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The Corinthians were concerned about obtaining unusual spiritual gifts, but far greater for them to show love to God and to each other.

BibleGateway: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13

ESV Text: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 3:27 and ends at about 3:39

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31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.(KJV)


The section starts at about 0:0 and ends at about 1:54

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     1 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. 2 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. 3 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.

     4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

     8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 462 (LSB 651):
I Love Your Kingdom, Lord

Hymnary.org — Organ Audio

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1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord, 
The house of Thine abode, 
The Church our blest Redeemer saved 
With His own precious blood. 

2. I love Thy Church, O God, 
Her walls before Thee stand, 
Dear as the apple of Thine eye 
And graven on Thy hand. 

3. Should I with scoffers join 
Her altars to abuse? 
No! Better far my tongue were dumb, 
My hand its skill should lose. 

4. For her my tears shall fall, 
For her my prayers ascend, 
To her my cares and toils be given 
Till toils and cares shall end. 

5. Beyond my highest joy 
I prize her heavenly ways 
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 
Her hymns of love and praise. 

6. Jesus, Thou Friend Divine, 
Our Savior and our King, 
Thy hand from every snare and foe 
Shall great deliverance bring. 

7. Sure as Thy truth shall last, 
To Zion shall be given 
The brightest glories earth can yield 
And brighter bliss of heaven.