Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Church – Family Business

Some believe The Tithe was instituted in the OT, Mosaic Law and therefore because The Law has been abolished or fulfilled at the cross, so too has The Tithe been abolished or fulfilled.

Although this view sounds enticing, it is also problematic because the practice of tithing actually predated The Law of Moses by some 400 years.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Spiritual gifts In Church

Tongues is one of the most misunderstood and maligned of the spiritual gifts.  Some conservative evangelical churches even teach that tongues were only required before the inspired NT writings became part of the Canon of Scripture.  Of course, this idea is not Scriptural itself and even if this were true, this logic would also need to be applied to all the gifts, presumably including administration!

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| The Greater Gift

When we come together, the greater gift is the gift that edifies (builds) the church. When we are alone the greater gift is the gift that edifies us individually.  Most builders are very practical people. Spiritual gifts, although mysterious and ‘other-worldly’, always have a practical end in sight.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| The Most Excellent Way

1 Corinthians 13 is an eloquent description of agápē. This chapter is possibly Paul’s single, greatest literally work and is certainly one of the most important passages in all of His letters. The Apostle Paul upholds a brand of love that should motivate God’s people to eagerly desire the Greater Gifts, which in turn allows us to serve each other sacrificially. This is ‘The Most Excellent Way’ for the use of spiritual gifts.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Unity & Spiritual Gifts

The gifts of the Spirit come from The Spirit of God, they are supernatural by nature, this means they transcend our natural talents and gifts, and their purpose is to strengthen the Church.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| The Lord’s Supper & Culture

Like Baptism, The Lord’s Supper is powerful.  These sacraments are powerful because The Lord is present in both.  Where Jesus is present, the power of His kingdom is also present.  This is great news, but it should also be approached soberly and thoughtfully.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Our Magnificent Obsession

The privilege of ministry is a costly one.  We are not called to greatness; we are called to obscurity.  The Call to follow Jesus in any capacity necessitates losing all rights and taking the narrow path of the kingdom.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| The Problem With Idols!

Idolatry takes our focus away from God and directs it towards something else.  “Food sacrificed to an idol” is the product of someone else’s obsession with that idol. Our obsession lies in Jesus alone.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Temple of The Holy Spirit

The Hebrew understanding of The Temple, is that this was the place where God’s glory and presence dwelt. In fact, the innermost part of the Temple, was called the ‘Holy of Holies’, this is the place where the Ark of The Covenant, the most Holy object in the Temple, belonged. The ark was synonymous with God’s power and His presence. It went ahead of the Hebrews it into battle and it was revered because it was synonymous with God himself.

This is what our lives should like as well. The same presence and power of God that was with the Ark of the Covenant should accompany all believers.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Kingdom Life

This worldly congregation at Corinth found it difficult to leave the world behind. Bear in mind, as we saw from the very beginning of this series, Corinthian life was heavily influenced by demonic strongholds. In many ways, the contemporary church faces similar challenges. A church that is not prepared to leave its worldly roots and lay down its worldly rights will find it difficult to experience kingdom life.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Should We Judge Others?

Tolerance: “A disposition to allow freedom of choice and behaviour”

Unfortunately, this “disposition” has been ‘weaponized’ in some circles whenever a protest is voiced on ‘moral’ grounds. Christians are frequently labelled as ‘intolerant’ and ‘judgemental’ in these kinds of conversations, sometimes even by other Christians. But, is it ever OK to judge the morality of others?

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Leadership

True leadership is uncomplicated, consistent and reliable. The balance of sound character and charismatic personality is important but given the choice, one or the other, character has a far higher rank in the leadership stakes.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Spiritual Maturity

We only learn to digest the solid food of the kingdom by training and practice.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Only Through The Cross

This season we are in is a time of preparation and opportunity. The aftermath of this demonic virus and demonic fear that has come with it may well see a revival so huge we can’t contain it. But only if the church prepares herself and looks with kingdom eyes.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| The Wisdom & Power of God

What we’re seeing today is a world that has been found wanting for wisdom. The is no shortage of experts and no shortage of knowledge, but wisdom is a scarce commodity. We must pray for our leaders everyday to receive wisdom from God.

Rob Norman: 1 Corinthians| Background & Introduction

To extract the most from a letter such as 1 Corinthians it is important, we, as best as we can, immerse ourselves in the culture to which this letter was delivered. If we try to superficially read Scripture through 21st century eyes we will be limited by our worldview. When this happens, we limit what God is saying and we run the risk of getting it completely wrong.