This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Gospels and Acts into the Pauline Epistles.
What Is 1 Corinthians? First Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth. The Corinthian church was struggling to stay faithful to the gospel while living as a part of the larger, non-Christian Corinthian culture. With this in mind, Paul gave practical instruction on love and Christian unity, spiritual gifts and marriage, resurrection and the life of the Church.
How 1 Corinthians Fits Into the Story: First Corinthians contributes greatly to our understanding of Christian life, ministry, and relationships by showing us how the members of the Church—called the body of Christ—are to function together. Paul gave specific solutions to specific problems the Corinthian church faced. But the underlying answer to every question is the call to live Christ-centered lives in community, no matter the culture or circumstance.
Reflection Questions:
1. How has God called you into fellowship with our Lord, Jesus Christ? How does that fellowship connect you to other believers in the Church?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Unity is diversity with understanding. This is one of our sayings within our BrushFires Ministry.
Each has a perfect purpose within the community, The Church. Each of us is created by God, known to God, to be a part of the body in a specific way.
God has created you for purpose and wants you to experience the joy that comes when you find that purpose.
I am a nurse and can help heal other believers. I also love kids and volunteering at the church with them. I guess both of these are spiritual gifts of sorts to better the kingdom!
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Thank you to each of you who prayed for me yesterday — I think the meeting went really great but, it is still early days to see what the “results” will be. I received what I believe to be wise counsel last night not to put too much trust in the person with whom I had the meeting yesterday to represent us fairly and effectively within a tumultuous situation…I’m trying to manage the posture of my heart and mind in the best way. I easily see the Good in every person and situation which helps me but, has also gotten me stabbed in the back (which often eventually turns into something that is “my fault”)!!
Again, thank you ALLLL for your prayers and please don’t stop:) WISDOM for all involved. Favour. Peace. Loving Relationship. Healing.
I’m praying for Victoria E and all who requested prayers.
ERB, such exciting news about your brother’s success despite his physical… Seriously, how can one not believe God is alive and for us in those moments ❤️
(KELLY, great verses from Peter re: Paul’s writings.)
Love hearing all your stories!! Also love that Kelly, that because of Jesus, we were brought into a restored fellowship with Him. The veil was torn! Praise the Lord.
Sisters, please pray for me today. I’m going to my sister and her family’s house today, and I’m planning to talk to her about our relationship. I have felt ever since we had those conversations last year that our relationship has been different. During the school year, I was always the one to text or call first. And when she did answer, it was always a couple word answers… So I’m planning tell her how that me feel like she didn’t care about me or wanted to keep up with my life or our relationship. Unfortunately she is upset that my parents didn’t get the vaccine, and since she has a baby and toddler, she doesn’t feel comfortable with them visiting a lot. But besides that, the other thing I want to say is the just because we disagree, doesn’t mean we cant have a relationship. That’s part of the reason why I think she isn’t reaching out. Anyway,leaving soon, but prayers appreciated for me to represent Christ and for him to speak through me. For her heart to be softened and ears open to what I have to say,and that there would be reconciliation …and that her family would ultimately trust in Christ and his word, not just in the parts they agree with. Thank you SRT fam!
I have recently returned from serving 5 1/2 weeks with Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief in Mississippi. The divide between ethnic groups was so extremely obvious when we arrived, even among believers. But after the community saw that we were truly there to help, “in the name of Jesus,” barriers began to come down. Hopefully, (prayerfully) the walls will continue to crumble and brothers and sisters in Christ will lean into what joins them together instead of what separates them. As a nation, I pray that we will do the same. I keep thinking of the old song:
We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord,
We are one in the Spirit,
We are one in the Lord,
And we pray that all unity
May one day be restored,
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Have blessed Tuesday Sisters.
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Dear ERB, Indeed, our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit is all. Hallelujah, He hears our prayers, He is faithful, He never leaves us, nor forsakes us, despite all the reasons He could. :) Praising God for your brother’s scores. How Awesome is that. Give my Congratulations to him!! Asking for His best for your brother and you dear friend. Your words and your prayers bless me so. May our Jesus strengthen your body as it adjusts to this medicine, know I will be praying for you and with you. Rest in His arms. I always ask Him as the great Physician, knowing that He knows the intricacies of these bodies, the systems, I sometimes wonder how incredible just the small things we do are, but He knows, but God you are our Creator, please strengthen, restore, heal, adjust, work in the way only you can for this child of yours my Sister in Christ. In Jesus name Amen. Hugs to you ERB. Joy to your day. Hugs to all of you my Sisters. Pray with me. I am heading home today. Corinthians encourages me always that we all together are God’s plan, and every one has a gift they bring to the body, the best gifts are those we give in serving, loving others with His love. Let those who are servants know how God sees the gifts they give. Claire B Thank you much!!
1. My “ quiet time“ is the most important part of my day. It’s a priority. It’s my lifeline. Just me and Jesus. I crave it and have to have it to start my day. And this helps me to connect with other believers because we have common ground.
Foster Mam, you’re so sweet! I saw your comment yesterday. Please know I am praying for you. You’ve got this because God has you.