Podcasts about i corinthians

Daily Dose of Hope February 13, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 16   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you on this Friday with humility and gratefulness.  We praise your powerful name.  Thank you, so much, Lord, that you came to earth to dwell among us and show us a different way of being.  Help us to pay attention to your example.  Help us to be more loving and more merciful in all we do.  Help us to be even but a small reflection of you.  You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Thank you, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through the apostle Paul's pastoral letters in chronological order.  Today, we are finishing our fourth letter – I Corinthians. Our text is I Corinthians 16, the final chapter of this letter.  For the most part, Paul gives practical advice and wisdom. He speaks of taking up a collection for the greater church and of welcoming Christian workers who will be coming to their area soon. It's right after this call to welcome and respect the new leaders that Paul makes this statement, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." I think we would do well to also heed this advice. This idea of being on guard or being alert seems to suggest that we are in a battle not just with earthly powers but also against the power of evil. There are forces in this world that work against Jesus Christ and as his followers.  The Corinthians (and us for that matter) should be aware, alert, and on guard. How easy it was for the Corinthians to drift and get distracted. Umm...sound familiar? Remember whose and who you are might be another way to say it; stay focused on the things of God! Then, there is a call to be courageous and strong. We know from the previous chapters that the Corinthians were arrogant and complacent. Paul is asking them to have courage and do what God has called them to do. Again, I'm thinking Paul could just as easily be talking to the modern church. We have tradition, we have beautiful worship, we have access to all kinds of knowledge, but we don't have courage. This is starting to get personal. Might I add that this kind of strength has nothing to do with physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy weights. This is an internal strength that comes only from God. Finally, Paul says to do everything in love. Yes, being on guard, standing firm, and having courage and strength are critical but they are all pointless if not done with love. Paul is not calling the Corinthians to use aggression or self-assertion (remember, this is how the Corinthian church viewed Christian leadership). Rather, Paul is saying to exhibit all these qualities while demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus. That means, no bullying people to Jesus, no shaming people to Jesus, no manipulating people to Jesus, but only loving people to Jesus. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope February 12, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 15   Prayer: Abba Father, You are our Creator, Provider, and Sustainer.  Thank you, Lord, for wanting to be in relationship with us. You are a God who sits high and looks low.  You, who are over everything, also care deeply for us.  We are so grateful.  Help us do all we can to glorify you.  We desperately need you, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently walking through Paul's pastoral letters.  We've been through Galatians, I and II Thessalonians, and we are now in I Corinthians. Today's reading is I Corinthians 15.  Paul is asserting in this chapter that the resurrection of Jesus is central to the Gospel. Apparently, there were Christians at Corinth who were espousing the view that Jesus was not raised and that the resurrection was not true. It's possible that they were reverting to their old Greek view of immortality of the soul and not the body. It's also possible that they were simply skeptics who were trying to poke holes in the resurrection story. But Paul is stating here that if resurrection did not occur, our faith is totally useless. That would mean that Jesus did not defeat death, it would mean that we are misrepresenting God, and it would mean we are still dead in our sins. Some thoughts: The resurrection is SIGNIFICANT. All that Jesus did, his whole life was vindicated with the resurrection. The resurrection proved that Jesus was who he said he was, God is who he said he was, and affirmed Jesus' divinity. Think about Paul's words in Romans 1:4"and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord." The resurrection is so important in that it provides assurance and hope that our physical death is not the end. It not only points to life after death but also the future resurrection of believers. Let's visit Romans again, 8:11 says, "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." Jesus' resurrection promises victory over death. But the resurrection is also TRANSFORMATIVE. It is transformative for us as individuals and forus as the body, for the church. I think the most important aspect of believing in the resurrection is that Jesus' resurrection is what provides the power to change us now. It provides the power for complete transformation, to bring what was essentially dead to something that is alive and vibrant and productive. When someone says yes to Jesus Christ, a spiritually dead person becomes united with a life-giving Savior. When that happens, his resurrection produces a resurrection in us. The word resurrection actually comes from the same root as resurgence or rising again. We become connected to a life-giving power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection power has the ability to revive us, restore us, renew us, transform us. The apostle Paul states inI Corinthians 5:17, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" There are certainly no shortage of books that detail the evidence for Jesus' resurrection. One good one that is short and easy to digest is Lee Strobel's The Case for Easter. What are your thoughts on the resurrection? Spend some time in prayer about this today. