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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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I Corinthians 2

The gospel of Jesus Christ does not require special people or eloquent speech. In fact, such things can distract from the power of God. The solution is to centralize all teaching and honor upon “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” God’s power supports our faith, not the wisdom of men or the abilities of any individual. Unfortunately, this power is hidden from the people of the world, not by God’s will, but because of their hard hearts and closed ears. For those willing to hear the truth, the Holy Spirit has gifted them teachings from the mind of the heavenly Father. The “natural man” will not accept them, nor is he able to do so. However, he who evaluates things spiritually will know God’s mind and be saved through His Son.

As Christians, our hope rests fully in the Lord Jesus Christ. While we value teachers who help us grow in faith, they must never replace Christ as our ultimate source of strength. We appreciate those who guide us to the Lord, regardless of their abilities. Understanding God’s will is a privilege once hidden but now revealed through Christ. For unbelievers, it remains a mystery, but for us, it is a profound blessing to know the mind of our Creator. Through the Holy Spirit and the teachings of apostles and prophets, we are guided in truth. We should eagerly seek God’s Word daily, allowing it to shape our spiritual journey and draw us closer to Him.

Loving Lord, thank You for revealing Your wisdom and truth through Your Spirit. Help us not to rely on human understanding, but on the guidance of Your Spirit as given through Your apostles and prophets. Fill us with humility and a desire to grow closer to You each day. Teach us to seek Your Word, not the words of men, and let it transform our thoughts and actions. Please grant us the mind of Christ, so we may walk obediently, reflecting His love and wisdom in all we do. We will dedicate time to contemplating spiritual truths in Jesus’ name.

Thought Questions:

- How can you know if a teacher is working with pure motives? What will be central in their teaching as the strongest evidence of integrity?

- If the wisdom of God has never aligned with the world's wisdom, what should your attitude be toward counter-culture aspects of the faith?

- Is it scary to realize that the “natural man” cannot discern spiritual things? How do you protect against becoming such a person?

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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com

I Corinthians 1

The apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, addressing their divisions and calling them to unity in the gospel. Paul reminds them of their calling to be sanctified in Christ and to live as saints, relying on the grace and strength of God. He emphasizes that Christ is the source of wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, urging them to focus on the cross rather than human wisdom or eloquence. Paul laments their divisions, as some align themselves with specific leaders instead of Christ. He stresses that the message of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but it is the power of God to those being saved. Paul encourages the church to boast only in the Lord, whose wisdom surpasses all understanding.

Despite the various issues that need addressing within the church, this letter begins with optimism and reassurances regarding salvation through Jesus. As fellow believers, we should approach our shortcomings with hope and confidence in our King. If we all honor and appreciate Jesus, we can navigate disagreements by uniting with Him and His teachings. We can avoid division if we move toward Jesus. Christians must remember that “the word of the cross” and “Christ crucified” is our salvation. We have all chosen God's wisdom over this world's foolishness. While quarrels and sins may need addressing and changes may be necessary among us, we will support each other as fellow children of God, boasting in Jesus and not in ourselves.

Unifying Father, help us embrace Your spirit of oneness in Your Son. Grant us the faith to recognize how Your grace revitalizes and empowers us. We pray that Your people concentrate more on what unites us than what Satan plots to divide us. Foster humility in each of us to prevent division and partisanship. We boast in Christ alone. This world disparages the simple, saving gospel of Jesus Christ, but God’s wisdom surpasses the world in every way. Who will demonstrate to the world that God’s way is best? May it be us, united in love and courageous in faith.

Thought Questions:

- Why is division so alluring for some? What leads people to align themselves with differing teachers? And what is the remedy for this?

- Why is “the word of the cross” foolishness to so many in the world? Why have you decided “Christ crucified” is worth your entire life of service?

- How has God put the world to shame with His accomplishments in Christ? What does Christ offer and provide that the world never can?

Send us a text

Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com

Romans 16

Paul’s letter to the Romans concludes with personal greetings, final instructions, and praise to God. He commends Phoebe, a servant of the church, encouraging the believers to support her. He greets numerous individuals by name, recognizing their contributions to the faith and partnership in the gospel. This list highlights the diversity of the early church, including men, women, Jews, and Gentiles, all united in Christ. Paul warns against those who cause division, urging believers to turn from them, careful to remain wise concerning what is good and innocent regarding evil. He expresses confidence in God’s ability to strengthen them as they engage in the “obedience of faith.” The letter concludes by praising God for His eternal plan revealed in the gospel, which brings salvation to all nations through Jesus Christ.

The individuals mentioned in this chapter exhibit qualities we should aim to emulate. They actively participate in God’s kingdom as servants, risk-takers, and diligent workers who serve God’s people and promote His mission. Christianity is not passive or self-centered; it encourages us to engage, serve, and work together to fulfill God’s will. Many of these individuals are described as being “in Christ” or “in the Lord,” emphasizing that their strength and effectiveness come from their relationship with Jesus. Living in connection with Him allows us to thrive with purpose and support others sacrificially. This relationship unites us in love, averting a divisive spirit rooted in deception and enabling us to live out the “obedience of faith” covered by God’s grace.

Holy Lord, we thank You for Your presence and for including us in Your work. Use us to fulfill Your will and help us see our time on earth as an opportunity to serve alongside fellow believers. Give us challenging tasks that bring glory to Your name and help us be reliable in the eyes of others. Draw us closer to Jesus so that we may find strength in His grace. Remove any pride or division from us and forgive sins of discord. You alone possess all grace and power. We trust You fully and commit to walking in obedience.

Thought Questions:

- Phoebe is praised for her work, and Paul asks others to help her. Who is someone you can support in their work for God, and how can you help?

- Sadly, self-willed dividers appeared in the church. Why does this still happen today? And how do you make sure you do not become like them?

- Which comes first, obedience or faith? However you answer, why is your obedience only as valuable as your trust in the awesomeness of God?