CHRISTIAN
How will a person who does not know Christ, understand what a Christian is, or is supposed to be? Speaking to His disciples Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). So, when the unbelievers look at you and me, will they recognize Christ?
Philippians 2:5 - 8 (NKJV) 5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5 - 8 (NLT)
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
(…if you call yourself a Christian.)
6 Though he was God,
(We were made in His image.)
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
(Often, we want to be the “boss” and do it our way instead of being subservient to our Creator)
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
(I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV))
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
(For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV))
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
(Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:8 - 11 (NKJV))
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
HIS
There was a song in the late 60s called, “My Way” that was recorded by Frank Sinatra. The gist of the song may be summed up in this line, “I did it my way.”
The 60s brought about changes that were aimed at throwing God out of society. The two major blows were the legalization of abortion and taking prayer out of the schools. There was an increased interest in Eastern mystical religions and respect for authority reached an all-time low. And through it all, each person could say “I did it my way.”
Those of us who claim Christ as Savior are not to partake in the things of this world.
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15 - 17 (NASB)
Our thoughts concerning “self” and doing it “our own way” are to be like the words of Paul in Galatians 2:20 (NASB),
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
So, the next time you feel like “stomping your foot” and saying, “I want it my way,” think about Christ, who did it the Father’s way.
He is the same one who said “Follow Me!” to His disciples…and they did (Matthew 4:19, 9:9).
He is the author of the Word which says to “think of others as better than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3) and to respect those who “have authority over us” (Romans 13).
May our song be, “I did it His Way” for we were “bought with a price,” (1 Corinthians 7:23) the life of Christ.
SEEK FIRST THE
Sunday, May 06, 2007
REDEMPTION
Everybody is different. We are all unique. There are certain traits that we do share with others. I want to revisit Mary and Martha, but this time in the Gospel of John just after Lazarus had died.
Jesus had delayed going to see his sick friend Lazarus. When he and his disciples arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for a few days.
I want you to notice the different reactions from Lazarus’ sister, Mary and Martha. I also want you to notice the compassion Jesus had for Martha, the second chance, if you will, that was given to her. Remember on Jesus’ earlier visit (Luke 10:38 – 42), Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to his every word, while Martha was in the kitchen making preparations to feed her visitors.
Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 (NKJV)
Even in her grief over her dead brother, Mary’s belief in Christ’s power did not falter.
Now look at Martha’s reaction. She was actually the first one to run out to see Jesus, rather than being busy cleaning house for the guests…
Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:20 - 27 (NKJV)
It’s almost as if Martha is saying,
Jesus, I know I wasn’t paying attention the first time you came and I’m sorry for that. But, I really do believe you are the Messiah and have the power to save my brother.
Isn’t it nice that Jesus loves us so much, that when we blow it the first time, He gives us another chance….
SEEK FIRST THE
Thursday, May 03, 2007
RETURN
Have you ever heard anybody say, “Things were better in the good old days”? Well, we might argue with them on some points. I mean, after all we have computers, cell phones, satellite communication, and flat screen TVs! We have air conditioning, shampoos and conditioners, antibacterial soap, modern medicine and specialized doctors.
Quite frankly to return to a day when my grandparents lived in
On the other hand, if we were to go back, back, back, to a place and far away and long ago…we could see
The way things used to be…
In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah (you really should read it!), after Nehemiah and the people finished building the wall, they read the Word of God and rediscovered what it was that God desired of them (ch. 8).
They devoted ¼ of their day to reading the Word and ¼ to praying (that’s 12 hours each day!)(ch. 9).
They made a covenant to return to God’s ways and follow Him completely (ch. 10).
They made sure that God’s house was taken care of (ch. 11).
They celebrated the completion of the wall and the Covenant with God with songs of thanksgiving, choirs, instruments, sacrifices and tithing (ch. 12).
They:
- Cleansed the house of God of all unholy things and activities
- Separated themselves from those that were not His people
- Started paying (taking care of) the priests again
- Returned to the practice of making the Sabbath holy (no work, etc.)
- Returned to the practice of not marrying outside of God’s people
(ch. 13)
Look at all of those things mentioned above. Where do we that call ourselves “God’s children” stand in each of those areas? Could it be that we, like the people of Nehemiah’s day, need to return to following God completely in some or all of these areas?
Rather than simply leave you with the questions, I want to point out one thing that I read in Christianity Today (or was it Leadership?) regarding the treatment of God’s Word today. In Nehemiah’s day, they returned to reading the Holy Scriptures to the people, in essence, preaching from the Word of God. The article I read was pointing out that in today’s church plagiarism has become rampant. Preachers are going to the internet, downloading sermons and reading them to their congregations. It is this humble writer’s opinion that the reason Calvary Chapels are so successful is that they preach God’s Word, verse by verse, book by book to the people.
And just so we don’t blame everything on preachers (that seems to be a trend) George Barna, the Christian pollster, has reported “Overall, only 30% of twentysomethings have read the Bible in the past week, compared to 37% of those in their 30s; 44% of fortysomethings; 47% of adults in their 50s; and 55% of those age 60 and above.” (Sept. 24, 2003)
Notice that
SEEK FIRST THE
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
REBUILD
Sometimes structures wear out, walls wobble, ceilings sag and floors fail. If the foundation is good, it is worth rebuilding! It may have been built several years ago; the original builders of the structure may have even passed away. However, as long as that foundation is stable, those that come along afterwards may begin the process of rebuilding.
The institution of the church is a lot like that…the foundation is EXTREMEMLY STABLE because it is JESUS CHRIST. Is it worth rebuilding? Absolutely!
Read this passage from the rebuilding of the wall in
17Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that
Some of those engaged in the work had seen the wall in its glory days. Others no doubt were younger and had not but they were willing to pitch in and help. The wall didn’t look exactly as it did before…
6So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6 (NASB)
Their enemies attacked them during the time of rebuilding…but God triumphed. In all things they gave glory to God and worked together to rebuild the wall.
All of us in the “church”, no matter what denomination, need to rebuild it to its “former glory.” Jesus Christ must be preeminent in all that we do. God must receive all the glory.
When Christians humble themselves and work together, God will bless. Some in the rebuilding will have seen the church in its former glory. Others are younger, but willing to work together.
- Music changes as we sing a “new song” unto the Lord…but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
- The order of service may change as we remember and “rebuild it” around the foundation that it is ALL ABOUT JESUS and not about us.
- Our “power” will diminish as we recognize the ONLY POWER that we have is THE HOLY SPIRIT operating in, around and through us.
Together we can rebuild the church to its former glory.
SEEK FIRST THE
Monday, April 30, 2007
SORROW
Have you ever caused someone pain? I don’t mean physical pain, but heart-felt emotional pain. I know I have done it unintentionally and it doesn’t feel so good when you realize what has happened.
Sometimes, simply telling people the truth results in their feeling pain. If we tell them for the right reasons, like not wanting them to go down an even worse path than the one they are on, and we use God’s TRUTH found in His Word, they may feel pain, but if that pain causes them to turn their lives around…HOORAY.
No I’m not a sadist; I don’t enjoy seeing people in pain! Read this passage that Paul wrote from 2 Corinthians 7:8 - 10 (NLT) and I think you’ll see what I’m talking about…
I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Oh, that I were able to lead more away from sin by sharing God’s Word in a manner that they would understand. It’s important to remember though, that Paul was dealing here with the church at
Even Jesus said in John 10:27 (NASB)
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
Let us…encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 (NASB)
SEEK FIRST THE
Saturday, April 28, 2007
PARTNERSHIP
“I’ve fallen head-over-heels for him (her),” “It was love at first sight,” “I just can’t help being in love with her (him).”
Do any of those sound familiar to you? More often than not, something like this is said when a believer in Christ starts dating, or even marries a non-believer.
Does the scripture have anything to say on this subject? Read this passage in
2 Corinthians 6:14 - 18 (NASB)
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16Or what agreement has the
“I will dwell in them and walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean;
18 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.
It is easy enough to blame “love’s irresistible charms,” but the truth of the matter is, we DO have a choice. The principle is the same in 1 John 2:15 - 17 (NASB) where we read
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Merely claiming to be part of God’s family obligates us to follow this principle by the very name “church.” Not the local church, but the church referred to by the Greek word ekklesia, which means “called out;” called out of the world, away from the things that displease God, to Christ our Savior.
If you are married to a non-believer, the scriptures say stay that way (1 Corinthians 7:12-13), but if you are only dating or considering a serious relationship with one that does not believe in Christ as their Savior, meditate upon God’s Word on the subject.
