Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
[Use your Bible or click the reference above to read the NIV translation online.]

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives

in Christ's triumphal procession...

2 Corinthians 2:14

Do you consider yourself a captive of Christ?

I do. When people ask me about my testimony it always includes the words: He captured my heart... I have no better words to describe what happened to me at the moment of my conversion. It was an unexpected moment. My heart stolen by Him. Never to be the same again.

As a captive I no longer have a lot of say in what I do. Captives are prisoners under the control of another. He alone has the words of life. As one who wants to live for Him, because He says so I will... Sometimes I fail. When I do, He still loves me. Teaches me through it. And next time, I'm more certain I want to do what He calls me to do.

Being His captive is a joy. I've found His way always better than mine. Difficult at times? Yes. But always better.

Again I'll ask: Do you consider yourself a captive of Christ?

If not, ask Him to capture your heart.

There is no better way to live.

Jesus, thank You for capturing my heart.

There is no better Lord and Master.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11
[No Bible handy? Click the link above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

I hope you will indulge me today in the sharing of a personal experience with God, His Word, and this passage.

The revelation came rushing back as I read the verses in preparation for writing. A revelation of the Spirit. One only accessible or reasonable when one accepts Scripture as God's Word. His breathed out living and active words for our lives.

The exact date and time go unremembered, but the unexpected revelation, one I would never have come up with myself, comes back with a fresh flush to my face.

Again, forgive my rambling a moment, as I try to find the words.

At one point in my pursuit of Him over the last twenty-two years I came across this verse:

For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears,

not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

2 Corinthians 2:4

The moment I read it, I was no longer hearing Paul speaking to the Corinthian church, but it was Jesus speaking to me about Scripture...

Read it again now... hear Him speaking to your heart...

For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears,

not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

The Scriptures. The Bible. Written by Him. Out of great distress, anguish of heart, with many tears over the state of what I've done... you've done... not to grieve us. Not to shame us. But to let me... you... know the depth of His love...

This book is not to be taken academically or solely as an intellectual pursuit. It is not written by men for men. It is a love letter from the very Creator of the universe. The Lover of your soul. To let you know He loves you. 

He loves me.

That truth overwhelms. You don't know me, but I do. I know the atrocities I've committed in my rebellion. I know the depth of my darkness.

And still... He wrote to me... out of love... over the centuries before my birth, through men who would listen and record, and He preserved His Word for me. So I would know He loves me deeply.

I hope you hear Him, too. When you read His Word.

He loves you.

Father God, thank You for reminding me today of the revelation

You blessed me with and this opportunity to share it with others.

I pray each one reading this will hear You speak to them

through Scripture. Hear the depth of Your love for them

through Your Word. Let it be so! Amen!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24
[Read the passage. Then the devotional. Click on the reference to read online.]

For no matter how many promises God has made,

they are "Yes" in Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:20

Jesus. God's Yes. 

Yes... to a hurting world wondering if He still cares.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ..."

John 3:16 ESV

Yes... to the sinner wondering if there is any forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 ESV

Yes... to the diseased wondering if there is healing to be had.

He sent out his word and healed them,

and delivered them from their destruction.

Psalm 107:20 ESV

Yes... to the lost wondering if anyone is looking for them.

"...For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Luke 19:11 ESV

No matter the promise... no matter the need... Jesus is the answer.

A great big YES.

What promise of His are you relying on?

You'll find the Yes in Jesus.

Father God, thank You for the YES in Christ Jesus.

In Him You do not tell me No. In Him I can rest assured

that all Your promises will be fulfilled.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,

how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
[Read the verses first. Click on the reference to read online.]

comfort noun... 1: strengthening aid: a: assistance, support b: consolation in time of trouble or worry: solace

--- Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th Ed.)

Because we live in a world full of trouble, we all need comfort at one time or another. So I'm wondering: Where do you go for comfort?

When you've had a bad day or received devastating news, where do you turn first?

The world offers a wide array of different options promising comfort. Where does yours come from? another person? a bottle? the refrigerator? social media? television? shopping?

Is your current choice of comfort and escape working for you? Is it something you would suggest to someone else? Or is it something you keep hidden? something you are ashamed of?

