GLEANED FROM THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS [Part 2A]

10 NOW I PLEAD WITH YOU, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, THAT YOU ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING, AND THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS AMONG YOU, BUT THAT YOU BE PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER IN THE SAME MIND AND IN THE SAME JUDGMENT.
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, THAT THERE ARE CONTENTIONS AMONG YOU.
12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”
13 IS CHRIST DIVIDED? WAS PAUL CRUCIFIED FOR YOU? OR WERE YOU BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF PAUL?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.
16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 FOR CHRIST DID NOT SEND ME TO BAPTIZE, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, NOT WITH WISDOM OF WORDS, LEST THE CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NO EFFECT."
1 Corinthians 1:10–17 (NKJV)

• Apostle Paul implored and pleaded with the Corinthian believers that there should be no divisions among them—they should be one in mind and understanding:
a. That they speak the same thing—live in harmony with each other (1 Corinthians 1:10).
b. That there would be no division among them (1 Corinthians 1:10).
c. That they be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same Judgement—united in thought and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10).

• A similar incident happened in the Philippian church, where Paul stresses the importance of unity among them:
  1 THEREFORE IF THERE IS ANY CONSOLATION IN CHRIST, IF ANY COMFORT OF LOVE, IF ANY FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT, IF ANY AFFECTION AND MERCY, 2 FULFILL MY JOY BY BEING LIKE-MINDED [agreeing wholeheartedly with each other], HAVING THE SAME LOVE, BEING OF ONE ACCORD, OF ONE MIND [and purpose]" (Philippians 2:1,2 NKJV).
  READ: Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25
• Without unity or oneness the believers would not be able to fulfil the mandate given to them—to reconcile the world to God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
• The real Joy and unity are found in Christ Jesus alone. Oneness in purpose, attitude, goal, and labour can be enjoyed with Christ's model of humility and service among the believers (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37).

• There were contentions or quarrels among them (1 Corinthians 1:11). Apostle Paul got to know about the contentions through a particular household—Chloe's household (1 Corinthians 1:11).

• The contentions or quarrels led to factions in the church. Some claimed to be of Paul, whilst some believe they are of Apollos, some are of Cephas, Peter, whilst others said they are of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12).
• The unfortunate incident found in the above Bible passage should not be allowed in any local church. The issue of homogeneity might want to arise in a multiracial church or ministry, but the leadership of the church should not allow it. Factions should not be allowed in any congregation under any reason (Galatians 3:26-29).
• Believers are one in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:14-18). The middle wall of separation; either racial or whatever, has been broken by Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:14), thus, there should be no segregations or divisions (Galatians 3:26-29)
• What Paul did, the way he handled the matter, is what every leader who gets the wave of similar issue in his or her congregation—church or ministry—should do. The Corinthians believers were scolded or reproved in the letter, the epistle, by Paul and dissociated himself from it (1 Corinthians 1:12,13).
• A leader in the church of God or ministry who is discriminatory; a segregationist or a racist, will do more harm than good, and such attitude would negatively affect his or her work of ministry.
• There are many bigotry believers who regard or treat the members of a group (such as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance; yet, they professed to be believers.
• Such an attitude is not of God. Neither superiority complex nor inferiority complex is of God. We are equal in the sight of God in Christ Jesus, thus, a believer should not think of himself or herself more highly than they ought to (Romans 12:3).

3 LET NOTHING BE DONE THROUGH SELFISH AMBITION OR CONCEIT, BUT IN LOWLINESS OF MIND LET EACH ESTEEM OTHERS BETTER THAN HIMSELF.
4 LET EACH OF YOU LOOK OUT NOT ONLY FOR HIS OWN INTERESTS, BUT ALSO FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS."
Philippians 2:3,4 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

• If there is any sickness in your body, receive your healing now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
• That which was not planted by God, working against your health, is completely rooted out in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
  Peace!
  TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION
• Take notice of this:
IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).
a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).
b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).
c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

• If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

Note:
a. I want you to follow us for more edifying content.
b. Endeavour to share this message. God bless you.