Review and Re-Center Around God
1 Corinthians 15:2…11
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you … this is what you believed.
~Apostle Paul
Tucked between verses two and eleven of 1 Corinthians 15 is a testimony, a creed of sorts that lays out some “of first importance” gospel truths: I encourage you to take time to read them and acknowledge them before God (and man). Holding firmly to what we believe is the basis for our re-centering around God this week.
1 Corinthians 15:2-11
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
Review the Week
Am I living out what I believe about God or do my actions in life run counter to what I claim to believe? Do I know my beliefs? Can I express them? Do I believe God will care for me or do I, in an unbeliever’s approach, take matters into my own hands?
Repent (if necessary)
Confess any sins that God brings to mind relating to your faith walk: Sins of weakness, unbelief, inaction, fear or anxiety. Ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name.
Return (as necessary)
Take time to confess your faith in God once again, returning to One who saves you by the Gospel. Consider using one of the formal creeds, 1 Corinthians 15:2-11, or even the song "We Believe" by the Newsboys.
Prayer Prompt
For today’s prayer prompt, use a prayer of sorts exclaimed to Jesus by the father found in Mark 9:24: "Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Amen."
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:57-64 (Heth, 8th letter)
- You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words.
- I have sought your face with all my heart be gracious to me according to your promise.
- I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
- I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
- Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
- At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
- I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
- The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
“Your decrees are the theme of my song;” Is there a Christian song or hymn that you whistle while you work? Sing? Hum? Take a moment and share it with God.