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January 11, 2000 - Proof

1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 5 - 8 5.  He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. 6.  After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. 7.  Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8.  Last of all, I saw him, too, long after the others, as though I had been born at the wrong time.      There will always be people who will say that Jesus didn't rise from the dead.  Paul assures us that many people saw Jesus after his resurrection, including more than 500 Christian believers.  The Resurrection is a historical fact, not a fable.  Don't be discouraged by doubters who deny the Resurrection.  Remember  that one day you, and they, will stand before the living proof when Christ returns.

January 7, 2000 - Admit It

2 Corinthians chapter 7, verse 11 11.  Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you!  Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such readiness to punish the wrongdoer.  You showed that you have done everything you could to make things right.      It is difficult to hear that we have sinned, and even more difficult to get rid of sin.  Paul praised the Corinthians for clearing up and especially troublesome situation.  Don't let pride keep you from admitting your sins.  When someone confronts you, accept it as a tool for growth, and do all that you can to correct problems that are pointed out to you.

January 4, 2000 - Simple Faith

1 Corinthians chapter 1, verses 28 - 31 28.  God chose things desired by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, 29.  so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 30.  God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus.  For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself.  He is the one who made us acceptable to God.  He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom. 31.  As the Scriptures say,      "The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done." (Jerimiah 9:24)      Paul emphasizes that the way to receive salvation is so ordinary and simple that any person who wants to can understand it.  Skill does not get you into God's kingdom--simple faith does.  God planned it this way so that no one could boast that his achievements helped him secure eternal life.  Salvation is totally from God through Jesus' death, which allowed us to become perfect in God's eyes.  There is nothing we can do to become acceptable to God; we need only accept what Jesus has already done for us.  He has done the work.