Monthly Archives: August 2010

There is a difference between eating meat, sold in a marketplace, that has been offered to an idol and activively participating in pagan religious festivals.  A Christian can not engage in what is called religious syncretism.  This is a term … Continue reading →

Although the examples that Paul sited were from 2,000 years before he wrote, the hearts of people had not moved closer to God.  Although Paul wrote 2,000 years before our time, his words are still relevant.  Of course, Paul carefully … Continue reading →

People seem to like a Sugardaddy God.  He views the world with all the warm-fuzzies that they have and then gives them pizza and ice-cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  When people suffer injustice the perpetrator should be punished by God.  When … Continue reading →

Paul confidently asserts his opinion and then backs away from dominating those who oppose him.  Although Paul could eat any food, he chooses to eat nothing offered to idols so as to maintain the peace.  Although Paul could receive pay … Continue reading →

Paul continues the theme of reward, but now emphasizes each person’s role.  In most races there is one winner.  Paul brings to mind all the training that goes into winning a race.  However, in his picture of competing it is … Continue reading →

These pictures just represent some of the ways I have changed to fit in with my context.  I was a pastor at a black church in Chicago for two years.  I had to be careful how I spoke about Democrats.  … Continue reading →

Paul wants a reward.  He receives the reward if he is unpaid for his services.  His reward is that the gospel is offered free of charge.  People here in America are very attuned to their rights.  They are frequently embroiled … Continue reading →

In the first part of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul has spent a lot of time explaining why a minister should receive a salary.  Now he switches his line of argument completely.  Although Paul is free to receive payment from those to … Continue reading →

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul makes the argument that those who are commissioned with a responsibility should receive pay for that responsibility.  Soldiers are paid by the government.  Planters of grapes get free grapes.  Goat herders drink goat’s milk.  This … Continue reading →