Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.27.10.

FRIDAY — Getting to Know You
Today’s Big Point: Whether you’ve been married for 50 days or 50 years, there will always be something new to learn about your spouse.

Proverbs 2:6 (New Living Translation)
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

20 QUESTIONS
The questions below are a great tool to get to know your spouse better. Find a quiet place where you can focus on each other. Keep things positive. Offer encouragement and a listening ear. Refuse to allow this to become an argument or time for you to criticize. Let this be a time for your mate to express themselves.
Personal questions
What is your greatest hope or dream?
What do you enjoy the most about your life right now?
What do you enjoy the least about your life right now?
What would your dream job be if you could do anything and get paid for it?
What are some things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the opportunity yet?
What three things would you like to do before the next year passes?
Who do you feel the most “safe” being with? Why?
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
When was the last time you felt filled with joy?
If you had to give away a million dollars, who would you give it to?
Marriage Questions
What are three things that I do that you really like?
What are three things that I do that drive you crazy?
What have I done in the past that made you feel loved?
What have I done that made you feel unappreciated?
What are three things that I can work on?
Of the following things, what would make you feel most loved?
~Having your body massaged and caressed for an hour
~Sitting and talking for an hour about your favorite subject
~Having help around the house for an afternoon
~Receiving a very nice gift
~Hearing encouragement about how appreciated you are
What things in the past do you wish you could be erased from ever happening?
What is the next major decision that you think God would want us to make as a couple?
What would you like your life to look like five years from now?
What words would you like to hear from me more often?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know and do?
Spend time in prayer today thanking God for your marriage and your spouse. Ask God for His wisdom to strengthen and improve your marriage.

Ephesians 5:21 (New Living Translation)
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Today’s Love Dare Challenge
ELIMINATE THE POISON OF UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS IN YOUR HOME. THINK OF ONE AREA WHERE YOUR SPOUSE HAS TOLD YOU YOU’RE EXPECTING TOO MUCH, AND TELL THEM YOUR SORRY FOR BEING SO HARD ON THEM ABOUT IT.

____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

What discoveries about love did you make today? What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness?

When you place high expectations on your spouse that they don’t feel internally motivated to attain, what does that tell you about yourself? What are some better ways to deal with these disconnects?

Here are ten ways that we protect our marriage.
1. Spend regular time enjoying life with your spouse.
2. Add a little fun to your relationship.
3. Thank God daily for your mate—imperfections and all.
4. Ask your spouse how you can pray for him/her during the day.
5. Share temptations with your spouse.
6. Regularly remember why you married your spouse.
7. Expect challenges in life and remember that we’re not in heaven … yet.
8. Don’t go into marriage thinking that it’s a 50/50 partnership.
9. Don’t say everything that you think.
10. Sign a marriage covenant to create a way to remember your sacred promise.

Here are a few additional ways to protect your marriage with children.
1. Do things you both love.
2. Take a long weekend.
3. See a Christian counselor if you need to.
4. Give each other some free time.
5. Do something spontaneous.

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. – Barnett R. Brickner

Daily Bible Reading Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5
5:1 “Tent,” is a good symbol of the transient and temporary; fitting since Paul was a tentmaker. No tent lasts forever when exposed to the elements; and the same is true of people’s mortal bodies when exposed to the erosion of time.
5:3 Nakedness was more distasteful to Jews than to Gentiles, for both theological and historical reasons. Theologically, it was associated with Adam’s transgression and the shame that followed.
5:4 His “groaning” is not for release from the shackles of the body, but for the transformed physical state received on Christ’s return.
5:5 Like the English word “deposit,” the Greek term Paul employs here (arrabōn) denotes an initial down payment in promise of full payment at a later date. Here, full payment involves being clothed with our heavenly bodies.
5:8-9 The Greek “ekdēmeō” (away from) describes a traveler who, in view of his civic duties, might notify the proper authorities before journeying abroad.
5:12 This was directed at the arrogant and egotistical false teachers. They were claiming external advantages, probably their wealth or social standing; when “in heart” they were wolves in sheep’s clothing.
5:17 See Genesis 41:45 for an illuminating parallel to this verse. Conversion is a complete and irreversible break with the past.
5:18-19 Our reconciliation is accomplished by God who appoints all believers as His ambassadors.
5:21 The great ‘substitution’ passages of Isaiah 53 are behind this declaration. Christ bore the sins of all people; his stripes healed all people; his punishment was the peace of all people; his suffering was the salvation of all people.

Introducing… HomePointe Family Ministry!
(Next weekend, August 28th and 29th, Steve Stroupe author of the book, It Starts at Home, Senior Pastor of LakePointe Community Church and co-designer of the original HomePointe family ministry will be the guest speaker at CedarCreek Church.

HomePointe is…
At CedarCreek we believe that home is one of the primary contexts of our spiritual formation—for better or worse. This ministry will help you become highly intentional about fulfilling your God-ordained role at home.

