1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes. 2 I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1 vs 1 - 9 New Living Translation

Today we meet another man to whom God gave great skill so that he could write down things which God wanted us to know. Paul was an “apostle” (which means a “messenger” of God) and God used him to take the message of Christ to people living in the Greek city of Corinth. Some time later he wrote this letter to those who had become believers in Christ.

The previous post in this series told us of how the people of Israel had been unfaithful to God, and how long it had therefore taken them to enter the land God had promised to them. Vs 8-9 of this letter of Paul, however, tells Christians that they belong to a FAITHFUL God who will keep them strong up to the end! If ever you feel that you lack courage and power to continue as a Christian, remember that God is faithful and He will never desert you! Keep trusting and press on.

For whom was this letter intended? (vs 2)

Yes, for Christians at Corinth, but also for all Christians everywhere who call on the name of Christ!

vs 4-7 tells us that their lives had been made ‘richer’ when they came to know Jesus. (And Paul was not thinking about money). Can you think of any ways your life has been made richer since you came to know Jesus Christ as Saviour?

Take time to praise God for this … or ask Him how your life can be more enriched!