#2466 0820 17A

            It is amazing how easy it is to omit reading the instructions when attempting to operate a new electronic device; digital keyboard; or power tool—which reminds us how easy it is to begin each day before reading Bible instructions on how to proceed in a right and Scriptural manner.

            The Bible is called: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth—and after our Revelation studies, we are reminded of how quickly the Lord’s return could happen—we should read and heed these basic instructions every day, so we would be assured to leave the earth with all those who have been prepared by God to go back with Jesus.  Revelation 22:20 “Surely I come quickly. Amen.” 

            After four Gospels on the life of Christ—God placing much emphasis on His life by repeating the story four times—then going to the Acts of the apostles, to explain how first century believers conducted their life after Jesus ascended to Heaven; and the Book of Romans that describes the world today—reading like a current news report, we move on to the apostle’s letter to the Corinthian church—addressing important faith issues.

            The apostle opens—1 Corinthians 1:1 “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

            He was called by God to be an apostle, as no one should force their way into Christian work, but should only accept such a position when called by God to do that work.  He was carrying on the ministry of his Lord and Master—that was God’s will for him.  The apostle had previously been an enemy of Christ, but was now a proclaimer of the Gospel of Christ.

            At his conversion on the Damascus road, when a brilliant light forced him from his mount, Acts 9:6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”  The apostle now knows, that he must proclaim the true Gospel message of faith and trust in the Lord Jesus.

            The “church of God” are true believers in God—who trust in the atoning sacrifice His Son made for them on the Cross.  Believers are “sanctified in Christ Jesus,” when they are trusting in His resurrection power for everything in life.  We are “called to be saints,” so if we are going through a trial or temptation, we are instructed to: “call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

            The grace and forgiveness that everyone needs every day, and the divine peace within that we can claim every minute, are always from: “God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ”—by our claiming His grace and peace on a regular basis, because the sacrifice of Atonement Jesus made for us, gives us that right and privilege.

            1 Corinthians 1:4 “I thank my God always [continually] on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance [readiness of speech], and in all knowledge.”

            We always maintain a thankful heart attitude for all that God has given us, and continues to give us on a daily basis—most especially for the grace He extends to everyone who sincerely repents and asks Him to forgive them.  That forgiveness of sins is made possible by the shed Blood of Christ at Calvary.  We are much enriched spiritually, and blessed in every way, by our knowing the Lord Jesus, and what He was willing to do for us on the Cross.

            1 Corinthians 1:6 “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you [your experience]: 7 So that ye come behind [come short] in no [spiritual] gift; waiting for the coming [reappearing] of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end [keep you stedfast to the very End], that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

            If we know of the life of faith Jesus wants us to live, and the attitude of forgiveness He wants us to have, then the testimony of Christ is confirmed by the way we walk, talk, and forgive people.  We should lack no spiritual gift that God wants to bestow on us—the gift of forgiving; of being the peacemaker; the gift of encouraging someone going through a trial, and other such gifts.

            Every day we await the return and reappearing of the Lord Jesus—we await, that is, as long as we have a truly repentant heart; a willingness to correct wrong attitudes God shows us; and as long as we maintain a desire to stay within the will of God concerning everything. 

            It is the power of God that keeps us in this saved position; and it is the atoning work of His Son that keeps us protected from the devil’s evil plans to harm or deceive us.  If we keep our faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, God keeps us safe under that protective shield.  Believers are those 1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

            Being blameless and cleansed of sin when Jesus returns for the saints, is possible, but only possible by a believing and trusting faith in the perfect Blood sacrifice He made for us.  It is a choice on the individual’s part, but a most important choice that will ever be made.

            The apostle explains how to be blameless before God—he says be subject to and submit to Christ, “as the church is subject unto Christ” in every thing Ephesians 5:24.  Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it [make her holy] with the washing of [baptismal] water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy [blameless] and without blemish.”

            We have to be faithful to trust God, as He is always faithful to keep; to deliver; to heal; and to supply us when we ask Him in faith.  1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful [ever true to His promises], by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing [cultivate a spirit of harmony], and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment [or thought].”

            God, who is always faithful to do for us what we ask Him in faith to do, has called us into fellowship with His Son Jesus—to walk by faith in Him, and to obey His instructions on daily living, that includes every part of the Christian life.  John 15:4 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

            Bearing spiritual fruit, is following the instructions of the Lord—staying close to His words on all issues—maintaining a forgiving spirit; keeping our trust on His Atonement, so we can keep a right attitude toward anyone who offends us; and to trust God in faith for the ability to do our work well [heartily] each day—whether the boss is watching or not—Colossians 3:24 “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

            The apostle goes on to explain that Christ is not divided 1 Corinthians 1:13, so our faith in God cannot be divided—that we cannot pick and choose what we will trust God for, and what we will not trust Him for.  We often have differing opinions on non-faith issues, but when it comes to basic faith and trust issues, we are to be in agreement, harmony, and of one mind.

            We cannot say that we will trust God for finances, but not trust Him for healing; we cannot put faith in God for daily supplies, and also say we cannot forgive someone who wronged us.  We are to be of one mind on all such faith issues—financial trust on God and not saving for future needs; putting our faith in the shed Blood of Christ for healing, and not accepting medication; forgiving everyone for every wrong—every time.

            1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

            The apostle was in full agreement on the importance of baptism, but mentions it here due to some contentions, disputes, and disagreements among the members—saying by whom, and in whose name they had been baptized—which was not the issue, but only that they were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ.  The apostle’s duty was “to preach the gospel”—that is what Jesus sent him to do.

            When the Lord met him on the Damascus road, and the apostle asked Jesus what he should do, the Lord said Acts 9:6 “You will be told what you are to do,” which was to 1 Corinthians 1:17 “Proclaim the Good News; and not in merely wise words—lest the Cross of Christ should be deprived of its power.”

            The purpose of his being sent, was to give God’s Truth to all those who would listen, and learn, and accept that divine plan of life—leading to eternal life.  The apostle recounts his conversion before King Agrippa.  He tells the king that Jesus sent him Acts 26:18 “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” 

            Basic Bible instructions from the holy Scriptures should begin our day, every day—asking God to open our heart to His Truth; being willing to believe that Jesus gave His life on the Cross, so that we could have a new life of faith—a life that wants to forgive; desires to love; and longs to trust God by the power of His Spirit.  Basic Bible instructions—don’t leave home without it!