HomePointe format…
The following are the four components that will begin to help you create a catalyst for building a family who intentionally lives out Godly principles. The components are as follows:
1. The HomePointe Family Activity can be found in the weekly Living It Out. This Family activity allows for families and/or LifeGroups to have meaningful conversation about God and what they experienced on the weekend at CedarCreek.
2. Free HomePointe Brochures can be found at the HomePointe Center. These topically-formatted brochures are for people of all ages and dynamics. The following are sample titles of the brochures available. Here are some examples of the different brochures that will be available: Hope to Marry, Single, Engaged, Considering Children, Preparing for Baby, Intentional Parenting, Introducing Your Child to Christ, Preparing Your Child for, Adolescence, Parenting Through the Ages, Parenting Your Child Through Tough Times, Launching Young Adults, and The Empty Nest
3. HomePointe Classes will be offered during each of our three semester blocks (Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer). These courses will be taught by professional Christian psychologists, and counselors as well as our CedarCreek teachers. Here are some examples of different courses: Boundaries in Parenting, Parenting Through the Ages, Parenting Your Child Through Tough Times, Strong Families, and Parent/Child Dedication
4.The HomePointe seminars will be offered once a semester. For example, this fall we will host a marriage seminar that will kick off a six week (Life Group style) marriage study at each campus with childcare provided. Examples: Love and Respect, The Love Dare, Sacred Marriage, Turning Conflict into Connection, Forgive and Forget, and Overcoming Staggering Struggles

Visit the all new HomePointe ministry wall and bookstore display at every campus. You will find the free brochures and resources with topics related to families.

Are you ready to live intentionally as a family? Do you want to begin living out Godly principles in your home? The following action steps would be a great start.
~ Attend next weekend’s kick off message, or watch the message online.
~ Pick up your own copy of the book It Starts at Home and read it!
~ Make a point to visit your campus HomePointe Center with your family.
~ Sign up for a fall class that will help your family.
~ Set aside time weekly to go through the HomePointe Family Activity.
~ Pray for your marriage, children and the people who influence them.

HomePointe Family Activity
Big Point for Parents: (Today we will introduce a “Love Dare” to our children.) We love our kids. Speaking kindly should be easy, but it isn’t sometimes.
~Kindness becomes challenging when children question our authority. A harsh tone is the temptation. Modeling “slow anger” is possible when we decide how we are going to respond before the situation occurs.
~It is also important to understand what makes us angry. Knowing this and with the Holy Spirit, responding kindly is possible.
~Learning to respond with kindness inside of adversity is tied in with the legacy we will leave our children.

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19

Big Point for Children: The message today is age-old, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Keeping our anger under control is possible. As you grow and learn, you will find that anger will come and go. How you decide to act when you are angry has the potential to destroy or bring a sense of pride about your self-control and faith in God.

Lesson: Often we get angry when we don’t get what we want. Much of the time, we feel entitled to things and if we don’t get them we become angry. We do this with the people we love all the time. We lay expectations on them to give us what we want and when they don’t deliver we get angry. The first step to getting angry less is to stop laying expectations on others that are not reasonable.

Activity: Keep a journal for a day. Record your angry moments. Answer the following questions. Was I expecting something from someone? Was I angry because I didn’t get what I wanted? What can I change or do differently next time?

Pray: Lord, help me to have more self-control with my anger. Amen.

Living It Out…August 2010 Scripture Memory
May you experience the love of Christ,
though it is too great to understand fully. 
Then you will be made complete with all the fullness
of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:19 (New Living Translation)

Living It Out
It is the dream of CedarCreek that everyone who calls this their church home will be reading and studying the same topics, both individually and in groups. Each week, join with thousands of others at CedarCreek Church in applying God’s Word, the Bible, into your daily life. Our hope is that while we learn and grow together, as individuals and as a church, we will collectively live out the weekend message.

Living It Out resources, such as the Daily Bible Study, Daily Bible Reading Plan, Discussion Questions and Scripture Memory Verses, are designed to help us embrace a missional mindset…a mindset that compels us to love Jesus, serve others and tell the world about Christ.
Living It Out: Daily Bible Study…Daily Bible study activities to reflect on the weekend message
Living It Out: Daily Bible Reading Plan…Read through the New Testament in a year
Living It Out: Discussion Questions…Weekly questions to discuss with others
Living It Out: Scripture Memory…Memorize one Bible verse per month

All of these resources are also available electronically at www.livingitout.tv, where you can subscribe to have any or all of them emailed to you as they are updated.

We Want Your Feedback!
Tell us about any questions or comments you have about this week’s Living It Out: Daily Bible Study. Forward them to chanteleh@cedarcreek.tv.

RESOURCES:
The Bible
The Love Dare, Stephen and Alex Kendrick
Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
It Starts At Home, Bruner and Stroope

This week’s Living It Out: Daily Bible Study written by:
Amber Distel
Chantele Henry
Barb Roose
Kristen Sattler

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.26.10.

THURSDAY — The Crazy Cycle
Today’s Big Point: Without love, usually wives react without respect. Without respect, husbands usually react without love. This is the crazy cycle!

Learn how to control the crazy cycle, or it could just go round and round and where it stops nobody knows. What if similar principles apply in other types of relationships? Look at the following scripture with one or two lenses. If you are not married…consider how this scripture could help strengthen your interpersonal relationships. The scripture commands us to love one another. Perhaps love and respect should apply to our relationships with fellow believers as well. – Adapted from: Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

READ…What does the Bible say?
Ephesians 5:21-33 (New Living Translation)
21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of His body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Psalm 119:130 (New International Version)
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding”

THINK…Find the answers
What does it mean to submit to one another?

When a man loves his wife, who is he showing love for as well?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know and do?
God, help me to submit to others. I take my trust and place it in You. Some of the relationships that You have brought my way have their rough spots, but help me to love and respect as You would have me to do. Amen.

Today’s Love Dare Challenge
DEMONSTRATE LOVE BY WILLINGLY CHOOSING TO GIVE IN TO AN AREA OF DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE. TELL THEM YOU ARE PUTTING THEIR PREFERENCE FIRST.

____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

What issue did you choose? What did giving in cost you? How will this help you in the future?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Knowing now that wives need love and husbands need respect, insert the appropriate names in the following blank.