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Daily Dose of Hope February 11, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 14   Prayer:   Almighty God, Thank you for a new day and a new chance to give you glory and praise.  You are an amazing God.  How incredible it is that you, who created everything, know my name.  You know every hair on my head.  While I am so grateful for your love and care, it is sometimes difficult for me to adequately wrap my brain around your expansive love and mercy.  Help me be a better reflection of you, Lord.  Help me see others through your eyes.  Help me be merciful, kind, and good.  Lord, I know I fall short.  So often.  But I want to do better.  In these next few moments of silence, Jesus, hear my prayer...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are journeying through Paul's letter in the New Testament.  We are currently on our fourth pastoral letter, I Corinthians.   Our reading for today was I Corinthians 14.  This chapter is all about order in worship.  A lot of the text has to do with the speaking of tongues. I want to be clear that Paul is not against speaking in tongues.  However, he is clear that tongues benefit the speaker more than the listener. Prophecy, on the other hand, benefits the listeners. This is a passage often taken out of context. Yes, tongues are a gift of the Spirit and for many people, tongues provide an intimate way to communicate with God. But within the context of worship, tongues (spoken publicly) are appropriate only if there is an interpreter. According to Paul, the question to always ask is "Does this build up the body of Christ?"   Speaking of taking passages out of context, the second half of this chapter about good order in worship has been misused by many. Is Paul saying that women need to always be silent in church? No, he isn't, as he is supportive of women's participation in worship in other passages. Just a few chapters before this, in I Corinthians 11:5, Paul mentioned women praying and prophesying aloud in worship.   What does he mean in today's text? Keep in mind, this is a pastoral letter that is addressing a specific situation in a specific place. Corinth was a wild, out of control place. These women have grown up being influenced by this environment. Don't get me wrong, the Greek and Roman world was still highly patriarchal and women had little if any rights or privileges. But in the church, women were valued and had a certain degree of freedom. They could learn, speak, pray, and work alongside the men in many ways. Most likely, in this situation, there was confusion and disorder in the church worship and Paul needed to address it. The Greek word used in the text for speak actually is better translated "chattering." Most likely, these women were interrupting worship with their constant chattering. Maybe they were asking questions. Maybe they were talking amongst themselves. We really don't know.   This leads to an important point. We cannot pick certain Scripture verses and pull them out of their contexts, trying to force an application today. What's important is to look at what the whole Biblical narrative says about a certain topic. Does the whole Biblical narrative insist women be silent in worship OR do we see women lifted up by Jesus, involved in the ministry of the early church, and working as effective prophets, leaders, and teachers (often praised by Paul)? When one or two verses seem out of place, contradicting the rest of the Biblical narrative, then there is probably a deeper meaning behind them. The key is go deeper, study, learn the context and background, and try to discern the author's original intention.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

(This podcast was previously published on April 1, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   God gives us HIS Spirit so we can know what HE wants us to do in the issues of this life.   We pray.  But then how do we know what God wants us to do?   The Holy Spirit will bring ideas to our minds.  Often the Holy Spirit will remind us of a scripture and by that scripture we can understand what to do.  Sometimes God will communicate with us by a dream.  And sometimes God will cause HIS Minister to speak a word to us and we understand by that Word.   * The Holy Spirit teaches us all things. (secular & spiritual)  John 14:26   * The Holy Spirit reminds us of everything Jesus has said to us.  John 14:26   * The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.  John 16:13   * The Holy Spirit shows us things to come.  John 16:13   The Holy Spirit searches the heart of God and reveals to us the will of God by bringing thoughts to our mind.   I Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love HIM.   10 But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.   God communicates with each of HIS children today by HIS Spirit who brings ideas and thoughts and concepts of God to our mind to show us what to do.   Romans 8:14   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.   We can tell which ideas are from God by the following characteristics:   James 3:17   But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.    

