IMPORTANCE OF AGREEMENT AND UNITY
10 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name! 16 But I did baptize the household of Stephanas also; beyond that, I do not know if I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect. – 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
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In this letter, Paul writes to the Corinthian churches the importance of agreement and unity in the body of Christ. Paul rebukes the believers in Corinth because of a report made known to him regarding the quarrels among them. Like a father to his spiritual children, Paul disciplines them and tells them that in the body of Christ, division isn’t tolerated. In verse 10, he says that agreement makes them whole and complete.
He addresses and confronts the trivialities amongst them regarding their individual claims that they are either with Apollos, Cephas, Paul or with Christ. We humans can all be very shallow in our thinking. We like to speak of our preferences rather than our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These concerns of Paul in the church in Corinth is not far away from our own struggles in our churches. When we like a pastor or a preacher, it is so easy to be derailed with how we like them instead of deepening our desire to know Christ and praise him. Our fallen nature caters more to our preferences instead of examining our hearts and making sure we are living for Christ rather than to our flesh. Paul clarifies the confusion brought about by these quarrels in verse 17. He brings up the importance of preaching the cross of Christ rather than talking about who baptized them and who have led them to Christ. Agreement among God’s people is essential because that is what Christ taught. How can we bring light into this corrupt world if the family of believers are actually divided and cannot agree at all?
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REFLECTION
• Why is agreement important in any relationship? What causes division?
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ENRICHED IN SPEECH AND KNOWLEDGE ILMA’S VLOG
ENRICHED IN SPEECH AND KNOWLEDGE
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 just as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
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According to the ESV introduction to the letters of Paul to the Corinthians, this letter was written in the spring od A.D. 53, 54 or 55, nearing the end of his three-year ministry in Ephesus. The Corinthian church was divided because of the arrogance of its more powerful members. Paul received an oral report and a letter from the Corinthian church. These revealed a church struggling with division, immorality, idolatry, and theological confusion. He wrote them this letter so that they would become a true dwelling place for God’s Spirit, stay faithful to the gospel, and be “guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
In his salutation, he reminds them of his appointment by God’s will and their standing as saints because they have committed their lives to Christ. As in all his letters, he brings grace and peace from God always. In verse 4, we hear Paul’s gratitude to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of their generosity, they were enriched with knowledge and speech to give testimony concerning Jesus. In verse 7, Paul gives them the reason why Christians were equipped with such gifts: so that there is no lack in their lives as they await Christ’s coming. In verse 9, he emphasizes the importance of God’s faithfulness whom He alsoexpects from his own people. When we press on to the promises that Christ gave us, we continue to be blessed with more gifts.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some people misuse the gifts that God has given them?
• Why is the gift of speech and knowledge stressed out by Paul in this letter?
GOD ISN’T SLOW ABOUT HIS PROMISE ILMA’S VLOG
June 23
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GOD ISN’T SLOW ABOUT HIS PROMISE
7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
– 2 Peter 3:7-9
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In this letter, Peter gives us a clear illustration of the current heavens and earth which are both going to be judged. The “fire” he mentioned in verse 7 is hell which are reserved for those who are wicked and unrepentant of their sins. Once again, Peter warns the family of believers to clearly see the consequence of sins. This is how we know that Peter was a great leader and a good shepherd who doesn’t want any of his sheep to be lost. In John 21, Peter was asked by the Lord “Do you love me?” three times. Jesus had three commands to him after he answered “yes” three times. Jesus instructed Peter to: Feed his lamb, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep. In this conversation, we clearly see how impatient and insecure Peter was. He was impatient about why Jesus asked him three times. When Jesus gave him a glimpse of his coming death, he turned to John and asked Jesus if John will also die.
In verses 8-9, we saw how Peter have grown from the time Jesus asked him if he loves him. He wants the believers to keep being patient about waiting for the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. He knows how impatient he was, so he gives the believer a clear picture that human viewpoint is very different from God’s. He assured them that God is never slow about His promises as some people think. It is His “patience” that we cannot fathom. It is amazingly astounding and different from us. No words can describe how God can wait for us to repent because he doesn’t want anyone to perish. In Peter’s description of God’s patience, it is a manifestation of his love. In other words, we can only have patience if we love as much as God does. When we are impatient, there is something inside us that wants to cater to our nature. By nature, we are selfish. But by God’s grace, we can let go of this tendency towards sin. This is why God instructs us to follow Jesus. It is only through Christ that we can bear the fruit of patience. It is a clear sign that we are walking in the God’s Spirit when we can give patience to others and to ourselves.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some people think God is slow to fulfill His promises?
WHEN ONE ABANDONS THE RIGHT WAY ILMA’S VLOG
June 20
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WHEN ONE ABANDONS THE RIGHT WAY
Reckless, self-centered, they speak abusively of angelic majesties without trembling, 11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a demeaning judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, using abusive speech where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions as they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having hearts trained in greed, accursed children; 15 abandoning the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own offense, for a mute donkey, speaking with a human voice, restrained the insanity of the prophet. – 2 Peter 2:11-16
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Previous to these passages, in 2 Peter 2:9-10, he addresses those who continue to corrupt others and how the Lord rescues the godly. Peter explains the consequence of such indulgence to sin and illustrates a picture of those who despise authority. He describes these false teachers as reckless and self-centered. Speaking against all of God’s creation and laws.