If you are a wife complete this… My husband, ____________, is to obey the command to love, even if I, his wife, ___________ does not obey the command to respect, and I, _______________,his wife is to obey the command to respect even if my husband, ____________, does no obey the command to love.

If you are a husband complete this… I, ____________ is to obey the command to love, even if my wife, ___________ does not obey the command to respect, and my wife, _______________ is to obey the command to respect even I, ____________ do no obey the command to love.

If you are a wife, how well do you respect your husband without conditions?

If you are a husband, how well do you love your wife without conditions?

Daily Bible Reading Commentary: 2 Corinthians 4
4:2 Paul described this brand of philosophers using the word “doloō”, meaning to “distort, adulterate, water down.”
4:4 This passage doesn’t assign deity to Satan—referring to him as a “god of this world.” Christ broke Satan’s grip on mankind, but his remaining power is so great that Paul calls him the god of this present evil age.
4:5 Paul refers to himself in many ways but the Greek word he uses here, “doulos,” is better translated “slave.” There’s only one Master, and it’s purely “for his sake” that Paul assumed this role.
4:8-9 These are the great paradoxes of the Christian life. In each instance, the anticipated outcome is unexpectedly curtailed–intending to create empathy and respect for anyone undergoing such trials.
4:13 Paul revealed the first of four reasons that explained his endurance of so many trials: he truly believed God’s word.
4:14 Reason two, Paul offers, is that he knew that death itself would not rob him of the crown of life, or rob his Corinthian converts, despite the fact that both he and his converts would pass through it.
4:15 “All of this is for your benefit” is the third reason Paul’s hardships were actually contributing to the conversion of many souls, and also to their being grounded and established in the faith.
4:16-17 The inner spiritual life, which is the glory of the “new creature” in Christ, does not diminish or fade. For those who are without this treasure, the decay of the outward is the decay of everything.
4:18 The entire genius of the Christian life, indeed the entirety of faith in both the old and new covenants, appears here in its purest essence – trusting God, believing and obeying Him, and nothing more.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.25.10.

WEDNESDAY — The Energizing Cycle
Today’s Big Point: We are to value each other as equals. Paul writes that there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28)

You can be right but wrong at the top of your voice. – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

READ…What does the Bible say?
1 Peter 3:7 (New International Version)
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Ephesians 5:8-20 (New Living Translation)
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
   ”Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THINK…Find the answers
What things are we supposed to be careful of because the days are evil?

Instead of doing unwise things, what does Paul suggest we do?

LIVE…What will you do now?
How do you treat other people? Do you value them equally? List the evidence.
1.
2.
3.

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know and do?
God, Help me to honor people and cast away my judgments that I have about them. Let me treat all people as equals. I want to honor You in all I say and do.

Today’s Love Dare Challenge
ASK YOUR SPOUSE TO TELL YOU TREE THINGS THAT CAUSE HIM OR HER TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE OR IRRITATED WITH YOU. YOU MUST DO SO WITHOUT ATTACKING THEM OR JUSTIFYING YOUR BEHAVIOR. THIS IS FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVE ONLY.

____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

What things did your spouse point out about you that need your attention? How did you handle hearing it? What do you plan to do to improve these areas?

     Genesis 2:24 says, “So the man leaves his parents, unites with the woman, and they will become one flesh. Now the one flesh seems to be about their having sex, which of course it is, but there is so much more going on here.  ”One flesh” the word for one in Hebrew is ECHAD. Echad is oneness made up of several parts or members. So the man and woman are 2 people, 2 seperate, independent beings, and yet when they come together, they’re “one”.
     The Lord is one, The Lord is echad. God is echad. Adam and Eve are ONE as God is ONE. Same word. This marriage between a man and a woman, their having sex is about something much bigger than the relationship itself. It points beyond them to somebody else…to God.
     The point of marriage isn’t marriage. It’s a picture. A display. A window that you look through…. to something else.  Our world isn’t echad. It isn’t one. It’s broken, shattered, fractured with pieces lying all over the floor. We all have friends from “broken homes.” A couple “split up.” Somebody’s marriage fell apart and she’s “picking up the pieces.” A marriage is designed to counter all of this.
     Not to add to the brokenness of the world but to add to the “oneness” of the world. This man and this woman who have given themselves to each other are supposed to GIVE THE WORLD A GLIMPSE OF HOPE; A DISPLAY OF WHAT GOD IS LIKE. They are A BIT OF ECHAD ON EARTH. – Sex God by Rob Bell

Daily Bible Reading Commentary: 2 Corinthians 3
3:1 Travelers wishing to avoid sordid roadside inns would carry letters of recommendation with them to rely on local hospitality. The letters introduced one party to another–usually with a view to social advancement. Paul was in a different category and needed no letters from any person or church to commend him. He’d performed mighty miracles there and elsewhere; and the very existence of their congregation proved the genuineness of his apostleship.
3:2-3 Paul reminds us that our personal conduct should confirm the faith we proclaim. Disconnects between our faith and our practice of it damage our message.
3:10-11 The glory of the new covenant surpasses that of the old in the same way the sun outshines a candle. Paul’s attempt to convince them of how ill-founded the false teacher’s boasting was—honoring himself and his knowledge of the law. This false teacher wrongly taught obedience to the law as necessary to salvation.
3:12-13 Concealment wasn’t necessarily Moses’ motive for the veil, but God’s divine intervention prevented the Israelites from seeing the glory fade.
3:14-15 Without Christ, the Old Testament is an impenetrable mystery. Paul pointed out here that the unbelieving Jews were blinded to many of the most significant things in the Old Testament.
3:17 Receiving the Holy Spirit, believers also gain freedom from: the law (Galatians 4:18); fear (Romans 8:13); death (Rom. 8:2); sin (Rom. 6:18); and corruption (Rom. 8:21).
3:18 All Christians behold the glory of the Lord–no veil required.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.24.10.

