188th Week, I Corinthians Intro - Chapter 4 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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 Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, I Corinthians Introduction
I Corinthians
Introduction
Heather Williams

THOUGHT
The purpose of this book per my application is "To identify problems in the Corinthian church, to offer solutions, and to teach the believers how to live for Christ in a corrupt society". The reason I love Corinthians is that not only does Paul point out issues and problems, but he offers solutions. He gives instruction and wisdom on how to apply solutions to these issues and problems. I think this book is very applicable to all of our lives even today. 

The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their environment. Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt the pressure to adapt. Paul heard of their struggles and wrote this letter to address their problems, heal their divisions, and answer their questions. Paul addresses such topics of unity among believers, immorality of church members, worship, the role of women, the Lord's Supper, and spiritual gifts. He also addresses everyone's favorite topic - LOVE. Paul addresses questions from the church members and offers practical answers. 

PRAYER
Lord of all Creation, thank You for Your Word! We are so blessed to be given this gift of wisdom, the BIBLE. As we hear about the struggles of the Corinth church, help open our eyes to struggles in our own churches and lives and lead and guide us to the appropriate solutions and practical answers. AMEN 


Tuesday, I Corinthians Chapter 1
I Corinthians 1
Verse 17
Heather Williams

Verse 17: “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 

THOUGHT
I appreciate how much Paul talks about wisdom throughout this chapter. We are foolish compared to God. The important and wisest thing we need to do is Preach the GOSPEL! That is our calling and purpose to this life. God hasn't called a few people. He has called each one of us. Not all of us are blessed with the gift of public speaking or preaching. God doesn't expect us to all be the Billy Graham's of the world. We don't need to have impressive words and brilliant things to say. We just need to live our lives out as Christians and share what we know. With God all things are possible. 

The times I have had the opportunity to share the Gospel were the times that  the Holy Spirit was giving me the words to say, definitely not anything I was coming up with. Ask God to provide you with opportunities to share the Gospel. Actually, just ask Him to open your eyes to the opportunities that lie ahead of you each day. He will guide and direct your steps and your words. Trust Him - He is faithful! 

PRAYER
Lord of Lords and King of Kings! We as Your servants acknowledge our calling to preach the Gospel! Open our eyes to the opportunities that face us each day to share Your Word. Provide us with the courage and the words to share the good news. We love You and want all to know of Your Glory. You are so faithful to us! Help us to be faithful to our calling. AMEN 


Wednesday, I Corinthians Chapter 2
I Corinthians 2
Verse 9
Heather Williams

Verse 9: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 

THOUGHT
We in our humble human minds cannot even begin to imagine what God has in store for us!?! Who else is excited about that??? I can't wait!!! God's love is so amazing!! So amazing, that we can't even begin to understand what God is preparing for us. I can't wait to spend eternity with all y'all. Just think how fun our family reunions are on earth. Just imagine how out of hand they'll get in heaven with Gramcracker around! 

PRAYER
Loving Father, thank You for being You - defined as LOVE. Your Love is so large and all encompassing we can't even begin to understand and fathom what that will look like and what You have prepared for us. Help us to imitate Your Love to all who cross our paths. AMEN 


Thursday, I Corinthians Chapter 3
I Corinthians 3
Verses 6-7
Heather Williams Proehl

Verses 6-7:  “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 

THOUGHT
I love these verses because it reminds me of a couple of things. We all have one common goal in life, which I mentioned earlier in the week. However, there are many parts to play in this goal. Some are the evangelists who are “planting the seed” and others are disciples who are “watering the seed”. Each of us have different gifts and abilities that are all super important in this mission on earth. We all need to work together and use the gifts we’ve been given to reach this common goal. However, the key ingredient is, of course, JESUS! Without the triune God, our fruits of our labor will not come to fruition. We mustn’t lose sight of who actually causes the faith to grow.

PRAYER
Holy Father, thank You for each of my friends and family who have different gifts and abilities.  You have blessed each one of us with various skills and gifts. Thank You! Help us to use these gifts to strive towards our ultimate mission on this earth.  AMEN 


Friday, I Corinthians Chapter 4
I Corinthians 4
Verses 15, 16
Heather Williams Proehl

Verses 15, 16:  “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me.”

THOUGHT
Paul has a few tough words to say to the Corinth church and to us. He reminds them in these verses that he is coming at them in fatherly love. His words are motivated by love - like the love a good father has for his children. In addition, his command or advice is critical. Paul was walking close to God, which is evident by the time he spent in the Word and in prayer. Paul is a good example of how we should be living our lives, feeling God’s presence in our actions, words, and deeds.  

However, we do need to be in check with how we are and how we are living, especially since we are to be witnesses and share the gospel.  Why would anyone listen to our words if our actions and lives are not imitating what we are preaching? One of my favorite quotes is from Mother Theresa – “Preach the Gospel and when necessary use words.” Brothers and Sisters – Go and live as Christ!!!

PRAYER
Lord of my life! I praise You for the examples You give us of Christ like individuals as Paul through the Bible. Especially for showing us who Christ was while He was on this earth. Lord, we acknowledge that our words and actions are not always suitable to be witnesses for You. Help us to be aware of who we are and where we are at all times and to always be striving to exemplify You! I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be like Christ – like Christ . . . if I could be like CHRIST!! AMEN




















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