Daily Dose of Hope February 10, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 13   Prayer:  Today, let's pray from Scripture.  Dear God,  Your Word says that, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  This is certainly who you are, Lord.  Help us live this kind of love out in ways that make a difference in the lives of those around us.  More of you, less of me.  We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are journeying through Paul's pastoral letters.  Currently, we are in I Corinthians.   Today's passage is I Corinthians 13.  This is going to be a pretty familiar chapter for many of you.  It's often called the "love" chapter and it is read at weddings and funerals.  It's absolutely beautiful prose but we often get Paul's intention wrong when we read it.   Remember, the Corinthian church was a total mess. They were arrogant, there were strong divisions between rich and poor, there were petty arguments and serious factions, and as we learned yesterday, they were holding up certain spiritual gifts as better than others.  Let's just say it wasn't a picture of Christ's love and grace.   It's in the middle of all of this that Paul tells them what it means to really love one another. This isn't romantic love (eros), brotherly love (philia), but rather agape love. What is agape love? It's the love that God demonstrated to us and calls us to demonstrate to others. It is unconditional, sacrificial love. There is no selfishness in agape but only a concern for the what is best for the other. Paul is outlining this love to the Corinthian church to give them a word picture of what it could look like. Agape is not a feeling or emotion but rather a choice. We make a choice to love others this way and it requires commitment, faithfulness, and sacrifice without requiring anything in return.   Paul, at the end of his discussion about spiritual gifts, wants to make a very important point.  Yes, you can have a gift of prophecy or a gift of tongues, but if you are using it without love, then it is totally useless.  And, you have missed the point.  These gifts were gifts of grace from the Holy Spirit to uplift and equip the body of Christ.  The body of Jesus on earth should be a picture of his love.  If it isn't, we have a really big problem.  Jesus is love and we are called to be as well.    One of my seminary professors, when teaching on agape love, encouraged all of us to do what he called the Wal-mart exercise (I've spoken of this in previous sermons). Really, you can go to any place the public gathers. It could be the mall, Target, or Publix. He suggested sitting down on a public bench and just watching people go by for five minutes. For every single person you see, say "Jesus died for this person. He/she is infinitely loved by God. I'm called to love this person as well." For me, this is challenging. I have to be very intentional about not falling into the trap of judging the person because of how they look but truly looking at them, trying to see them as God sees them, and then focusing on how God wants me to love them unconditionally too.   This has changed me. God's agape love for me is real. My love for others should be too. What would it look like if all of us who are part of New Hope started to "agape" each other? How would this change us as people? How would this change our relationships? How would this change us as a body of believers and our witness to the world?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

Daily Dose of Hope February 9, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 12   Prayer:  Dear God, You are amazing!  How awesome it is that you who created all things are also so intimately involved in our lives.  We give you glory and praise for who you are.  We are so thankful for your love.  We want to know you more.  We want and need to hear your voice.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are journeying through Paul's pastoral letters.  Currently, we are in I Corinthians. Today's passage is I Corinthians 12.  Paul starts by reminding the believers of their former ignorance.  Afterall, there was a time not too long ago that they didn't know about the one true God but worshiped idols.  Now, they know Jesus and have the Holy Spirit within them – the Spirit of the Living God inside their physical body!  One of the many transformations that happens to us when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior is that the Holy Spirit gives us a spiritual gift (sometimes even more than one.)    