First Baptist Church of Diana, Texas

2 Corinthians 11:21-13

Memory Verse:  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each night the local news comes on at six o’clock with a few lead stories. These headlines are meant to capture your attention so you won’t decide it is time to slip away for something to eat. They are considered to be the lead stories. Newspapers do the same thing with bold print in large headlines. These lead stories are meant to capture your attention so that you will reach into your pocket and pull out the currency necessary to transfer ownership of a few pages of newsprint from their hands to yours.

Boasting is meant to garner our attention in the same way that headlines and lead stories cause us to pay attention. They are meant to gain glory for the speaker justifying his position. Paul had made it a practice not to boast of himself but to boast in Christ. It seems as though his accusers in Corinth had taken opportunity to question his commitment and call attention to their own. In our reading for today, he first shows the silliness of the accusation by reminding them of his endurance to hardship.

Paul did not want to boast in his actions. He did, however, take the opportunity to give God glory in all the afflictions he had suffered. How could you possibly call into question the commitment and dedication of one who has first given up their most prized credentials to follow Christ? Second, how could you question this individual who has been beaten, imprisoned, stoned, and shipwrecked in his attempt to take the Gospel to the nations? His line of logic proceeds to explain why he has not boasted more to his audience. Christ has given him a thorn in the flesh to remind him it is not about Paul, it is all about Christ, the Gospel. He also calls attention to how he had gone to great lengths not to take money from them so as not to burden them financially. Let the facts of Paul’s life dispel the folly of those who were creating their own lead stories to gain attention.

The Bible asks the question, “Who are you to judge another man’s servant?” The truth of the matter is that Paul was first a servant to Christ and consequently as servant of the Corinthian church. They were in no position to judge Paul but Paul was in a position to be judged by his master.

Out of the struggle between Paul and the church at Corinth, we are privilege to some great teaching. Take verse 9 of our reading for example. The second phrase has become so powerful to many believers. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  So many times we have faced circumstances greater than ourselves and this verse has provided all we need to exercise our faith and march forward against insurmountable odds believing God will see us through. That, my friends, is walking by faith and that is what we are called to do in this journey with Christ.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Memory Verse: Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 1 Corinthians 4:16

The history of Christianity is full of men and women who caught a full conviction of the mission to which God had called them. Moody was the man called to give himself completely to God and was used mightily in evangelistic ministries around the world. His legacy continues after his home going in many ministries including the Bible college in Chicago that bears his name. Martin Luther understood his mission and spent his life proclaiming the truth resulting in what is known as the great reformation.

Charles Spurgeon has been known as one of the greatest preachers of all Christendom. Under his ministry leadership he founded training schools for ministers and his church grew to what we would call a mega church when large churches did not exist. Even so, he suffered from depression. He was openly attacked by others in the ministry and found himself continually defending himself.

If these great men of God including the Apostle Paul encountered criticism and attack, surely those of us striving for the Gospel will also be called upon to endure hardship. Jesus told his followers that as he suffered so would they suffer and that is given into our hands as well. Paul made a very stern statement in verses 1-2 of our reading. He proclaimed effectively that he would not lose heart and backed it up by stating his determination to bring into the light things hidden in the shame of darkness and speak the unadulterated truth of the Gospel. When a person has heard from God, they are fully equipped with the shield of faith standing with the breastplate of righteousness ready to stand against the false teaching of the enemy. But it still hurts. Yes, Paul felt the pain of the attacks but did not lose heart. Maybe you are weary today. Maybe someone has brought you great pain because of your stand for truth. Catch these words and let them become the meditation of your heart, “We do not lose heart.”

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

2 Corinthians 1:12-24

Memory Verse: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  1 Corinthians 3:17 

In his concluding remarks in a commentary on this passage of Scripture Warren Weirsbe writes, “If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you; but if you live to please god, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage.” Paul had evidently expressed an intention to the Corinthians of a couple of visits. As his schedule played out, he was inadvertently unable to keep with his stated intentions. Perhaps this is a situation similar to Will Rogers’ experience that caused him to write, “Plans get you into things but you have to work your way out.” This passage is Paul’s attempt to work his way out. 

