1 Corinthians 15:1

1 Corinthians 15:1 says, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  Paul said that he declared the gospel of Christ, and that they had received it and in that gospel they had to stand.  This is the message that we have for the world today:  Jesus Christ crucified, resurrected, Lord.  It is by the gospel that we must live our lives. When the world around us tries to shake our faith, we must stand firm under the Lordship of Christ.  We cannot stand firm in our faith through any other means but the Lordship of Christ.  Knowledge, strength, nor material possessions can be relied on to sustain us through the trials of life.  If we have truly accepted salvation through Christ, the Holy Spirit will be with us no matter what happens in life, and by faith in that fact alone we must stand.  Verse two states, By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  Paul reminded the church at Corinth that they were saved by faith in the gospel alone, and if they were looking to anything else for salvation, their faith was in vain.  This is still true today, tomorrow and forever.  In this we must be close minded as the world would proclaim us.  There is no other way to salvation.  We can find forgiveness of our sins and restoration with God only through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  Verse three continues, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  Paul tells us that he only delivered what he had received.  If we are to proclaim the gospel today, we must have first received the gospel ourselves.  If we have not really accepted the truth of the gospel, we cannot share it with others.  Paul first said that Christ died for our sins.  This was done according to the Scriptures, God's written word for His people.  The death of Christ on the cross was not an afterthought with God.  The coming of Christ was spoken of from the Garden of Eden on throughout the Old Testament.  Verse four states, And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  We must remember that Paul was writing a letter and he did not divide his letter into numbered verses, so this really is a continuation of the statement in verse three about the death of Christ on the cross.  After Christ's death, he was buried and rose again on the third day, according to what the scriptures had foretold.  Our message is still the same today.  Verse five adds, And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  The resurrection of Christ was not just an unsubstantiated rumor, but was a fact that was witnessed by Cephas, or Peter, first, and then by the other disciples.  Of course, even before Peter, the faithful women who went to the tomb had found it empty.  In some ways, the empty tomb is more of a witness to the world than the empty cross.  There were many empty crosses in that day, but there was only one tomb that was empty because the One placed there had risen, overcoming the power of death.  Verse six continues, After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  Paul told the church at Corinth that after Jesus appeared to the disciples He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once.  The Romans had taken extra measures to ensure that Jesus stayed in the tomb, but they couldn't keep Him there nor prevent people from knowing He had risen from the dead.  Verse seven says, After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  Paul said Jesus was then seen again by James and the rest of the apostles.  I believe we can be assured that Jesus not only rose from the dead, but that He establishes a continual relationship with those who believe in Him.  They did not hunt Christ, but He came to them.  Verse eight adds, And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.  Paul said that he also saw Jesus.  We today, as followers of Christ, have also seen Christ, if not physically, then at least spiritually.  This is the only way to salvation.  We, like Paul, have seen Jesus out of season.  We need to remember that God is not limited by time or space, and that the gift of salvation was for all people for all time.  We simply have to acknowledge Christ when He comes to us.  Verse nine continues, For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  We may see Paul as one of the great men of faith, but he saw himself as the least of the apostles because of his past persecution of the church.  I believe that we should see ourselves the same way.  We have no reason to feel that we are superior to any other Christian but must serve God humbly.  Verse ten states, But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  Paul said that he was what he was by the grace of God, and so are we as followers of Christ.  Just as Paul worked to advance the kingdom of God because of that grace bestowed on Him, so must we.  As followers of Christ, we are called for a purpose in God's kingdom, and we should be about that purpose daily.  Verse eleven adds, Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.  Paul said it didn't matter who had proclaimed the gospel to those in the church at Corinth, but all that mattered was that they believed.  This is still true today.  Whether we were led to Christ by a great evangelist, or an unknown Christian does not matter.  What matters is that we believe.

