5 Ways to Show God’s Love

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Corinthians 16:23-24

The early Corinthian church was a moral mess. So, the Apostle Paul spent 16 chapters teaching, correcting and training them in righteousness. And as he brings his hard-hitting letter to a close, he leaves his readers ... with "agape" love. Agape is God’s kind of love – selfless, sacrificial and unconditional.

 

In the final verses of Chapter 16, Paul shares 5 practical ways to show God’s agape love:

 

#1: Volunteer for devoted service (v. 15). In verse 15, Paul mentions Stephanas’ family, who “devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” As followers of Christ, one of the most practical ways we can show agape love is to do what Stephanas’ family did: Volunteer. Don’t sit around and wait to be appointed to serve. When you see a need, and the Holy Spirit prompts you to meet it, meet it!

 

#2: Submit to faithful servant leaders (v. 16). In verses15-16, Paul writes: “I urge you, brothers, to submit to … everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.” It’s a natural human tendency to fight against submission. But as Christians, we must submit ourselves, first and foremost, to Jesus Christ as Lord. And as we submit to Him, He commands us to submit to our God-given leaders, and to submit to one another in the church. Like Jesus, we mustn’t aim to BE served, but to SERVE.

 

#3: Refresh other Christians with your companionship (vs. 17-18a). Paul writes in verses 17-18: “I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because … they refreshed my spirit.” Do you know some Christians who are “refreshing” to be around? One of the most practical ways to show others agape love is to offer them refreshing companionship. Sit with them and patiently listen to them when they’re grieving. Stand by their bedside and pray with them when they’re sick. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.

 

#4: Respect those who serve faithfully (v. 18b). Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus made the effort to visit Paul and refresh him with their companionship. So, Paul tells the rest of the Corinthian Christians, “Such men deserve recognition.” Does Paul want the church to give these three men a trophy? No. He’s simply asking the church to show them some well-deserved appreciation, which brings glory to God. 

 

#5: Show hospitality and affection to all believers (vs. 19-20). When Paul sends the Corinthians greetings from the church in Asia, he’s probably also referring to the churches in Colosse, Laodicea and other faraway places. Christian hospitality can’t be limited to those who are in the same town as us. We need to lovingly pray for Christians on the other side of the world. In love, we need to send financial support to help meet the needs of Christian missionaries around the world. World missions require both loving “goers” and loving “senders.”

 

Finally, Paul closes his letter with grace and agape love. After all the dumb, sinful things the Corinthians had done ... after all the slander and all the backstabbing … Paul still loved them. How was that possible? It was possible because, like Christ’s love for us, Paul’s love for them was selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. May you and I love one another in the same way.

 

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd., or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

5 Commands for Spiritual Battle

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As the Apostle Paul begins to wrap up his first hard-hitting letter to the Corinthians, he doesn't disappoint. Chapter 16 gives the Corinthian Christians – and all of us today – five commands that pull together so much of what Paul has been teaching in this letter.

 

When it comes down to it, each of the commands Paul gives in verses 13 and 14 provides a short and sweet recap of rebukes and instructions from the first 15 chapters. To win in spiritual battle, Paul writes, you must be alert, doctrinally sound, courageous, strengthened and loving.

 

Let’s take a close look at each of these 5 vital commands:

 

Command #1: Be alert (v. 13). As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to live our lives with eyes wide open—alert and watchful. The New Testament tells us to watch out for 5 things: Satan (1 Peter 5:8-9); temptation (Mark 14:38); apathy (Revelation 3:1-3); false prophets and teachers (Matthew 7:15); and the Lord’s return (Matt. 24:42 and 25:13).

 

Command #2: Stand firm in the faith (v. 13). Paul is talking about standing firm in the TRUTH of our faith. Some of the Corinthians weren’t standing firm in the important truth of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They also failed to stand firm in the truth about church unity, sexual purity, forgiveness and spiritual gifts. Too many Christian churches are like that today—blown and tossed by the wind of every new, more politically-correct teaching. Most tragically, many Christian churches refuse to proclaim that Christ is the only Way to salvation. It’s not politically correct – but it’s true.

 

Command #3: Be men of courage (v. 13). The Greek word Paul uses here conveys two things: Courage and maturity. Whether you’re male or female, if you’re a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, you must stop thinking and acting like a baby Christian. God has called us to grow up in our faith and be men and women of courage. And when Satan and the world start throwing jabs at you, don’t run away like a scared 5-year-old.

