1 Corinthians 1:4-6, Encouraging Others

The apostle Paul was at Corinth nearly two years; where he preached with great success; and was the instrument of converting many persons, who by him were formed into a church consisting both of Jews and Gentiles. Quickly after his departure, false teachers got in among them. Bad principles and evil practices prevailed among them. They fell into factions and parties. Paul wrote this letter (First Corinthians) to address the several issues that plagued the church. It is thought to be written about the year of Christ 55, and in the first year of Nero, and was written from Ephesus.

Paul begins...
"Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives". - The Message -

I receive several emails every day. Not so many letters...they seem to be a relic of bygone days. I confess that I've never received an email, or letter, containing anything like the encouragement Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians.

• I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus.
• There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge.
• The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives".

 Is it because the evidence of Christ is no longer all that clear? I sure hope not. Then again, I don't really send this kind of message to my friends who love Jesus. Shame on me. Regardless of the evidence in their lives I am responsible to encourage them in their spiritual journey. The Corinthians had many problems yet...Paul said he thanked God for what he knew was true, not what he witnessed in their daily struggle.

 

 This reminds me of Hebrews 11:1, "Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it". So, my pledge to myself...as a friend and pastor...is to be more encouraging in my communication with those who share my faith.

 

How about you?

 

"Live boldly out there today..."