A spiritual gift could be seen as a God-given capacity that allows each believer to serve and uplift the body of Christ. And how do you get into this body of Christ?  In verses 13-14, Paul writes, For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. The body of Christ is Jesus' church.  The specific word that Paul uses here for gift is charisma, which comes from charis, which is the Greek word for grace.  A spiritual gift is a gift of God's grace.  It's not something we have earned or developed.  But there is a wide diversity of gifts that the Spirit offers, and Paul lists many of these, including the gift of preaching/teaching, prophecy, apostleship, evangelism, and shepherding. There are even more specific gifts under these main headings. But while there is diversity in gifts, there is unity in purpose. The body of Christ requires all these different people with different and unique gifts to be working together to ensure that Jesus' mission continues to be carried out in the world. One gift is not more important than another but they are all essential to have a fully functioning body.   The Corinthians knew about the spiritual gifts.  This would not been new information to them.  But the problem was how they were using the gifts.  Certain gifts were being lifted up as more important than others.  And there appears to be a bit of a free for all in how the gifts are being used.  So, Paul wants them to know a different way.  He wants them to understand that all the gifts work together to bring unity to the church.  In fact, the church needs all of the gifts to be fruitful and effective.  He doesn't want the Corinthians to stop using their spiritual gifts, but he wants them to do so with maturity.  And as we will see in the next chapter, he wants the church to use their gifts with love (rather than arrogance or pride.)   Do you know what spiritual gifts you have been given? If not, I strongly encourage you to pray about that today. There are some really good spiritual gifts assessments that are free online as well. God has given us gifts for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. If you know your gifts, are you currently making use of them at New Hope or in your local church? There are many parts but one body. Your gifts are needed to form a fully functioning, healthy, thriving community of faith!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Pastor Mike preaches on the story of King Josiah's discovery of the Torah during the repair of the temple, his reaction to its being reead to him, and how his repentance is a model for our own as we move closer to Lent. 5th Sunday of Lent, Year A: II Kings 22:8-20; I Corinthians 2; Matthew 5:13-20

(This podcast was previously published on March 30, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   God told Isaac to work in the land to which HE had assigned him, and HE would bless him in that land, in that assignment.  (Genesis 26:2-3)   I was working with a woman in a problem she was having and she had been struggling with for several months.   God brought the following scriptures to my mind which revealed to me the source of her problem:   Joshua 2:8   They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.   II Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;   The solution for her in this problem was for her to focus on doing her own assignment as wife and mother.  She had been thinking of that which others, her husband & daughter, were doing and might be doing, and her mind was troubled by such.  No doubt devils were bringing suggestions to her concerning that which others were doing and that was troubling her.  But devil is a liar so thoughts that were coming to her to trouble her were likely wrong.   What she needed to do was consider the assignment God had given to her and to do that work with all her heart:   * Help meet for her husband.   Genesis 2   7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into HIS nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.   8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there HE put the man whom HE had formed.   18  And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.   21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and HE (God) took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;   22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made HE a woman, and brought her unto the man.   She should pray often concerning "how she could help her husband" ... preparing meals and having his clothing ready for his work day. Keeping her house clean and orderly.  