What a warm passage of Scripture.

Paul clearly has a high regard for the people of Macedonia and doesn’t just want to ‘fly’ through.  He also has opportunity for ministry, a “great door for effective work has opened to me”.

We face decisions everyday of the week, and many times during those days.

Paul, even in the face of “many who oppose me”, is prepared to do whqt he thinks the Lord is in.  He has other opportunities, like seeing his friends in Macedonia, but chooses to stay in Ephesus because of the opportunities there.

The road of least resistance, a kind of fatalism, is very attractive.  I have more than once followed it!  I need to ensure that I follow Christ in faith, not just because the circumstances seem favourable or easy!

Father, help me to follow You faithfully, even when it is difficult and opposition awaits me.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

Reading this passage, I am reminded of simple truths from the Bible that our human nature allows us to so easily forget or misconstrue.  Here we are told that death has no power over us, it has no sting! Indeed, death only retains any sting because of sin, and sin only retains power because of the law.

However, we have “victory because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done.” Jesus has defeated death and sin, and fulfilled the law so that we don’t have to. This scripture is such a good reminder, because it is sometimes easy to almost bypass this and try to take our salvation into our own hands. As believers, we have no reason to worry about whether our actions are good enough to make us acceptable to God – they aren’t. We come to God through the sacrifice of Jesus. These are simple biblical truths yet sometimes we confuse and stumble over them.

Our “work for the Lord” is not to appease Him or to make ourselves appear righteous in His sight – Jesus has already done that! Rather, it is an outworking of our faith in and love for Him.

Jesus, may I always be filled with gratitude and awe at your incredible love! You conquered sin and death, and made a way for us to be right with you. Help us to remember this truth and live by it each day, serving you out of love and always remaining strong in our faith. Amen.

Written by Ps. Madelaine Tarasenko

This passage is part of a larger argument the apostle Paul is making to the Corinthian church to encourage them to behave in a manner appropriate with Christian beliefs.   

In verse 20 Paul reaffirms ‘Christ was indeed raised from the dead’. Then in verse 24, 25 Paul makes two astonishing statements. First, Christ now has full authority over the world and second, He is removing all the influences that oppose His authority.

When I look around me, when I watch the news on TV, when I read an online news feed or listen to the radio I am left with the question. How is this possible for Christ to be ruling in all this mess?  

The answer to this question is, ‘this cannot be seen or understood in the mind but by faith can be discerned by the heart’.  Paul’s point is, in this world people do not get resurrected from the dead but Christ was, and it’s that resurrection power that is now subduing His enemies and restoring the world back to life.  It does not appear to be logical but that does not stop it from being true.

That leaves me with the question, how should I respond?   

Verse 33 is the answer. ‘Bad company corrupts good character’.  Paul is simply saying think about who you are hanging out with!

For me, here is the simplest way to take up this challenge today.  Be more discerning about what I watch on TV, look at on the internet or how much I allow social media to influence me.

Lord, today, give me greater discernment as to when I should switch off electronic devices and spend more time with You. Amen!

Written by David Newton

I love how Paul wants to be clear that the resurrection is rock-bottom reality for the Christian.  It isn’t a strange idea that he’s dreamed up himself.  He and all the others tell the same story.  This was the message that Paul announced wherever he went, and it was this message that carried God’s power and brought people, by the Spirit, into a living knowledge and love of Jesus, into the kingdom of God.  The only point in being a Christian at all is if this message continues to be the solid ground on which you stand.

The players in this story are Jesus and His shameful death, His burial, His resurrection on the third day, the people who saw him—Cephas, the Twelve, five hundred at once, James (Jesus’ own brother).  Now that is a cohort of witnesses – and if this were to be prosecuted in a court of law today on the basis of the number of witnesses alone this is a compelling story – let alone it is true!!!

Father may we rest on the power of the resurrection in our lives – knowing that it is true beyond argument and powerful beyond imagining!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

Ok I’ll admit it – I don’t get what Paul is driving at in this passage. On one hand he’s saying speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers and then he says they’ll think you’re crazy. Paul says that prophecy is for believers but then says unbelievers will be convicted of sin, fall on their knees and worship. Paul, what are you talking about?!

But it’s dawned on me…tongues is a powerful supernatural gift – given by the Holy Spirit. People may think it sounds crazy but will be unable to deny the powerful effects. 

And a gift meant for believers (prophecy) can have a powerful impact on unbelievers. We may think prophetic words are for the church’s ears only but those yet saved need to be cut to the heart too, exposing and relieving only what God could know. Then they can receive His mercy and love and forgiveness and cleansing and peace and joy and hope. 

Thanks Lord, for these powerful gifts of your Spirit – tongues and prophecy. Help me please to learn how to use them to help others receive your massive love.   Amen. 

Written by Boudy Van Noppen