Paul points us to the only One who can comfort us in all our troubles: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... the God of all comfort.

He alone can strengthen and console. Support. Assist. No matter what trouble or worry we face.

Is He the first one you think of to take your troubles to? Or do you pick up the phone? log onto the internet? run to the refrigerator?

God is the God of all comfort.

He is our refuge and strength. A shield of protection in a harsh world. He can raise the dead! Why would we go anywhere else?

In this world Believers will suffer like Christ, but in the suffering we find comfort in God. The difficulties we experience, those far beyond our ability to endure, teach us not to rely on ourselves or our idea of comfort, but on God. In turn, we are enabled to encourage others to find their comfort in Him.

Begin to seek God's comfort first. The next time you find yourself annoyed or your feelings hurt, turn to the One who can truly comfort. Leave the bottle closed, the computer off, the door shut...

And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit

or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people...

1 Samuel 12:21-22 ESV

Go to the One true source of comfort through His Word, through prayer by the power of His Spirit... and become equipped to help others know His comfort.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles...

2 Corinthians 1:3

Lord, reveal the empty things I run to for comfort other than You.

Do not let them satisfy me even for a moment. Teach me to turn to You,

the God of all comfort. Grow me to share Your comfort with others.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:12-24
[Click the reference above to read online.]

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;

be courageous; be strong.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

All these are commands. Necessities. Imperative actions of the church.

Be on guard, stand firm, be courageous, be strong, do everything in love...?

Hmmm. It sounds a little contradictory.

To be on guard is definitely a defensive stance. Watchful. How do you do this in love?

The same with standing firm and being courageous and strong. These are tough words. Love is a soft word. Or at least we think of it as soft.

Jesus, God incarnate, fully God, fully man did everything in love. God is love, therefore so is Jesus. Did we see Him be on guard? standing firm in the faith? courageous? strong?

He was watchful over the temple, His Father's house. In love He swept it clean of crooks and swindlers (Matthew 21:12-13).

He was watchful over the teachers of the law, the Pharisees. He called them blind guides, hypocrites, white-washed tombs, brood of vipers (Matthew 23:13-36) in love. 

He stood firm in the faith, courageously strong, all the way to the cross. In love.

Love led Jesus to the cross.

Love held Jesus to the cross.

Maybe we need to question our understanding of love.

The greatest commandment calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. First and foremost we must love the Lord, guard His ways in the world, be watchful for what's taught in His house, be strong, courageous, faith-full out of love for Him.

Is love for God what motivates you?

Jesus says the next greatest commandment is like the first: love your neighbor, love others, as you love yourself. When we love God rightly, we can't help but love people rightly.

Is your love for God changing the way you love those around you?

Jesus wouldn't allow His Father's house to be used for something other than His glory. In love He cast out all who profaned His Father's name by using the temple wrongly.

Jesus called out the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were not practicing what they preached. Is it loving to leave someone in a place of sin? In love, Jesus told them in the only way they might hear. A way that loved God and the people He created.

Love God. Love others.

Do everything in love.

He commands it.

Father God, teach me this love. Enable me to love like Jesus.

Watchful over Your church, firm in faith, courageous and strong.

Teach me to lay down my life in love. 

Teach me what real love in You is.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-11
[Read the Scripture in your Bible or click the link above to read online.]

Weekly giving.
Wide doors open for effective ministry.
Many adversaries.
Encouragement of those working for the Lord.

All regular happenings in the life of the church.

Believers are called to give in the same manner Christ gives to us. Freely. With the good of the church  in mind.
Don't we all have gifts to give? weekly?

Doors opening for ministry. Opportunities. Inspiration. Hearts prepared.
Do you hear Him calling you?

Opposition. Wherever a door opens forces try to prevent us from walking through. Stumbling blocks come in the form of physical barriers, financial shortfalls, relational division, fear of failure.
Are you facing something keeping you from entering into ministry?

Putting at ease those passing through.
Aren't we all just passing through this life?

Protecting, encouraging those who work for the Lord in the face of opposition.
Don't we all have work to do? Who can you put at ease?

All these can be found in the life of any church, even FUMC, Jacksonville:
Giving.
Opportunities.
Opposition.
Encouragement.

