CHRISTinUS

Q2. (1 Corinthians 3:4-9) In what ways do denominations encourage Christian unity? In what ways do they foster disunity? Does belonging a “non-denominational” church make any difference regarding unity throughout the body? How can we tear down the barriers that divide us? Denominations do find Christian unity when they set their eyes upon the world as a single concern. When their are prayer gathering to focus on a part of the world that is in turmoil, or pray for Israel, or for a catastrophic event that took place on another continent, there is great unity to join hands and support to others. When the eyes are set on grander values, I am sure it make God rejoice for Christians. Disunity comes when the focus gets narrow. God is concerned with the world and everyone who will surrender to His will, not our agenda. The name of the church does not matter, it is the content that makes the difference. Either way, the jealousy and quarreling come from the same source of pride in individuals, not the label of the church. The barriers among us are men-made; only God can change the situation by working with individuals who are willing to obey Him.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) In behavioral terms according to these verses, how would you classify yourself in terms of hunger for the Word? In terms of jealousy and quarreling? – infant, child, teenager, adult? What will it take for you to grow to the next stage? I often find myself comfortable where I am in terms of hunger for the Word. I am far from able to quote verses, but I live as conscientiously possible in what Jesus expect of us. I often find there is great pride in people who can quote, but I see them act otherwise. I don't try to compete with others at which level of spirituality I function, I just discipline myself in keeping God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit present in all I do. I analyse my conduct after situations and repent for what I missed. I am much at peace with what I have been blessed with and I continue to pursue my journey as truthfully as possible as a Christian. Persistence with the study of the Bible allows me to broaden my understanding of how amazing, and great, and omnipresent God is, was and will be in all matters. I don't battle with control and easily accept what comes to me in challenges, sickness, and trials. Keeping God first in my day and my thoughts is the discipline I pursue to grow to the next stage.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 1:10-12)What kind of divisions do you see in your congregation or in the Christian community in your area? What is the cause of the divisions in Corinth? What is the case of divisions today? How do we obey the command to “agree with one another” (1:10)? Our congregation seems to worship the building rather than the message. Christian communities in this area are rather holding on to the root of their history with the church of their community rather than truly nurturing one another in their needs. Control is definitely an issue. The divisions in Corinth seems to be based on style rather than the message. If each teacher is of the same faith, the approach in delivering the message will be according to his personal experience with Jesus. Each have a different life story and cannot be expected to use the same methods of teaching. Just as in classrooms, some students learn better one way or the other, using different mediums. Today's division are often based on personal gain or endeavour. Pride is a great contributor of divisions. To agree with one another, we need to see the plank in our eye before fixing the speck of sawdust in our neighbours (Matthew 7:3 NIV) Only true love can overcome the barriers, and many prayers for correction for God's hand to intervene.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) What gifts does God give us to ensure that we’ll continue in faith until the end? Why does each require our active participation to receive its full benefits? Which do you need to enter into more? 1. Strength. (to overcome) 2. Forgiveness. (to remain blameless) 3. Faithfulness. (for assurance no matter what) 4. Fellowship. (with Jesus present in us at all times) Our participation is to "receive" all without question, and to give way to God's ways, and to diminish our will. Every one of these points are in need to increase at different time of our lives: sickness, sin, desperation, and personal endeavour cause each of these to increase or to diminish, depending on our attitude and reaction. We just need to realine ourselves with the Bible teaching.

Q2. I don't put it in that light. I don't look at people as enemies, but as people on a journey of their own; maybe I see them as gifted in areas I am not, and struggling in areas I don't. I thank God for the relationship he/she has with me and how our interaction gives us each a different aspect of revelation in our lives in the light of God's truth. As for Paul, he certainly confirms his humbleness and holiness as a saint to thank God for the gifts of those who are at odds with him. He sees the improvements and the fruit of the spirit in the Corinthians, which is a confirmation of his mandate from God to guide them and correct them further. Paul is so thankful to have witnessed God's grace coming upon the Corinthians, which again fullfilled him with the knowledge that he is following God's calling in spreading the Gospel among the chosen people. The given gifts are the tools for them to carry on the work of God in the years to come.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:2) "What does "called to be holy" or "called to be saints" mean? What is a saint according to the Bible? Why is it so comfortable for us to say, "I'm no saint"? What is expected of a person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God? What kind of behavior does the world expect of those who claim to be followers of Christ? Q1. To be called "holy" or "saints" means to be set apart from the common crowd. It means that you report to God for every action, word, and thought. Your strength is the access to prayer by which you live your every-day life. If it is easy to say "I'm no saint", it allows us to take off the responsibility of our actions towards others and ourselves. After all, it make us simply "human", and "to err is human", which give us freedom from accountability. To be set apart as a personal property of the living God gives us an ultimate satisfaction and total peace in every thing we do or experience in life. Nothing that comes to us will bring us down, because we know in our spirit that God is watching over us and that all things, good or bad, are used as a godly purpose for our life. Those who choose to follow Christ allows themselves to be transparent with no hidden agenda or lies, to be witnesses of God's favour in our lives, also of His personal touch at refining and purifying our character through Him to the better service of His will.

Joseph's obedience shows his total acceptance of God in his life. In adopting the child Jesus, he recognizes Him as his own son, therefore giving him his family inheritance as first son with entitlement to his lineage to King David. A complete fulfillment.

As a sign, the Lord says that a virgin will conceive and bear a child to be called Immanuel as a reminder that God is with his people in times of trouble. -- the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of the past prophesy, and many others to confirm this passing.

"Yahweh saves." -- How clear and certain the name proclaims this destiny. Not once, but twice, to Joseph and Mary. Although this child will be raise by them, this child is coming with a purpose: to save men from sin. To defeat the enemy. To establish a way to the Kingdom. The life of Jesus is planned and confirmed by His unusual conception and birth. Halleluiah!

Mary found herself in a shamed and unwanted position for a single woman. Her future would be of banishment from her family and social community. However, Joseph demonstrates a righteous character with concerns for Mary's situation. He shows much compassion and heart for his wife-to-be, not in exposing her, but in keeping it all quiet. He therefore "cover" her as God does when we sin.

As the Son of a carpenter, Jesus learned about the value of his father's skills and the social hierarchy of His parents. Jesus would be instructed to do as His parents, that is to rely on God's provisions and favours for all things, also in the world of business.

Both those titles are appropriate because it is what God made her to be and chose her for the amazing event. She is the connection for God to incarnate the birth of Jesus. One must be careful to keep focused on the coming of Jesus and who He is, rather than glorify Mary for her good servant-hood to God Himself. After all, who would not want to equal Mary in her obedience and her amazing faith to God?

Mary was totally devoted and faithful to the Lord. Any request made upon her life was embraced. She is the perfect example of a wonderful servant, having no second thought about herself. No wonder God showed her special favour! May we receive a full abundance of this obedience every time we read this passage!

The nature of Jesus' conception implies His divine nature in direct relationship with that of God. His birth is a miracle. There is no doubt that both Crees emphasize the essence of Jesus' uniqueness that never was before.