October 12, 2023 - 1 Corinthians 12-16

“Different gifts, but the same Spirit” (12:4). Here’s a great challenge. We are all so different, in our families, in our churches, from church to church, from denomination to denomination, etc. But we are all Christians, indwelt by the same Spirit. On the one hand, it seems that, across the board, all Christians everywhere should be more of one mind and practice. On the other, when encountering what appears to be wrong doctrine or practice, that which is wrong ought not to be countenanced. And so, we have different opinions, different interpretations, and different denominations because we disagree over certain things. But we ARE all in Christ. Just a great challenge to work all this out. The challenge is answered by love (ch. 13).

And then, those last chapters on the gospel and the resurrection! Wow! “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (15:57)

I heard an old, old story

How a Savior came from glory

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me

I heard about His groaning

Of His precious blood's atoning

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory.

Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me ‘ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood. --E. M. Bartlett (1939)