1 Corinthians 14:29

1 Corinthians 14:29 says, Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Paul tells us that even when the prophets speak, they are to do so in an orderly fashion.  Those listening should be able to judge if what is being said is the truth based on God's word.  God is never going to give someone a prophecy or teaching that is not consistent with His written word, the Bible.  I realize that what Paul was writing to the church at Corinth was not a part of the Bible at that time, but what he was teaching was consistent with the existing scriptures.  Verse thirty adds, If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  I believe Paul was telling us that even if we have something to say that was from God, we are to wait until the person speaking has finished to share what God has spoken to us.  We are not to all be speaking at once.  Verse thirty-one continues, For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  Paul tells us that when we gather as the church, a group of believers in Christ, that all are free to prophesy, but we are to do it one at a time. There is nothing gained, no edification, by having several people speak at once.  Verse thirty-two states, And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  I believe that Paul is telling us that even when we have something to say that comes from God, or the Holy Spirit, we still have control over when we say it.  If the Holy Spirit is leading someone to speak, then He is not going to lead someone else to interrupt them.  Matthew Henry points out that unlike the demonic spirits that overpowered the reasoning of people, the Holy Spirit leaves us to act in an orderly fashion, and not to all speak without control.  Verse thirty-three adds, For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  Paul tells us why we should speak in an orderly fashion.  God is not the author of confusion, but of peace in the church.  If we have two or three, or even more, people speaking at the same time, especially if they are speaking in a language that is not understood, then there is no edification.  Though many Christians may disagree, I believe that this is what Paul is saying.  I believe that God expects our worship to glorify Him and to increase our knowledge of what it means to be His followers.  Verse thirty-four continues, Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. Once again, we can take this as a literal command, or we can see it as applying to the view of society at that time.  Matthew Henry says that this means that women should not speak in public but should only ask their husbands to teach them at home.  I disagree with him on this point.  The Bible tells us that in Christ, there is no male or female.  We can see women as inferior to men, or we can see them as equal in the eyes of God, and what Paul tells us here to be the best way to maintain unity in the church at that time.  Verse thirty-five says, And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.  Paul told the church at Corinth, where there was a lot of confusion when they gathered to worship, that women should ask their husbands to teach them at home. We can either view that as a command to us today, or a way to help the church at Corinth maintain order in the church.  Though men and women are certainly not the same, they are indeed equal in the eyes of God.  Verse thirty-six adds, What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?  I believe Paul was asking the church at Corinth if they thought that they alone understood what it meant to be a Christian.  When we begin to think that we alone understand what being a follower of Christ means, then we are not following the truth of God.  No matter how large or small a congregation may be, they are all equal to God.  Verse thirty-seven continues, If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  We can once again take all that Paul says here as a literal commandment from God, or we can see what he wrote as the way to maintain order in worship, especially in the times in which he lived.  Verse thirty-eight states, But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.  I believe that Paul was telling us that if a person will not listen and learn from what Paul was saying that we can only leave them in their ignorance. Verse thirty-nine adds, Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.  Paul tells us that we are to look for prophecy, or the teaching of God's word where it can be understood in the church, but we cannot deny the right of others to use their spiritual gifts.  Then in verse forty Paul sums it all up saying, Let all things be done decently and in order.  We are to do nothing that brings confusion in the church or that focuses worship on any person and not on God.  We are to be humble and orderly in worshipping God.

1 Corinthians 14:20

1 Corinthians 14:20 says, Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  Paul warned the Christians at Corinth to not act like children in their understanding of the way to worship in church.  I believe Paul was saying that when they began to do things that simply benefited themselves it was showing malice, or a lack of concern for those gathered with them.  Just as children can become selfish in their actions, so is worshipping in public where only we benefit selfish.  Verse twenty-one adds, In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  This is from Isaiah 28:11.  Matthew Henry says this refers to times when Israel was taken captive by other countries and were spoken to in other languages.  Even in those times the people of God often refused to listen to the voice of God.  We need to listen for God's voice no matter what may be going on around us.  Verse twenty-two continues, Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.  I believe that Paul was saying that being able to speak in the language of the unbeliever was a sign to them of the power of God, but it was not a sign to those who believe.  As followers of Christ, we need to understand what God is saying to us, and this is not done by words that have no meaning to us.  Verse twenty-three states, If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?  Paul asks if we are all speaking in different tongues, or languages, and those that are unlearned, or unbelievers come into the service if they wouldn't think us mad.  Again, I believe that God will always lead us to understanding and not confusion.  When we worship together, any lost person coming into the service should clearly understand what is being said.  Verse twenty-four adds, But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:  I believe that as Paul was comparing tongues to prophecy, he was telling us that if we are to prophecy or teach in  clearly understood words, we can reach the lost, but if we are all speaking in tongues, or unknown languages, we will only leave them confused.  Verse twenty-five continues, And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.  This is a continuation of what Paul was saying in the last few verses.  Instead of the unbeliever asking if we are mad, if he or she understands what is being proclaimed and accepts the gospel into their heart, they will be saved.  The purpose of the church is to reach the lost and to edify, or teach and strengthen one another in faith.  Verse twenty-six asks, How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.  Paul tells us that when we come together, it is not just to be as a group of individuals doing whatever they are doing for their own benefit but doing it for the benefit of the group.  Verse twenty-seven adds, If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  Paul tells us that no more than two or three should speak in an unknown tongue at any service, and even then it should be in succession, and not all at once.  He adds that there should be another person with the gift of interpretation present who could interpret what was being said.  Verse twenty-eight continues, But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.  This is separate from the one who is speaking.  If the person speaking also interprets, then everything is being done for show and could lead to false doctrine being introduced into the church.  If a person says that God has given them an utterance in an unknown tongue, and if no one else understands what they are saying and they interpret what they say God spoke to them in an unknown tongue, then they would be free to interpret it any way they chose.  Paul tells if there is no one other than the person speaking in an unknown tongue to interpret, the person should remain silent in the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12

