LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

[14]

NO MORE DEATH

Read 1 Corinthians 15

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 26 NIV

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One thing we all have to face is the reality of death. No matter how healthy we are, eventually it will catch up with us. By receiving the free gift Christ has purchased, we have the promise of eternal life, but we will see physical death in this body – unless of course, He returns in our lifetime.

Paul writes, Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (15:51-52)

He assures us as believers, that when we die, we will immediately enter His presence clothed with immortality, never to see death again. For when the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."(15:54)

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Lord, thank you for the promise that death is not the end. I will see my loved ones who are already in Heaven and will spend eternity praising You for all You have done for us in this life and the one to come.

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Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

[13]

THE GREATEST IS LOVE

Read 1 Corinthians 13
     If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

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      After a discussion in chapter 12 about the various spiritual gifts, and a call for unity in exercising those gifts in the church, Paul says, “…But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (those that edify and build up the body) And now I will show you the most excellent way...” (12:31)

     No matter what the gift or talent God has bestowed upon you, it is worth nothing if not exercised in love ─ and this, writes Paul, is what love looks like:       "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (13:4-7)

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      Lord, this is a tall order for anyone, but absolutely necessary in our relationships with other believers. Obviously, those early churches had to struggle with their issues just as we do today. Love certainly requires forgiveness and humility. Help me to keep no record of wrongs.

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      And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

[12]

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Read 1 Corinthians Chapters 1 – 3

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? 1 Corinthians 1:12-13a NKJV

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The church at Corinth had several gifted teachers, each with his own style of ministry. The new converts were lining up contentiously behind their favorite leaders, causing division in the church. Paul writes, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (3:5-6) He urges them to come together in unity and benefit from all God has given saying, “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (3:8)

It is human nature to get our eyes on men instead of God. Many a ministry has been hindered because of this wrong focus. Paul reminds them and us, Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours… And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. (3:21, 23)

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Lord, keep us from being critical of leaders who are doing Your work, but not in the way we would choose. Help us to be gracious and thankful that we have so many resources available to us. Above all, help us to build faithfully on the foundation of Your Word.

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For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV

ONE HEART

A SPIRIT OF UNITY

Read Romans 14–15

       For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8 NIV

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      As a mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles with different backgrounds, the Roman believers also had differences of opinion on what was acceptable behavior. Some wanted to celebrate certain holy days and others did not. Some had convictions about buying meat that had been sacrificed to idols, and others did not. Paul says, “… let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (14:13)

      The principle here is that we are to edify and encourage our Christian brothers and sisters. While being true to our own convictions, we should “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (15:7)

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      Lord, I pray that nothing I do will be a stumbling block to another Christian. I pray for a spirit of love and unity, even when I may have strong opinions about a matter. I pray that what comes out of my mouth will glorify You, and build up the fellowship of believers.

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     "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."   Romans 15:5-6 NIV

GOD'S IRREVOCABLE GIFTS

A DAY OF AWAKENING

Read Romans 11–12

     As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved… for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:28a-29 NIV

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     In this section Paul addresses the believers who were saved as a result of his ministry to Gentiles. Paul’s own people have for the most part, rejected the gospel, but one day there will be an awakening in Israel. He writes,
     “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved… (11:25-26a NIV)

     Paul reminds the Gentile Christians that God still has plans for the Jews who are now opposing them: He says, “Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. (11:30-31 NIV)
 

     In view of this great mercy to them and to us, what are we to do? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 NKJV

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     Lord, I am so thankful that the gospel was presented to me with the gift of faith to believe it. I am praying for the many people who seem unable to come to faith and receive your gift of salvation. Give us wisdom as we share Your Word in a way they can understand, and draw them by Your Spirit to become part of the family of Christ.

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     For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.  Romans 12:3 NIV

BEAUTIFUL FEET

HOW SHALL THEY HEAR

Read Romans Chapters 9 –10

      That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV

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      Although the church at Rome was started by Jewish believers, the larger growth was among the Gentiles. Paul’s heart was that his own Jewish brethren would be saved, but God had called him to spread the Word to all who would believe. He now makes his case for the importance of evangelism. He asks them, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”(10:14)
     The Jews had heard the message by way of the prophets, though most had not accepted their Messiah when He came. But the way of salvation was the same for both Jews and Gentiles, For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (10:12-13)

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      Lord, I pray for the day when Israel will recognize their Messiah. I am so thankful that the gospel was preached to people groups who passed it down to us. May we be faithful to tell others that As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (10:11)

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     ...And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  Romans 10:14b-15 NIV