1 Corinthians 5:1-8 ~ in the name of the Lord Jesus

1 Corinthians 5:1-8

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.

3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord [Jesus].

6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

One of my children had a refrain in Junior High School, he said people are just worthless. He didn't know why God would want to save us.

The heart of man is known to God. It is no surprise.

John 2:23-25
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

It was explained to me - as a 17 year old college freshmen, by a group of grown women - after people have been divorced, dating, vacationing etc. the rules were changed. No one is a virgin or expected to act as if they are. Men look for a certain type of behavior in their wife, in college (some men), but after that people act as they will.

Mankind hasn't changed much in 2,000 years.

The problem with this is ... leaven. What we act in front of our children or grandchildren will be carried forward. Our local PACN Pregnancy Assistance Center teaches there are 28 Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 3 are fatal. Not just AIDs. STDs are occurring in younger and younger children. This isn't just hormones and media influence.

It seems no one really wants to remember the values we teach our kids are important by determination and not just words. Some churches have large later-age-single-groups where no one speaks of morality. It could be a little of the fortune hunting required in Baal worship of old. This topic isn't comfortable or fun, just necessary. There was one wedding I remember. My grandmother re-married at age 71. Yes, she married an Episcopal Priest, but when he came to "court" her, he stayed in a motel. My grandmother used that advice to me while I was engaged. Really, the "niceties" are pretty nice. Kids are naturally horrified by the thought of adults having sex, but it is worse when they are forced to live with uncomfortable choices made around them.

Let me tell you another statistic that is heartening. My son learned it in college. You've heard forever the divorce rate is about 50%. According to more accurate statistics - the divorce rate is 1 out of 3 marriages end in divorce. The increase from 33% to 50% is the people who keep re-marrying. Divorce runs in families, it can be handed down one generation to the next.

As a child of divorce I know, divorce is not always chosen (by the spouse or by the children), but occurs anyway. Remember the innocent ones around this unhappiness can be forced to observe how really unfair life can be at home. I remember when my mother started dating after the divorce, it wasn't pleasant, but my mom did a good job setting an example. I wasn't aware until years later, it can be so terrible for the children.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31
And from him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Isaiah 54:10
"For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Father God, You have called us to be salt and light. Grant us the ability to speak when given the opportunity, compassion when the situation calls for it and strength when we feel insecure. Let the wisdom of Your Holy Spirit guide us. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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