A REFRESHING WORD
Tomorrow (Sunday, 12/05) we continue our series in the book of 1 Corinthians (10:11-13), by looking at the answer the Apostle Paul had given the church that concerned one of the most controversial topics they had been debating among themselves.
Paul had been, for the last two and half chapters (8-10), admonishing the church to their need to always be sensitive to one another when it came to each person’s personal liberties.
So, after spending a great amount of time in warning and challenging the church, he changed course. This was done so he could cover something that was vitally important to their spiritual health.
The Holy Spirit had inspired the Apostle to take a moment and give the church some much needed encouragement.
In the present time, the believer’s need for encouragement many times can be vastly understated. And, it can also be a missed opportunity in the necessary equipping of one to face the many and ongoing adversities, controversies and challenges in the course of life.
The message goes right to the heart of Paul’s message. That all temptation has a definite beginning and ending. It will and cannot not go on for an infinite amount of time.
And, even though the trial can be overwhelming, to the point of physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion, it will not be allowed to prevail over of the Christian. This is the promise and confidence one can have when Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (10:13).
Temptations and trials will come and go, but the faithfulness of God endures forever. A wonderful truth that stands the test of time and, can and will refresh the spirit of the weary and exhausted believer.
And, just as it was true for the church at Corinth, so it is for the church today. It’s available to everyone who has been born again and is willing to hear, believe and receive by faith, what God has said, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
I’ve entitled our series, in 1 Corinthians, “Living Upright in a Fallen World”. It is my prayer the Holy Spirit will ignite a fire in our hearts. And, a desire to burn brightly, for Him, in a world that is desperate to know the power of the Gospel.
Look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On campus (10:00am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook and YouTube: Calvary Inverness)
Jesus Our Righteousness,
Pastor