Torch, Summer 2002

with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you (I Cor. 1:10-11). Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly ? (I Cor. 3:1-3, emphasis mine). Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder ( II Cor. 12:19-20, emphasis mine). The passage from Luke is most instructive. Jesus was annoyed by the strife engendered in the midst of His disciples. He encouraged His followers to act as servant-leaders, not lording over their followers or one another, but seeking to use their position as a means of blessing others rather than reaping any positional perquisites. Of special note is the timing of this instruction; it occurs immediately following the institution of communion. It’s interesting to note that while churches have no problem following the sequence of the ceremony as it is described here, many have problems living out the principles behind it. Paul’s comments to the Corinthian church are also enlightening. These epistles are written to the most offensive of Paul’s church plants. We are all familiar with the sensualities and other issues Paul deals with throughout the letters. But, how often do we consider the Apostle’s disdain for the Corinthians’ penchant for quarreling, strife, and internal conflict? Are You Equipped? A bortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia ... struggles over the sanctity of life are being fought daily in America’s culture war. Where can you find biblical resources that equip you to face the many sanctity of life controversies tearing at our society? The CDR Radio Network invites you to their online bookstore which offers numerous resources for helping you find biblical answers to life’s questions. For example, you can purchase Dr. Paul Dixon’s audiocassette series “Sanctity of Life,” which presents biblical guidelines on capital punishment, abortion, suicide, and euthanasia. Or order his “Preparing Leaders for the 21st Century” series. The bookstore can also aid you through its plethora of cassette and CD messages from favorite speakers such as Joe Stowell and David Jeremiah. Books, Bibles, music, videos, and software are available to assist you, and, coming soon, you will be able to order any past chapel message online! To browse the bookstore or to order, visit www.cdrradio.com and click on the bookstore button. You may also order by calling 1-800-333-0601 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit www.cdrradio.com for a fresh look at biblical resources to equip you on life’s issues! Summer 2002 / TORCH 11