Everywhere

Yesterday, we took a look at some background info on this letter. Today, Paul kicks things off by painting a really big picture.


1 Corinthians 1
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes. 2 I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way - with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.


Everywhere. There are certain times of the year, like this one (with the election and Veterans Day), when we become more nationalistically minded ... with good reason. I am very grateful to live in a country where I have a say in who is in charge. I am very proud that this country was built on the willingness of so many to sacrifice so much. I just want to make sure that I never lose sight of who is really in charge of my life (“called by God to be his own holy people”) or the privilege (“partnership with his Son”) and responsibility to help (“you have every spiritual gift you need”) spread his message (“holy by means of Christ Jesus”). Most importantly, I pray the privileges of this country open my eyes to the possibilities of fulfilling God’s agenda (“for all people everywhere”) and turn my eyes from the focus of my agenda.