In verse 12, he likens these heretics to animals who have no control about what comes out of their mouths. They act thoughtlessly and follow their natural tendencies. In other words, they follow their cravings and flesh but they are devoid of wisdom or knowledge since they are walking the path of unrighteousness. They refuse to bring their strongholds to submit to the obedience of Christ. They defy all authorities that God has set for them to follow. The only thing they follow are their merry-ways and give in to their lusts.
In verse 15, Peter refers to Balaam (from Numbers 22-24). Balaam was a wicked prophet in the Bible and is noteworthy because, although he was a wicked prophet, he was not a false prophet. That is, Balaam did hear from God, and God did give him some true prophecies to speak. However, Balaam’s heart was not right with God, and eventually he showed his true colors by betraying Israel and leading them astray. Peter cautions the believers of such corruption from people of unrighteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why should believers be watchful that they do not abandon the right way?
GOD’S WRATH OVER SINFULNESS ILMA’S VLOG
June 19
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GOD’S WRATH OVER SINFULNESS
4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, held for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example of what is coming for the ungodly; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the perverted conduct of unscrupulous people 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from a trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt passion, and despise authority.
– 2 Peter 2: 4-10
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In this letter, Peter shows all believers the consequence of sin. He reminds them how God dealt with sin even with his own angels, those wicked people during the time of Noah and how he destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and reduced them to ashes.
Jude 1:6 reiterates what happened to those angels. It says that those angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day. In Genesis 6, we hear the aftermath of wickedness in the following verses: “When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. So, the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Many people still do not fathom the depth of God’s wrath. If they did, they would probably turn their backs on sin and return to God. God cannot change his nature. He detests sin and will punish anyone who dwells in it.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think many people do not comprehend the consequence of sin?
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH ILMA’S VLOG
June 16
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ESTABLISHED IN THE TRUTH
12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind. – 2 Peter 1:12-15
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In this letter Peter is repeatedly warning the believers of the qualities that a believer should continually seek to do in order to be established in the truth. Peter had made it his life goal to ensure that each believer is keeping up with the cost of being a follower of Jesus. He wants them to be established in truth and he says in verse 13 that he will do everything he can for as long as he lives to stir up every believer in the way that is right.
We see how Peter was all out to make it his life goal to remind all believers to equip themselves to diligently do what is expected of every one who commits to Christ. In verse 15, he declares that even after he is no longer alive, he is leaving a legacy where each believer will have to remember all that Jesus has taught them.
The word “truth” had been so misused by the world that it is no longer about God’s word. The truth has taken on a very subjective perspective even to a point that it has been taken to a point of relativism. Truth is what each person’s perspective it, not God’s viewpoint. You ask someone if they know the truth and most people would say what they think of something and they think that is the truth. Sadly, the world has corrupted the real meaning of truth by making it about how humans see things. Truth is about absolutes not about what humans perceive or know. Truth comes from the word of God because God is the fountain of knowledge. He knows everything and is the source of all that is right. He is truth and only by abiding and following him can we know the truth. That is why Peter is so adamant that all believers stay grounded on the truth that only comes from God’s word. He knows that once we veer away from it, we will surely turn away from the narrow road that leads to ruin and destruction. When we are established in the truth, we will never falter in our faith and we will eventually have the promises of God be fulfilled in our lives. We are given a foolproof guarantee of our salvation.
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REFLECTION
• What happens when a Christian do not establish himself in the word of God?
• Why do we need to invest time as believers in staying in truth?
OUTCOME OF GOD’S PRECIOUS AND MAGNIFICENT PROMISES
June 13
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OUTCOME OF GOD’S PRECIOUS AND MAGNIFICENT PROMISES
Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust. – 2 Peter 1:1-4
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In this letter, Peter addresses the people who have the same faith as his. He emphasized that we receive it by the righteousness of our God and Savior Christ Jesus. Peter always starts his salutation with a greeting of peace and grace. In this letter, he greets them with a double blessing of knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus.
Peter mentions the divine power that only comes from God and discusses the importance of true knowledge of Him who called us all so we can give him all the glory and excellence.
He talks to the believers about the aftermath of focusing on God’s magnificent promises. It is the only way that they may share God’s divine nature and stay pure and able to resist lusts in this world.
Biblegateway.com lists about 5467 promises in the bible. Some other websites mention 7000 to 8000. It doesn’t matter what the exact number is but what is important is the knowledge that we can count on. If you do the math, that is about 14 promises per day in a year. So, how come we don’t look forward to all of them? Many believers probably don’t stand on these promises or even know them. How can one look up to something that is not clear? That is why we are bombarded with them in the bible so that we can have something to be expectant about even 14 times per day in a year. Can you imagine how this world would look like if each person knows the promises they can look forward to on a daily basis? There will be an end to negative thinking, depression, hopelessness or frustration. Each one would be full of hope and expectancy to see the promises happen in their lives on a regular basis. Each one would get deeper knowledge of who God is and how he provides and gives us all that we need. There will be no room for complaining and whining. It will be a world of contentment and gratitude to a God who gives it all.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to focus on God’s promises regularly?
