Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

June 28
Saturday


AMATEUR
CHRISTIANS

READ:
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
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The love of Christ
compels us.
__2 Corinthians 5:14
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The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means "to love." An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.

In today's way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a "higher" category__that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.

As i read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn't choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1;26). He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.

In today's world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for "amateurs," those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ's example of loving and serving others. __Julie Ackerman Link
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`````````````I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me```````````
`````````````And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;```````````
```````````I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:``````````
`````````If ever I love Thee my Jesus, 'tis now. __Featherstone```````
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One proof of our love for God
is our love for our neighbor.

*************Today's Bible Reading __ 1 Corinthians 1:18-31*********

18 For the message of the
cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us
who are beng saved it is
the power of God. 19 For it
is written: "I will destroy
the wisdom of the wise, and
bring to nothing the
understanding of the
prudent."

20... Has not God made
foolish the wisdom of this
world? 21 For since, in the
wisdom of God, the world
through wisdom did not
know God, it pleased God
through the foolishness of the
message preached to save
those who believe. 22 For
Jews request a sign, and
Greeks seek after wisdom;

23 but we preach Christ
crucified, to the Jews a
stumbling block and to the
Greeks foolishness, 24 but to
those who are called, both
Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God and the
wisdom of God. 25 Because
the foolishness of God is
wiser than men, and the
weakness of God is stronger
than men.

26 For you see your calling,
brethren, that not many wise
according ot the flesh, not
many mighty, not many
noble, are called. 27 But
God has chosen the foolish
things of the world to put to
shame the wise, and God has
chosen the weak things of
the world to put to shame
the things which are
mighty.... 30 But of Him
you are in Christ Jesus, who
became for us wisdom from
God__and righteousness
and sanctification and
redemption__ 31 that, as it is
written, "He who glories, let
him glory in the LORD."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Three different responses to the cross are seen in today's Bible reading.
The Jews, expecting a mighty deliverer, stumbled at a suffering servant
(v.23). The Greeks laughed at the idea that a dying man could save
(v.23). However, all who believe__both Jews and Greeks__experience
the saving power (v.21) and wisdom of God (v.24). __Sim Kay Tee

[JCsmediator]

hey cimiii just wanted to say ty for sharing these daily devotions I really enjoy them I dont always post after I read them but wanted to say ty and miss ya hope ya doing well and the kids and hubby tooo ...

JCs GB u

[realtmg]

Amen