Welcome to our new project, the Daily Bible Devotional. The goal is to help you understand and apply

scripture as you go through a New Testament Bible read five days a week, Monday through Friday,

as we move from Matthew straight through to Revelation. In under four minutes each morning, we will recap the chapter,

make some application, present thought questions for the day, and offer a prayer together.

I'm excited about exploring God's word with you, so let's get started.

Welcome back to our daily Bible devotional. We are beginning in the book of First Corinthians,

and so today we'll cover chapter 1. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth in the name of the

Lord Jesus Christ, addressing their divisions and calling them to unity in the gospel. Paul reminds them

of their calling to be sanctified in Christ

and to live as saints, relying on the grace and strength of God.

He emphasizes that Christ is the source of wisdom,

righteousness, and redemption,

urging them to focus on the cross rather than human wisdom or eloquence.

Paul laments their division as some align themselves with specific leaders instead of Christ.

He stresses that the message of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but it is the power

of God to those being saved. Paul encourages the church to boast only in the Lord whose wisdom surpasses all understanding.

What are some things we need to learn and apply from that opening section? Well, despite the various

issues that need addressing within the church, this letter begins with optimism and reassurances regarding their salvation

through Jesus. As fellow believers, we should approach our shortcomings with hope and confidence

in our king. If we all honor and appreciate Jesus, we can navigate disagreements by uniting

with him and his teachings. We can avoid division if we move towards Jesus.

Christians must remember that, quote, the word of the cross and Christ crucified is our salvation.

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