The reading might be light today, but the concepts are not.  Please read 1 Corinthians 14 and 15.  Got a highlight? I’d love to hear from you!  Come on back and let’s visit:

Chapter 14 might present a controversy to some, but don’t let it bring confusion to you. Tongues is a spiritual gift, but it is not a salvation issue. Don’t get “hung up” on tongues, okay?  (I wish I had time to address it, I think it’s so important –  however, I also think you make it to heaven without it). You have to believe in Jesus to get to heaven. Paul addresses that next:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 NKJV

15:3 – “First of all” or could be translated as “most importantly” – Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again. If that part isn’t true, then Paul tells us that we have “believed in vain”.  Mercifully, it IS true!  Jesus has risen!

If you get hung up on an issue, get hung up on that one: salvation. 🙂 Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!

Please read 1 Corinthians 11:2-34, chapters 12 and 13.  Lots of familiar territory today – it’s good to be re-reminded of these truths.  What’s your highlight today?  

“Keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” 1 Corinthians 11:2

There is a spirit in traditions, follow the principle of it. Sometimes we throw something out just because it’s “traditional” – but traditional isn’t always bad!  (A friend of mine says, “Let’s operate at the minimum with the discernment of a cow: chew the grass, spit out the sticks”)

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!” 1 Corinthians 12:4-10 MSG

Do not be ignorant of spiritual gifts, either your own or the spiritual gifts of others. All come from the Lord, all are valid, and all are valuable. 12:12-19 – realize that there is no room for jealousy in the body of Christ.  Rejoice and operate in the diversity of gifts!  Your gift is necessary to the Body of Christ, one is not more important than another.

“love is the more excellent way” 1 Corinthians 12:31

Of course, the “love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13…. Always, if you have a choice, choose love. (and of course, you ALWAYS have a choice!)

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 8, 9, 10, 11:1.  I’m going to go “bullet point style” with my highlights todays – what are your take-a-ways here?  Come on back and let’s visit!

“We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. ” 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 NKJV

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.  Another important distinction to make, as you are a steward of the Gospel.

“And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.” 1 Corinthians 8:11-12 NKJV

Even knowledge can wound a weak conscience – wield it wisely.

I like 9:22b in the Living Bible Translation:

“Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him”  1 Corinthians 9:22b TLB

and

“imitate me as I imitate Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Someone is always watching – make sure your behavior sets an example of godliness for others to see.

Please read 1 Corinthians 4, 5, 6, and 8:1. All in one place today!  What’s your highlight? Come on back and share your thoughts!

I cannot get enough of Paul’s description of leadership:

“Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 MSG

Did you notice the requirements? “Reliability” and “accurate knowledge”. The NKJV calls that faithfulness: “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).  This isn’t a bonus, this isn’t “extra credit” – faithfulness, reliability, having accurate knowledge is required. Why? Because it is our job as stewards to pass along the knowledge we have been given, to clear a path that others can follow.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a secret to keep – it’s a gift to share.  Steward this truth well!

“I’m writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God’s Message to you that I became your father.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 MSG

Discern the difference between people and fathers (1 Cor 5:14-16).  That’s an important distinction to make.  A father would give counsel for the benefit of the hearer, in love, making an investment into others.  What a great example of leadership.  What a kindness to share truth.

1 Cor 6:9-11, still true today, as much as we want to pretend otherwise. Speaking the truth in love to those within our sphere of influence is a help. 

Today, we’ll read Acts 18:24-48, Acts 19:1-20, 1 Corinthians chapters 1, 2 and 3.  I love how Paul’s letters are interjected here in Acts with his missionary journeys – we see where he is traveling, see where he has been, read the words that he sent in advance of a visit or as a follow-up to the visit…. Like when we read David’s history with the Psalms alongside his life events.  What’s your highlight today?  Let’s read and then let’s visit!

“Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah” Acts 18:28 MSG

When Apollos arrived, “he greatly helped” by “showing through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:27-28). That IS a help – sharing truth.  My mind went to Proverbs 24:11, we read that earlier this year: “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter”. Every day we come across people who are literally on their way to death – sharing the truth of Christ IN LOVE and yet with urgency can mean salvation.  What bigger help is there?

Love Paul’s ministry at Ephesus, 19:1-7, but its too much for a short blog post. (Can we go for a coffee sometime?) Now we get to Corinthians with the context of Paul’s life: “God has revealed this to us through the His Spirit” (1 Cor 2:10) – don’t we see Paul depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Let’s do the same – the Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Guide (John 14:16).  What a gift that Jesus left us!

Today, let’s read 1 Thess 5:12-28, 2 Thess 1, 2, 3, and Acts 18:4-23.  Paul sets such a tremendous example for us, but please take every opportunity to be directed back to Jesus – Paul is constantly pointing to Jesus as well.  Over the next weeks, we’ll hear LOTS from Paul, and it is all valuable – but the Source is Jesus always! What’s your highlight today?