Paul’s rebuke and encounter with the Corinthians had shattered his heart. He had started this church as a planter and it grieved him deeply to have to render harsh words for the purpose of giving correction in their error. Because of his love for the Lord and this church he had delivered the necessary rebuke.  Some had not responded well to Paul’s exhortations and were apparently liberal with their criticism. Because of his integrity, Paul was in a position to work his way out.

In verse 12 Paul calls attention to the holiness and sincerity of his conscience. They had misunderstood his statement of intentions to be a statement of promise. He takes this opportunity to offer a correction. Later works indicate to us that Paul was reconciled to the church after a visit from Titus. Paul did not have to retreat due to his actions because he had maintained integrity between his conscience and his speech. Two primary movers in this situation facilitated the reconciliation. First Paul had been genuine in his intentions and second, he loved them dearly. He saw himself as working with them and not against them.  May we follow suit and always see ourselves as partners in the Gospel even and especially when we have misunderstandings and disagreements.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Yes, We Will Be Resurrected

1 Corinthians 15: 35-58

Memory Verse:  On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2

Recently, I spent in the waiting room of Baptist Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo, Texas. Many of the patients there are dealing with serious heart issues. There were numerous families waiting on news about their loved one’s condition. Some were given only threads of hope for this life to continue more than a few days, months or years. In the minds of at least a few of the patients, thoughts of what it will be like on the other side appear in the most solemn of moments.

The Bible does not go to great lengths to give explicit details of what we will be like in the resurrection. Our Scripture reading for today creates more questions than it gives answers. Although, the details it does give are greatly encouraging. The author reminds us that we cannot really live unless we die. That is a great truth for daily living and for living beyond the grave. We cannot really live as Christ intends us to live here on earth until we die to self and take up the life of Christ. Hence we know that many people live on this earth but really never live if you know what I mean. But for us to get a resurrected body, this old one must cease to pump blood through its veins.

Verse 38 is of the greatest of encouragement. God gives a body to plants and animals just as He wished. The comparison is mind boggling. I don’t know exactly what my body will be like after the resurrection, but I do know it will be specifically designed by the Lord, who created this universe; the one who designed the intricacies of all life and matter on this earth. He designed those intricate details that continue to confuse and intrigue scientists in our age. I trust the Lord that I will surely not be disappointed in that which is to come. According to the Scriptures, we will never receive that great spiritual body God has for us until this old physical body wears out and stops. If I can trust God for Salvation, I can also trust Him to raise me up in a spiritual body that will bring great satisfaction to my soul for all eternity. All I can think of at this moment is, “to God be the glory.”

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

 What did I say to God?

The Order of the Risen

1 Corinthians 15:29-34

Memory Verse:  On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2

The greatest hope of Christ’s resurrection is the hope of our own resurrection.

A couple of weeks ago, Carolyn and I enjoyed a day at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. As we stood in line to board several different exhilarating amusement rides, we would see the faces of those who had just completed the experience. As we approached one particular ride, we must have been cautioned no less than 25 times that if we had weak stomachs when it comes to these type adventures, we would probably want to excuse ourselves from this ride. As the warnings were sounded, I continued to think about the faces of those who had gone before us. They had survived and none of them came out holding the little bag provided at every seat on the ride in case someone’s stomach erupted. It was this hope that encouraged me I could handle this just as well as they could.

The author of our text for today, points out a couple of primary results of the resurrection of Christ. First and foremost, Jesus is resurrected and he is the first and only human to ever experience eternal resurrection. Yes Jesus is God, but let us not forget He is 100% man as well. This body that rose most likely is a  picture of what our resurrected bodies will be like. Others had been raised by the dead in the ministry of Christ and in the ministries of the Apostles. But none of these had escaped death. They had all, or all would, experience again the taste of physical death. But not Christ. His resurrection is for always. Verse 20 points to the fact that He was the first fruit leaving the probability of other fruits to follow. That is for you and me.

