“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment…
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God… And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:2-10,18,24,30
Paul knows that there is something distinctive about the Corinthian church. The testimony about Christ, whom he had preached, had had its way among this body of saints, and that testimony was confirmed by the way they lived.
When we allow the power of the gospel to infiltrate our minds, our motivations, our sinews, we live distinctly too. We will be known as those called by God, and will bear a mantle of grace and peace in a hostile world. Our speech and knowledge will be enriched, and our gifts exercised will be marked with His imprint.
How am I confirming the testimony of Jesus? How are my countenance, words, reactions, counsel, attitudes, and encouragement to others standing out from the world? How is my behavior, decision-making, choice of entertainment and expenditure, giving credit and honor to Jesus Christ and Him crucified?
“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.
Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.
Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~Frances R. Havergal (1872)
Lord, may my testimony show forth Your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, to the glory of Your power and great name.
As the rain and snow 