Keeping an atmosphere conducive to rest and peace. Refusing to focus on "lying vanities" concerning what he might be doing.  Instead doing her job as a wife and mother and busying herself with those activities.   Genesis 3   16 Unto the woman HE (God) said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.   And I said to her:  "Your husband cannot understand spiritual things because he is not born again ... so make him a chocolate pie."   She burst out laughing.   I Corinthians 2:14   But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.   And she needs to care for her 5 adult aged children and live a godly life in front of all persons.   When she does these things, fulfilling the assignment given to her by God, she will be blessed by God and she will be a blessing to all others who come across her path.   *****   Also please listen to the following Podcast, click here:  Roles ordained by God for men and women, as shown by Bible )  

Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!Trust: A FEELING of security or confidence in another person.Your feelings of trust don't come from just what you KNOW, but rather from what you decide to THINK about what you know.Your “Trust Picture” (what you think of others) is NOT necessarily the same as who they ARE.Judges 16:6 So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.”You don't trust someone based on what they SAY. You trust someone based on their ACTIONS.While “blind love” can be DEVASTATING in dating, it can actually be an ASSET in a marriage.WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR SPOUSE: Do you focus on all the POSITIVES or NEGATIVES?I Corinthians 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.I Peter 5:8 NLT Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.I Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.HOW DO YOU REBUILD TRUST?1. Realize TRUST and FORGIVENESS are not the same.With a deep break in trust, spouses often WITHHOLD FORGIVENESS because they think it means they must immediately TRUST AGAIN.That's not true, and it damages the rebuilding process. FORGIVE!FOR THE SPOUSE WHO HAS BROKEN TRUST:1. It's likely you're going to want things to get back to “NORMAL” before your spouse is ready.2. You'll often want trust to be given without SIGNIFICANTCHANGES to the relationship.WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR SPOUSE YOUNEED 2 THINGS: They need more TIME—and more TRANSPARENCYRomans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose.SINGLE:- Spend TIME evaluating if you can really trust someone. Don't just listen to someone's WORDS, you watch their ACTIONS.MARRIED (without a big break in trust): - Begin the habit of always ASSUMING THE BEST about your spouse.MARRIED (with a big break in trust):- FORGIVE- Begin the process of REBUILDING TRUST.

I Corinthians 2:7-10Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

Matthew ch 3 vs 13-17 , ch 28 vs 19-20 , I Corinthians ch 11 vs 23-29 - Jay Atkins - Sunday, February 8, 2026

Audio taken from the teaching "Sexual Scandal - God's Plan for Broken Leaders" - https://youtu.be/tnsqjkavojMToday will be difficult. Sadly, I found out just days ago that a pastor very close to me, and my family, has been involved in perverted ongoing sexual sin.Rather than cover or minimize the transgression, I am choosing to open the Scriptures and take a fresh look at the biblical blueprint for sexual scandal, and morally broken leaders.In our Bible study today we will examine and answer these 3 important questions.1 - What are the moral qualifications for a minister? 2 - Can a minister be restored after moral failure?3 - How should a church respond to moral failure?Key Scripture used in today's teaching: Galatians 6:1 NLTOther Scriptures referenced: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 7:2; 1 Corinthians 10:12; In Galatians 1:6; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:24; Romans 9:15-16; Numbers 32:23; I Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Timothy 5:20 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 10:13Unless otherwise noted, most Scripture will be read from the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible.Other titles mentioned in today's teaching - “Sin, Scandal & Secrets” https://youtu.be/mHWlvRgklnc?si=e2F3lfwtc6pKbHCOIf you prayed with Tiff, click here https://lostlamb.org/ and let him know!  Be sure to check out the playlist “New Beginnings” - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsX8E19Azl58_FjxELPxjnsL8CAtmama4Thank you for listening, and subscribe for new content each week. 
