Category: Division

In 1 Kings 18, we have the record of a conversation between the prophet Elijah and a steward of King Ahab named Obadiah.

Obadiah

The name Obadiah is a common one in the Old Testament. We know nothing of the man other than what is revealed in this text. From the text we can state with confidence his faithfulness to Jehovah, even though he was “in charge of his [Ahab’s] house” (vs. 3).

Verses 4 and 5 of 1 Kings 18 reveals that Obadiah “feared the Lord greatly”, and had personally secured the safety of 100 prophets by hiding them from the murderous actions of Jezebel.

Continue reading “Elijahs and Obadiahs” →

Congregations are to be made up of brethren who love one another. As such, those who foment strife and sow discord must be dealt with, and if necessary, marked and avoided.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Paul here admonishes the Corinthians for being “carnal.” The word is the greek sarkikos, and means: pertaining to the flesh… by implication, unregenerate (from Strong’s).

This designation is the opposite of “spiritual”, and indicates that the flesh was winning in its conflict with the Spirit in their lives (cf. Galatians 5:17).

What was their sin? They were divided. Rather than expressing love for one another, and “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), they were “behaving like mere men.”

It is not godly to be a strife bearer and envious. To be so is antithetic to Christ’s cause. Those who are His must show their love to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Peter 2:22). One way this is done is to “all speak the same thing” and to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (cf. 1:10).

Sermon Title: Christ – Bringer of Division? Or Peace?

The Bible reveals Jesus to be the Prince of Peace. And yet, in Luke 12 Jesus said He came to earth to bring division. The sermon explains how these seemingly contradictory statements are in fact both true, and that the key revolves around the individuals response to the grace of God extended in Jesus.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .