Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. (I Corinthians 1:7-9 MSG) Some people make grocery lists, ensuring that items needed for the week's meals are purchased when an order is placed online or they visit their local grocer. Others 'wing it', hoping for the best and then wonder why they are missing that one key ingredient that would have made the meal 'perfect'. Those who know and serve Christ might think they can 'wing it' a bit in this walk, hoping for the best in their spiritual growth. The truth is that we have been given ALL we need...
I send this letter to you in God’s church at Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call out to Jesus, wherever they live. He’s their Master as well as ours! May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. (I Corinthians 1:1-3 MSG) I used to write many handwritten letters to send back home to my parents or send a little update on life events to those relatives farther away, but I could not tell you the last time I actually sent a 'snail mail' letter! As Paul begins this letter to the Corinthian church, he begins by telling us who the letter was written to or for - believers cleaned up by Jesus. In other words, he was writing to those who had already said yes to Jesus. This letter isn't for the unbeliever as much as it was intended to address some topics of concern among believers - those who were set apart for a God-filled life. Like us, they needed a ...