Connect with Tiff Shuttlesworth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostLambAssociation/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffshuttlesworth/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffshuttleswor Learn more about my ministry: https://lostlamb.org/ Learn more about my ministry in Canada: https://www.lostlamb.ca

Daily Dose of Hope February 6, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 11   Prayer: Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing.  Thank you for the way you care for us.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you.  We want to hear your voice.  Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been walking through Paul's letters and it has been challenging!  We've made it through Galatians, I and II Thessalonians, and we are now in I Corinthians. Our reading for today is I Corinthians 11.  The first part of the chapter has to do with head coverings. I didn't choose that for our main focus today but I do think it is worth a brief mention. Paul implores the women to cover their heads and the men not to cover their heads. This is confusing to us in a time and place in which head coverings serve an entirely different purpose (typically shade from the sun, warmth, or an accessory). But in ancient Greek and Roman culture, the main difference between a man and woman's attire was that women covered their head with a scarf-like material. The only women who did not do this were high class mistresses, slaves, prostitutes, and pagan prophetesses. Thus, when the women didn't wear their head covering or it fell off in the movement of worship, it was a significant distraction. In a highly patriarchal culture, it definitely sent the wrong signal, one that Paul really didn't want these women to send. Then, there is this whole issue with the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion.  Remember, they didn't have church buildings and they met in people's homes.  In fact, they met in some of the wealthier members' homes, because they had bigger homes that could accommodate a larger group.  Makes sense.  But the wealthier church members, who probably knew each other fairly well because they all ran in the same circles, were meeting ahead of time for a grand meal, that they would pair with communion, and they were eating and drinking and eating and drinking.  You can see where this is going.   By the time the poorer church members got off work and arrived, the wealthier people had been eating and drinking for quite a while.  All the food was eaten and they were drunk.  There were also no seats in the main room.  So, the poor people were basically sitting in a different area, hungry, without what they needed to receive communion together with the rest of the church.  It was like two separate churches, one for the rich and one for the poor.  And, not surprisingly, resentment was growing.  This is totally patronizing for the poor people.  Paul is appalled.  You can hear it in the letter, "Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? Why are you bringing this mess to church???"  Paul was basically saying that the Corinthians could not call what they were doing the Lord's Supper.    Keep in mind, the Corinthian society was very segregated.  Rich people didn't associate with poor people.  Classes stayed separate.  It isn't surprising that the rich in the church didn't want to hang out with the poor people.  They were dirty and hard to make conversation with.  And the poor people probably were really intimidated by the rich people.  Yet, Jesus had set up his church to be different from culture and that is what Paul is getting at here.  The Gospel turns things upside down.   We can look at Christians throughout the ages – the huge disparity of rich and poor, the way people of color were often turned away at the church door.  We had that in our own denomination.  I just got done reading White Trash (by Nancy Isenberg), which attempts to tell the story of class in America.  And it talks about how the wealthy classes totally discarded the poor.  They called the poor "waste people."  It was like their lives had totally no value to them.  And this is what got me: The wealthy aristocracy, who called the poor whites and blacks around them waste people, they attended church every Sunday.  They believed in God, they professed faith in Jesus.  And Jesus walked closely with the poor.  The Gospel was good news to the poor.  So, what happened?    As a church, I'm not sure we have really wanted the Gospel message.  We like it, as long as it gets us into heaven but we don't like it when it means we have to change our lives and our prejudices and our perspectives.  We like wearing a cross but not carrying one.    In Corinth, they were basically showing that their belief wasn't genuine.  They were demonstrating a value system, it just wasn't Jesus'.  I think through the ages, the church has demonstrated a value system, it just often has not been Jesus' value system.    What about New Hope?  What value system do we demonstrate?    What value system do you demonstrate?  I promise you, the way we live Monday – Saturday is showing the people around us who we are and who we belong to, just like in Corinth.  It's just as true today.  Who do we belong to?  Is it going to be about us or is it going to be about Jesus?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

