A good slogan

I saw a note and wanted to revisit this thought from my plane trip.

I am walking through DFW when I saw an advertisement. A man was standing on the sidewalk near a busy intersection. He had a suit on and he was facing the camera. He had a very confident and serious look on his face.

The caption on the sign read "I do not know you, but I'm ready to save you."

It was an ad for the Red Cross.

I wonder if our army of believers at SHBC can say the same.

First Corinthians 10:1-13

I have adjusted the cut off point to v. 13, and will address 14 on next time.

Paul's handling of the Old Testament is interesting here--the wilderness wandering of Israel in Exodus and Numbers is presented as an example of what not to do as Christian believers.

He notes that all of the Israelites were close to God through Moses and their wilderness expereinces (which include spiritual baptism, spiritual food, and an experience with the pre-New Testament Christ); yet, when they turned away to their own desires (immorality, pride, and complaining) they were severely punished. Paul hopes the believers in Corinth see how serious God is when it comes his people's obedience. When he runs out of patience, the consequences will be gravely serious.

So, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians not to press God's patience any further with their so-called "spiritual freedom." They think they are "standing firm," but Paul thinks they are close to being cast out into darkness and out of fellowship with God.

And thus, another well known verse comes into focus: v. 13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." God does not choose your response to temptation. You do. However, he has provided a way out of the temptation that will lead to salvation and spiritual strength. He will provide a way to stand in the face of evil. However, we must resolve in faith to follow God's way and not our own. Those who God will stand. Those who choose the world and its desires will be scattered.

So, one final question that will be addressed again in the future: does Paul leave open the door here that we might be able to lose our salvation?

1 Cor. 1:18-2:5

Jews demand a sign, but who are we to demand anything of God?

Gentiles seek wisdom, but how are we able to understand the mind of God?

We preach Christ crucified—if we preach anything else, we are foolish, selfish, and powerless.

I don’t find much comfort in verses 26-28 in terms of my abilities. Sounds like God chose a bunch of losers to serve him. I guess that means we all fit in pretty well. However, the key to living in the body of Christ is recognizing your place—a sinner and a loser saved by grace.

So that none can boast. God really does want all the glory and credit. How much glory do I give him every day? How much credit do I steal from him every day?

Jesus is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. How do these fit together? Righteousness means we are ‘right’ before the law and free of judgment; holiness means we are set apart for God’s task, ‘right’ in relationship with God. Redemption means we were made right through a price—the sacrifice of Jesus. Unless our guilt is paid for, we have no hope of being made right.

Thank you, Jesus, and all praise to God, for your redeeming work on the cross. I am not worthy of your gift, but you have healed me and saved me. My boast should always be in you, O God. My pride should always be in you and Christ. I know nothing without you. I can do nothing of eternal value without you. All praise and glory to you, My God and my Savior. Thank you Spirit for revealing these truths. Amen.