Loving Jesus Style

  An Overview of Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth Introduction The book of 1st Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian church in Corinth, Greece . It addresses various issues facing the young congregation, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement. Believed to have been written around A.D. 55 , the letter offers timeless wisdom on church unity , morality, worship, and Christian living. Main Themes and Structure 1st Corinthians is divided into several sections, each dealing with specific concerns: ·          Divisions in the Church: Paul addresses factions and arguments among church members, urging unity in Christ rather than loyalty to individual leaders. ·          Moral Issues : The letter confronts cases of immorality and calls for discipline, emphasizing holiness and the importance of living according to God’s standards. ·   ...

Scripture: John 17:16-19 (NIV) They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. Devotion: These verses come from one of the most intimate moments in Scripture: Jesus praying for His disciples the night before His crucifixion . He is not teaching here; He is interceding. He is not giving instructions; He is revealing His heart. And what He asks for shows us what He treasures most for His people. Jesus begins by affirming a profound identity: “They are not of the world.” This is not a call to isolation but a reminder of belonging. The disciples — and all who follow Christ — derive their identity from Him, not from the world’s shifting values. Their purpose, hope, and future are rooted in the kingdom of God . Yet Jesus does not ask the Father to remove them from the world. Instead, He sends them ...

  Scripture: Isaiah 26.13 (NIV) Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished, you have done for us. Devotion: “ Isaiah 26:12 is a quiet, steadying verse tucked inside a chapter filled with both longing and hope. Israel has known turmoil, judgment, and uncertainty. Yet, here the prophet pauses to acknowledge a profound truth: every good thing, every moment of stability, every step forward has come from the Lord’s hand . This is not a denial of human effort. God’s people worked, built, fought, prayed, and persevered. But Isaiah reminds them that beneath all their labor was the sustaining grace of God. Their accomplishments were real — but they were not self-generated. God had been the One establishing peace, opening doors, strengthening their hands, and guiding their steps. There is deep humility in this confession, but also deep comfort. It means we do not carry the weight of life alone. The peace we long for — in our homes, our churches, our communiti...

  Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:28-31 (NIV) God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness , holiness, and redemption . Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Devotion: Paul ’s words to the Corinthians cut through every illusion of self‑sufficiency. Corinth was a city obsessed with status—intellect, eloquence, wealth, and social standing were the currencies of value. Yet Paul reminds the church that God works on an entirely different scale. God deliberately chooses what the world dismisses, overlooks, or devalues. He lifts up the humble, strengthens the weak, and brings His purposes to pass through people who know they cannot rely on themselves. This is not a rebuke; it is a profound comfort. God’s choice of “the...

Scripture: Galatians 4:7 (NIV) So you are no longer a slave , but God’s child ; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir . Devotion There is a quiet but profound shift that happens in the heart when we hear the words “no longer a slave.” Paul is not just offering a theological statement—he is announcing a new identity. Through Christ , God has taken you out of the realm of fear, performance, and uncertainty and brought you into the security of His family. Slaves obey out of obligation. Children respond out of love. Slaves wonder whether they are wanted. Children know they belong . Slaves work to earn favor. Children rest in the Father’s delight. When Paul says you are a “ son ” (a legal term in his day for one who receives full inheritance rights ), he is telling you that nothing about your relationship with God is partial or probationary. You aren’t “almost” His. You aren’t “working toward” acceptance. You aren’t hanging on by a thread. You are fully,...

An Overview of Paul's Letter to the Romans in the New Testament The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul , is one of the foundational texts of the New Testament , addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Its primary focus is on the core doctrines of Christianity , emphasizing the universality of sin , the necessity of faith, and the transformative power of the gospel. Purpose and Themes Paul wrote Romans to present a detailed exposition of the gospel. He explains that all people, regardless of their background or heritage, are under the power of sin and in need of salvation. Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or adherence to the law. The letter addresses themes of grace, justification, sanctification , and Israel's role in God’s redemptive plan. Structure and Key Content ·          Chapters 1-3: Paul begins by establishing that all humanity is sinful and separated from Go...