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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(285) 12 October : Proverbs 17v15 / 1 Corinthians 1-3 / Psalm 68v7-10

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
What sort of church leaders should we seek out? What sort of preaching? The apostle Paul writes this letter around 55AD to a church planted in Corinth around three years earlier. It seems factions were quarreling within the church as to who they followed as the greater minister - Paul, Apollos, Peter or even Christ. Paul's point is that a leader's clever wisdom, ability to perform miracles, or skilful preaching means very little. These are the things the world esteems. But what really matters is whether leaders speak about "Christ and him crucified," relying on the power of the Spirit to bring that message home. This is the gospel. It is despised by the world as foolish. But it alone is the Spirit-given "wisdom of God" that the Spirit enables God's people to understand. And so no matter how impressive ministries or churches may seem, if they are not build on the message of Christ and him crucified, they will simply be burnt up in the judgment. It is sobering in a day when size, music, technology, or activism is so often given the prominence as to what marks a good church. As you read note what Paul says about the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1-3

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.