TUESDAY — Not even a whiff!
It’s easy to point fingers at those we see behaving badly—especially other Christians! However, we aren’t so quick to point a critical finger at our beliefs or behaviors. Often, we rationalize bad behavior or fail to address wrong behavior because we say “Well, at least I’m better than ‘so-n-so.’” However, we fail to realize God’s standard for how we show love. In God’s economy, there is no sliding scale of acceptable sin.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Ephesians 5:3-7 (New Living Translation)
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

THINK…Find the answers
When you look at Ephesians 5:3-6, what does God say about how much of these unloving, ungodly behaviors we should allow in our lives?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Look at Ephesians 5:3-7 and identify behaviors/beliefs that have captured you at one time or another. How did they hinder your ability to love?

For some of you, today’s scripture reading has introduced quite a bit of tension into your life. Perhaps you’ve been challenged to think about some things that you’ve neglected to sufficiently address. Do you believe God is leading you to make some changes? If so, in what areas?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know and do?
Dear God, the world presents so many attractive, yet counterfeit ways to receive or give love. Yet, I know the only true love comes from You. God, help me see the places where I am settling for counterfeit love. Amen.

Today’s Love Dare Challenge
IN ADDITION TO SAYING NOTHING NEGATIVE TO YOUR SPOUSE AGAIN TODAY, DO AT LEAST ONE UNEXPECTED GESTURE AS AN ACT OF KINDNESS

____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

What discoveries about love did you make today? What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness?

Every couple learns about daily conflicts, which Solomon calls “the little foxes that ruin the vineyards” (Song of Solomon 2:15 NIV).

There is a connection between loving your wife and respecting your husband that can be drawn from Ephesians 5:33. It seems to be saying that a husband is to obey the command to love even if his wife does not obey this command to respect, and a wife is to obey the command to respect even if the husband does not obey the command to love. There is no justification in the Bible for a husband to say, “I will love my wife after she respects me” or for a wife to say, “I will respect my husband after he loves me.” When a husband feels disrespected, he has a natural tendency to react in ways that feel unloving to his wife. When a wife feels unloved, she has a natural tendency to react in ways that feel disrespectful to her husband. – Adapted from: Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

The Love Dare book is available at any CedarCreek Campus in The Source bookstore.

Daily Bible Reading Commentary: 2 Corinthians 2
2:5  The conduct of the incestuous man was a public disgrace to the whole church. It’s impossible to think such an affront to Christian morality hadn’t deeply affected the group.
2:7-8 Thinking that the man’s sin was unforgivable was based on a lack of understanding that the blood of Jesus is more than enough to cleanse all of  sin. The incestuous man wasn’t any greater a sinner than many of the other Corinthians. Nothing could be worse than withholding forgiveness from anyone needing and asking for it.
2:10 Titus had informed Paul of the offender’s successful discipline. Some of the church seemed unwilling to forgive and reinstate him. Paul added the record of his own forgiveness “with Christ’s authority” for the man, as added incentive for them to reconcile.
2:11 Paul’s aware of Satan’s scheming and of his demonic influence on our affairs. “Evil schemes” include an unforgiving ‘holier than thou’ attitude in response to another believer’s sincere repentance and changed behavior.
2:15-16 Vast quantities of incense were burned along the route of a Roman triumph; the irresistible odor that marked it meant death for some, life for others. It’s the same with the gospel, it saves some and destroys others (not the gospel itself, but people’s response). 
2:17 The figure here is of a bar keeper who mixes poor wine with good to increase his profits. Two things appear: first, the true motive of false teachers in the gospel business is self-profit; second, a method of such teachers is to add false things to the gospel.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.23.10.

Series: the book of EPHESIANS
Essentials for a great MARRIAGE

     You may have heard about the law firm in Chicago that put up a billboard saying, “Life is short. Get a divorce.” And then there was the recent survey of 3,000 women by Woman’s Day magazine and AOL.com. According to it, 44 percent said they’d marry their husbands again while 36 percent answered, “No,” and 20 percent were unsure.

I love being married.
It’s so great to find that one special person
you want to annoy for the rest of your life! – Rita Rudner

     Let’s face it…we live in an age of discontentment. We are bombarded with ads and interviews telling us that we deserve a new car, a better vacation, a perfect body… a flawless mate. When we look at pictures from our weddings, we see friends and relatives whose lives have been shattered by divorce. There are also the stories of couples who had been married 30, 40 years, and more… only to find themselves apart at the end of their lives. It is no secret that to have a marriage that lasts a lifetime we have to take intentional steps to cultivate the relationship.
     The Problem? Many are confused about what kind of love is required for successful marriage. In the Greek, there are four words that explain love:
     1. Eros Love: It is that sensual and sexual love…an affectionate love, the kind that makes your heart go pitter-pat. It’s the romantic kind of love that when your spouse comes through the door your heart skips a beat. That’s not the kind of love that Paul talks about in Ephesians 5. If you are married, there ought to be some romance in your marriage, but that’s not the core and constant essential to a great marriage. This kind of love is fickle. Why? Because sometimes the hustle and bustle of life will cause you not to feel romantic. This is not the kind of love that sustains.
     2. Phileos Love: It is a friendship kind of love, but this is not the kind of love Paul is talking about in Ephesians 5 either, because more than friendship is required for a successful marriage. There are times when friends fall away. Some friends just move on and leave no forwarding address. Friendships should have clearly defined levels of intimacy. Paul isn’t describing this kind of fickle friendship love for marriage either.
     3. Surgase Love: It is Family love, those with a biological connection to you. As you might guess, Paul is not talking about this kind of love when it comes to marriage either. Thank God, because if the truth be told, there are some kinfolk we would rather not claim. That of course is not what Paul is talking about here either.
     4. Agape Love: Is a love that looks beyond faults and sees needs. It is a love that gives itself toward another (See the bottom of page 7).
     What Paul was trying to tell us is that when a man loves a woman, he ought to love her not with an Eros Love, not with Phileos Love, not with Surgase Love, but with an Agape Love. This is the kind of love required to sustain a marriage.