Have you seen any lately?

Consider sharing what you've seen in the life of FUMC here by leaving a comment. Click the post title scroll to the bottom. Write in the comment box. Follow the directions.

Father God, I pray for the regular happenings at FUMC:

the giving, the new opportunities for ministry, the overcoming of opposition,

and the encouragement of those doing Your work.

Prepare my heart to participate in the daily life

of Your church.

Amen.

Journey to Resurrection... I Am

Remember Moses and the burning bush... standing barefoot on hot sand as God calls him to leadership? He's given all kinds of reasons why he can't be the one God is looking for... he's a fugitive... a stutterer... ill-equipped for the job. He's making excuses and God will have none of it. This is when He asks the question, "Who will I tell them sent me when they ask what is his name?"

 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”--Exodus 3:14

Jesus uses the same name as He challenges the Jews belief system. He talks of glorifying God and how Abraham rejoiced at seeing it all unfold. The Jews don't get it. "How can you have seen Abraham, you're not even fifty years old?"

 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.--John 8:58-59

If you're not careful you'll miss the connection and wonder why the Jews were stoning mad. Jesus claimed the same name as God did with Moses. Three simple letters make up the name God gives himself throughout scripture-- I AM.

We'll be focusing on this tomorrow during praise and prayer. God revealing himself to us as the great I Am. Throughout His word He reminds us of who He is...almighty, light, timeless. He is always available to us, always faithful. It is a sort of fill in the blank name isn't it? At least in our own language.

I Am _____________.

There are times along the way when we've been focused on the issue... some crisis that seems to have no resolve. We worry and work to find the solution when maybe in the face of it all we just might remind ourselves who God is... I Am. In the midst of the broken, the sick, the lost He claims... I Am Mender... Healer... Redeemer... Friend.

I Am Who I Am. When we wrap our minds around the thought, we are overwhelmed.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
[Read today's passage. Click above to read online if you're not near your Bible.]

"Death has been swallowed up in victory."

1 Corinthians 15:54

Jesus on the cross, defeated death, through His own death.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood,

he himself likewise partook of the same things,

that through death he might destroy the one

who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

and deliver all those who through fear of death

were subject to lifelong slavery.

Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV

The fear of death keeps us enslaved to the things of the world. Paul tells us: When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable... then the saying is true..."

We live in between. Between Jesus's resurrection and His return. The time when the trumpet sounds, the dead rise, and Believers changed.

Can we live our lives based on this promise now?

Jesus did. His death made the Way for death to be swallowed up.

Shouldn't we live like Him now? based on the promise of eternal life? being willing to be obedient to Him unto death ? fearless? because He promises?

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality

with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking

the form of a servant, being found in human form, he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8 ESV

The phrase "Death has been swallowed up in victory" comes from the Old Testament through the prophet Isaiah.

He will swallow up death forever;

and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,

and the reproach of his people he will take away

from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 25:8 ESV

Live from the eternal perspective of the fulfillment of the promise.

Live without fear of death, disease, disaster.

He has swallowed it up in victory.

Father God, thank You for promises fulfilled.

Thank You for those You will fulfill, the ones we are waiting on.

Embolden me with the faith to live as Jesus.

Without fear. Free to serve You in love.

That others might see and know.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
[Click the link above to read online.]

When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed...

1 Corinthians 15:37

Paul, talking about the resurrection, compares our current bodies to seeds... just seeds...

That's quite a thought. We think we are so much now, and some of us spend a lot of time and energy trying to maintain these bodies in which we currently abide. When in reality it is a seed in Christ. A shadow of what is to come.

I think about seeds and what they grow. The seed is always so much less than what comes from planting it.

Acorns

Oak Forest

Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias

Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed Plant

Jesus said it Himself...

"With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." ---Mark 4:30-32 ESV

In Christ, we are seeds. What we will grow after we are "sown" into the earth is yet to be seen. What comes forth at the time of resurrection determined by God. But what we do know... it will be so much greater than what we are now.

The body that is sown is perishable,

it is raised imperishable...

1 Corinthians 15:42

Father God, teach me to live life as a seed.