1 Corinthians 14:12 says, Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.  Paul was still teaching those in the church at Corinth about speaking in tongues.  He was attempting to clarify some misunderstandings in the church, the same way he had just done with the observance of the Lord's Supper. Of course, his teachings apply to the church for all ages.  Paul said they were zealous of, or really wanted, spiritual gifts, but that they should want those that edify the church.  I believe we can really say that we are to be zealous that our own spiritual gift or gifts be revealed to us so that the church as a whole may be edified, and that we are not to seek a particular spiritual gift.  Verse thirteen adds, Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.  Paul tells us that if we are speaking in an unknown tongue, or language, that we are to pray that we may interpret what we are saying.  As I have already stated, I do not believe that God would have a person publicly speaking in an unknown tongue, or language, if everyone understood the same language.  This was never a sign of a greater spiritual blessing to be sought by all people but was a way to reach those who spoke other languages with the gospel.  Verse fourteen continues, For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  Paul said that even in his prayer life if he prayed in an unknown tongue by his spirit that his understanding was not fruitful.  We must have an understanding of what is being said for it to be beneficial to us.  God may understand even our thoughts, but we must acknowledge what they mean for it to benefit us.  Verse fifteen states, What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.  I believe that Paul was saying that when he prayed or sang in the spirit that he did so with understanding.  Some interpret this as meaning praying or singing in an unknown tongue, or language, as a sign of being caught up in the Spirit as the expression goes, but even if so interpreted, what is being said must be interpreted to be useful.  I know there are those who will disagree, but I do not believe that God will lead us to speak in an unknown tongue, or language, if we all speak the same language.  Verse sixteen adds, Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?  Paul asked how anyone could agree with what we said if they did not understand what we said.  To say amen is to say so be it, and how can we say that to something that we do not understand.  Verse seventeen continues, For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. Paul tells us that we might give thanks for this from our own perspective, but that we do not edify, or help others, in their understanding.  Verse eighteen says, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:  Paul was not jealous of the ability to speak in other languages.  He said he spoke in more than all the others.  When we consider his missionary journeys, we know that he went to many different places and proclaimed the gospel, and the people understood him.  In verse nineteen Paul adds, Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.  Paul said in the church that he would rather speak five words that were understood that others might learn from him, than to speak ten thousand words that were not understood.  Likewise, we must witness to and teach people with words that they understand.

