Be Still… – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

1 Corinthians 1:20-2:16 – Wisdom Explained

When you hear the word wisdom, what comes to mind? Do you picture a wall full of books, a professor in front of a chalkboard, or an owl sitting on a branch with a graduate’s cap on his head? Paul’s words here should have given you an entirely different perspective. Paul speaks of the wisdom of God and how we as mere humans will never be able to truly grasp it. “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to intervene and give us a glimpse into the wisdom of God. We can get to know Jesus by reading our Bibles and spending time in reflection and prayer. God reveals himself to us, bit by bit, as we are ready to understand. How do you respond to that much wisdom? Continue reading “1 Corinthians 1:20-2:16 – Wisdom Explained”

1 Corinthians 1:1-19 – We Are Made Holy

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-19

In the book of Acts, we read about Paul’s time in Corinth. We were given a glimpse of the relationship Paul had with that community of believers. Paul then wrote two letters to strengthen the church there after his departure, and we are privileged to receive the same wisdom. What do you think of the opening verses?

Right off the bat, I recognized in the greeting the name Sosthenes. Did you remember him as the leader of the synagogue who took a beating in the courtroom back in Acts 19? Paul calls him a “brother.” I’m glad he is okay. Interesting that he is with Paul now and not still serving the synagogue in Corinth. God can use all his people in surprising, unexpected ways. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 1:1-19 – We Are Made Holy”

Acts 19:23-41 – Persecution is Real

Read Acts 19:23-41

Have you noticed a pattern in the book of Acts? Any time there is a profound move of the Spirit, it is followed by a riot, some unrest, or danger for the apostle Paul and his companions. We can see similar things happening today when pastors or groups of Christians are persecuted for doing good. It’s like we have targets on our backs for the enemy to come calling, to bring calamity or raise enemies.

I was reminded this week of what Jesus said about this in his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:10-12, we read: “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” If you are or have ever been threatened because of your faith, rest in the words of Jesus. As believers, we can expect to be targets when we speak openly about our faith. Continue reading “Acts 19:23-41 – Persecution is Real”

Acts 18:24-19:22 – How Do We Represent Jesus?

Read Acts 18:24-19:22

Paul’s second missionary journey was winding down in our last reading, and here we start his third and final journey. First, Luke, the author of Acts, introduces us to Apollos. It’s always good to read about real-life people besides the apostles and how they responded to the Good News about Jesus and salvation. We can get clues for how we should or should not represent Jesus to our own circle of friends and acquaintances.

Apollos was a Christian Jew teaching about Jesus. It seems a little odd that he wouldn’t know about the Holy Spirit. Imagine his delight in hearing about the power from Paul’s students, Priscilla and Aquila (you may remember them from previous readings). That Jewish couple wanted to help clarify for their brother in Christ all that being a Christ-follower meant. What a great way to show up for Jesus! Continue reading “Acts 18:24-19:22 – How Do We Represent Jesus?”

Acts 18:1-23 – God Willing

Read Acts 18:1-23

Paul’s second missionary journey continues as he leaves Athens and moves on to Corinth, also in Greece. Paul met up with some refugees from Rome, fellow Jews and tentmakers. Paul continued to preach the word and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. When that message brought opposition from the Jews, he decided to focus his message on the Gentiles. Isn’t that what Jesus had asked him to do all along?

Understandably, being a Jew himself, Paul would have wanted his fellow Jews to accept and follow Jesus. Paul would have been grieved that they just couldn’t see the truth when it seemed so clear to him. But it wasn’t that long ago that Paul himself had been oppressing Christ followers. Continue reading “Acts 18:1-23 – God Willing”

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