Looking forward without fear to being sown in the ground,

knowing in Christ Jesus it is much more than I can imagine now.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:21-34
[No Bible near? Click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

...there are some who are ignorant of God ---

I say this to your shame.

1 Corinthians 15:34

It is shameful as a Believer to be ignorant of God.

Shameful to be ignorant of His ways with man from Adam to Christ. From sin and death to salvation and resurrection.

It is shameful to be ignorant of what it means to be His, how we become His.

Shameful to be ignorant of the other authorities, powers, dominions in the world. The enemies of Jesus.

It is shameful to be ignorant of who God is: Father, Son, Spirit. Their relationship to one another.

Shameful to be ignorant of the hope and power accessible to us through the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit through the grace of God the Father.

God has given us His God-breathed Word --- the Scriptures --- that we might know Him. He has made the Way through His own blood for His Spirit to live in our hearts that we might have experiential knowledge of Him.

His Word. Prayer. Obedience.
There are no excuses to be ignorant of Him.

Will we know everything? No. He is Mystery beyond our comprehension as His created beings. But we do not have to walk around ignorant. Led astray by others or our own understanding. He wants to be known. He will reveal what we need to know to follow Him.

All we have to do is ask. seek. knock.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;

knock, and it will be opened to you. ..."

Matthew 7:7 ESV

Father God, I do not want to be ignorant of You.

Today, I choose to seek experiential knowledge of You,

Your Ways, and Your Truth.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
[Read the Scripture, then what's below. Click the link above if you can't find your Bible.]

If only for this life we have hope in Christ,

we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:19

Paul continues to emphasize the truth of the resurrection as the foundation of our faith and hope in Christ Jesus... if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile...

Jesus did not come to give us a set of rules to live by in this world to make things easier. For Paul and his friends everything was much more difficult because they believed. Today, following Jesus, being His disciple still involves dying to self, denying our fleshly desires as we follow the leadings of the Spirit.

Our hope in Christ is founded in what is to come. 

What is unseen. 

What many are still waiting for.

By faith, Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham obeyed God, but they did not receive or see His promises come to fulfillment.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised,

but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having

acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on earth.

Hebrews 11:13 ESV

God's timeline is eternal. A perspective we need to learn to live by. It was Jesus's perspective while He walked this earth... a stranger... an exile. His hope was not in His life on earth, He knew He would glorify His Father through death. He knew letting go was the only way to make the way for life... defeat death.

Set your hope on what's to come. Not on what Jesus will do for you in this world. Not for gain and comforts while we live this temporary life in this temporary world. Because if you do, you are one most to be pitied...

Lord Jesus, help me to see and live as You did... do...

with eyes fixed on the hope of what's to come.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death,

but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6 ESV

Beyond the Gospel: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
[Read the passage in your Bible or online by clicking the reference above.]

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel...

1 Corinthians 15:1

The gospel, literally, good news.

I've been wondering, lately, about the gospel. We Believers are encouraged to preach it, share it, but how many of us can actually articulate it? put words to it? Can we express why it is good news? I know it's a challenge for me.

Do we live by the gospel? as if we really know this good news changes everything?

I'm sure most of us can share the knowledge of Jesus's life in a nutshell. Paul did...

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day

according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas,

and then the Twelve.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Any of us who have attended church for any amount of time know the story... but do we know why it's good news?

Often we focus on the cross. His death.

We've turned a form of horrendous torture into wall art and jewelry.

But is His horrible unjust death really the foundation of the good news?

No. The foundation of the gospel and the good news are all tied up in His resurrection!

Then he appeared to James...

1 Corinthians 15:7

Do you know who James is in this passage? This is James the brother of Jesus. One of the brothers who doubted Jesus... mocked Him for His message and miracles (John 7:2-5). James. An unbeliever. Turned believer when Jesus appeared to Him. Resurrected.

Jesus's resurrection is the reason the crucifixion is part of the gospel. James went on to become the primary leader in the church at Jerusalem. This is the James who authored the book of James. 

The appearance of the resurrected Jesus changed his life.

An encounter with the resurrected Jesus should change our lives too.

It's the reason we should live without fear of punishment, death, disease, pain.

Jesus. Resurrected. Brings us the same life when we truly trust in Him.

