1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (New Living Translation)
10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
He was spat on … ridiculed … a crown of thorns placed on His head … beaten, He received 39 stripes … pierced in His side … nailed to the Cross, crucified.
And yet … there are no cracks in this foundation … Jesus Christ! He rose and now sits at His Father’s side on the throne.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Bottom Line
1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (New Living Translation)
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ? If you were to send me replies to this question, I am doubtful that all answers would be the same. Some may be similar … “I grew up in a Christian family”. Others may be very different … “A lady told me about Jesus as I sat on the park bench while our children played in the sandbox”.
Which of these is better? It’s not important! The only thing that really matters is that you know Jesus. So big church … small church … traditional … charismatic … it doesn’t matter. What really matters is that God is growing in your heart. That IS the bottom line!
5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ? If you were to send me replies to this question, I am doubtful that all answers would be the same. Some may be similar … “I grew up in a Christian family”. Others may be very different … “A lady told me about Jesus as I sat on the park bench while our children played in the sandbox”.
Which of these is better? It’s not important! The only thing that really matters is that you know Jesus. So big church … small church … traditional … charismatic … it doesn’t matter. What really matters is that God is growing in your heart. That IS the bottom line!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Assessment
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 (New Living Translation)
1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
Like Paul, every pastor/preacher/minister must make an assessment of the audience he is called to address. Is this judgment? I think not. It is Holy Spirit guided assessment in order to effectively share the Goods News.
What value would there be in speaking to the spiritually mature as if they were baby Christians? What value would there be in sharing with the baby Christian in deep theological … seminary laden … terminology?
For every Christian, as you share your testimony, ask the Holy Spirit to help you consider who you are talking to and the current status of their emotions (not yours … theirs). You are not judging them. You are making a Spirit guided assessment.
1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 4 When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
Like Paul, every pastor/preacher/minister must make an assessment of the audience he is called to address. Is this judgment? I think not. It is Holy Spirit guided assessment in order to effectively share the Goods News.
What value would there be in speaking to the spiritually mature as if they were baby Christians? What value would there be in sharing with the baby Christian in deep theological … seminary laden … terminology?
For every Christian, as you share your testimony, ask the Holy Spirit to help you consider who you are talking to and the current status of their emotions (not yours … theirs). You are not judging them. You are making a Spirit guided assessment.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Mind of Christ
1 Corinthians 2:13-16 (New Living Translation)
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
What does Paul mean when he refers to someone as “spiritual” or “aren’t spiritual”? It’s not race. It’s not gender. It’s not education or position. It’s not what we wear or what we drive. When Paul says spiritual, he is referring to a mindset. Do we think like Christ? When we evaluate a situation, is it with a Christlike attitude? When we make decisions, would our decisions be the same as decisions Christ would make? Yes … WWJD … What Would Jesus Do?
Paul says those who are spiritual … think … evaluate … decide … with the mind of Christ.
13 When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. 14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?”
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
What does Paul mean when he refers to someone as “spiritual” or “aren’t spiritual”? It’s not race. It’s not gender. It’s not education or position. It’s not what we wear or what we drive. When Paul says spiritual, he is referring to a mindset. Do we think like Christ? When we evaluate a situation, is it with a Christlike attitude? When we make decisions, would our decisions be the same as decisions Christ would make? Yes … WWJD … What Would Jesus Do?
Paul says those who are spiritual … think … evaluate … decide … with the mind of Christ.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Counsel of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 (New Living Translation)
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
To understand God’s Word, as He intended it for us, requires the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Without His Spirit we cannot understand His thoughts. The result … improper interpretation … false teaching … the use of Scripture to promote our agenda. When you have the counsel of the Holy Spirit, not only will you understand God’s thoughts, you will also be troubled in your spirit when you encounter any such misuse of God’s Holy Word.
