Nearly 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah was sent to King Ahaz. Ahaz was afraid because of the threat of rivals in Syria and the Northern Kingdom. God had promised King David that his house would endure and that the Messiah would sit on his throne (2 Sam 7:12-16). If Ahaz had believed this, his heart would not have been troubled. God offered Ahaz a sign, which he refused. In response, the LORD promised to give a sign of His own doing! A virgin would conceive, and the child would be called "Immanuel" which means "God with us."

John's gospel is unique. He presents Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who created the universe. John records the seven "I AM" statements of Christ. The beginning of John's Gospel is very similar to the opening of the Bible in Genesis. He then goes on to say that the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He describes the glory of Jesus Christ and describes Him as being "full of grace and truth."

This psalm of praise and thanksgiving calls on all the earth to make a joyful shout to the LORD. We are to serve gladly and come before Him with singing. He is worthy because He is our Creator and the Good Shepherd! We are to give thanks in all situations and not only for the many bountiful blessings we can see, but those that are unseen! The LORD is good! His mercy endures forever! His truth endures to all generations! Hallelujah!!! 

The Corinthians had a serious case of sexual immorality going on in their local assembly.  Rather than mourning over the sin and disciplining the offender, they were "puffed up." Paul instructs them to hand the man over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh. The end goal, however, is the salvation of the man's spirit. Paul's hope is that this would drive the man to repentance and restoration.  Paul then reminds them of who they are in Christ. Just as they had been redeemed by the Passover Lamb (Jesus Christ) they are to get out the old "leaven." Finally, he exhorts them not to fellowship with professing believers who sin rebelliously. 

Paul is continuing to correct the improper view the Corinthians had of their favorite preachers. He has used the analogy of a farmer and a builder. Now, he will use the illustration of a galley slave oarsman and a household manager. He admonishes them to stop judging and wait until the Day when the Lord will reveal every man's work and motive.  Paul warns that he will come to visit them soon and it is up to them how that visit will go. Shall he come in gentleness, or with the rod of correction? 

Despite their inflated evaluation of themselves, Paul calls the Corinthian believers spiritual babies.  Their immaturity was displayed by their behavior. They were puffed up for one preacher over another. Paul reminds them that he and Apollos (and us, by extension) are merely seed-throwers and water boys.  God deserves the glory, for He makes all things grow. This chapter closes by reminding them that in Christ, all things belong to the Corinthians- even victory over death! 

In this message, Paul contrasts the wisdom of this age and the rulers of this age with the wisdom from God. God's wisdom is found in a mystery. But this mystery has been revealed to those who have the Holy Spirit.  The "natural man" (the person without the Holy Spirit) cannot understand or grasp the spiritual truths of God's word.  But the believer is capable of understanding and knowing God's word because he/she has the mind of Christ. 

After Paul's greeting that reminds them of their position in Christ, he begins to deal with some of the problems in the Corinthian church.  First on the list, is the issue of division! Paul urges them on the basis of their familial bonds in Christ to be of the same mind and speech.  Unity does not demand uniformity, but quarrels and factions hinder the cause of Christ.  Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ is the Lord of the church and that their priority should be the proclamation of the Gospel! 

In Paul's greeting to the church at Corinth, we learn some valuable theological lessons.  This church is dealing with a myriad of issues. Paul is going to correct and rebuke the sinful behaviors at this church.  But before he does, he takes a moment to remind them of their position and high calling in the Lord Jesus Christ.  By virtue of their faith in Christ, they are no longer what they once were. They are now saints!  Obviously, this speaks of their position and not their practice.  But Paul is careful to keep justification and sanctification issues separate, and we must as well! Are you a saint or an "ain't"?  There "ain't" no in-between! 

After sending the disciples out on a short-term mission trip, they return to share their results.  Jesus has compassion on them and invites them to come apart for a while to replenish and renew their bodies and spirits. Before they reach their destination, a crowd of thousands of people await them.  The apostles are ready to send away the crowds, but Jesus Christ has another solution in mind.  There are so many lessons to learn from the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Perhaps we should view our problems as "opportunities." We must always remember that God is able to meet every need according to His riches in glory!