Believe with all our hearts in who He is and what He's done for us.

Again, our friend and teacher Paul --- who went from persecutor of the church to church planter --- states it clearly...

But by the grace of God I am what I am,

and his grace to me was not without effect.

1 Corinthians 15:10

Does this verse define your life too?

Has His grace poured out through His resurrection and your faith transformed your life? Do you get the good news of Jesus?

I challenge you today to share your understanding of the good news of the gospel in the comment section of this blog post. Help each of us who seek Him here to see Him better. We are all called to be witnesses of the gospel as good news!

[To leave a comment click the post title and scroll to the bottom of the post. There you'll find a comment box. Enter your comment and follow the directions.]

Father God, continue to grow me in my understanding of the good news of the gospel. Do not let Your grace, poured out through Jesus, leave me uneffected.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
[Read the above Scripture in your own Bible or click the reference to read on BibleGateway.com.]

In addition to being engaged in worship, Paul reminds us worship should be an orderly affair.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace...

1 Corinthians 14:33

I'm sure you've noticed, every Sunday, our worship has an order. One that rarely changes. But I also see something in this passage intriguing to me. Paul says... 

When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction,

a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so

that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14:26

Believers gathered together in worship bring with them something to share. Something beneficial for building up, encouraging, the church.

So I wonder... What would orderly worship look like here if it made room for those who gather to share what the Spirit's placed on their hearts when they have not been a part of the official ordering of the service? And what about those who are blessed with a revelation during worship... if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down... how will we fit that in?

What does an orderly Spirit-led worship look like?

I've seen one once. It was beautiful. It was orderly. It was living and active.

The preacher didn't even know all that was going to happen. 

But... he made room for it.

He made room for the Spirit to actively participate in worship through the gathered Believers.

Again I wonder... What would it look like for First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, to make room in worship for the Spirit to lead?

Father God, grow us as a church when it comes to worshiping You.

Lead those who plan worship to make room for the leading of the Spirit.

Open our hearts to what You want to do in and through our gatherings.

Bless us with the boldness to share what You place on our hearts

for the building up of Your church.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:12-25
[Click the reference above to read online. Or you can always open up your own Bible.]

Today's passage makes my heart hurt a bit.
Paul reminds us we are to be engaged in worship for the building up of the church.

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding;

I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:15

You see, there are hazards to growing up in a church. 

Myself... I was not raised in church. I'm not a life long Methodist or a once upon a time Baptist. God captured my heart while attending this church as an adult --- First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville. I came because I was invited. I came because I wanted my children to grow up in a church, even though I didn't.

My motive for going to church changed when I had a real conversion experience. I came to worship Him. Not for my children. Not for the social outlet. Not because it's the right thing to do. I came because of what He did in my life. My heart and mind were engaged in worship. Every word of Scripture read was His Word. Every song of praise sung was a song sung to Him. Every prayer a conversation with Him.

Recently, I had a conversation with one of my young adult children, one raised in church. This church. And my heart cringed as he told me he had a difficult time listening to preaching these days, being engaged in worship. You see, his years growing up in church, he trained himself to disconnect. He knew he had to go to worship and sit. But as a child that's hard to do without wiggling or complaining. And my efforts to help him sit. Pencils and paper. A snack or two. Actually only helped him disconnect from the worship he was supposed to be learning to participate in.

And I wonder. How many are out there in our congregation. Life-long church-goers who disconnect, self-distract, in order to get through worship?

Yes. It makes my heart hurt...

Worship is not a weekly gathering to endure. It is one in which we approach our Savior, our Creator, our Sustainer, with engaged hearts and minds. In prayer. In song. In worship.

I confess. I've now raised at least one such church attendee. But he is actively trying to repent of his way. Learning to engage. I have two others. Never had this conversation with them. One I see signs of engagement. Comments. Questions. Discussion. After worship. The other?

I pray today, for us all to become engaged in worship. If you don't feel engaged, begin to ask Him why. Begin to repent. If you don't feel like He's captured your heart, make it available to Him. 

Worship. It's a precious time with other Believers to engage Him in heart, soul, and spirit.

Father God, forgive us for every moment of distracted worship.

Forgive us for seeing worship as something to get through each week.