THIS WEEK’S STUDY WILL UNPACK EPHESIANS 5 AND HELP WITH INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE

MONDAY — Copy-n-Paste Love
     In this week’s Living It Out, we will be devoting a portion of our daily study to learning what the Bible has to say about our interpersonal relationships — no matter if we are single, married or single again — this information applies to you! We will also be featuring a daily “Love Dare,” to challenge married couples to live out love and respect in their marriages.
     Today, we are going to talk about what it means to imitate God’s love in our relationships with each other.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Ephesians 5:1-2 (New Living Translation)
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-7 touches on the heart of the Christian life: the subject of love. However, there are so many people who try to sell a false replication of God’s love rather than imitate God’s magnificent example of love — sending His Son to die for us.

THINK…Find the answers
In older translations, the word “follower” is used instead of “imitator.” The Greek word for “follower” is mimetai, which is where we get the English word “mimic.” A mimic does not pick up the general patterns of another person; he or she copies specific characteristics. What are we being asked to mimic in Ephesians 5:1?

How can we attempt to be as merciful, holy, perfect and loving as God?

LIVE…What will you do now?
Before you can truly follow or mimic God, what do you first have to realize about the extent of God’s love for you? How has that realization affected your life?

Measure your love by answering these “True/False” statements.
~I get bitter at people when they disappoint me.      True      False
~I am prone to holding grudges instead of extending forgiveness.      True      False
~I say mean things about certain people behind their backs.     True      False
~I think negatively of certain people or wrongfully judge them.      True      False
~I verbally bash people by using hurtful language.      True      False
~I am slow to apologize — often blaming the other person.      True      False
~People have tried to talk to me about my lack of love for others?      True      False

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know and do?
Dear God, loving others like You love me is no easy task! It is so hard sometimes, but yet You call me to imitate Your love. So, God I ask forgiveness for all of the times when I have been unloving. I promise to imitate Your love better. Amen.

Join us in the Love Dare Challenge!
For the next two weeks in Living It Out, we will be featuring a “Love Dare” for married individuals — and your spouse doesn’t even have to know you are doing it! These “Love Dares” are from the book called, The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. This book was the inspiration for the movie, Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron. The Love Dare book is a 40-day challenge for married individuals to think about a specific aspect of love as well as journal about the ways they have been challenged spiritually to honor God in their marriage — whether they feel like it or not. So, here is today’s Love Dare Challenge!

THE FIRST PART OF THIS DARE IS FAIRLY SIMPLE. ALTHOUGH LOVE IS COMMUNCATED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, OUR WORDS OFTEN REFLECT THE CONDITION OF OUR HEART. FOR THE NEXT DAY, RESOLVE TO DEMONSTRATE PATIENCE AND TO SAY NOTHING NEGATIVE TO YOUR SPOUSE AT ALL. IF THE TEMPTATION ARISES, CHOOSE NOT TO SAY ANYTHING. IT’S BETTER TO HOLD YOUR TONGUE THAN TO SAY SOMETHING YOU’LL REGRET.

____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

Did anything happen today to cause you anger toward your mate?

Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words?

The Love Dare book is available at any CedarCreek Campus in The Source bookstore.

Daily Bible Reading Commentary: 2 Corinthians 1
1:3 In describing God as our “merciful Father” Paul assures the Corinthians that the head of the Christian family is a responsive and loving Father, who exercises His authority in the best interests of His children.
1:3-7 The reasons for Paul’s thanksgivings were two-fold. 1)The benefits they’d received from God; for God had comforted them in all their tribulations. Their sufferings were plentiful, but Christ’s comfort overflowed. We’re qualified to receive the comfort of God’s mercies when we determine to give Him the glory for them.  2)The advantage that others might receive; for God intended that they should be able to comfort others in trouble by communicating to them their experiences of the divine goodness and mercy.
1:8-11 In pondering the hardship he experienced in Asia, Paul recognizes that painful experiences of life aren’t random, but divinely intended opportunities.
1:12 In contrasting his own simplicity and sincerity with the fleshly conduct of others, Paul alludes to the practice of many self-styled philosophers who were, in fact, con artists out for their own interests.
1:21 Paul draws from Old Testament Greek for “anoint” to refer to the consecration to sacred office like that of Kings, priests, prophets, etc.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for the week of 8.23.10.

Click here to download a printable version of the message notes and discussion questions for the weekend of 8.21.10.

The Book of Ephesians
Essentials for Great Marriages
Lee Powell, Senior Pastor
August 21 & 22, 2010

So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. EPHESIANS 5:33

Energizing Cycle: How to Spell Love to Your Wife
C________________ She wants to be close.
O________________ She wants you to open up to her.
U________________ Don’t try to “fix” her, just listen.
P________________ She wants you to say “I’m Sorry.”
L________________ She needs to know you’re committed.
E________________ She wants you to honor and cherish her.

