Multitudes met in the Temple after Jesus was triumphant over death. Sosthenes was a synagogue leader identified in Acts 18.
1 Corinthians 1:1-7
Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, and Sosthenes the brother,
To the church of God which is in Corinth,
to those who have been made holy in Christ Jesus,
saints by the selection of God,
with all those who in every place give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
their Lord and ours:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give praise to my God for you at all times, because of the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus; So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort; even as the witness of the Christ has been made certain among you:
So that having every grace you are living in the hope of the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What if God wanted the apostle John to live until Jesus returned, what would it be like - to be able, in this life, to meet an actual apostle of Jesus Christ?!!!
What would Paul say to us today? What would it be like to receive a letter in the mail from Paul? This letter begins to tell us what Paul would say to you, a child of God, adopted by Jesus.
Paul would let you know, right away, where he stands; Paul works for Jesus Christ’ purpose. He’d write to you, to tell you, God has called you to be a saint. Only because God has personally chosen you. But you aren’t called to be a lonely saint; just as Paul has Sosthenes, his friend, (who is as close to him as a brother) you will have others who join you to give honor to Jesus Christ.
Paul says you have: love, you’re given forgiveness and peace, you can give forgiveness. Not from Paul, but given from Father God and Jesus.
Next, Paul says you are a new beginner in Jesus, so take things carefully.… Nope, this isn’t said at all. No. Paul says you are God’s, Paul is grateful for you. Paul says you live in the hope of Jesus’ gift of eternal life and eternal forgiveness, living faith, hope and love, living God’s purpose for you – you have all the spiritual gifts you need.
Paul tells you, you are a workman approved by God, you are God’s own child. When you don’t do something correctly, because you are human and need a Savior, God’s grace is coming to you.
But what if the day you read this Wonderful, Today, Good News Letter of God and you are a person of deep faith but this Psalm ...
Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Does not seem to be working for you? And although you have faith - you have ill health, money worries, job worries and just a lot of glum going on in this season of your life?
2 Timothy 2:10-14
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
God is faithful. Life is temporary - trouble is temporary. Grab all the peace that passes your way and hold on to His Peace. Remember 2 Timothy 2.
Father God we thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank God. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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