Understanding

I Corinthians 2:14 “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Faith is not tangible.  That is, one cannot touch and hold faith.  Faith is spiritual.  That is, it is from within a person’s heart.  The Holy Spirit lives within one with faith.  Those without faith cannot possibly understand either the truth of the Holy Spirit living within a person or the truths expressed in God’s Word.  The faith of a Christian is foolishness to an unbeliever, but the faith of a Christian is his glorious salvation.  What a difference!!

Faith’s foundation

I Corinthians 2:4-5 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on man’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” Your faith is not the result of someone convincing you through human reasoning that God is real.  Your faith is a gift of God with the Holy Spirit living within your heart.  If faith was a result of persuasion, your faith would be as weak as a house built on sand with the next philosopher providing the thoughts of a salesperson as the foundation of a purchase.  Unfortunately, many people buy.  Talk with God, study His Word and open your heart.

Foolishness and wisdom

I Corinthians 1:25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” Man tries his hardest to attain knowledge, wealth, exploration in space, understanding in medicine and the human body and whatever his interest and talent leads him/her to conceive.  The achievements can be admirable and beneficial; however, all the achievements are nothing compared to God and His phenomenal wisdom and strength.  Man’s recognition of the glory of God leads him to true success on earth and an eternity of joy. 

Same message–opposite faiths

I Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” To those who look on the Gospel message as just another human philosophy, the life, death and resurrection of our Savior is only an interesting story believed by the weak minded.  To those who through faith value the Gospel message and everything else presented in  our Bible by our Almighty God, it is the most valuable truth known to exist.  Which category is your faith-security?  The first totally lacks peace and security while the second thrives on peace and security.

What is your service?

Romans 15:17 “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” Paul knew he had the responsibility of serving his Savior by spreading the Gospel.  You and I also have the responsibility of serving our Savior in a manner God has placed in each of our hearts.  Search your heart, talk with your Heavenly Father and serve as He directs.  Then, some day, as you enter eternity, you will hear the wonderful words—Well Done! Could you all pray for Jake whom we brought to a Minneapolis detox facility last night.  He is a middle aged man who needs God’s help in overcoming his addiction. Have a great weekend.