SEEK FIRST THE
Friday, April 27, 2007
OFFEND
Some people seem to take offense at every word we say. They get upset because we think something different than they do, or they perceive we don’t really care about them as a person, or, the list could go on forever.
I must admit that there have been times that I would say, “That’s their problem” and move on. As I’ve grown older, and read the scripture below, I realize that by giving them occasion to take offense at something I’ve said, it could be an obstacle to them, as I claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
See what you think about Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:3. I have listed three different translations of the same verse for you to read:
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. (NKJV)
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. (NLT)
We don’t want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems. (CEV)
New King James says no offense in anything. Now that is all-inclusive, though I’m sure what is meant is we try to give no offense in anything.
The New Living Translation emphasizes that the way we live, whether good or bad, can cause an adverse reaction in others.
Lastly, the Contemporary English Version emphasizes the desire for no one to find fault and trying hard to see that they don’t.
We should try hard to give no offense to anyone in anything, whether through the way we live, the words we speak, or even the way we look at someone. Why? So that our ministry, our witness for our Lord Jesus Christ, is not compromised to the saved or to the unsaved. We won’t always be successful, but the Lord looks at the intentions of the heart.
SEEK FIRST THE
Thursday, April 26, 2007
TEAMWORK
Teams are common in sports, businesses and sometimes, churches. After all, aren’t we supposed to work together in the church? Teamwork implies a leader, possibly sub-leaders and other people, that combine their efforts to accomplish a task.
What is the task that we in the church have before us? It is to first, be Christ-like (hence the name Christian) and second of all to tell other people about Jesus Christ (If we don’t get the first one right we lose our credibility).
Listen to this passage of scripture from Exodus 18:19 - 22 (NASB). Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, is speaking:
“Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, 20then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. 21“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22“Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
The pattern of teaching others the truths of God and placing some of them as leaders over others to teach them is also found in the New Testament:
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Ephesians 4:11 - 12 (NASB)
One leads, teaches others who then become leaders that teach others, who then become leaders that teach others, who then become…. You get the picture. That’s what it’s all about…teamwork, and each one of us is responsible for our part.
SEEK FIRST THE
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
HARMONY
As some of you may know, I am a musician. Music has played an important part in my life. When I was in college, we learned about “contemporary” music, atonal music without harmony. It seemed to me rather chaotic and unordered. I’m pretty open-minded about music, but really! Without harmony, there is dissonance and discord. There is a parallel to be seen between music, our lives and our churches…
“Israel’s leaders took charge,
and the people gladly followed.
Praise the LORD!”
God gives the victory when we work together.
He puts leaders in charge for us to follow.
When that happens,
there is harmony!
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,
by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to live in harmony with each other.
Let there be no divisions in the church.
Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
God’s ways are higher and BETTER than ours are.
clothe yourselves with love,
which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:14 (NLT)
If you want to experience the harmony in life, that God intended for you,
listen to Him…
I close my letter with these last words:
Be joyful. Grow to maturity.
Encourage each other.
Live in harmony and peace.
Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
SEEK FIRST THE
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
RESPONSIBILITY
Whose responsibility is “church growth?”
Jesus said that He was!
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 16:18 (NASB)
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32 (NASB)
Jesus has the authority:
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 (NASB)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 - 20 (NASB)
Who was Jesus talking to in this passage?
His disciples.
Who then is responsible for this today?
All believers…all of His current disciples. Not just the preacher. Not just the elders or deacons. Not just a committee. All those who claim Jesus as Lord are commanded to make disciples (followers of Jesus), baptize them and teach them to obey Christ.
We ALL are to live for Christ…
and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NASB)
SEEK FIRST THE
Monday, April 23, 2007
IGNORE
It’s a bit of a drag when you meet a new friend, everything seems really cool for a day or two, and then you don’t hear from them for several weeks. What kind of thoughts go through your head? Do they not like me? Did I do something to make them mad? What did I say…
I imagine God feels that way about us sometimes. We come to Him when we’re down and need help, but then when things are going better after He’s helped us…we don’t talk to Him again for a long time.
As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. 2For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1 - 2 (NLT)
Does the God that created everything that exists deserve to be ignored or, should we be seeking Him every day, thanking Him, praising Him and telling Him that we love Him? Wouldn’t you want your friend to be that close?
