This Sunday marks the start of a new liturgical year. Our Second Reading takes us to the beginning of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Here are words for you to consider:
"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind - just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Paul give thanks for what they have been made in Christ and also to assure them they have everything they need to be the church at Corinth.
While he knew they were strong in "speech" and "knowledge," he also wanted to affirm that they were also gifted in other areas.
Do we consider how we in the church really do have what it takes to be Christ's people today? How often might a small congregation feel that it is lacking the resources to carry out Christ's mission to the world?
I like the point, too, that Paul highlights how they have been called into the fellowship of Jesus Christ. We do not exist individually as Christians, but must also realize that we are part of a community of believers. We need to remember how God's grace works -even in community.
May your study and reflection on these words of Scripture be a blessing to you as you prepare for Sunday's worship.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How you might think of yourself and also the church as being enriched in Christ?
What spiritual gift can you identify that you have for the sake of the church?
"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind - just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you - so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Paul give thanks for what they have been made in Christ and also to assure them they have everything they need to be the church at Corinth.
While he knew they were strong in "speech" and "knowledge," he also wanted to affirm that they were also gifted in other areas.
Do we consider how we in the church really do have what it takes to be Christ's people today? How often might a small congregation feel that it is lacking the resources to carry out Christ's mission to the world?
I like the point, too, that Paul highlights how they have been called into the fellowship of Jesus Christ. We do not exist individually as Christians, but must also realize that we are part of a community of believers. We need to remember how God's grace works -even in community.
May your study and reflection on these words of Scripture be a blessing to you as you prepare for Sunday's worship.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
How you might think of yourself and also the church as being enriched in Christ?
What spiritual gift can you identify that you have for the sake of the church?
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