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Pastor Notes 
Friday, October 23 2015

1 Corinthians 12: Are You Gifted?
Verse of the Day: (V31) “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

1. Gifts (V1-12)
V1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”

God through Paul taught the Corinthian Christians that every Christian was blessed with spiritual gifts because they were ignorant thinking that only the apostles were blessed with gifts. Though we may have different gifts yet we have the same Spirit to lead us to use our gifts to bless others. Let us therefore be humble when we have many gifts, and be contented when we have few gifts, because every gift is from God, and for His glory.

V4 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

2. Gentiles (V13-27)
V13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

God through Paul reminded the Christians that regardless of whether they were Jews or Gentiles, and blessed with many or few gifts, they must worship together in one Spirit because they were baptized into one body of Christ. Indeed, let us love and care for one another in the church as we are members of the same body with Jesus Christ as our Head.

V25 “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”

3. God (V28-31)
V28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

Though God has blessed the Christians in the church with many different wonderful gifts such as preaching, teaching, interceding for others, helping others, leadership and administration, and knowing various languages, yet they must use them in the most excellent way which is to lead others to the saving grace of God. Indeed, God’s best gift to us is salvation so that we have a glorious heaven to gain and a fiery hell to shun when we repent our sins and believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour.

V31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for Your wonderful gifts so that I may lead others to You!

Posted by: AT 08:15 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, October 13 2015

1 Corinthians 11: Will You Follow Christ?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

1. Christ (V1-15)
V1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Paul encouraged the Christians to follow him as he followed Christ. Paul was able to do that because his life was a life completely dedicated and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul was willing even to die for Christ. He also taught the people with regard to leadership at home and in church. The man is the head of the family, Christ is the head of the church, and God is the head of Christ. Though the husband and wife are to love and respect each other, yet the husband is the head of the family. Similarly, even though God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity, yet God is the head of Christ.

V3 “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”

2. Church (V16-19)
V16 “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.”

Paul commanded the Corinthian church to discipline members who were contentious and had no respect for the church leadership as well as the program, and especially, the conduct of the Lord’s supper which was an important ordinance to remember the death, burial, resurrection and return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of participating the Lord’s supper in a serious and sober manner, they were taking it lightly and even disrespectfully.

V18 “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.”

3. Chastened (V20-34)
V28 “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”

Paul warned the Christians to examine themselves when they would partake the Lord’s supper, otherwise God would discipline and chasten them. In fact, God punished those who misbehaved at the Lord’s supper with sicknesses and even death. Indeed, let us follow Christ and truly examine ourselves that we be worthy in our words and deeds to participate the Lord’s supper, and receive God’s great blessings and not chastisement.

V32 “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to follow You now and forever.

Posted by: AT 06:45 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, October 01 2015

1 Corinthians 10: Will You Escape Temptation?
Verse of the Day: (V13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

1. Escape (V1-22)
V13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Apostle Paul through the Holy Spirit commanded the Corinthian Christians that though God was faithful who shall provide a way for them to escape from their temptation, yet they must themselves flee from it. The people of Israel time and again sinned against God, not because God was not faithful to them, but because they failed to flee from idolatry and temptation, and hence succumbed to them, and reaped the consequences of their sins.

V14 “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

2. Edify (V23-30)
V23 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”

Paul explained to them that though they had the liberty to do what was right before God, such as eating food offered to idols, yet they must be careful not to stumble the young believers who might be struggling with their weaker conscience. Indeed, we must be godly examples to these young Christians, that we edify them, instead of stumbling them.

V28 “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:”

3. Eat (V31-33)
V31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Indeed, whatever we do, whether we eat or drink, let us do all for the glory of God. The essence of God’s teaching is that we put Jesus first, and Others second, and Yourselves last, so that we can have the JOY of God. Those who experience our joy of God shall then come to know our Lord Jesus, and receive Him as their personal Saviour and Lord.

V33 “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to escape temptation by fleeing from it.

Posted by: AT 10:25 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, September 19 2015

1 Corinthians 9: Will You Receive The Crown?
Verse of the Day: (V25) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

1. Christ (V1-8)
V1 “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”

Paul pleaded with the Corinthian Christians that they should love and support God’s preachers. Though there were Christians who supposedly loved God and men, yet in reality, they hated and opposed God’s preachers. The reason was that they might not be Christians, and even if they were, they had backslidden to the point where they hated and opposed God’s preachers.  Let us truly love God’s preachers as they preach God’s word!

V2 “If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.”