(This podcast was previously published on March 25, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   The Bible teaches us so much about God's plan concerning men and women and the way God created men and women.  The world tries to make everything the same, same opportunities, even same roles.   It is difficult to enter into our assignment from God and to understand the way God created us unless we view some scriptures on this subject.   God ordained the following:   Genesis 2:7-8   And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.   8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there HE put the man whom HE had formed.   18  And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.   21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and HE (God) took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;   22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made HE a woman, and brought her unto the man.   ***   God created the woman to be an helper to the man.   Some women will not marry.  Some women will be assigned other roles by God.   But most women will marry and when they do marry, God has created them especially for that man to be his help meet.   ***   Eve was deceived by Satan and after the transgression, God put the following assignment on the man and the woman and there was a difference in the role of the man and the woman.   For the man:   Genesis 3   17-19 And unto Adam HE (God) said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.   For the woman:   Genesis 3   16 Unto the woman HE (God) said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.   (Already we see that God has created the woman for the man so she would be a help meet to the man.)   ***   So we go forth perfectly created and joined by God.   But men and women change the creation in their own wisdom and things fall apart.   As long as we accept our assignments, God blesses us in that to which HE has assigned to us.   And as long as we do what God wants us to do we are blessed and we bless others by our lives, whether we marry or whether we are single.   God said to Isaac:  Genesis 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee;   *****   Mark 10   Jesus says:   6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.   7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;   8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.   9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.   ***   Divorce was created because of the hardness of the heart:   Mark 10   2 And the Pharisees came to HIM (to Jesus) , and asked HIM, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting HIM.   3 And HE answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?   4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.   5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.   ***   Matthew 5:32   Jesus said:   But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.   * Woman who remarries after divorce commits adultery.   * Man who divorces a faithful wife will be the cause of her adultery if she remarries.   * Man who marries divorced woman commits adultery.   ***   Deborah, a married woman who judged Israel.   Judges 4   4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.   5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.   6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?   7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.   8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.   9 And she said, I will surely go with thee:   (So there are times God uses a woman for multiple purposes.)   ***   Women often want to fulfill themselves.   My mother wanted to be a teacher.  My dad did not want my mother to work outside the home.  So my mother did not try to get a job outside the home.  My dad wanted my mother to stay at home and take care of me and the house.   Pam Padgett's younger sister had 4 children.  This sister wanted to be fulfilled and she wanted to work in a day care center.  She convinced her parents to buy the day care center for her.  Her husband was against her working outside the home and he wanted her to stay at home and take care of their children.  But she got the day care center.  She and her husband ended up in divorce.   Today so much is upside down and opposite to that set forth in Bible.   Things are getting worse and they grow farther away from Bible.   ***   Some women will not marry and they will have other assignments from God.   I Corinthians 7     26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.   27  Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.   28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.   29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;   30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;   31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.   32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:   33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.   34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.   35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.   36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.   37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.   38 So then he that giveth in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth not in marriage doeth better.   ***   Most people will marry and here are very important instructions concerning those who marry.   I Corinthians 7   10-11 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.   12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.   13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.   14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.   15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.   16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?   39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.   40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.   ***   When we choose to follow that which is ordained by God for us by following the Spirit in that which is set forth in the New Testament Bible, we greatly bless ourselves and others.   It is good to focus on these scriptures concerning marriage, divorce, remarriage and remaining single.  

Daily Dose of Hope February 5, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 10   Prayer: Lord Jesus, We rejoice in you.  We praise your name.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, and is, and is to come.  We cannot possibly express our gratitude in words.  You have offered us mercy but you have also given us freedom.  Thank you for that.  Help us live like free people.  Help us demonstrate your love and grace to others who cross our path.  Help us see people through your eyes.  We love you, Lord.  Amen. Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been walking through Paul's letters and it has been challenging!  We've made it through Galatians, I and II Thessalonians, and we are now in I Corinthians. Our reading for today is I Corinthians 10.  The chapter starts with story-telling from the exodus out of Egypt, mainly because these stories are critical learning experiences for God's people.  What's fascinating is that Paul includes his Gentile audience in these stories.  Look at verse 1, For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.  