Second, we see the order of things to come. Every human will be raised, but not all will be raised to the same order. The text reminds that all will be in subjection to Him both believer and unbeliever. On that day all will believe. But then comes judgment. There are two orders. One order is to eternal fellowship with God the other is to eternal damnation apart from God. Which order are you? Which order is your neighbor? Which order is your spouse? Which order are your coworkers? Time is short.  May we today be gloriously grateful for our salvation and broken to the point of action for the salvation of those we know, and for that matter, those we have never met.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

 What did I say to God?

Yes, Christ Was Resurrected

1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Memory Verse:  On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2

As I write these words my mind is awash in preparation for many responsibilities. There is a message on Sunday from Hebrews dealing with approaching the Lord in prayer with boldness because through the resurrection Jesus opened up a way for us to access God. Next week I will be teaching our teenagers in Bible study things about God that are unbelievable apart from Holy Spirit enlightenment. One of those subjects is the resurrection of Christ. This wonderful truth is like all truth in this rationale age we find ourselves participating in; it is hard to explain to unbelievers.

As you read our text for today, you will discover the author going to great lengths in order to substantiate the historical record of Christ’s resurrection. This is without a doubt one of the core doctrines of Christianity. If one rejects this doctrine they are truthfully rejecting Biblical and historical Christianity. In fact, according to verse 14, believers find their entire purpose for life wrapped up in the truth of the resurrection. Without the resurrection our faith is in vain and we are all false witnesses. Beyond that, without the resurrection there is no forgiveness for sins.

What a wonderful day to glory in the resurrection of Christ. Have you given much thought to it lately? In this great doctrine we find all the hope of the believer. It is this hope that boosts our confidence when a loved one passes away. It is this hope that boosts our confidence when we face difficult days. Contemplating this great truth could lead us to have a hallelujah fit right in the quietness of our time alone with God. He is worth your praise today. He is worth your allegiance today. We owe everything to Christ. As the old African American preacher said some years ago on Easter morning, “Let us praise God today because He got up.”

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Read your Life Group lesson in your Learner guide today.

Memory Verse:  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

The Mark of Disciple of Jesus Christ

John 13:34-45

Memory Verse:  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

The weather was cold and the open roof of the football stadium offered little relief from the howling wind. Forced fan heaters drew crowds of players as they tried to protect their hands and noses from frost bite. As the camera surveyed the crowd, those watching on TV identified a few men as either die hard fans or idiots. These men had taken their shirts off and painted the colors and initials of their favorite team on their chest. Some would say they bore the marks of true fans or team disciples. Several years ago I took a trip from the rural Texas Panhandle to Kansas City, Missouri. On Sunday morning I went to a restaurant across the street from my accommodations. I could not believe the sea of red shirts. Kansas City Chief fans were wearing the marks of their discipleship.

Christians sometimes wear T shirts with Scripture as a witness of their faith. The fish symbol has been used since the early days of the church as a signal to fellow believers of faith in Christ. Jesus taught His followers the true mark of a Christian is demonstrated love for others. The true mark of a believer is not faithful attendance to church.  Although, true Christians will be faithful in church attendance in obedience to Hebrews 10:25 which tells us to assemble together. As a matter of fact, church attendance will be one demonstration of our love for others. But church attendance without encouraging and serving others is a further demonstration of selfishness rather than love. The true mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ is not the theological language they use or the songs they sing. The true mark of Christian discipleship is how we relate to and treat others. Let us love today in word and in deed.

