Following God’s twofold promise, (1) to never destroy or curse the earth and (2) to never again flood the earth, Canaan is cursed and Shem and Japheth are blessed. In Chapter 10, Noah’s children have children who have children. In the third generation, nations have formed according to different languages and families. A man named... Continue Reading →
On Order and Chaos
Paul has been writing to the Corinthians church about unity through maturity. In this section of his letter, he addresses spiritual gifts, primarily those of prophecy and tongues. We have seen that, within the local church, spiritual gifts are given in order that we may edify one another, not seek attention or exalt ourselves. Out... Continue Reading →
Tongues vs Prophecy
We return to Paul’s discourse on spiritual gifts, which have been used to cause division within the local church at Corinth. There were some who, apparently, exalted the gift of tongues such that others desired the mystical gift above all else. There are many in our own day who exalt mystical sign gifts like tongues,... Continue Reading →
Going to Church: Worthless?
Paul is admonishing the local church at Corinth toward unity through maturity in the faith. He is presently addressing the local church’s idolatry of the spiritual gifts. He does not discredit the spiritual gifts, but has instead stated that there is a better way than merely seeking after the spiritual gifts (12:31). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIY9JuPpKdY&t=44s As we... Continue Reading →