BE HUMBLE AND BE EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK ILMA’S VLOG
June 11
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BE HUMBLE AND BE EXAMPLES TO THE FLOCK
Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. – 1 Peter 5:1-5
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In this letter, Peter charges the other elders as a fellow elder himself, to be a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also someone who will look forward to the glory that will be revealed to them. In verse 2, Peter asks them to shepherd the flock that God has given them, ensuring that they implementing foresight and sound leadership. He stresses the importance of initiative and not just doing their duties out of compulsion, but according to God’s will. He cautions them about greed and advises them to be eager and passionate about their big responsibilities in ensuring that the sheepfold is cared for. He warns them of the danger of putting themselves in high esteem and controlling the flock. Instead, Peter commands them to be a role model to the entire flock. In verse 4, Peter points to the reward that awaits those elders who faithfully shepherds the flock that have been given to them. They will receive the crown of life.
In our world today, there are lots of churches that are compromised when it comes to the integrity of the elders. The role of the elders is no longer set apart from worldly systems in many false churches. It is no longer taking care of God’s flock that is their role, but having their agendas met. It is precious that Peter writes this letter to admonish the elders and also the younger men.
In verse 5, the younger men are commanded to submit to the authority of the elders. A leader is not able to lead well without submissive members of the flock. He wants all believers to cloak themselves in humility because God opposes the proud.
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REFLECTION
• Why is role modelling more important than telling someone what to do?
• Why is witnessing to Jesus’ suffering an important function of an elder?
THE SUFFERING THAT GOD REWARDS
June 10
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THE SUFFERING THAT GOD REWARDS
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
– 1 Peter 4:15-19
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In this letter, Peter differentiates two types of suffering. He groups them into two kinds. One that is brought about by one’s sins or as a consequence of a wrong choice or foolish decision. The other one is to suffer as a Christian when one is being persecuted, ostracized or ridiculed for believing in God and the truth. It is interesting to watch unbelievers suffer because they have no idea what God has done for them so they can live a life of freedom and love. It is noble to watch someone go through hardships because they are defending the truth about Jesus and the gospel. During COVID 19 pandemic, many Christian leaders are being persecuted to continue to serve the Lord and gather to worship Him. What Peter is saying here is that it is honorable to defend God’s truth even to a point of death. That was what martyrs in the bible did, just like Stephen who was stoned to death because he wouldn’t compromise his faith.
In verse 17, Peter reminds us how Christians ought to be responsible more than those who don’t know God. Those who knows God, knows his commands and are expected to follow them. While those who have never heard about the gospel are not hold accountable for something they do not know. There is a higher expectation from those who claim they believe in God than those who never knew him. In verse 18, Peter states a truth that any believer must take seriously. If believers are already struggling with the challenges and trials that come with faith, how much more those who do not know Christ or have turn their backs on him?
In verse 19, all believers are reminded of the reward awaiting those who suffer according to the will of God and for the sake of the Good News. Peter, once again, brings the focus on our Creator, who lavishly loves us and is generous to reward his faithful people.
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REFLECTION
• Why are unbelievers unable to grasp the concept of suffering for Christ?
WARNING FOR THE END ILMA’S VLOG
June 8
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WARNING FOR THE END
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
– 1 Peter 4:7-11
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In this letter, Peter spells out some details about the warning that the end of all things is near. Here are some of his cautionary measures for all the believers to watch out for:
1. Be of sound judgment-we can only have a sound mind if we renew our minds to the mind of Christ. That is the only way we can make sound judgment.
2. Be of sober spirit for the purpose of prayer-Peter reminds us of the importance of prayer. A believer’s life must be about preparing one’s heart for communing with God. If our spirit is so distracted with many things, we won’t be able to pray right.
3. Keep fervent in your love for one another-being eager to serve one another because you love them is an evidence of the Spirit’s fruit in your life as a believer.
4. Be hospitable to one another without complaints- without complaints is the condition of this guideline for showing kindness and hospitality to others.
5. Use your gifts to serve one another -many times, people use their gifts for themselves, so Peter warns us to ensure we are equipping the body of Christ.
6. Be good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God- by ensuring that we are accountable to what was assigned to us, we show God’s grace to others
7. Speak only as one who is speaking actual words of God- let nothing foul come out of your mouth but only what edifies the Lord and what encourages others
8. When you serve, make sure you remember it is God who supplies you the ability to do so – we need to avoid making a performance of how we serve God and others.
9. Glorify God in all things through Jesus Christ- When we abide in Christ and his word, we bring praise to God who is the Maker of all things.
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REFLECTION
• Which one of these warnings resonates loud to your life right now? Explain.