1 Corinthians
Throughout scripture and church history we see some of the greatest moves of God take place when society is at its worse. When the testimony of God is being threatened, the Lord will rise in defense! Are we living in such a time? Negative news is all around us, darkness is approaching and the testimony of Christ is being marginalized. So, why not now and why not us? God, bring a divine moment!
God never chooses us based on our resume. Many of us have a desire to be witnesses for Christ and for our lives to be used for God's glory. However, we often set out to accomplish this task in our own strength. Moses attempted this and failed, but by God's mercy, God's calling stayed on Moses and he learned that who God calls, He equips!
Some things in life we will not be able to understand or explain at all, but there are a lot things, God wants us to see very clearly. Our eyes are opened by the leading of the Holy Spirit; it is not possible to live a supernatural life by natural means. It is a true statement - if we are left to ourselves - we will create our own perspective. Everyone has a different perspective - that will change as we grow and mature in Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us that we have the mind of Christ and it's because we have access to the Holy Spirit. If we have the mind of Jesus Christ we can know the heart, plan and will of God. God is about making things better, redeeming the situation. What are you doing to make your church, your home, your community a better place?
God has a plan that is superior to yours and will abundantly exceed your expectations. We must allow our faith to grow beyond our current limitations in each of our lives. We do not know the will of God, but the Holy Spirit knows and will let us know through our spirit. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." If you want to walk in an exceedingly, abundant life, we must examine our heart and deny our flesh in an honest pursuit to be influenced by the Holy Spirit.
“For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power,” 1 Corinthians 4:20. When we’re willing, God can use us in changing the lives of others. Jesus came to save the lost, bring them into the body, so they may have eternal life. God heals our lives, bodies, and hearts. We are sure to be in union with God when we keep His word and do it; be determined to know God’s will and to do God’s will. To do things God’s way – we must stay spiritually minded, read Colossians 3:2. Know and live the Word, be “Word-conscious,” the Bible is the living Word of God, read James 1:22. Stay flexible – be ready to make essential changes in our lives so when God speaks – we go. We battle to know and do God’s will for us and become overwhelmed. God’s ways are much higher and greater than our ways. Pray for knowledge of His will, all wisdom, and spiritual understanding, read Colossians 1:9-10. Why do we ask for the knowledge? So we can prove we belong to the Lord, please the Lord, and be fruitful. Jesus instructed us to continue to knock and ask, read Matthew 7:7-8.
Paul compares the life of a follower of Christ to be like that of an Olympic athlete. The athletes of Paul's day were dedicated, focused, and determined to follow the rules of the game. We also must be willing to come under subjection to God's Word and strive "lawfully."
The scripture defines the true church as the "body of Jesus Christ." It is certainly more than a building, denomination, or program. Just as the human head is essential to the life and functioning of our bodies, so too, is Christ for the Church. Membership into this body comes with responsibility!
Carol Kornacki, originally from New York, spoke on the many attributes of love as mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Throughout the Bible we see that God is a God of order. From creation, to the pattern for building the Tabernacle and even in our christian assemblies we see God's order. Many times we find our lives are full of chaos and confusion - this blocks God's blessing. This series focuses on Biblical principles for getting our lives "in order."
This message addresses the question, "What is the destiny of the true follower of Christ?" For the believer, death is not final! There is a resurrection of the dead. The Word of God is clear on this truth an we must not allow our minds and hearts to be captivated by the here and now. This life is simply a dressing room for eternity!
