Daily Devotion, July 11, 2020

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-25.

  We read this as an example of the writings to those churches established after the time of Jesus. Those early Christians had to grapple with what it meant to be the people of Christ as they dealt with the issues of their time and place, just as we do today.

  Corinth was a major commercial center in Greece. The Apostle Paul visited about 51-52 CE and founded the Church there. After moving on to other places, he wrote them several times, mostly in response to questions and issues that had arisen. A similar scenario developed in other places he and others worked to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ. In every village and city, those first followers of Christ had to discern God’s guidance for the situations they faced.

  It is fascinating to consider the many specific places mentioned throughout the Bible story and how God related to that place. God continues to seek to relate to people of all places today, including where you are: where you live, where you go to school, where you work. The place where you are is important to God.

Adult Challenge:

Name the places that have special meaning in your life. Give thanks to God for each one.

Youth Challenge:

Have you ever gotten in a fight with a friend over something really small? Or stopped being friends because of a disagreement? Oftentimes we let our differences rip us apart or prevent us from even connecting in the first place. Being on a church staff I have heard and seen many stories of families leaving the church due to some really interesting things. I once had a very connected family in my youth program leave because I added a Star Wars video game to the collection. In this scripture Paul is addressing some bigger issues and disagreements among the church in Corinth. But the message is still the same and a very important message in our world and culture today. It is vital that as Christians we are united in Christ and do not let our differences divide us.

Children's Challenge:

How many different churches can you name?

The early Christians gathered in different groups just like we do. They didn’t agree on everything. They even disagreed about which group was better/or right. That is still happening today. You can be proud of your church, but don’t speak or act as if it is the only one. Churches should work together, like different parts of your body.

• Talk about all the things you like about your church. What do you do to be part of the church?