Monday, January 20 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 “A man is living in sin with his stepmother” A horrible state of affairs in the Corinthian church has captured Paul’s attention: a man in the congregation is committing the sexual sin of incest with his stepmother. This kind of sexual relationship was forbidden in Jewish law… Read more about First Corinthians 5 and 6
First Corinthians 3 and 4
Monday, January 13 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 “I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people” Paul suggests that the reason he has not shared more of the divine wisdom with them is that they have not been spiritually mature enough to receive it; they remain “infants in Christ.” While they had… Read more about First Corinthians 3 and 4
First Corinthians
Monday, December 30 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 “To God’s church in Corinth” Paul began his letter, which would eventually have in it some very stern criticism, with a reminder of the relationship which he and its recipients shared in God’s call. He was called “to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ” and they were… Read more about First Corinthians
Christmas
Monday, December 23 Luke 1:1-38 “Two Angelic Birth Announcements” Luke begins his story by placing it in an established historical setting – the reign of Herod. The angel Gabriel’s announcement of the birth of John the Baptist has three aspects to it: the revelation that God has a plan to direct the affairs… Read more about Christmas
Joy
Monday, December 16 Isaiah 12:1-6 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” This beautiful two-part hymn concludes this section of Isaiah (chapters 7 through 12) in which the prophet has challenged King Ahaz to trust in God. When Ahaz rejected God’s protection, Isaiah announced that what Ahaz had trusted… Read more about Joy
Love
Monday, December 9 1 John 4:7-12 “Let us love one another” Love is a word about which we make decisions; it involves our will by which we choose to love others. Why should we make such a decision to love others? Because love originates in God, and all who belong to God practice… Read more about Love
Peace
Monday, December 2 Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” The New English Bible renders it, “Let Christ’s peace be arbiter in your hearts.” This is a colorful picture that comes from the athletic arena, and Paul is encouraging us to let the peace of Christ act as the… Read more about Peace
Hope
Monday, November 25 Romans 5:1-5 “Hope does not disappoint us” To be forgiven of our sins through the death of Jesus is the most important blessing that the gospel brings to our lives. But it doesn’t come alone. It opens a door of hope through which each reconciled sinner may look forward to… Read more about Hope