Sep 6th

1 Samuel 31     Ezekiel 9     1 Corinthians 11     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

This chapter is one of those times where it comes sharply back into focus that Paul is very much speaking directly and culturally into a group, in this instance the church in Corinth.

Corinth seems to be a church where they have really grappled onto the freedom offered in Christ. Paul seems often to be addressing them and telling them that just because they can doesn't mean they should. He starts chapter 11 by addressing what seems to be their new-found freedom regarding head covering and prayer. Paul is asking them to stop butting up against the current cultural practice in communal worship. He tells them in verse 16 "we have no other practice" He also uses a sound creationist argument for the differences in expectations of men and woman. So far he seems to be sharing a message that just because you have the right to doesn't mean you should.

He then moves on to challenge strongly their practice of segregation at the Lord’s Table, the rich bringing their banquets and the poor only joining in for bread and wine. He says the Lord’s Table is where we all come as equals before the Lord not rich and poor, not segregated or in cliques.  I know from experience that the amazing, deep and personal relationships I have had in church have inadvertently made others outsiders. What a great positive challenge, when we meet as the body what can we do to make our groups and friendships inclusive rather than exclusive? How can we use our means to bless the entire body and not just ourselves?

'Lord please help us to be good stewards of our time, relationships and possessions. May they bless our church and community! Amen"

(lay member of staff)