I'm going to try something new for a while. Our new website and app has a blog spot. So I've moved there for a season to see how it goes

www.feathersoundchurch.com/blog

1 Corinthians 15

We resume our study in first Corinthians 15 after a month off. As a refresher, here is a summary of what we learn:  The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most pivotal events in Christian theology, and its implications are far-reaching and profound. In First Corinthians chapter 15, Paul lays out some of the key implications of the resurrection and its significance for believers. Here are five of the most important points:
The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Paul writes that "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection is the event that confirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the savior of humanity, and it is the foundation on which the entire Christian faith is built.
The resurrection guarantees the resurrection of believers. Paul writes that "if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised" (1 Corinthians 15:13). But since Christ has been raised, it follows that believers will also be raised. This is a source of great comfort and hope for believers, as it means that death is not the end but rather a step towards eternal life.
The resurrection has cosmic significance. Paul writes that "he [Christ] has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). This means that Jesus' resurrection is the first in a series of resurrections that will eventually encompass all of creation. In this sense, the resurrection is not just an event in human history but something that has cosmic significance and implications.
The resurrection has implications for the way we live. Paul writes that "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). The resurrection is not just something that happened in the past but something that has ongoing implications for how we live our lives. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects the reality of the resurrection and bring glory to God through their lives.
The resurrection is a source of power for believers. Paul writes that "by the power of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10). The power of the resurrection is not just something that was available to the apostles but is available to all believers. This power can be used to overcome sin, to live a holy life, and to share the good news of the gospel with others.
In conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian theology, and its implications are far-reaching and profound. From the foundation of faith, to the guarantee of the resurrection of believers, to the cosmic significance, to the way we live, to the power available to believers, the resurrection has a wide range of implications that are central to our belief as Christians

God the Promise keeper

According to the book of Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and make him the father of many nations. This promise was fulfilled through Abraham's descendants, including his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob and ultimately through the Messiah

Despite his strong faith, Abraham was not perfect and made mistakes. For example, in Genesis 12, Abraham and his wife Sarah traveled to Egypt and Abraham became concerned for his own safety. He told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister, rather than his wife, and as a result, Pharaoh took Sarah into his harem. God intervened and protected Sarah, but this situation arose because of Abraham's lack of faith in God's protection.

Similarly, in Genesis 16, Abraham and Sarah grew impatient waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. Sarah convinced Abraham to father a child with her maidservant Hagar, and this resulted in the birth of Ishmael. However, God's covenant promise was ultimately fulfilled through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah.

Despite these mistakes, Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness because he trusted in God and sought to follow him. His faith was not perfect, but God was faithful to fulfill his covenant promise and bless Abraham and fhis descendants. This shows that it is not our own perfection or works that bring us right with God, but rather it is through faith in him that we are justified.

I’m encouraged by this as sometimes I am a knucklehead in my faith. But I’m in good company.

The Problem with the Christian life is that it is so… daily

I would say one of the difficult parts of the Christian life is that it requires intentionality and growth. Which means it’s daily dying to yourself as Paul says. In our one year Bible reading plan this morning I read about Abraham.  “Then Abram journeyed by stages to the Negev.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The Christian life is one of continual growth and transformation. While every person's journey is unique, there are often distinct stages that believers go through as they mature in their faith. Here are three common ways that Christian growth happens in stages:

1. Conversion: The first stage of Christian growth is often marked by a conversion experience, in which an individual repents of their sin and puts their trust in Jesus Christ as their savior. This is often a dramatic and transformative moment, as an individual's heart is changed and they are made new in Christ.

2. Growth in knowledge and understanding: As believers continue on their journey, they often seek to grow in their understanding of God's Word and His ways. This may involve reading the Bible, attending church, participating in small groups, or engaging in other forms of spiritual formation. As individuals grow in their knowledge and understanding of God and His ways, they are better equipped to live out their faith and share it with others. I would say one overlooked aspect of this stage of Christian growth is the dark Knight of the soul. It’s kind of like the honeymoon phase is over, and God says, are you in this for my glory or what you get out of this relationship? Are you searching after the next good feeling? Which honestly is a selfish motivation at its heart. The objective is to learn through the dark night, the desert experience, the wilderness experience, the difficulties, that God is good, can be trusted and is in control. Abraham made some huge mistakes, like not once but two times, pretending that there’s honestly that his wife was really his sister, which was a half truth. But he learned some valuable lessons by bad decision making.

3. Fruitful living: As believers grow in their faith and understanding, they often begin to see the fruit of their efforts. This may include a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose, as well as a desire to serve others and share the good news of Jesus with those around them. As believers continue to grow and mature, they often find themselves becoming more like Christ in their words and actions, and they are able to impact those around them for good.

Overall, Christian growth is a lifelong journey that involves a combination of God's grace and our own efforts. As we seek to follow Jesus and obey His commands, we can expect to see growth and transformation in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

New year, new you!

 As the new year starts, many people take the opportunity to reflect on their lives and set goals for personal growth. One critical aspect of personal growth is growing one's faith. Here are five ways to grow your faith in the new year:

1. Attend services regularly: One of the most effective ways to grow your faith is to regularly attend church services and get involved in the community. This will help you feel more connected to your faith and provide a supportive environment for learning and growth. I don’t think most people realize how important being part of a community is. And though the church is imperfect, it’s in the imperfections we practice grace and receive grace.

2. Spend time in prayer and meditation on the Word: Setting aside time each day for prayer and meditation can help you develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. Whether you prefer a structured form of prayer or a more spontaneous approach, taking time to connect with your beliefs can help you grow spiritually. That’s why I regularly read a psalm in a proverb each day, in addition to challenging myself by reading the word. But I pray through the psalms in the emotions that are found. And provide structure to my prayer life.

3. Read the word: Reading will help you gain a deeper understanding of your faith and its teachings. Honestly, it’s so simple, but people seem to neglect this even though it takes only a few minutes every day. I’m reading the Bible in one year and it took me 12 minutes this morning to read the plan that will keep me on track. Speaking of that, Having a game plan is critical. I find that I will never accomplish anything if I don’t have a reading plan.

4. Volunteer and serve others: Putting your faith into action by volunteering and serving others is a great way to grow spiritually. Not only will you be making a positive impact in the world, but you'll also have the opportunity to reflect on the values and principles of your faith as you serve.

5. Seek guidance from a mentor: Finally, consider seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or leaders in your community. Whether through one-on-one conversations or group classes, these individuals can provide valuable insights and support as you grow in your faith. I’m always amazed by the story about David’s mighty men. He surrounded himself with mighty people, and did mighty exploits because of that.

Growing your faith is a journey, and it's important to find what works best for you. Whether you try one of these strategies or combine several, the key is to be consistent and committed to your spiritual growth. Here's to a faith-filled new year!