believe in Jesus – Be Still…

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”

Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares

Read Ezekiel 9:1-11

It’s hard to read about God calling for the slaughter of his people. On the other hand, Ezekiel tells us that some were spared by receiving a special mark. Who were those fortunate few? The faithful ones who were true to God despite all the idolatrous living going on around them.

The LORD said to the man dressed in linen, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.” Do you ever find yourself overcome with emotion because of what you see happening in the world? Would you be one of those spared because you share the heart of God? Some find it easy to look the other way and call it “tolerance.” Is that the way God wants us to be? This passage would suggest not. Continue reading “Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares”

Colossians 1:24-2:5 – Kept Secret for Centuries

Read Colossians 1:24-2:5

black and white picture of a man holding up his index finger as if to say be quiet

What is the secret? Paul says this about it, “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” If I was hearing this for the first time, my first question would be, “How does it work to have Christ inside me?”

If that’s your question, too, Paul doesn’t get into those details here. But in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul’s counsel in another setting speaks to the Holy Spirit, a person of the trinity with Jesus. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” Take a moment to reflect on what shape your temple is in to host God himself!