In I Corinthians, Paul does a good job of explaining several issues that could cause hang-ups otherwise.
First, let's look at whether or not a woman should pray without a head-covering. Paul says, "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?" (1 Cor. 11:13). I think we can all agree that it is acceptable for women to pray without an actual head-covering. Then in verse 15, Paul says, sort of as a catch-all, "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering." So if you think she needs a head covering, she has her hair.
What about speaking in tongues? Should we all speak in tongues? None of us? Or, do some have it and others don't? According to Paul, the latter is true. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given the word of wisdom...to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." Paul goes on to t say, "Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" Just because you don't have the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues doesn't mean those who do are not of God. However we must try every spirit to see whether it is of God or of the devil.
Finally, a verse I have made one of my life verses reads, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). This idea is so simply put, and yet so hard at times to carry out.
Major topics
I Introduction
II Strife in the church
III Immorality
IV Spiritual gifts and instruction to keep church services orderly
V The Resurrection
VI Conclusion
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