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
To understand God’s Word, as He intended it for us, requires the counsel of the Holy Spirit. Without His Spirit we cannot understand His thoughts. The result … improper interpretation … false teaching … the use of Scripture to promote our agenda. When you have the counsel of the Holy Spirit, not only will you understand God’s thoughts, you will also be troubled in your spirit when you encounter any such misuse of God’s Holy Word.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Plain Talk
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (New Living Translation)
1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
Each person called by God to share the Good News is still an individual. God has made each individual unique … different talents and spiritual gifts … different ways to say things … different abilities to comprehend things. That’s why if you skipped through your TV on Sunday morning you find varying styles of preachers, pastors and evangelists. Some respond better to Charles Stanley … some to Joyce Meyer … some to Tony Evans … some to T.D. Jakes. I am not here to judge which is better or worse.
The Apostle Paul, a very learned man, chose to keep his message and preaching very plain. He could have used clever or persuasive speech but chose not to. Rather he chose the plain, relying solely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
My prayer … You rather than me LORD! You LORD!
1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.
Each person called by God to share the Good News is still an individual. God has made each individual unique … different talents and spiritual gifts … different ways to say things … different abilities to comprehend things. That’s why if you skipped through your TV on Sunday morning you find varying styles of preachers, pastors and evangelists. Some respond better to Charles Stanley … some to Joyce Meyer … some to Tony Evans … some to T.D. Jakes. I am not here to judge which is better or worse.
The Apostle Paul, a very learned man, chose to keep his message and preaching very plain. He could have used clever or persuasive speech but chose not to. Rather he chose the plain, relying solely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
My prayer … You rather than me LORD! You LORD!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Proud Mary
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (New Living Translation)
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
When Tina Turner sang ‘Proud Mary’, I can’t imagine her knowingly expressing a scriptural thought. One line says, “I never saw the good side of the city till I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen.”
We can’t see the good side of life until we hitch our life to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. It is His life, not ours, that makes things good. Therefore we have nothing to be proud about … nothing to boast about … “only about the Lord.”
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”
When Tina Turner sang ‘Proud Mary’, I can’t imagine her knowingly expressing a scriptural thought. One line says, “I never saw the good side of the city till I hitched a ride on the riverboat queen.”
We can’t see the good side of life until we hitch our life to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. It is His life, not ours, that makes things good. Therefore we have nothing to be proud about … nothing to boast about … “only about the Lord.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wisdom and Power
1 Corinthians 1:20-25 (New Living Translation)
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Jews … God’s chosen people. Gentiles … everybody else.
Many seek them but only those who receive Christ in their life will attain true wisdom and power. All the world’s wisdom and power is foolishness when stacked up against what God has to offer.
The choice seems easy. Receive God’s free gift … Jesus Christ … and let Him make your education investment worth something.
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Jews … God’s chosen people. Gentiles … everybody else.
Many seek them but only those who receive Christ in their life will attain true wisdom and power. All the world’s wisdom and power is foolishness when stacked up against what God has to offer.
The choice seems easy. Receive God’s free gift … Jesus Christ … and let Him make your education investment worth something.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Kiss Principle
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (New Living Translation)
The Wisdom of God
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
As a child, I heard Billy Graham, live in Chicago, present the gospel … very plainly … very simply. Along with hundreds of others, I responded to this simple message.
Earlier this week, I again heard the gospel explained in very basic and simple terms … another very effective presentation.
God has never required that His plan of salvation to be complicated … requiring great intelligence and wisdom. In fact, I think He would support the ‘Kiss’ principle.
Keep It Simple St____ (didn’t want to offend anyone with the last word). How simply can you articulate the gospel message?
The Wisdom of God
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
As a child, I heard Billy Graham, live in Chicago, present the gospel … very plainly … very simply. Along with hundreds of others, I responded to this simple message.
Earlier this week, I again heard the gospel explained in very basic and simple terms … another very effective presentation.