Open our hearts to You. Capture our hearts as individuals

and as a corporate body. Teach us how to engage our

children in worship.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:1-11
[Look up the verses in your Bible or click the link above to read online at BibleGateway.com]

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit,

especially prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:1

Paul gives us a great understanding of prophecy and its importance to the church in this passage. According to the world, and for most of us, we define prophecy as being able to know what's going to happen in the future, but that's not all it is.

The gift of prophecy is a gift of revelation, an understanding of God's Word and its connection to what's going on in the world around us. It is a Spirit-given gift, which works actively with the Spirit. When we listen, seek, pay attention to the Scriptures, the gift of prophecy allows us to see the Word and God's Way laid out in the world before us. We begin to see God's Word made flesh. Through revelation of His Word, we can begin to live as He calls us to.

All Believers should eagerly desire to be prophets and all Believers have the capacity to receive this gift. Prayerful attention to Scripture is a way to seek this gift. Every time we ask God to explain a passage or verse in the Bible, one He's brought to our attention, and every time we receive revelation --- one of those Ah-ha moments --- we've experienced the gift of prophecy. When you share your revelation with another... guess what? You're a prophet!

Prophecy is not to be confused with increased education or the seeking of knowledge or using our own intellect to figure out what the Word is telling us. Prophecy is an ask and wait endeavor. Yes... sometimes God directs us to other sources, or provides insights through messages and songs, but it never comes from figuring it out on our own. It is called revelation because it is revealed. Not explained, not discovered. Revealed. One moment you don't see it, don't understand it, the next moment... like the unveiling of a work of art... it's there before you. I see!

The Word warns us over and over not to lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Not to be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7, 26:12), after all the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God (1 Corinthians 1:20). 

I do not believe God gave us an intellect because He expects us to figure out problems for ourselves. Or to work out what He's trying to say to us through Scripture and the world on our own. He knows sin has broken our capacity to understand and reason, darkened our minds (Romans 1:21-22). He gave us an intellect so we could enter into relationship with Him... we are made in His image in order to relate. Only through relationship can we receive revelation.

Paul tells us to follow the way of love. Prayerfully seeking Him and an understanding of His Way through the Word is the best way to pursue Him.  And when you do, I don't think you can help but receive revelation. Especially when your motive is love of Him and His people.

Lord, I ask today, for the gift of prophecy.

I so want to understand You better, love You more,

and be able to share truth with Your people.

Let it be so! Amen!

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
[Be sure to read the verses before you go any further... Click the link to read online.]

Without love, nothing else matters.
Not our faith, our knowledge, our gifts, our sacrifices.
It's all for nothing, if it's not motivated by love.

God is love. All He does and is can be interpreted through love. A love we might not understand very well if we look at the world's definition of love.

What kind of loving boss would pay the same wage to those who worked one hour as those who worked eight?

God.

What kind of loving preacher tells his followers they can't follow him unless they hate their dad and mom, their children and siblings, even themselves?

God.

What kind of loving father would send his perfect son as a sacrifice to save ungrateful, rebellious, disobedient servants?

God.

God's love is not based on fairness, equity, or partiality. God's love is founded in grace. Unmerited, undeserved, unreasonable grace.

Our passage today gives us God's definition of love. It was quite a revelation for me the day I realized God was describing Himself... patient, kind, without envy, not boastful, not proud, never dishonors others, never self-seeking, not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs (?!), He never delights in evil, He rejoices with the truth, He always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres. He never fails!

Do you understand His love any better when you see Him in this passage? Are any of your misconceptions of God exposed? (How about the record keeping? Didn't you always imagine Him with a list of all your wrongs?)

Which aspect of love (the biblical definition) is the hardest for you to come to terms with?

Mine? Well, love always trusts... that's the one I stumble over. What about you?

Consider sharing your struggle with God's love in the comment section below. Because really, from the world's perspective, it just doesn't make a lot of sense.

Lord, redefine love in my heart.

I want to love like You and see Your love at work in the world.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:16

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:21-31
[Click the Scripture reference above to read online.]

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!"

And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

1 Corinthians 12:21

Believers in Jesus Christ need one another.