 

Command #4: Be strong (v. 13). The verb Paul uses here means, “Be strengthened” or “Be made strong.” The New Testament makes it clear that you and I are inherently weak. Thankfully, Jesus tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My power is made perfect in your weakness.” And Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Only God can strengthen you. Your job is to sit at the feet of Jesus, learn from Him, and submit to God’s strengthening process.

 

Command #5: Do everything in love (v. 14).  As Chuck Swindoll points out, the first four commands sound like orders shouted in battle: “’Wake up! Stand firm! Be a man! Be strong!’…. The next imperative, however, put everything in perspective: ‘Do everything in love’.” John MacArthur agrees: “Without [this principal] the others could make us crusty, militant and hard…. Love is what the Corinthians needed most, and is what believers of all ages have needed most.”

 

I say “Amen!” to that!

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd., or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

Timeless Principals for Giving

“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.”  –  1 Corinthians 16:2

Whoa! Where did that sudden shift in gears come from?
 
The Apostle Paul ends 1 Corinthians 15 with a beautiful climax: “Death has been swallowed up in victory…. Therefore, my dear brothers…. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (vs. 54-58).
 
Then, on the heels of this uplifting teaching about the resurrection, Paul begins chapter 16: “Now about the collection for God’s people” (v.1). What?
 
Well, Paul did move from subject to subject rather abruptly at times. But I think Paul’s teaching at the end of chapter 15 drives what he says in the first few verses of chapter 16. Because our “labor in the Lord is not in vain,” we must give generously to Christians in need.
 
In the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 16, we can find 4 biblical principles for Christian giving:
 
Principle #1: Offerings should be given on the Lord’s Day as an act of worship (v .2). In this verse, Paul tells the Corinthians to “set aside” a certain amount of money on the first day of the week (Sunday). Across the world, Christians gather on the Lord’s Day to take communion, pray, sing songs of praise and study God’s Word. But it’s not true worship if you’re just receiving. So, giving an offering is one of the beautiful ways that Christians worship God on The Lord’s Day.
 
Principle #2: “Each” Christian should give an offering (v. 2 & 2 Cor. 9:7). Notice these four little words that Paul uses in verse 2: “each one of you.” When Paul wrote these words, he wasn’t just talking to the Christians with full-time jobs and 401K plans. He was talking to EVERY Christian. Never forget: All that you have in your possession has been given to you by God. And He has given you the privilege of giving some of what you have to Christians who have even less than you do. It’s not just rich Christians who have the privilege of giving; broke Christians can give too!
 
Principle #3: The amount of your offering should be in proportion to your income (v. 2). Nowhere in the New Testament do Jesus or His apostles REQUIRE every Christian to give a certain dollar amount, or even a certain percentage, to the church. You won’t find a “Thou shalt tithe 10%” command. Do I think tithing 10% is a good practice for all Christians? Yes, I do. But the fact remains: In the New Testament, God doesn’t tell Christians to give 10%. Instead, He calls you to give on the Lord’s Day as part of your worship – and He wants you to give in proportion to your income, from the heart, as the Holy Spirit leads you to give.
 
Principle #4: It is good and proper to support needy Christians in other congregations (vs. 1 and 3). Because our labor in the Lord is not in vain, Paul tells the Corinthian church to take up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem, where poverty and unemployment were rampant. To this day, one of the best things the Church does is to bless Christians on the other side of the world. We are most like Jesus when we are making sacrifices and giving to “the least of these,” knowing that they’ll never be able to pay us back.

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

Will Death Win in the End?

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 
–  1 Corinthians 15:55

Spoiler alert: When life ends for Christians … death ends up as one big loser.

 

In 1 Corinthians 15:54, the Apostle Paul says it straight out: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” In verse 55, he continues, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” He’s basically trash-talking death: “Is that ALL you got?”

 

But honestly, even for Christians, death still stings, doesn’t it? I officiated a funeral recently for a 44-year-old Christian woman. Her family took comfort in knowing that she is safe in Jesus’ arms. Verses like Luke 23:43, Acts 7:55-59 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 indicate that when Christians die, our souls and spirits immediately enter the presence of the Lord in heaven. But for her loved ones, the woman’s death at such a young age still stung.

 

However, don’t forget: For Christians, death’s victory and sting are only temporary. As Paul writes, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 57). Paul is so thankful because Jesus has given us three different victories:

 

Victory #1: Jesus has given us victory over sin. As Paul writes in verse 56, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” Because of the law, we are justly declared guilty of sin and the death penalty that sin brings. The law keeps us from pleading ignorance when we sin. When we do things that God’s law clearly says we “shall not” do, we can’t play dumb.