2. Corn (V9-23)
V9 “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”

Paul explained to the Corinthian church that they must love and financially support their full-time preachers, just like the farmers would not muzzle their oxen but let them freely eat the corn which they were ploughing on the field. However, Paul knew that the church must do it willingly, and hence, Paul became a tentmaker to support himself while preaching the gospel. Let us as a church truly loves and financially supports our full-time preachers and staff, because God shall richly bless and reward the church in due time.

V18 “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”

3. Crown (V24-27)
V24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Though it was not an easy road for Paul as he faced much hatred, opposition and persecution, yet he persevered to the end. He was determined to finish his Christian race well, so that he could gladly receive the incorruptible crown from his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and hear His comforting words, “Welcome, my good and faithful servant!”

V25 “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to finish my race so that I shall receive Your crown.

Posted by: AT 11:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, September 14 2015

1 Corinthians 8: Do You Love God?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

1. Love (V1-4)
V1 “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit reminded the Corinthian church that God placed charity or God’s love above everything else, including knowledge. When we have knowledge, we may become proud, while when we have true love of God, we will always remain humble, and continue to love and encourage others. Paul warned them that though they could eat the food offered to idols because these idols were nothing, yet they must be careful not to stumble the weaker Christians. Indeed, God’s love is above everything else!

V3 “But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

2. Lord (V5-6)
V5 “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)”

The people in Paul’s time, and even today, believed and worshipped many gods and lords, but truly there is only one God, the Father, and only one Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Only God is the Creator of this world, and only the Lord Jesus is the Saviour of this world.

V6 “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

3. Liberty (V7-13)
V9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak.”

Though we are at liberty to eat food offer to idols, yet we should refrain from eating them, because we know that there are weaker Christians who have weak conscience, and may be stumbled by our liberty. If we stumble them, we actually sin against God, because it shows that we do not love them. Therefore, let us who are strong, love the weak, by not stumbling them, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the best and perfect example of love. Jesus loves us so much, that He left the throne of heaven to be a man, and to die on the cruel cross, and shed His precious blood for the sins of the whole world. Whosoever believes in Jesus should never perish in hell, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven.

V12 “But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to love You and others, because You first love all.

Posted by: AT 08:53 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, September 04 2015

1 Corinthians 7: What Is Your Gift?
Verse of the Day: (V7) “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.”

1. Gift Of God (V1-17)
V1 “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

Though God through Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to follow the example of Paul who devoted all his time and energy on God’s work because he had God’s gift of being single, or was a widower, yet not all the Christians had the gift of being single or were widowers. However it is God’s desire that whether we have His gift of being single or married that we devote most if not all our time and energy on His work.

V7 “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.”

2. Commandments Of God (V18-24)
V18 “Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.”

During Paul’s time, the Corinthian Christians were arguing whether it was necessary to circumcise the Gentile Christians because the Jewish Christians were circumcised according to tradition. Some even argued that the Jewish Christians should do away with circumcision. Hence, God through Paul explained to them that keeping God’s commandments, namely, loving God and men, was more important than keeping men’s tradition. Let us therefore focus on keeping God’s commandments than men’s tradition.

V19 “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.”

3. Spirit Of God (V25-40)
V39 “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”

Beside God’s salvation, marriage is another of God’s great gifts. Marriage is for life, and only death, with the exception of adultery, separates the married couple. Only when the husband is dead, can the woman choose either to marry another or remain single. Indeed, whether we are single or married, we are the happiest when we are led by God’s Spirit!

V40 “But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You for Your gift of salvation whether I am single or married.

Posted by: AT 10:30 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, September 03 2015

1 Corinthians 6: Who Shall Judge The World?
Verse of the Day: (V2) “Do ye know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”

1. Saints (V1-8)
V1 “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?”

God through Paul commanded the Corinthian Christians that they should not bring their disputes to the State Court before unbelievers, but to settle them among themselves. It was sad and tragic that they failed to love and trust one another, and hence they resorted to man’s ways instead of God’s ways in settling their disputes. Indeed, let us settle our disputes with the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit indwelling in us, and not take matters before men, because one day we shall judge and reign with Christ in this world!

V2 “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”

2. Spirit (V9-14)
V9 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,”

Paul warned the Corinthian Christians to flee from sins which they had confessed to God, and God had washed them by the precious blood of His Son, and justified by His Spirit. However, it does not mean that Christians never sin, but it does mean that they should not continue in sins, and if they sin, they should confess and repent them. Those who continue in sins may never be truly saved. However, only God knows His saints, and let us continue to trust Him and look forward to the day when we shall inherit His kingdom.