Energizing Cycle: How to Spell Respect to Your Husband
C________________ Appreciate his desire to work and achieve.
H________________ Appreciate his desire to protect and provide.
A________________ Appreciate his desire to serve and lead.
I_________________ Appreciate his desire to analyze and counsel.
R________________ Appreciate his desire for shoulder to shoulder friendship.
S________________ Appreciate his desire for sexual intimacy.

Note: Energized cycles taken from Love & Respect
Resources: Love & Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs; Love Dare, Stephen Kindrich & Alex Kendrick
Scripture is from the New Living Translation.

Living It Out – Discussion Questions
(Discuss these questions in your LifeGroup and/or with your family and friends.)

1. While Ephesians 5 is known as the “godly marriage chapter,” Ephesians 5:1-21 pertains to how every individual should handle interpersonal relationships – no matter if you are single or married! In what ways do you handle your relationships with others in a godly manner? How do you need to improve?

2. How does the manner in which we handle our interpersonal relationships impact whether or not people consider us genuine Christ-followers?

3. In this weekend’s message, Lee made reference to two acronyms: COUPLE and CHAIRS. These two acronyms characterize how husbands and wives can spell out love to each other. If you are married, review COUPLE and CHAIRS with your spouse. What’s going well? What do you need to improve?

4. Ephesians 5:33 was this weekend’s key verse. What does it mean for a husband to love his wife? What does it really mean for the wife to respect her husband? Describe some practical ways to demonstrate each.

Additional Questions for Married Couples:
What is your greatest hope or dream?
What do you enjoy the most about your life right now?
What do you enjoy the least about your life right now?
What would your dream job be if you could do anything and get paid for it?
What are some things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the opportunity yet?
What three things would you like to do before the next year passes?
(You can get more of these questions in this week’s Living It Out Bible study)

Living It Out – Scripture Memory
(Memorize this verse for the month of August.)
May you experience the love of Christ, though
it is too great to understand fully. Then you will
be made complete with all the fullness of life
and power that comes from God.
EPHESIANS 3:19 (New Living Translation)

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.20.10.

FRIDAY — One Bride – not polygamy…
Today’s Big Point: The local church is the hope of the world. There are local churches all over the world bringing hope and Jesus sees them as his bride.

     The church is the only organization that is in almost every county, city, town, and tribe around the world. It is still missing in some areas, but, in the world, there are more churches than banks, gas stations, McDonald’s and schools. Need to put an end to hunger? Get churches around the world to purpose to do so. At CedarCreek we have been able to bring our own piece of hope to our community and the world in various ways. Things like hosting the funerals for another church during the tornados, annually contributing to operation backpack, all of the people who attended the Global Leadership Summit contributing $20,000 to make it possible for Christian leaders overseas to attend the Summit in 2011, as well as collecting over four tons of food for Cherry Street Mission during their food drive.
     Above all, though, the greatest purpose on the planet for all Christian churches is the great commission. Every church has been given the same purpose by Christ himself and that is to go and make disciples of all nations…baptizing them. Our purpose is the same around the world, and yet many have become distracted and off course.
     Take a few minutes to read what Bill Hybels, senior pastor at Willow Creek Church in Chicago, had to say about what was happening at CedarCreek when he spoke at our ten year anniversary celebration. He will be returning as the featured speaker at our fifteen year celebration.
     “My greatest fear,” he told the crowd, “is for you to think this is normal. This is so not normal.” …“You may think that a church that cares for lost people is normal,” Mr. Hybels said. “The average church on the corner of Elm and Vine doesn’t give a flying rip about people far from God. They’re an annoyance. They think…they use bad words. They sleep in the wrong bed. They drink too much booze. They’re an annoyance.” -Bill Hybels
     Sadly, Hybels is right. Too many churches don’t care about lost people, and the fact comes across loud and clear in their actions. Those actions, in effect, become their marketing. Let’s continue to purpose do anything short of sin to reach lost people and let’s celebrate and support other churches who purpose to do the same.

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Father, I pray for Your bride, the church, that it continues to be the hope of the world. Better yet, I pray that in the upcoming days, the potential for the church to be the hope of the world grows and awakens in ways that we have not seen before so that Your glory will be revealed.

Week-End Reminders:
~ Registration for the fall session of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is now open! Watch a promo and register: www.cedarcreek.tv (Classes & Seminar section).
~ The Truth Project is coming to all CedarCreek campuses in September. Check the ATC for more details—if you haven’t been, you don’t want to miss it!
~ Our fall Spiritual Formation classes will be announced on the weekend of August 21/22. We’ve got all new classes planned for each CedarCreek Campus. Watch the ATC for more details that weekend!
~ Our 15th Anniversary celebration is only five weeks away! Come and get your tickets.

Daily Bible Reading Commentary — I Corinthians 16
16:2 “On the first day of each week…” The early Christians are following a Jewish schedule. The first day of the week was the day that Christ was found to have risen from the tomb – which is the first day after the Jewish Sabbath.
16:2 “…you should put aside a portion of the money…” Paul affirms the concept of a regular pattern of planned giving. Honoring God with our giving begins with putting God first rather than waiting until the last moment and then hastily worrying or struggling to figure out how much to give.
16:3 “…I will write letters of recommendation…” Letters were often too fragile to get to their destination in ancient times. The money Paul is collecting will be sent to Jerusalem and transported in the custody of members of the Corinthian church. The use of endorsed messengers ensures Paul’s integrity that he isn’t going to use the money for his benefit.
16:5-9 “I am coming to visit you…” The journey Paul is planning is described in Acts 20:1-3.
16:19 “The churches here in the province of Asia…” It seems that the churches met in homes. It wasn’t until Emperor Constantine that specific buildings were constructed for worship.
16:20 “Greet each other with Christian love.” Other translation state “Greet each other with a holy kiss.” While the kiss could be related to Jewish culture, is most likely a reference to the fact that the members of the church should be reconciled to each other.