This is often a hard concept for us who live in the civilized western world where we are called to be independent and make it on our own. To need someone else can be humiliating. Many would rather die than ask for help. The lie of self-sufficiency is pervasive in our culture.

The truth is: WE NEED ONE ANOTHER!

The church's role in the world is to reveal, be, the body of Christ to the world. There is no single individual who can fill Jesus's shoes: reflect His character, power, and love to the world perfectly and completely. We are insufficient as individuals.

But, when we all come together before Him, filled with humility, thanksgiving, and grace, willing to use the gifts He's given us, in the way He calls us to use them, then we begin to adequately reflect who He is to a dark hurting world.

When we submit to Him, His Spirit, His Way, we become powerful! Together as one. Never on our own.

Too often we let our pride get in the way of what He is trying to do through His church. We refuse to accept our need for others. We refuse to use the gifts given to us because we want someone else's. We look down on those with lesser gifts or cast judgment on the use of their gifts.

In order to be who He calls us to be --- His Body --- we have to lay down pride. Accept our dependence. And submit obediently to His will and way.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I've allowed pride to keep me

from fulfilling the role You have prepared for me. Forgive me

of judgmental attitudes and insecurity. Forgive me for not embracing

my need for others. Today, Lord, I humble myself before You

and surrender to Your call on my life. I long to see Your Church

reflect Your glory to a world that desperately needs You.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
[Be sure and read the verses before you read the rest. If you don't have your Bible with you, click the reference above to read online.]

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,

so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body...

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

This analogy Paul gives, a physical body being a picture of Christ's body, the Church, is one worth spending some time considering.

First of all, think of your body. How often do you consider it being made up of many parts? In our mind, in our being, it's just one. We may notice one part more than another when we have an ache or pain somewhere, then we get it taken care of. But we never consider it apart from the whole. It's just part of us, our body, we are one.

Paul is asking us to think of the Church in the same way. Those in Christ Jesus, other Believers, make up one body. They are not just a group of people working toward some common good or goal. They... we... are one body.

Really. Meditate on that thought for a while and consider how you treat your brothers and sisters in Christ. Do you treat them as one? or a lot of parts you can do without? Is it important to you to take care of them when they hurt or are broken? or people to avoid?

One body. Many parts. One body.

Lord Jesus, help me to wrap my mind around the truth

that in You I am one with many. Just like the parts of my body.

One. Teach me, grow me, to love and be the part of the body

You call me to be.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
[No Bible near? Click the link above to read online.]

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters,

I do not want you to be uninformed.

1 Corinthians 12:1 NIV

Spiritual gifts. We are not to be ignorant or uninformed when it comes to them.

The first and most important gift we receive by the power of the Holy Spirit is the faith to say: Jesus is Lord. With this first gift additional gifts follow, given to us at His discretion for the common good --- the good of His church.

Spiritual gifts are to be used at the direction of Jesus. He is our Lord, at least He is supposed to be if we say He is. We need to seek His direction and guidance for using the gifts He's blessed us with. This is essential for us to remember. We are to honor our Lord with the gifts He's given by using them according to His will.

Do you now what your gifts are? (Name a couple now... go ahead... speak them out loud.)
Are you using the gifts He's given you?
Are you using them at His direction? for His glory? or for yours?

Do not be uninformed... ignorant... of your spiritual gifts. If you have been blessed with the gift of faith to say and to live the truth: Jesus is Lord. Then you have spiritual gifts the church needs to be all He's called us to be.

I pray you'll begin exercising your gift of faith, first. Asking Him to reveal what He's gifted to you and how to use it.

Lord Jesus, by faith I proclaim You as my Lord. Bend me to Your will for my life.

Reveal the gifts You've blessed me with and how You want me to use them.

Bless me with the boldness to use them without fear and to serve You alone.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
[Click the reference above to read online.]

Paul describes a sad looking church. The problems identified through their treatment of the Lord's Supper: Communion.

Communion is a spiritual discipline practiced to remind us of our union with Christ and with other Believers. A time for grace, humility, love, and thanksgiving. But here in the Corinthian church this sacrament highlighted a broken community full of divisions, inequalities, and prejudices.

