

Today’s paragraph below shows how few rules there are for communion, eucharist, The Lord’s Supper or whatever else someone might call it.  It is obvious from the Bible that the communion service was highly regarded in the early church.   Paul talks … Continue reading →

Corinthians followed the customs of the day.  There was no day of rest in Greek or Roman culture so slaves and the poor worked long hours, sometimes for seven days in a week.  The rich could take things more easily.  … Continue reading →

In the 60’s and 70’s the fashionuable way for men to wear their hair became really long.  In the 60’s and 70’s A.D. in Corinth, men wearing their hair long could be a sign of sexual deviancy.  So, I guess there were … Continue reading →

In the Corinthian church it seems that the distinction between men and women was becoming blurred.  Women had been liberated from a position where they could do nothing, but it seems that they had taken things too far.  There is … Continue reading →

There are some rules that are true for all cultures at all times.  Even though different periods of history bring different challenges idolatry, sexual immorality, gossip, greed, murder, and slander are never okay.  However, choosing the right things to eat, … Continue reading →

At the conservative Christian college where I teach, I frequently get challenged on my movie watching habits.  I point out that many ‘G’ rated movies preach a self-focused existentialism that is at odds with Christianity.  So some of my more … Continue reading →

An idol is literally a piece of stone or wood.  However, it gives demonic forces an opportunity.  If someone is seeking to communicate with the spiritual world in a forbidden way, a demon can take advantage of that.  Paul points … Continue reading →