HomePointe Family Activity: The weekend of August 28th and 29th, Steve Stroupe, author of the book, It Starts at Home, and Senior Pastor of LakePointe Community Church in Dallas, Texas will be the guest speaker at CedarCreek Church. He will be speaking at all five services and kicking off our new CedarCreek Family Ministry. This is a weekend your family won’t want to miss! Make sure to be in attendance. During Steve’s message you will find out more about intentional parenting and how to live out a sacred marriage. This is only the beginning to some fantastic resources that will now be available to you through the CedarCreek Family Ministry called HomePointe. Mark your calendars!

Read: 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Lesson: Who is discipling you? To be a child who is “raised in the way you should go so that when you are older you will not part from it”, in other words to become a disciple of Christ…it is important to be a student of the Bible and to be mentored by someone who has already been a student and has purposed to live like Jesus.

Activity: Purpose to find a Bible teacher and mentor who will commit to help you grow in your relationship with Christ and will also commit to hold you accountable with your Bible study. Tell your parents who this person is going to be or ask them to be this for you. Ask your parents who they are going to choose to be their Bible teacher and spiritual mentor. Ask your parents to put your meetings with your mentor on your family calendar so that you are certain to follow through with your discipleship plan.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for people who are willing to help me grow and know you better. Give me a hunger and thirst to know you more and more everyday.

Living It Out…August 2010 Memory Verse
May you experience the love of Christ,
though it is too great to understand fully.
Then you will be made complete with all the fullness
of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:19 (New Living Translation)

Living It Out
It is the dream of CedarCreek that everyone who calls this their church home will be reading and studying the same topics, both individually and in groups. Each week, join with thousands of others at CedarCreek Church in applying God’s Word, the Bible, into your daily life. Our hope is that while we learn and grow together, as individuals and as a church, we will collectively live out the weekend message.

Living It Out resources, such as the Daily Bible Study, Daily Bible Reading Plan, Discussion Questions and Scripture Memory Verses, are designed to help us embrace a missional mindset…a mindset that compels us to love Jesus, serve others and tell the world about Christ.
Living It Out: Daily Bible Study…Daily Bible study activities to reflect on the weekend message
Living It Out: Daily Bible Reading Plan…Read through the New Testament in a year
Living It Out: Discussion Questions…Weekly questions to discuss with others
Living It Out: Scripture Memory…Memorize one Bible verse per month

All of these resources are also available electronically at www.livingitout.tv, where you can subscribe to have any or all of them emailed to you as they are updated.

We Want Your Feedback!
Tell us about any questions or comments you have about this week’s Living It Out: Daily Bible Study. Forward them to chanteleh@cedarcreek.tv.

RESOURCES:
The Bible
Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren
New Testament Commentary, Barb Roose

This week’s Living It Out Daily Bible Study written by:
Stephanie Coil
Chantele Henry

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.19.10.

THURSDAY — Beyond our Locker Room
Today’s Big Point: (Taken from CedarCreek’s, “The Four Agreements”.) We agree to be an example of Jesus’ Love Behind and Beyond the walls of CedarCreek.

“You can’t help everyone. But you can try to help the hot ones who pop right up in front of your face.”

Driving down the street of an upper-end Memphis neighborhood, Sean and Leigh Ann Tuohy sees a large black teenager walking in the cold rain. A classmate of her daughter and homeless, Leigh Ann insists he come home with them. That act of kindness is the basis for “The Blind Side,” the story of All-American football star Michael Oher. In July 2010, the Tuohy’s published their experiences in the book “In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving.” The book’s concept: Everyone has a blind side, but a loving heart always sees a path toward true charity. In an interview with the Tuohy’s, Leigh Anne said, “It’s great to write a check, but it’s more important to give of your time and of yourself and of your talents. That’s what makes a difference.” Leigh Anne and Sean have established the foundation Making It Happen to help children in need. “You’ll be surprised what will happen when you help somebody. Suddenly you become a different person, and it just has a chain reaction.” In their new book, the Tuohy’s explain they didn’t start out on a mission to adopt a homeless kid. They live by an informal notion they call the Popcorn Theory. “You can’t help everyone. But you can try to help the hot ones who pop right up in front of your face.”

READ…What does the Bible say?
Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Philippians 2:2 (New Living Translation)
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Galatians 6:10 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.

Ephesians 4:32 (New Living Translation)
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

THINK…Find the answers
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says: In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that e___________ will praise your h_________ f_________.

According to Philippians 2:2, we’d make Paul happy by doing three things. What are they?
1 A_______________ wholeheartedly with each other.
2 L__________ one another. And
3 W_______________ together with one mind and purpose.

Galatians 6:10 says we should do good to e_________________.

According to Ephesians 4:32, we should be k__________ to each other, t_________________, and f______________ one another.

LIVE…What will you do now?
Do you give financially to the church? What about your time – do you volunteer on a regular basis?

People often ask why CedarCreek’s strategy includes assisting people in other countries. Some people believe that we should only help people in our community. How would you respond to someone with that question?

Would you believe unchurched people are drawn to CedarCreek because of our outreach projects? Why?

