When Jesus said "love your neighbor," He didn't mean the neighbors right in our community, right? Surely meant the broader, general rule to love everyone… If Jesus meant exactly that–love your neighbor–how would you do? Do you know your neighbor? Do you know what they need? Let's talk about what people in our community may need from us. Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v7-snek1GIY
Sunday: The Problem of Cliques in the Church
Daily Lesson for Sunday 12th of July 2026
Paul’s appeal that “there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV) dominates the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians. In fact, most scholars agree that unity is the all-encompassing theme that binds all the parts of the letter together.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:12-17. How does this passage help us understand how absurd it is to form cliques around local leaders? What is Paul’s solution?
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Paul employs strong words to portray the lack of unity among the church members in Corinth. He uses the Greek terms schisma (“division,” 1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV) and eris (“contention,” 1 Corinthians 1:11, NKJV). The noun schisma (as well as the verb schizō, “to split”) is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe differences of opinion resulting in factions. In turn, the noun eris (“contention”) frequently appears in lists of vices that must not be practiced by Christians.
Read Romans 1:29, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, and Galatians 5:20. What other sins are listed along with eris (“contention,” “strife”)? What does this tell us about how bad it is?
The disagreements in the church of Corinth came to the surface—even in the form of lawsuits against one another (1 Corinthians 6:1-3). “I say this to your shame,” Paul told them (1 Corinthians 6:5, NKJV), concerning these lawsuits between church members. In fact, they didn’t lay aside their differences even when celebrating the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).
The problem of lack of unity among church members is so terrifying, and Paul is so worried about it, that this is the first issue he addresses in this letter to the Corinthians.
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Read again 1 Corinthians 1:12-27. Then reflect on how this passage helps us understand why cliques are so dangerous to the unity of the church. What can your local church do in order to avoid this problem? |
God First: Your Daily Prayer Meeting #1426
Bible verse of the day: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting!
This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
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Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and love—one prayer at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a prayer. 🔔
Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pr Anthony Adams The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
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Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh Day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLDnaugEA0k
EDITORIAL: Orthopraxy
Years ago, I learned this new word: orthopraxy. It’s not a particularly friendly or familiar word, but it’s something I believe in. You know what “orthodoxy” means of course. It means holding to the commonly-held set of beliefs of an organization. Churches—that is, denominations—are obsessed with orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is an easy thing to define: here […] Source: https://atoday.org/editorial-orthopraxy/
What if the biggest thing shaping your faith is the way you see God? #godislove #trusthim #grace
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