Our teenagers will be returning from camp today. Pray for their safe return and for God to seal the commitments they have made. Remember to pray for your Life Group leadership and your church staff as they complete their preparations for services this week.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Enduring Love

Psalms 118:1-4

Memory Verse:  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

A few years ago our oldest son decided it was to time to marry. His choice of mates met his mothers approval as well as my own. We had known Rebecca for several years and it was especially satisfying to our hearts to know Jesus is a priority in her life. Even so, how do you love a son-in-law or daughter-in-law like you love your own children?  God is teaching me a valuable lesson through this experience of life. I have learned that my ability to love my daughter-in-law hinges on two other loves in my life. First it is the love I have for my son. Because I love him, I can more easily love someone whom he loves. Because he loves Rebecca dearly and demonstrates it in his actions toward her, love and respect naturally grow in my own heart. And then there is this little matter of a granddaughter. Should I say more? Grandkids capture the hearts of the grandparents. How can you not love the parents of your grandchildren?

As you read the first four verses of Psalms 118 you will see the everlasting quality of God’s relationship with his children. The King James translation uses the word mercy while the NASB uses the word love. There is no need for alarm here in some contradictory way. The concept of God’s mercy is bound up in the concept of his love. It is difficult to separate the two. As we have learned this week, the characteristics of love reveal a strong commitment. Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we 

were yet sinners Christ died for us. His justice was satisfied in the crucifixion of Christ which demonstrated not only his love, but his mercy as well. He withheld from us what we deserve and in our place poured it out on the Lord Jesus.

If God loves others so much, how can we not love them as well. Just as I love my daughter-in-law first because my son loves her, we must also first love others because God loves them. And then there is that quality of endurance. God’s love is not deterred due to disobedience or rebellion. If it were, according to the Scripture, we would all be the objects of His wrath rather than the recipients of His mercy. How can you love your enemies? How can you love those who despitefully use you?  Only by knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the strength of His commitment to love, can we truly love. The Psalmist indicates our need to be thankful for God ‘s enduring love. As you continue in worship this morning, may the assurance of His love overcome your heart to pour out your thanksgiving to Him.

Today will be our final session of Bible study for our teenagers at camp. Pray particularly for their commitments during the invitation time of the worship service tonight.

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?

Exhibit Love’s Permanence

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Memory Verse:  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

I am fascinated by those who run marathons. When it comes to going 26 miles in one setting, I am partial to vehicles with motors. Even though I have no desire to run for that long a distance, I admire the determination of those who exercise such discipline reminding us of the capacity of the human mind and body to endure. As a matter of fact, humans have the ability to endure great periods of suffering as well as great periods of enjoyment.  Even with these capacities noted, they pale in comparison to the command God has given us when it comes to enduring love. The Bible describes true Christian love as something that endures the test of time and has no end. Be sure you read our focal passage for today.

Can you think about some things that have no end?  Usually we think of things that are round like a beach ball or in a circle like a rubber band. We use a wedding ring to symbolize the intensions of marriage to have no end. Jesus is the supreme example of love and we are told His love endures forever. Love that endures forever cannot be lost due to circumstance. Jesus also commanded us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Since God’s character is enduring love, these qualities can be translated to believers who strive to walk with Him every day.

As you look at the last verse of today’s reading, you will find three commitments that never end, or, remain as may translation says. They are faith, hope, and love. I believe it is because of faith and hope that we can have the capacity for enduring love. Faith in a God whose love is enduring reminds us of the depth and width of His love even when we are undeserving. Hope reminds us that there is hope for every person. Hope to be changed. Hope to be loved. Because of the hope we have in Christ, we can gain love for others. But don’t miss the identification of the highest, it is love. We Christians often seek a greater faith and work to maintain our hope. But the Bible says love is the greatest. Perhaps if we set our sights on love, faith and hope would tag right along for the journey.

Our teenagers will be in their third day of camp today. Again pray for Brother Gary as he teaches the Bible study and for LUMINATE, the worship band and Chase Bowers, the preacher. It will likely be hot this week so please pray for their safety. I long to see our teenagers grow in a sold out relationship to Jesus Christ. Would you pray that our youth will hear from the Lord this week?

Reflection

What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?

What did I say to God?