_Now concerning the collection._ COLLECTION IN CHURCH This is in close connection with the sublime argument about the resurrection. There is no gulf between doctrine and duty; rather, most intimate union between the hope of heaven and details of common life on earth. Duty is the fruit of rightly b... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia._ GOD’S WILL THE RULE AND SPIRITUAL USEFULNESS THE END OF LIFE I. God’s will should be the rule of life. Paul had made a plan to visit the Corinthians, to “tarry a while” with them, but he rests this plan (no doubt dear to his heart) o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear._ PAUL’S AFFECTIONATE RECOMMENDATION OF TIMOTHY TEACHES US THAT YOUNG MINISTERS 1. Often need encouragement. 2. Should be respected for their works’ sake. 3. Ought not to be despised. 4. Must be treated with tenderness and conside... [ Continue Reading ]
_Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong._ THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE The associations of war and battle breathe in every word of this exhortation. It touches the heart as the spirit-stirring address of a trusted leader touches the hearts of his comrades at so... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let all your things be done with charity._ LOVE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN LOGIC As means towards the attainment of the best ends there is no comparison between these. The latter may convince the understanding and leave the heart unchanged, but the former will win the heart, and with that gained, the und... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia._ THE HOUSE OF STEPHANAS I. Its happiness--united in-- 1. Faith. 2. Hope. 3. Purpose. II. Its true nobility--precedence of-- 1. Heavenly birth. 2. Experience. 3. Rank. 4. Influence. III. Its devoted service. 1. Love to... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am glad of the coming of Stephanas,… for they have refreshed my spirit and yours._ SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT These three honoured members of the Corinthian Church came to consult the apostle on matters of faith and practice. But their visit was not simply official, for they were personally attached... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Churches of Asia salute you._ THE SOCIAL TEMPERATURE OF A CHURCH While doctrines are being discussed in the pulpit, and ecclesiastical distinctions expressed in modes of worship and of discipline, there remains to be studied something quite as essential as these to the future of religion, in t... [ Continue Reading ]
_If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha._ LOVE TO CHRIST (Ephesians 6:24 and Text):--Though so dissimilar, both texts teach the same truth, viz., that love to Christ is the indispensable condition of salvation. I. Why is love to Christ thus necessary? Because--... [ Continue Reading ]
_My love be with you all._ PAUL’S LOVE TO THE CORINTHIANS WAS I. Sincere. Witness the Epistle. 1. Its faithful dealing. 2. Wise counsels. 3. Earnest admonitions. 4. Sublime lessons. 5. Patient and loving spirit. II. Comprehensive--including all, even those who had offended. III. Christian i... [ Continue Reading ]