Personal Reflection: The Cross of Christ
Pastor Ray Stedman lends insight into one of Paul's Letters to the Church of Corinth- (https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/1-corinthians/behind-divisions).
His letter starts off with thanksgiving to God for the grace bestowed to the people of the church who "have been enriched in every way-with all kinds of speech, with all knowledge, and lacking no spiritual gifts." vs.5,7 Then he jumps right in with the very first issue of the church by addressing the division and quarreling among them.
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." v10
Paul appeals to them in the "Name of our Lord Jesus Christ"- He calls them back to the fundamental base, the most powerful, glorious, magnificent name, and gathers them all together despite the diversity of viewpoints. We must all come together in Christ and we have a responsibility to obey Him. When we decide to put the things of Christ first, we are willing to suffer loss of our sinful pride. We are to further and advance the honor and glory of Christ, His gospel, and sacrifice on the Cross. This will unify us. He specifically calls them out for being divided over leadership-who they follow-Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. v.12 It could have been their doctrines, teachings, personalities, or cultural influence. Intellectual pride was at the center of their disputes. We can apply his resolution to all disunity.
What divisions can you think of that are plaguing our church today? Many come to my mind at the World, Union, Conference, Local, and Member levels.
The resolution-The Cross of Christ
The Cross of Christ will heal the schisms of the church. When you call people back to an understanding of the meaning of the Cross and to the following of Christ, divisions disappear. "Preach the gospel, not with wisdom and eloquence [of man], lest the Cross of Christ be emptied of its power." v.17 The cross shows us the depth of our sin and that there is a penalty for our sin. God's love, grace, and blood paid our penalty. You are separated from God by sin. But when you come to the Cross, you are united with God. You are then united in the foundation of sharing Christ, the Cross, and His love and grace to others. "It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." v.30
Is your stand on these divisions glorifying God and bringing people to the Cross? Is your stand bringing people to Him in love? Sneak peek of I Corinthians 13!
Jenell Patchin
is a wife, mother, and Cat Scan Technologist at Emanuel Hospital, who enjoys nature, coffee, and crafting. “Amazing love, how can it be that You my King should die for me? It is my joy to honor You!"
Bible in a Year: Mark 13
This Bible reading plan explores The Word based on the chronological order in which it was written, and is unrelated to the daily character devotions.
The Word of Promise audio Bible is used by permission. For more information and to purchase the complete audio Bible go to https://www.wordofpromiseapp.com/.
Mark 13
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”
2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”
5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
The Great Tribulation
14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”