 

Victory #2: Jesus has given us victory over the condemnation of the law. Praise God, thanks to Christ’s sacrifice, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).

 

Victory #3: Jesus has given us victory over death. This bears repeating, because it wouldn’t be possible without the other two victories. Leon Morris, a pastor and theologian, says it very well: “It is not ‘death’ in itself that is harmful; it is that death that is ‘the wages of sin’ (Rom. 6:23) that matters. Death, considered simply as the passing out of this life into the immediate presence of the Lord, is a gain, not a loss (Phil. 1:21,23).”

 

When Jesus returns, He will conquer death once and for all. When our old bodies are transformed into their new and improved versions, He will even reverse the damage death has done in Christians’ lives. Jesus will strip death of its victories and remove its stinger … forever.

 

The fact of the resurrection makes everything in your life so meaningful! So, that resurrection should motivate you to get up and get to work for Jesus. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (v. 58).

 

If you believe in the truth of the resurrection and are convinced that there will be a Judgment Day, you have every reason to work hard and make sacrifices for Jesus. And thanks to Him, you know that your work and sacrifices are totally meaningful.

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

Your Amazing New Body!

“You will still be you, and I will still be me, but the resurrection will make you a better you and me a better me.” –  Chuck Swindoll

It will be like upgrading from a 1970s Ford Pinto to a Rolls Royce.

In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul spends the first half of the chapter teaching that because Jesus’ resurrection is a historical fact, our future resurrection is guaranteed. In the second half of the chapter, Paul goes on to tackle the next question: What will our resurrected bodies be like?  

 

Some Christians assume that our resurrected bodies will simply be our current bodies … reassembled. But Paul removes all doubt that our resurrected bodies will be a thousand times better than our bodies today.

 

In verses 42-44, Paul presents 4 big differences between our mortal bodies today and our immortal bodies tomorrow:

 

Difference #1: Our mortal bodies are perishable and corruptible. Our resurrected bodies will be unperishable and incorruptible. “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable” (v. 42).

 

Difference #2: Our current bodies are dishonorable and easily led into sin. Our resurrected bodies will be “raised in glory” (v. 43).

 

Difference #3: Our mortal bodies are weak, but our new bodies will be powerful (v. 43).

 

Difference #4: Our old bodies are natural. Our new bodies will be spiritual (v. 44).

 

Our mortal, corruptible bodies, Paul explains, were made in the likeness of Adam, the first created man, who fell into sin. But when we are resurrected, we will be made in the likeness of Jesus – the “last Adam,” who overcame sin and made our resurrection possible (vs. 45-49). In other words, if you want to know what your resurrection body will look like and be capable of, just take a closer look at Jesus in the final chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

 

After His resurrection, Jesus was recognizable. You too will be recognizable. Jesus was able to eat and drink. It stands to reason that you too will be able to eat and drink. Jesus was able to suddenly appear and pass through walls into a locked room. Guess what you’ll be able to do? If you want to know what a resurrected body can do, look at Jesus. He is the prototype.

 

Thanks to Jesus, your resurrected body will be so much better than the body you’ve got right now.

I love the way Chuck Swindoll puts it: “You will still be you, and I will still be me, but the resurrection will make you a better you and me a better me.”

 

Now, just because our resurrection bodies will be so much better than the bodies we’ve got right now, that doesn’t give us an excuse to waste these bodies we’ve got right now. If all you’ve got is a Ford Pinto, fire it up and drive it for God’s glory. Remember 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

 

We thank God for the new and improved Rolls Royce resurrection bodies that we’ll be given one day, but until we trade in these Ford Pintos, we must use them for the glory of God.

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

How Are You Spending Your Eternity?

“The fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead and has become the first of millions who will come back to life again someday.” –  1 Corinthians 15:20 (The Living Bible)

 

The truth is, Christians never really die.

 

Even though our bodies decompose after death, they are really just resting until resurrection day. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christians who have died as simply having “fallen asleep,” because Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our resurrection. In verses 21-22, Paul drives this point home: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”

 

Both Adam and Jesus blazed a trail of rewards and consequences for everyone who would come after them. Adam brought us sin and death. Jesus brought us righteousness and life. ALL of us have inherited Adam’s undesirable gift of sin and death. But only those who reach out in faith to Jesus Christ will inherit His gift of righteousness and life.