To go beyond even further, have you ever thought about going on a mission trip? What could an overseas mission trip do in your life that couldn’t be accomplished through just living in the U.S.?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Father God, direct me to those people whom You would like me to walk beside. I want to serve You and know You more. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading Commentary — I Corinthians 15
15:3 “I passed on to you…what had also been passed on to me…” Paul is making reference to Old Testament scriptures that pointed to the need for a Messiah.
15:6 “…he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time…” This appearance is not recorded in any of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances.
15:8 “Last of all…I also saw him…” Paul already referred to his encounter with Christ in chapter 9. “Born at the wrong time” is an inference to the fact that some in the Corinthian church discounted Paul’s apostleship just because he had not been one of the 12 disciples.
15:14 “…if Christ had not been raised…” It doesn’t matter how compelling the gospel message is, the message would be moot if Jesus was never raised from the dead. Our faith would truly be meaningless.
15:17 “And if Christ has not been raised…” Without Jesus’ resurrection, there is not forgiveness of sins.
15:32 “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die…” Paul quotes Isaiah 22:13. Eating and drinking symbolizes self-indulgence.
15:45 “The first man Adam…the last Adam” The first Adam brought sin into the world through his disobedience. Jesus was referred to as a “second Adam” for bringing redemption into the world through his sacrifice.
15:55 “O death, where is your victory?” This is a bridge reference back to Hosea 13:14.

Click here to download a printable version of the Daily Bible Study for 8.18.10.

Wednesday — Advertising works and Jesus loves it.
Today’s Big Point: (Taken from CedarCreek’s, “The Four Agreements”.) We agree…that the church can NEVER be too big!

One of the impressive characteristics of Jesus’ ministry was that it attracted crowds. Large crowds. Enormous crowds. The crowds Jesus attracted were so huge that one time he was almost crushed by one (Luke 8:42).
Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Church

     You may wonder why CedarCreek seems to end up in the news so often. For the most part it is intentional. We don’t believe in the old adage that no news is good news. We desire for the cause of Christ and the topic of church to come up in the hearts and minds and role off the tongues of people as often as possible…sending out intentional, positive and encouraging weekly press releases about CedarCreek is just one way to make that happen. It is one way we can live out the agreement we have as a church to do anything short of sin to reach people who don’t know Christ.
     This article from the Toledo Blade, written by David Yonke, is dated, but in light of the fifteen year celebration right around the corner, it is certain to be an inspiring reflection.
     It was a different kind of “Blue Light Special.” Kmart’s signature sales gimmick had nothing to do with this illuminating event. At a 10th anniversary celebration of CedarCreek Church last weekend, the Rev. Lee Powell asked those whom the church has led to become “fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ” to pick up blue-tinted penlights from the banquet tables and turn them on. Suddenly, many hundreds of soft blue lights began glowing among the crowd of 1,500 who had gathered in the SeaGate Convention Centre. It was a rare opportunity for mere mortals to get a glimpse into the spiritual world. “My heart skipped a beat,” Pastor Powell said afterward. “That’s what it’s all about for us. It makes all the work and all the years of laboring and all the praying and struggling – it just makes it all worth it.”

READ…What does the Bible say?
Matthew 4:25 (New Living Translation)
25 Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.

Matthew 28:19-20 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

THINK…Find the answers.
To who did Jesus tell his disciples to make disciples of?

What are might have been some reasons that Jesus let crowds of people follow him?

LIVE…What will you do now?
What is your belief about the size of CedarCreek?

What will you purpose to do to help the church grow? (Circle one)
~ Invite someone to the fifteen year celebration
~ Carry invite cards in your purse or wallet and then hand them out
~ Serve and help the church in their effort to reach out
~ Attend a different service than the 10:45 am service to make room (most crowded service, if you switch you will free up a seat)
~ Represent the church well to the unchurched as a personal testimony

In a survey of the unchurched that I took prior to beginning Saddleback, the second most common complaint I discovered was “Church members are unfriendly to visitors. We feel we don’t fit.” Long before the pastor preaches, the visitors are already deciding whether or not they will come back. They are asking themselves, “Do I feel welcome here?” …make every effort to counteract this complaint. Create a climate of love and acceptance that visitors can feel.
- Senior Pastor, Rick Warren, Saddleback Church

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Dear God, I want to do my part to help my church grow. Forgive me for sitting on the side lines at times. Your word says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. I want to be one of the workers gathering the harvest. them. Amen

Daily Bible Reading Commentary — I Corinthians 14
The subject of speaking in tongues is often misunderstood because of its mysterious nature as well as how it has been used to create division among Christ-followers.
14:1 Paul is not against speaking in tongues, BUT, he emphasizes that the value of any spiritual gift must be judged by its usefulness in that particular setting. The term “tongues” simply means “languages.” The supernatural aspect of tongues is because the person praying does not know the language.
14:6-7 Intelligent comprehension is the keying to edifying others when the gift of tongues is manifested.
14:13 “So anyone who speaks in tongues should also pray…” Paul’s emphasis is on seeking clarity on the use of the gift within the church.
14:18 “…I speak in tongues more than any of you…” He makes this statement to demonstrate that if he could show restraint, so can they.
14:21 “It is written in the scriptures…” Paul is making a reference to Isaiah 28:11 as well as Deuteronomy 28:49.
14:27 “No more than two or three should speak in tongues…” There were ancient cults that allowed random utterances which were incomprehensible. Paul is saying that if the utterances are from God, then they must be done in a way that must be understood.
14:28 “…if no one is present…” Christians must be sure that any message from God is interpreted by someone in that audience so the entire audience can benefit.
14:33 “God is not a God of disorder…” Disorder was something that characterized the Corinthian church.
14:34 “Women…” Paul is addressing the women of the congregation who had a reputation for being disruptive. Paul outlines expectations for the women in that fellowship.