October 23, 2024–Pastor Bill’s Reading Plan

October 23     1 Corinthians 1

Paul addresses the divisions that were happening in Corinth. There was a division happening based on their preferred leaders.  All of these were good leaders and were doing great ministry for the LORD.  All of them were helping people to grow in their faith.  The problem is that there is sometimes too much emphasis on the preference of their leader over unity in Christ.  This still a potential issue to this day.  Some people may stop going to church if their pastor leaves.  On a dangerous side there are times where people walk away from the church because of the moral failings of a close and trusted spiritual leader.  How many churches have been destroyed by pastors who have fallen into sin?  Our focus must be first and foremost on Jesus.  Bible teachers and spiritual leaders are good and useful gifts from God, but they need to be seen properly.  We don't need celebrity pastors; we need people who will continue to point people back to Jesus.  

Paul also addresses the message of the cross as foolishness for those perishing.  It makes no sense to people without a relationship with the LORD why Jesus would die on the cross for our sins.  Why would the Leader sacrifice?  Why would God choose to come into a sinful world and fix the world the people broke?  Why would Jesus, who at any moment could have stopped the pain, continue to endure the cross?  This makes no worldly sense. But Jesus is not of this world.  Don't expect people to understand the Gospel fully without God working in their hearts to see things differently.