1 Corinthians 5 - 10.28.24

Scripture

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13‬a ‭NLT

“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside;”

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Observation

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church here and scolding them for allowing a man who is proudly living in sexual sin, to continue to be part of their church and fellowship. He urges them that they need to kick him out of their church because this man’s sinfulness may spread to others in the church. The church shouldn’t be acting like non-believers do. They know better and are held to a higher standard, so they better start living according to God’s Way!

Application

“Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

It’s a verse that Christians and Non-Christians like to throw around a lot. We either like to quote that one, or we like to use the phrase, “Don’t judge me. Only God can judge me.” They are phrases often misused by the Christian and Non-Christian alike. But, in this chapter Paul instructs the reader that there is a proper time and place that we as Christians need to judge.

You see, often time Christians will judge non believers for their sinfulness, pointing their finger at them, telling them they’re going to Hell. But we as Christians shouldn’t expect non-believers to be living godly lives when they may not know any better. Paul says in verses 12-13 that it isn’t his responsibility to judge those outside the church, that’s for God to handle. Instead, it is our responsibility as Christians to judge those inside the church who are sinning. Just remember, we must do it in a loving and gentle way.

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”-Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬

Listen, no one likes to be called out for their wrongdoings, but we need to remember that God has called His bride/His Church to a higher standard of living. We are to be holy, set apart, and we are to be living godly lives. If we get called out for our wrongdoings, and it’s true, admit it. Ask for God’s forgiveness and turn away from our sins. If we see a brother or sister in Christ struggling in sin, approach them humbly, gently, and lovingly. Correct them and bring them back to living godly lives. We are to be a light and set the example of how Christian living should be to those around us.

Prayer

Father God, please forgive me of any arrogance and pride. Forgive me for ever thinking that I’m never in the wrong. Forgive me if I ever carry a “holier than thou” attitude towards others. Help me to not judge non believers so harshly. Let me remember that I was once in their shoes, but ONLY through Your grace, I was saved. Help me to point others, (Christians and Non-Christians) back to You. Give me the words to do it in a loving and gentle way. May Your Church continue to grow, thrive, and be what You called us to be in this world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

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1 Corinthians 2 - 10.25.2024

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

If God ever has plans for me to become a pastor in this world, may I be a pastor like the apostle Paul.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

I took a position within my company as a trainer recently. And while, three years ago I never thought I would be teaching people about cable industry, policy, and practice, I feel at peace that this is the role God would have me in. I may not be publicly sharing the testimony of God in my training classes, but I fully intend to be that city on a hill, that flame on a lampstand. Glory to God in the highest.

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Lord, As I embark on this next journey of my life, I pray that you grant me wisdom that is not of human origin. Teach me to teach others father. For while I fell short of my goals of becoming a pastor, I lean not on my own wisdom or that of this world’s. I put my faith in Your Will, Your Wisdom, and Your Eloquence. Let me become a trainer who trains as is required of me by my company. But when the time is right, and if it is of Your design, may I be ready to take up that mantle, and share the testimony of God, and teach of Your salvation.

I pray for Desert Streams Church, father God. I thank you for surrounding me with such a loving, authentic, body of Christ. Continue to watch over this body, and the future body, as Pastors Levi and Katie continue to spread the love of Christ here in Santa Clarita. I pray that your blessings over this house, this body of Christ-worshippers, will runneth over, because like Pastor Levi likes to say, “...the best is yet to come.” Thank you God for all that you have done and will do.

In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee

1 Corinthians 1 - 10.24.24

S – 1 Corinthians 1:10 - “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

O – This is a letter written by Paul to the Corinthians who were struggling with their environment. Paul had founded the church on his second missionary journey and just 18 months later arguments and division arose between the members. Some even slipped back to an immoral lifestyle. Paul wrote this letter to address these issues and to clear up any confusion regarding “right and wrong.” He began his letter with “Brothers and Sisters,” emphasizing that as Christians we are all part of God’s family. We have a bond, and that bond can even be deeper than the one we have with our biological families.

A – But agree with one another and let there be NO division among you? That seems like an impossible task! How can we possibly not disagree or quarrel? Well, I don’t believe that is exactly what God is saying. He knows our sinful nature and prideful ways, but He has expectations for how we live amongst each other.

If we truly believe we are God’s children and that our church family is made up of brothers and sisters, then we should at least begin with loving one another and caring for each other accordingly. This is not a request, but a command!

John 13:34-35 - “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (MSG)

Every family has a set of values and rules that their family follows. You just know that in your house you do or don’t do (fill in the blank). As God’s children He has his own standards (rules) for how we are to interact with our family. It’s not a suggestion (like these red lights and stop signs seem to be here in SCV). But I digress! As Christians, we are called to a higher standard because God IS the standard and He is the Most HIGH. This is what He calls us to do, plain and simple.

It does seem rather a difficult task, however, unity does not equal uniformity. Dwelling together in unity does not mean that we are all the same. Instead, we acknowledge that we have different gifts, personalities, and ministries, and we all live and work together peacefully. We are united in purpose, making every effort to use our unique giftings in harmony with all the others. The apostle Peter urged, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).

God wants His people to enjoy the rich blessing of dwelling together in unity. He calls us to help and support one another, share resources as we are able, worship and fellowship together, pray for one another, and build each other up in the faith.

Above all, dwelling together in unity means loving one another deeply and sincerely. Such unity among the people of God gives off a pleasing aroma that is attractive to unbelievers (John 13:35; 17:21, 23; 1 John 2:10; 3:14), but the stench of division destroys our witness in the world and drives unbelievers away. (Gotquestions.org)

Let’s not be stinky!

Psalm 133:1 - “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

P – Lord would you help us navigate this world where we are taught that we must protect ourselves, we must “get ours,” and we believe it’s our way or the highway. We are so easily offended and shut people out when they have any difference of opinion or a way of doing something. Yet YOU Lord, created us to be uniquely and wonderfully made. You made us to have our own thoughts and to do things differently. That is what makes us beautiful to You. Oh Lord, would you help us see that beauty in the differences of others! Help us to embrace the qualities you have given others and help us to learn from them. We are living in such a state of division within our city, our state, and the entire country. With the upcoming elections we are more divided than ever! Help each of us, as your children, let go of our own ideas of what/WHO, is right and wrong and focus solely and Your Will, Your Way! Help us love one another EVEN when we don’t agree, EVEN when we are different, EVEN when we think WE are right! Help us not be foolish in our thoughts.

Proverbs 14:12-16

12  There is a way that appears to be right,

    but in the end it leads to death.

13  Even in laughter the heart may ache,

    and rejoicing may end in grief.

14  The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,

    and the good rewarded for theirs.

15  The simple believe anything,

    but the prudent give thought to their steps.

16  The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,

    but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

Give us a heart to bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another, and LOVE one another as you have COMMANDED! Amen.

- Crystal Flory