1 Corinthians 14:1

1 Corinthians 14:1 says, Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Paul tells us that we are to follow after or live with the love of God directing us as we seek our spiritual gift or gifts.  He also tells us this is to be done so that we might prophecy or spread the gospel.  I don't believe when Paul says that we are to desire spiritual gifts that he means that we are to covet a particular gift, but that we are to desire to develop our own spiritual gift.  Verse two adds, For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  Paul again addresses the issue of speaking in unknown tongues.  Paul says that a person speaking in an unknown tongue doesn't speak to men, but to God.  Those around him who do not understand what he is saying receive no benefit from his speech.  Paul says that when a person in the spirit speaks in an unknown tongue, he speaks in mysteries.  There is no edification for those around him, unless they understood the unknown tongue, or language, that the person is speaking in.  As an example, if we hold up a sign on national television that says John 3:16, it has no meaning unless the person reading it knows what John 3:16 says.  Words that are not understood cannot be a witness for God.  Verse three continues, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  Paul tells us that when we prophecy or proclaim God's word in a language that is understood we edify those we are speaking to.  Paul tells us this should lead Christians to action and bring them comfort.  Words that are not understood can do none of these things.  We should always want our witness to have a positive effect in the world, and especially in the church.  Verse four states, He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  Paul tells us that those who speak in an unknown tongue only benefit themselves, yet many Christians in the world today value this gift above all others.  We are given different spiritual gifts for the purpose of spreading the gospel, not so that we may be glorified because of our particular gift or gifts.  As Paul had already stated, not everyone has the same gift, and we are to use our own particular gift and not covet another.  All spiritual gifts are meant to edify and not confuse.  Verse five adds, I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.  Paul tells us that proclaiming the gospel so that it can be understood by people is better than speaking in a language that they don't understand, unless someone interprets what is being said.  I believe that if they all speak the same language that there really is no reason to speak in an unknown tongue.  Verse six continues, Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?  Paul asks what profit is there in speaking in tongues if it does nothing to edify their faith.  Since I don't believe that God is the author of confusion, I don't believe that He would add the confusion of hearing someone speak in a language that no one understands.  Verse seven says, And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?  Paul said that in music, instruments had different sounds, and that by their sounds a person could tell what was being played on what instrument.   Verse eight adds, For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?   Paul said that the trumpet could sound the battle cry, but if no one understood it that it would serve no purpose.  Verse nine continues, So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. Paul compares the sounding of the trumpet when no one understands what it means to speaking in tongues if no one understands what is being said.  Paul said that when we did this we were just speaking into the air.  Verse ten states, There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.  Paul said there are many voices, or languages, in the world, and that they all had meaning to those who understand them.  I may know a few words in another language, but when it is being spoken normally, I do not understand what is being said.  Verse eleven adds, Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.  Paul said if we do not understand what is being said when someone speaks in another voice, or language, we will remain barbarians or strangers to one another. Unless we understand what is being said when the gospel is presented and expounded, then what is being proclaimed is just so much beating the air.  There is sound, but no understanding.

1 Corinthians 13:1

1 Corinthians 13:1 says, Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  This is often referred to as the love chapter.  We first need to realize that charity as Paul uses it here is more accurately translated as love.  Paul said that even if he could speak in the languages of all people, or even the language of the angels, but he had no love for those that he was speaking to, he was just making so much noise.  If we are witnessing to people today without the love of God for them in our hearts, we are just proclaiming empty words from our perspective.  God may us our witnessing to reach others, but we lose the joy that it should bring us.  If we are witnessing more out of a sense of duty without love for those we are witnessing to, we are just making so much noise.  Verse two adds, And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  We may pray to understand everything that God teaches us or even for a mountain moving faith, but Paul tells us even if we had this ability, without love for those around us it amounts to nothing.  We are not given this strong faith and great understanding for our own benefit, but to reach out to the lost people in the world in love.  Verse three continues, And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.  I believe that Paul is telling us that the deeds that we do are not as important as the attitude that we have for doing them.  Even if we give all our possessions to the poor, but do it not because of a real love for them through Christ, then we do not profit from it spiritually.  Paul tells us once again that love is the key.  Verse four states, Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  We need to remember that charity is more accurately interpreted love, and then Paul tells us some of the attributes of love.  Love suffers long and is kind.  We are not called to have a love for the lost until they reject us or out of pity for them, but we are love them even if they do reject us.  We are not to be puffed up in our own goodness, but to be humbled in service to God because of His love for us.  We are to share that God like love with others without putting limits on it.  Verse five adds, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  Paul is still speaking of the love that God gives us through our faith in Christ.  We cannot just do what benefits us the most and show the real love of God to the world.  We in love for others cannot be easily provoked and think evil of others.  Too often we seem to be just waiting for people to reject the gospel so we can then feel hatred toward them.  We need to remember that we are called to reach the people of the world in love, not to destroy them in hatred.  Verse six says, Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; I believe Paul was warning Christians against rejoicing in anything obtained by iniquity.  We may have great success in the world, but unless that success is consistent with the truth of God, we certainly have no reason to rejoice.  If we rejoice, it must be due to the fact that we are living by the truth of God.  Of love,   Verse seven adds, Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  I believe that Paul was speaking of a Godlike love.  We often confuse feel good emotions with love, and if those emotions go away, we assume we fell out of love.  Real love is not just an emotional choice that we turn on and off, but it is a commitment to another that lasts through everything.  This love holds up under pressure and leads to hope and not despair.  Verse eight continues, Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  Paul said that some of the other gifts of God might fail us at times, but real Godlike love never will.  That is why Paul tells us we must have this type of love in our hearts. If we do, even if other things fall, it never will.  Verse nine states, For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  Paul tells us that when we exercise the other gifts, we do so without the full knowledge of God, and I believe in context tells us that if we love as God loves, we have a complete knowledge of love. Verse ten adds, But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. One day, when we are called away to heaven, everything in life will be made perfect, and those things that we only know in part will be made complete.  Verse eleven continues, When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  I believe Paul is telling us that we need to grow in our faith and knowledge of God's will.  Our faith is not to remain childish, but to grow in maturity, just as a child grows physically.  Verse twelve says, For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  Paul tells us that we cannot clearly see everything about God in this world, but there is coming that day when we depart this world and see God clearly with nothing coming between Him and us.  Verse thirteen adds, And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.  Paul says that our faith and hope in God will abide, but that the greatest of these three mentioned is charity, or love.  We must love others with a love like God has for us.