God has never required that His plan of salvation to be complicated … requiring great intelligence and wisdom. In fact, I think He would support the ‘Kiss’ principle.
Keep It Simple St____ (didn’t want to offend anyone with the last word). How simply can you articulate the gospel message?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Not for Your Entertainment
1 Corinthians 1:13-17 (New Living Translation)
13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
The Apostle Paul made it clear that it was not Paul that hung on the Cross. Only Jesus died for our sin and therefore it is only Jesus who is to be lifted up. No apostle … no pastor … no evangelist … no preacher … no saint … ONLY Jesus.
It doesn’t take fancy words … flashy broadcasts … worldly entertainment. The Good News doesn’t need anything which distract from the Cross. The Cross of Christ alone is the power of salvation.
13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
The Apostle Paul made it clear that it was not Paul that hung on the Cross. Only Jesus died for our sin and therefore it is only Jesus who is to be lifted up. No apostle … no pastor … no evangelist … no preacher … no saint … ONLY Jesus.
It doesn’t take fancy words … flashy broadcasts … worldly entertainment. The Good News doesn’t need anything which distract from the Cross. The Cross of Christ alone is the power of salvation.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
No Division
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (New Living Translation)
Divisions in the Church
10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
Divisions rightful place is in math class … not in the Body of Christ. The church should have a focus on addition … add souls to the Kingdom. Multiplication also has a place … we should multiply our efforts to live like Christ. Even subtraction … let us take away (subtract) sin, putting off the old man. But NO division!
Divisions in the Church
10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
Divisions rightful place is in math class … not in the Body of Christ. The church should have a focus on addition … add souls to the Kingdom. Multiplication also has a place … we should multiply our efforts to live like Christ. Even subtraction … let us take away (subtract) sin, putting off the old man. But NO division!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Gifts For the Church
1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (New Living Translation)
Paul Gives Thanks to God
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yesterday we focused on Christ’s return in this passage. Today, take note of what you do while waiting … anticipating His return. God has “invited you into partnership with His Son” to use “the gracious gifts He has given you” to “enrich your church”. Your spiritual gift is not give to benefit you. It is given to benefit the Body of Christ. Where will you use your gift this week … today?
Paul Gives Thanks to God
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yesterday we focused on Christ’s return in this passage. Today, take note of what you do while waiting … anticipating His return. God has “invited you into partnership with His Son” to use “the gracious gifts He has given you” to “enrich your church”. Your spiritual gift is not give to benefit you. It is given to benefit the Body of Christ. Where will you use your gift this week … today?
Monday, August 09, 2010
Focus on Christ Return
1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (New Living Translation)
Paul Gives Thanks to God
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Two thousand years ago, Paul spoke to the young church at Corinth using the phrase, “eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Was Paul wrong about the return of Christ? Absolutely not! Christ is coming back. It didn’t happen two thousand years ago and it didn’t happen yesterday. We don’t know the day nor the hour of Christ return. That unknown says we must be ready everyday and every hour. Christ will come again!
On a personal note, I took the summer off from posting these devotions. I needed the break but in the terms of the pilot from the movie ‘Independence Day’, “I’m back!” I have continued with my recovery challenges from last November’s surgery. I remain hopeful and I am certain that God remains faithful. Please continue to pray for me.
Paul Gives Thanks to God
4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Two thousand years ago, Paul spoke to the young church at Corinth using the phrase, “eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Was Paul wrong about the return of Christ? Absolutely not! Christ is coming back. It didn’t happen two thousand years ago and it didn’t happen yesterday. We don’t know the day nor the hour of Christ return. That unknown says we must be ready everyday and every hour. Christ will come again!
On a personal note, I took the summer off from posting these devotions. I needed the break but in the terms of the pilot from the movie ‘Independence Day’, “I’m back!” I have continued with my recovery challenges from last November’s surgery. I remain hopeful and I am certain that God remains faithful. Please continue to pray for me.
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