September 7, 2022 - 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)

Not for tongues of heaven’s angels,

Not for wisdom to discern,

Not for faith that masters mountains,

For this better gift we yearn:

May love be ours, O Lord. --Timothy Dudley-Smith (1985)