V11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”’

3. Sin (V15-20)
V18 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

God hates sins, and in particular, immorality, because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and we should keep them pure and holy, and not abuse and dishonour them.

V19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I shall judge the world by Your Spirit and wisdom.


 

Posted by: AT 10:27 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 31 2015

1 Corinthians 5: How To Overcome Satan?
Verse of the Day: (V5) “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

1. Satan (V1-5)
V1 “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.”

God through Paul rebuked the Corinthian church because they allowed Satan to deceive them into committing many sins, and openly accepted a couple who had committed incest, which even the Gentiles or the unbelievers would never accept it. Satan is real as much as God is real. Satan is stronger and wiser than men, and only God is able to overcome him. Therefore, let us draw near to the holy God, and claim upon His strength and wisdom to defeat Satan. In fact God has already defeated Satan whose final destination is fiery hell.

V5 “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

2. Sacrifice (V6-7)
V6 “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”

Not only the Corinthian Christians sinned against God, but they even had the audacity to boast about their sins. This was why God disciplined them by permitting Satan to afflict them. Indeed, we are new creatures in Christ when we believe that God sacrificed His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. We therefore belong to Christ, and we must hence willingly love and serve Him, and flee from the sight of sins and Satan.

V7 “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”

3. Sincerity (V8-13)
V8 “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

Let us keep our life testimony by living in sincerity and truth, knowing that God is our ultimate Judge. He shall richly bless and reward the righteous for their labour of love and work of faith, but He shall curse and punish the wicked for their sins and wickedness.

V13 “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to overcome Satan by Your strength and wisdom.

Posted by: AT 07:55 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, August 28 2015

1 Corinthians 4: Are You Sharing The Mysteries Of God?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

1. Mysteries Of God (V1-2)
V1 “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

Apostle Paul commanded the Corinthian church to be faithful in sharing the mysteries of God which was none other than the gospel of Christ - that Jesus died and shed His precious blood, and whosoever would believe in Him shall never perish in fiery hell, but have everlasting life with Him in glorious heaven one day. Indeed, we may not have the same gifts and talents, but God commands us to be faithful in sharing the gospel of Christ!

V2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

2. Praise Of God (V3-5)
V4 “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”

Though God called Paul to be the preacher of His mysteries, yet there were people who judged him for his past sins, and rejected him as God’s servant. However, Paul was not discouraged, as he knew that only God is his judge, and only God could see the hearts of men. Let us be found faithful in sharing the gospel of Christ so that one day we shall hear the praise of God - “You are my good and faithful servant, welcome to my kingdom!”

V5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

3. Kingdom Of God (V6-21)
V20 “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

Paul explained to the Corinthian Christians that it was not so much that they shared the gospel of Christ, but it was the power of their life testimony. They must practice what they preached - if they preached the love of God, they must themselves love one another. Paul’s final word to them before he would visit them was that they must be prepared that he would come to them with the rod of discipline if they failed to live for God, or that he would come with the spirit of love and humility if they had lived for the praise of God!

V21 “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to faithfully share Your mysteries or gospel.

Posted by: AT 07:49 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, August 22 2015

1 Corinthians 3: Who Give The Increase?
Verse of the Day: (V6) “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

1. The Grace Of God (V1-11)
V6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

God through Apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian church as they sought credits for work done for Him. The church was carnal as they served, witnessed, preached, etc., so that others would recognise and praise their labour of love. However, Paul admonished them that it did not matter who planted the seeds or share the gospel of Christ, or who watered the seeds or disciple the new converts, as ultimately it was God who gave the increase, and saved these precious souls from fiery hell to glorious heaven. Indeed, it is God’s grace that we are saved through faith, and not of our works. We are only the builders and building blocks, but Christ is truly the Master-builder and Foundation. Though we serve God, yet we have nothing to glory, because it is all about God and His amazing grace.

V10 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

2. The Spirit Of God (V12-16)
V13 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

When we receive Jesus as our Lord and saviour, God’s Spirit shall indwell in us, and we become His temple. Henceforth, God’s Spirit shall lead and direct us as we share the gospel, disciple converts, and do God’s work. Finally, our work shall be tested by God’s fire to ascertain whether it is truly done with the Spirit’s leadership, or by our own effort.

V16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

3. The Temple Of God (V17-23)
V17 “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

Since we are the temple of God, we must be holy, as God is holy. It is therefore of utmost importance that we strive to be holy by submitting to the leadership of God’s Spirit, and by fleeing from the sight of sins and evil. Indeed, we belong to Christ, and Christ alone.

V23 “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You give the increase and I am truly Yours.

Posted by: AT 03:19 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

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