1 & 2 Corinthians – Be Still…

2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?

For we live by believing and not by seeing. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I don’t know about you, but I certainly look forward to seeing Jesus face to face. I’m not trying to rush to the end of my life or anything, but he did promise to return and that could always happen first. But until that day comes, this verse explains our way of life. We have to believe in something we cannot see.

Context: Interesting that this verse is part of Paul’s discussion about our new bodies, the one we receive after we die. While we are living in our current bodies that get wrinkled and have aches and pains, we are not “at home” yet with the Lord. While we’re here, we live by faith, and that’s a great message to remind us to hold on. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 5:7 – What Do You See?”

1 Corinthians 1:18 – Power of the Cross

“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.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

If you’ve ever felt alone in this world wondering why nobody else “gets it,” this is a great memory verse of encouragement. As Christians, the message of the cross is key to everything we believe and hold dear. If it wasn’t for the cross, our faith would be meaningless. Thankfully, we aren’t the foolish ones.

Context: Just a handful of verses into the first chapter, Paul is already dealing with big issues with the Corinthians. This verse opens the section in my Bible version called “The Wisdom of God.” This verse not only speaks of God’s wisdom but serves as a wake-up call for those far from God. Paul is urging his brothers and sisters in Corinth to pay attention to God and respect his sovereignty. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 1:18 – Power of the Cross”

2 Chronicles 23:1-11 – Priestly Action

Read 2 Chronicles 23:1-11

Wasn’t the temple the perfect place for such an elite group of believers to meet for a planning session? The reigning Queen would never know since she would rarely, if ever, frequent that Holy place. You have to applaud the brave priest, Jehoiada for arranging this gathering. He was also likely instrumental in the plot to keep infant Joash alive. It’s good to remember Joash was his nephew, too.

We can learn a lot from this priest’s actions. Jehoiada bravely chose to make a move to hide the rightful king, the king who would further protect God’s promise to David about their forever kingdom. A high priority indeed for a good priest to be aware of. Do we make keeping God’s commands or trusting his promises our top priority?

Advent 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Grace

I thought we’d take a little diversion from our genealogies in 1 Chronicles to focus on the coming of Jesus. We are in the season of Advent for a few more days, and then it will be Christmas once again. We’ll look at some Bible passages, including prophecies that speak of Jesus.

Advent is the time of year some churches dedicate for preparing for Jesus’ coming–both of them! The Bible tells us about Jesus’ first coming as a wee baby, so humble and mild. Jesus himself also promised that he would come again and return for us. So Advent is not only a preparation for Christmas but a reminder to be ready for Jesus’ return.

1 Corinthians 16:15-24 – Faith Communities

Read 1 Corinthians 16:15-24

a small group of people sitting in a circle talking

Paul is recommending the Corinthians look for encouragement from other brothers and sisters of the faith. It’s like networking and fellowship combined. The movement of Christ-followers is growing. Without the internet and more modern ways of connecting, word of mouth was key in connecting people who should spend time together.

The Corinthians had the assurance that they weren’t alone. Sometimes it can be frightening to head in a new direction in life. To embrace a Christian life and start a new relationship with a Savior who was not visibly present was daunting for them, and it can be daunting for us as well. That’s why Paul models for us the importance of community, faith communities to be precise.