Thursday, February 23, 2017

HUSBANDS, WIVES AND THE “IMPREGNABLE ROCK”

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The Bible is featured in front of the Temple of Apollo in ancient Corinth. My son put it there. I think he had the right idea. The ancient temples are in ruins, but as Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away" Matthew 24:35.

The Bible is featured in front of the Temple of Apollo in ancient Corinth. My son put it there. I think he had the right idea. The ancient temples are in ruins, but as Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away” Matthew 24:35.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:3 responding

Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.

 

The first verse of today’s reading tells us that 1st Corinthians is the answer to a letter from believers in the church there. Paul is responding, not dogmatically, not claiming every word is from God, but as a caring counselor. We may want to reread verses 6,12, 25, and 40. Notice statements such as, “I say this as a concession,” and, “But to the rest I, not the Lord say:” “Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord.” “I think I also have the Spirit of God.” This letter is “The Word of God,” not in the sense that God spoke directly here, but in the sense that it is an accurate record of Paul’s best advice as the one who had led many of these very people to Christ in the first place. In the city of Corinth there were approximately 800,000 precious souls. Many of them may have messed up in their marriages. Those tabloids with horror stories of messed up marriages found at the checkout counter would’ve had big sales there. To all, Jesus says, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:25-30).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Jesus, I come to You, as the old invitation song says, “Without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidst me come to Thee. O Lamb of God, I come.” I’d love to hear those words sung again (click here). Help me to pay attention to Paul’s advice, even if he does not claim it’s directly from You. Help me to listen carefully to my Pastor also. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I must not make the mistake of thinking all Paul writes is in the personal thoughts category. Almost all he writes is distilled from the Word of God Himself in the book that Paul knows so well, the scrolls of his Hebrew Bible. Paul was educated in the most prestigious rabbinical school of his time. He writes 99.9% of the time with the full apostolic authority of God, Himself. No doubt he had memorized huge portions of God’s Word. Paul’s main teacher was Gamaliel, grandson of Hillel. Hillel is, to this day, perhaps the most respected teacher in all of Judaism.

Some may remember that after I stepped aside as leader of the Crossroads ministry, I was given the title by the Board, “Minister of Social Concerns.” Paul was obviously carrying the “Social Concerns” portfolio here in chapter seven. In this role, I’ve participated in debates, appeared before government committees, etc. I’ve also sought to encourage the strengthening of Canada’s social safety net. I’ve tried to stay above politics and concentrate on the moral principles that should guide us to a better, more caring society. I’ve tried to avoid stepping into the quicksand of situational ethics, keeping my feet firmly planted on what the former British P.M. Gladstone (who negotiated with Canadians on our non-violent separation from Great Britain) called, “The impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture.” In fact, Gladstone sponsored three tours of his country by the American Evangelist D.L.Moody.

Yours from someone who aims at 100 words, but rarely succeeds,

David

Ruins and pieces of pillars can be seen at the Temple of Apollo in old Corinth.

Ruins and pieces of pillars can be seen at the Temple of Apollo in old Corinth.

14 thoughts on “Thursday, February 23, 2017

  1. Love the scripture, photos and message, today! Please give us an update on how you are doing, David. Keeping you in prayer, Mary, after your surgery. The fall weather in Ontario is wonderful–thank You, Lord! Wishing all saints a blessed day–that your hearts are warmed with the love of our Saviour!

    He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah 6:7 NLT

    Bill & Gloria Gaither – He Touched Me [Live] ft. Gaither Vocal Band
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m–ptwd_iI

  2. Yes good posting today Pastor David. And the song you posted Beverlee is extra special as I went to the altar when that song was playing, in Fredericton. Praying for you David and Mary. God bless you all.

  3. So glad God has work for each of us to do. Please, Lord, help us to wait on You, spend time with You – we need You so much more than we think we do – please wash us clean, and help us to live filled with Your Holy Spirit. Give us courage and boldness to share Your gospel each and every day. And bless all Your workers as You send them -us – out. In Jesus’ incomparable name, amen

    Good song by someone who should be better known, Nancy Honeytree: https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=JZ9nFUvEqpY

  4. “Just as I Am” brings back memories of my new birth, the first time I heard it at “Central Pentecostal Church” when Pastor George Smith was their Pastor. Thank you for posting the link:)

    Your input and words of wisdom add much to the scripture of the day. May God continue to Bless and strengthen you throughout this day and always. Bless you Norma-Jean for your faithfulness in standing with and caring for Pastor David. And blessings on each member of your family.!

    Appreciate the photo’s taken in Corinth…bless you Reynod!!!

  5. Doreen in your search engine put 100words.ca a daily walk through the bible with David Mainse I bookmarked it on my computer and it comes also to my inbox give
    it a try and see if this works
    Lianne Hogg

  6. I pray the Holy Spirit enters all marriages and begins to heal all the broken marriages; to heal the negative attitudes; the violence; the role of husbands and wives; and I am thankful for Ron and Ann for starting their Ministry pertaining to marriages….very much needed…..
    Blessings to all…..

  7. PRAISE AND THANK THE LORD, I just heard on the news that the British Columbia Football team, the Lions, have started a program where they will enter the schools and meet with young boys and hopefully teach them how to treat females, they desire to do away with “locker room talk” I pray that they will have great success because this teaching is very much needed among all our young people…again, thank you Lord….

  8. TY Lord for good health; for singing; for a home; TY for all the blessings that You have given me, removing smokes/alcohol; giving me swimming; TY Lord I ask now for a financial breakthrough to clear debts/help others/vehicle/friends TY Lord TY in Jesus Name I Pray amen

Leave a Reply to Ger Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.