 

Sadly, many of the Corinthian Christians’ neighbors didn’t believe in the resurrection, so they didn’t believe in a Judgment Day. They thought there would be no consequences for any of their choices here on earth. So, they figured they might as well live it up! Drink to your heart’s content. Have sex whenever and with whomever you want. Who cares about anyone else? Live for yourself!

 

Hedonism makes sense if there’s no life after death. But since both our resurrection and a day of judgment are guaranteed, hedonism is spiritual suicide. Paul warns in verses 33-34: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to shame you.”

 

In this passage, I believe God is revealing 3 undeniable truths:

 

Truth #1: Only those who are ignorant of God don’t believe in the resurrection (v. 33). To know God is to know that He has provided indisputable evidence for the resurrection. Jesus holds the keys of eternal life. His life conquers death.

 

Truth #2: Our good character can be corrupted easily by cynics whose unbelief fuels their hedonism (v. 33). Bad company DOES corrupt good morals. If you hang out with dirty dogs, don’t be surprised if you wake up with fleas.

 

Truth #3: In order to act right, we must BELIEVE right. Coming back to our senses requires us to cling to sound doctrine (v. 34). There is a direct correlation between bad beliefs and bad morals. Bad morals arise from unbelieving hearts that don’t believe in God or fear Judgment Day.

 

But if you follow Jesus Christ, you know the truth: His resurrection guarantees YOUR resurrection. And His eternal life guarantees YOUR eternal life. And you know that you will have to give an account of your life on Judgment Day.

 

One day you will stand before Jesus, and your entire life will be fed through the flames of testing. Only what you’ve done for Jesus, and in Jesus’ name, will survive the flames. So, your words and deeds matter. Your priorities matter. Most of all, your beliefs matter … both now and in eternity.

 

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.

What If There Was No Resurrection?

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” – I Corinthians 15:12

 

From what Paul writes in the first 11 verses of 1 Corinthians 15, it’s clear that the Corinthian Christians believed in Jesus’ resurrection. But some of them weren’t so sure about their own.

 

Many Corinthian Christians were still clinging to their Greek culture’s belief in dualism. They’d been taught that human beings are made of two basic parts. The first part, the physical body, is intrinsically evil; the second part, the spirit, is intrinsically good. So the Greeks believed that if there is an afterlife, the spirit will shed the wicked corpse it’s shackled to here on earth, becoming pure spirit.

 

In other words, some Corinthians still believed that – aside from Jesus – there is no resurrection of the dead. Paul’s response? “My dear brothers in Christ … you’re talking NONSENSE!”

 

Paul explained that it is illogical to believe Jesus is the ONLY man who will ever rise from dead. There are only two logical options: Either EVERYONE is resurrected, or NO ONE is resurrected.

 

And in verses 13-19, Paul plays devil’s advocate: What if there is NO bodily resurrection? Well …

 

If there is no resurrection, Jesus Christ would still be dead (v. 13). In that case, our preaching is pointless (v. 14). After all, If Jesus wasn’t resurrected, then what’s the point of listening to someone blather on about some ancient dead guy who lived halfway around the world?

 

Without the resurrection, our faith would be a sham (vs. 14 & 17) – and we would be liars (v. 15). If there is no resurrection, we’re still under God’s condemnation because of our sins (v. 17). Our faith in Jesus would make no difference on Judgment Day. And if there is no resurrection, our Christian family members who have died in Christ are lost forever (v. 18).

 

Finally, without the resurrection, we should be the most pitied people on earth (v. 19). If there’s no hope beyond the grave, we Christians are a pretty sorry lot. ALL of our preaching, ALL of our praying, our trusting, our hoping, our sacrificing … ALL of it would be … for nothing.

 

Fortunately, here are 3 things that the resurrection proves:

 

#1: The resurrection proves that good is stronger than evil. In this life, evil might win a battle or two, but the goodness of God will always win the war.

 

#2: The resurrection proves that God’s “agape” love is stronger than hatred. The religious leaders hated Jesus, and today Satan continues to fuel hatred against Christians around the world.

But Christian haters can only kill our bodies once … which leads us straight into Jesus’ eternal arms of agape love.

 

#3: The resurrection proves that life is stronger than death. As Paul writes in verse 54: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” The gospel is truly good news!

 

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church in Victorville. Join us at Impact for Sunday services at 9am: at 17746 George Blvd. in Victorville, or at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.