I love the Lord’s encouragement to Paul:

“One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: “Keep it up, and don’t let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city.” That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians.” Acts 18:9-11 MSG

In turn, Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica in 1 Thess 5:1-11. The whole chapter is so powerful, but here’s one of my circles:

“God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 MSG

We ought take Paul’s example here: when the Lord gives us comfort, we ought to give comfort to other. 

May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG

Acts 17:16-34, Acts 18:1-3, and 1 Thessalonians 1, 2, 3, 4, 5:1-11. We are on Paul’s missionary journey!  What stands out to you today? 

“When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, to the god nobody knows. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with.” Acts 17:23 MSG

Acts 17:23-28 – Paul was familiar with Athens, and this sign “to the unknown god” only confirmed what he has already seen. There are signs in your life that point to what you worship…. What do your signs point to?

May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.” 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 MSG

Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians is made more powerful because he is describing a future hope to cling to time in times of suffering.  We know what he is suffering from reading Acts. Clearly, Paul was appointed to/ destined for trials (1 Thess 3:3).  Paul’s trials were not signs that he should stop – neither are yours.  Stay faithful.

Please read Acts 15:22-41, Acts 16, and Acts 17:1-15.  I love how Paul continues the ministry of Jesus – it is such an example to us today, as we are also continuing the ministry of Jesus, striving to do those “greater works” (John 14:12) that He said we would do. What’s your highlight today?

I love Acts 15:28-29, but especially this phrase:

“to lay upon you no greater burden than necessary” Acts 15:28 NKJV

It follows then, the way Paul presents this concept, that there ARE necessary burdens to your Christian walk. This life isn’t always easy (God certainly never promises ease).  Sometimes we associate “struggle” with the word “stop”.  If something is too hard, we quit.  If something seems a heavy burden, then we justify with “well, maybe I wasn’t supposed to do this in the first place”.  There will be hardships, there will be struggles, there may even be pain – but those should not be misinterpreted as signals to stop.  Remember that Even Jesus warned us: “In this world, you will have trouble” – and then immediately: “but take heart!  I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).  Don’t quit, my friend.

A few little highlights: Paul “rejoiced over its encouragement” (15:31), and he went “strengthening the churches” – what a beautiful commentary on his ministry.  What a goal for us: we should be strengthening each other in the faith and rejoicing in everyone’s victories (not only our own). Paul depended on the guidance of the Holy Spirit: “but the Spirit did not permit them” (16:7), we must do the same. 17:11 says they searched the Scriptures daily – we can do that too, and we should.

Today, please read Galatians 3:24-29, Galatians 4, 5, 6 and Acts 15:1-21. It’s moving so fast now – I already have a countdown in my head (but I don’t want the year to end!). What’s your highlight today?  

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 MSG

You have been given freedom by the Lord, but do not use this freedom to gratify your flesh. The war goes on between the flesh and the spirit because your enemy knows: if the flesh can keep you from finding the “secret place” (Ps 91), you will never be victorious.  How can we do it? Paul has very simple advice:

“My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.” Galatians 5:16 MSG

I love how Paul gets straight to the point: truth may not always be easy but it is accessible. You are not under the law IF you are under the spirit (Gal. 5:16). However, if you are not following the Spirit, get under the law. Spirit is better, Spirit is gentle – but if the law gets you there, then do whatever it takes to get right.

“So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.” Acts 15:3

I love Acts 15 describing the conversions causing great joy.  It should cause great joy any time any one experiences a life-change because of Jesus Christ

It’s really important that we don’t miss the Jerusalem Council, even though we don’t have time to expand on it here – super important piece of our spiritual history!

We’re on Paul’s missionary journey!  Please read Acts 14:21-28, Galatians 2 and Galatians 3:1-23 today.  What’s your highlight today?

“We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22

“prayer and fasting” Acts 14:23

Fasting is a tremendously important discipline.  This wasn’t a popular message, or a comfortable one, but the truth prevails. Now follow this train of this train of thought to Paul’s message to the Galatians, noting 1:10:

 ^“Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave.” Galatians 1:10 MSG

Friend, we become a slave to whoever’s approval we are trying to win.

“Until the time when we were mature enough to respond freely in faith to the living God, we were carefully surrounded and protected by the Mosaic law. The law was like those Greek tutors, with which you are familiar, who escort children to school and protect them from danger or distraction, making sure the children will really get to the place they set out for.  But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” Galatians 3:23-27 MSG

Galatians 3:19-25 – the law is a tutor, guiding us to the truth. The Law brought us to the truth – now faith will keep us there.