The question of "why is there something, rather than nothing?" is one of the BIG questions of life. How you approach and answer this question will determine your perspective on life and Christianity.

As human beings we often miss the point and get caught up in the excitement of our actions, especially in work for the Kingdom. But a true kingdom perspective sees the heavenly reality in spite of our physical circumstances.

Why are there so few laborers in the kingdom of God?

Though it seems quite elementary, one of Paul's primary concerns in 1 Corinthians 11 is merely to affirm gender differences between men and women. The very existence of this diversity necessitates sacrificial behavior of each to the other.

In Paul's controversial-to-us comments on gender roles within the church in 1 Corinthians 11, one of the things he is asserting is the difference between the genders. In doing so, he affirms the diversity of the church through gender and the necessity of each gender to serve the other in the midst of their differences.

One of the things Paul is addressing in his controversial note in 1 Corinthians 11 is the potential objectification of women, an issue that has particular resonance for our time.

Because spiritual gifts are gifts to the church we should understand them and use them in love.

Clay Christensen, a business school professor at Harvard, says, "Do not reserve your best thinking for your career." Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 12: if you are a Christian, do not reserve your best gifts and talents for yourself. You have been given gifts to use in the service of God's ongoing work in the world.

When we take communion we are not only stating that we wish to be one with God, we are saying we commit to being united with each other, and specifically with the church of God. Communion therefore speaks powerfully to the way we view the church.