What does Communion reveal about our church? Do we gather with grace? humility? thanksgiving? Or do we complain? criticize? the way in which the elements are offered? Is it a time when every member makes a special effort to come together? Or is it a Sunday to avoid?

The way a church receives the Lord's Supper says a lot about the health of a church.

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 NIV

To proclaim the Lord's death is to remember He died for us. Made the way for life. Saved us from death. A total act of grace. Undeserved. Unmerited.

As we receive and proclaim His death through bread and the fruit of the vine we remember His love for us and in turn should be moved to share His love with others. Beginning with our church family.

Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread

and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without

discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

1 Corinthians 11:28-29 NIV

This next Sunday is a Communion Sunday. Maybe we should each take Paul's counsel and examine ourselves and our attitude toward the Lord's Supper and our brothers and sisters in Christ before we partake.

Lord, I pray First United Methodist Church - Jacksonville

will glorify You each time we gather for Communion.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:9-16
[Click above to read the passage online.]

Paul continues his discourse on authority and God-ordained order in the church.

Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;

for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman.

And all things are from God.

1 Corinthians 11:11-12 ESV

Men and women inextricably linked in reflecting God's image to the world. Woman came from man, but now every man comes from a woman. However, the most important point: All things are from God.

As Creator, God established order for His purpose and His glory.

Who are we to question or turn upside down what He brought into existence?

Every time we mess with His created order, we dishonor Him and minimize who He is in the eyes of the world rather than glorifying Him as we are called to do.

The church seems to be lacking in true fear of the Lord. For this reason, I believe we take His ways and Word too lightly. We've forgotten who He is.

In chapter four of the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar, who took Judah into exile, gives a national proclamation recounting his personal experience with the Most High God. Nebuchadnezzar's testimony reveals that God, in His grace, brought him to a right understanding of who He is and who he was before Him. 

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven,

and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High,

and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion

is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation

to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand

or say to him, "What have you done?"

Daniel 4:34-35 ESV

All inhabitants of the earth account as nothing... He does according to His will... none can stay His hand... or question His actions.

This is the foundation for a proper fear of the Lord. This is an understanding that protects us from neglecting His Word and His created order.

Where do you stand when it comes to fear of the Lord?

Or do you find yourself face down on the floor before Him?

Father God, bless me with a proper fear of You.

I do not want to forget who You are or who I am before You.

For the Lord is God, and he created the heavens and earth

and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in,

not to be a place of empty chaos. "I am the Lord," he says,

"and there is no other."

Isaiah 45:18 NLT

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1-8
[Click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com]

The point of this passage is not whether women should cover their heads when praying or prophesying or wear their hair short or long. And likewise, it's not about men's heads remaining uncovered. The covering and uncovering of heads in the eastern countries had cultural significance. Covered heads a sign of subjection to authority, and uncovered heads signified a rank of authority (Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible).

The heart of the passage centers on authority and God-ordained order. Men are men. Women are women. God created both with specific purposes.

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27 ESV

Paul was expressing the importance of maintaining God's order.

For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.

1 Corinthians 11:8 ESV

Our culture today is pushing to ignore gender altogether. Pushing the idea of gender neutral restrooms and locker rooms in schools and college campuses.

The blurring of gender is an affront and attack on God's order of creation and His authority as Creator. He created man as the head of the family, and woman came forth from him as a "helper." A word in the Hebrew, only used of woman and of God.

When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. ...

The word ezer is used only twenty other places in the Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to come through for you desperately. ...

Most of the contexts are life and death, by the way, and God is your only hope. Your ezer. If he is not there beside you... your are dead. A better translation therefore of ezer would be "lifesaver." Kenegdo means alongside, or opposite to, a counterpart.

---John & Stasi Eldredge, Captivating

God has a purpose in gender. Men are given the authority and responsibility in the church second only to Christ. Women have the awesome role of being the ones alongside, without whom they could not accomplish their call.

It takes both men and women, honoring God through their gender, to express the fullness of who God is: Created in His image, both male and female.

Honor God through the gender He created you, whether male or female. Through prayer and study of His Word, let Him define and reveal your role in glorifying Him.

Father God, thank You for making me who You created me to be.

Help me to glorify You through my gender. Teach me to honor Your order.