After all, God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place. He reconciled us to God the Father. How many “thank you Lords” are enough?
Today, right now, take time to thank Him and tell Him that you love Him.
SEEK FIRST THE
Sunday, April 22, 2007
EXCUSES
Even those of you who don’t go to church or weren’t raised in the church have probably heard of Moses. After all, they made a movie about him a short while ago called “Prince of Egypt”. His story is found in Exodus chapter two. He was raised by Pharoah’s daughter (v. 10), and lived a life of ease until he killed an Egyptian and had to flee from Pharoah to avoid being put to death (v.15)
He fled to Midian and moved in with a fellow named Jethro. He married one of Jethros’ daughters named Zipporah (v.21) and had a baby son named Gershom (v.22). Moses was a shepherd and watched the flocks for his father-in-law. He had a comfortable life.
Then, GOD CALLED
He met God (Ex 3:1-6) and God showed him the problem that He wanted Moses to go and take care of (Ex 3:7-10), namely get the Israelites out of
What an honor! I mean, we’d all jump at the chance to help God, right? The truth of the matter is, we’d probably react just like Moses and make
EXCUSES…
Moses tried to get out of it five times! I want to share with you his excuses and God’s answers in His Word for us today…
1. Ex 3:11 – I’m not qualified was Moses’ response. God says we are…
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2 - 3 (NASB)
2. Ex 3:13 – I don’t have the authority, Moses said. Jesus said, you’ve got mine
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18 - 20 (NASB)
3. Ex 4:1 – People might not follow, Moses said. God says, That’s my problem! I’ll take care of it.
6Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NASB)
4. Ex 4:10 – I don’t have the skills, Moses said. God says just ask.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7 - 8 (NASB)
5. Ex 4:13 - Send somebody else, Moses pleaded. Jesus said,
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15 (NASB)
SEEK FIRST THE
Monday, April 16, 2007
CONTINUE
Have you ever noticed when a child is with their mom or dad in a store that sells toys they can sometimes be relentless in their demands to get a certain toy? The incessant cries of “Mommy, mommy, I r..e..a..l..l..y want that! P l e a s e…
More often than not, the child gets that toy.
Sometimes, Mom and Dad, stick to their guns and say “not right now.” The child screams, cries or throws a fit and may win in round two. If not, and it’s something the child really wants, mom and dad get it later and give it as a present for a birthday or Christmas.
Why am I bringing this up? Just as a little child pleads with their parents for something they desire, we, as children of God plead with God for things that are important to us. We may not get them right then, but if we continue to seek our Father’s face and do His will... Well, let’s look at how Jesus put it:
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. 3“There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ 4“For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” 6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said*; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? 8“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:1 - 8 (NASB)
Love your Father in heaven. Behave like a good child. Ask, believing that He love you and knowing that He is able.
The
SEEK FIRST THE
Friday, April 13, 2007
ALL
Do you hide certain facts about yourself from your friends? Do you do things in private that you do not want others to see or know that you do? That may be well and good but remember…
God knows everything that you do, say and think; all of it.
Perhaps that is why Jesus, when He described how we are to love God, said,
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 (NASB)
When Moses wrote down God’s words in Deuteronomy 6:5 he said, with all your heart, soul and strength or might. Either way, it is to be with our entire being because God sees and knows all. You can’t fake loving God.
If God is in you, your heart will be changed from one of deceitfulness, to one of desiring God’s will in your life. If God is in you, your soul is heaven bound and will not regard the things of the earth as all that important for you are no longer a citizen of earth but of heaven. If God is in you, every thing that your mind thinks, speaks and acts on will be according to His will for your life.
All that said, we WILL make mistakes; we will slip. However, when we do, our changed heart, soul and mind will immediately recognize it, repent and claim God’s forgiveness based on 1 John 1:9 where it says,
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Now I’ll share the main verse of the day…
2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV) 11Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
Paul’s reference to being “well known” in their consciences was that whenever they would think about doing something that might be questionable in the sight of God, the hope was that the preaching of Paul might pop up in their consciences and warn them.
SEEK FIRST THE
Sunday, April 08, 2007
ALIVE
HE HAS RISEN. HE IS ALIVE!
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 9For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the
SEEK FIRST THE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