1 Corinthians 12:22

1 Corinthians 12:22 says, Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  Paul continues to use the analogy of the body to point out that we need all the members of the church to effectively accomplish God's will, just as our physical body needs all its parts to work at optimum efficiency.  I realize that there are some parts of the body that we can live without, but that does not mean that the body works at an optimum level without them, even if we do not totally understand their purpose.  Just as some body parts might be viewed as more feeble, or less necessary, so could some Christians be viewed.  We may look at it fellow believer and wonder what purpose they serve in the church, but if all church members, all the members of the body of Christ, are working together, we should never look down on others.  All are needed, and none is more important than the other, as long as each is utilizing their own spiritual gift or gifts.  Verse twenty-three adds, And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.   We need to understand that all parts of the body have a purpose, and not feel that they are unimportant just because they seem to do little for the body.  The church can function without all the little things being done by those who we might not even notice as they exercise their own spiritual gift, but the church will not function as efficiently as it should.  We should be thankful for those who do the things that are necessary but maybe not glorious in the eyes of the world.  Verse twenty-four continues, For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:  Some parts of our bodies are acknowledged as being very necessary, but we don't need to continually praise their function, any more than we need to dismiss those parts that seem less necessary.  As the body of Christ, we cannot glorify some members while ignoring others.  We are all necessary to be most effective in spreading the gospel.  Verse twenty-five states, That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  If we begin to glorify certain members of the church and ignore others, then a schism, or division, may occur in the church.  We must always remember that whatever gift or gifts we may have, they come from God.  We do not have what may be viewed as a greater gift because we are more important to God, so we should not act as though we are more important than someone else with what could be viewed as a lesser gift.  Verse twenty-six adds, And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  Paul tells us that we should all suffer or rejoice together.  I believe that sometimes we are better at suffering together than we are at rejoicing together.  Too often we become envious when another believer seems to be blessed more than we are, but we are to rejoice with them instead.  Verse twenty-seven continues, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  Paul reminds us that we are one in purpose, spreading the gospel of Christ and strengthening our understanding of what it means to follow Christ, but we each have a particular role in accomplishing that purpose.   Verse twenty-eight says, And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  I believe that the key to this verse is that God gives us our gift or gifts.  We are not called to develop a gift that we do not have, but the gift that God gives us.  Verse twenty-nine adds, Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  Paul was asking if all had the same gift.  Verse thirty continues, Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?  There are Christians today who seem to think that every Christian should speak in tongues, which I think they misinterpret, as a sign that they are truly saved.  Paul tells us that not all Christians have this gift.  Verse thirty-one concludes, But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.  I don't believe that Paul was telling us to covet a gift that we see as being better than the gift or gifts that we have, but that the more excellent way is to develop the gift or gifts that we have been given by God.