Paul has stressed that as Christians they are not bound to the law.  Despite that, they are now a part of God's people.  However, and this is critical, they are NOT to fall into the pattern of the Israelites or so many of those in Corinth.  They are not to worship other gods, they are not to intimately involve themselves with those who oppose God's people, and they are not to question the goodness of God.  They need to be careful.  Temptation is there and they could easily fall into sin as their ancestors did. Paul continues to write about freedoms. Yes, we have the right to do everything but that doesn't mean we should do everything. While we may have the right to do something, the biggest question to ask is, "Is this building up the body of Christ?" Paul emphasizes that while legalism isn't good, neither is it good to be overly permissive. There are times when we should curb our freedoms if it might harm a new Christian or hurt the witness of the Gospel The bottom line is we need to think about our words and actions in every situation. I've been in small Christian gatherings in which certain members feel the need to loudly communicate their dislikes about a specific Christian ministry, another Christian church, or even a fellow believer. Now, thinking about Paul's reasoning, they have the freedom to do this but is it beneficial? Is it building up the body of Christ? What if there was someone in the group who was a new believer or on the fence about faith? How would such a discussion affect their faith journey? Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Scripture References: Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3-5; 55:10-11; II Kings 1:8; Matthew 7:11-12; Mark 1:9; John 3:27-30; I Corinthians 1:18, 21; I John 1:9 0:00-31:19: Opening Worship and prayer 31:27-1:13:57: Sermon and closing prayer 1:13:58-1:20:20: Closing Worship and prayer

(This podcast was previously published on March 26, 2021)    Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   I was born again in 1975, by God speaking a word to me by His Spirit.   About two weeks later, in the night while I was sleeping, I was "transported" into heaven and was merged into the body of Christ, made one with the Word of God, God and Holy Spirit witnessing.  (I saw no physical images it was a spiritual experience.)   A few nights later, the exact same thing happened to me a second time.   What did this mean?   Later I came to believe at this time I was ordained to be a minister of Jesus in two offices, as apostle and prophet.   But how can I do this being a woman?   The apostle Paul said:   I Corinthians 14:34-35   Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.   The Spirit of God said to me:  "Look at what these women were doing?"   When I re-read the scripture, I realized these women were asking questions during the church gathering and were thereby interrupting the service.  Paul was stopping them.   The Spirit of God then reminded me that Philip had 4 daughters who did prophesy.  Acts 21:9   Prophecy is for the church, so these daughters would have to speak to the church to prophesy.   By these things, God persuaded me to do the work to which I am called, exhorting the church as an apostle/prophet.   I completely agree with Paul that women must be kept under control.  I've witnessed women taking over in the church and stopping the flow of the Spirit of God.  I would stop them also.   But when a woman has a Word from God she should be free to speak that Word from God to the church gathering that all may be edified in the church.   *****   Also God reminded me of Deborah. She was a prophet in OT.  She was married.  She judged Israel.  She even told the captain of the army to go to war.   Judges 4:4-5  And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.   6-7 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.   8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.   9 And she said, I will surely go with thee:   This example of Deborah and the way God used Deborah for the children of Israel shows us that God does as HE wills with women in the church.   ***   I love scripture.  But I also know sometimes humans misuse scripture and they bind themselves by scriptures in ways God never intended.   We must take scripture to God, and ask HIM to give us wisdom about those verses, and allow God to interpret scripture to us.   Once God gave me something to say to the church and I said to God, "If I say that, they will not understand and they will misinterpret what I am saying."   God said, "They misunderstood what Paul said didn't they?"   Peter said this concerning them misunderstanding what Paul wrote to them:   II Peter 3:15-16 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;   16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.   (Those who have the Spirit will understand but the others will not understand.  For the sake of those who have the Spirit, we speak, and we suffer the persecution from the others.)   If we are led by God and HIS Spirit we will understand as one and be united by HIS Spirit.   Ephesians 4   4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;   5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,   6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.   But many try to understand with their natural mind and they end up setting up other denominations.  

Daily Dose of Hope February 4, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 9   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name.  Thank you for who you are and all you do.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters.  Today, we are in I Corinthians.   Our reading for today was I Corinthians 9.  In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on freedom in Christ. There were obviously those in the Corinthian church who were challenging Paul. We've talked about this in previous chapters-their view of Christian leadership was skewed. The Corinthians viewed strong church leaders as those who made known their authority by lording it over others. It was about power, reputation, and popularity. Paul is the exact opposite. He is saying that yes, he has freedoms and rights, but he doesn't abuse or misuse them.   Paul lists three rights/freedoms he has decided not to claim. The first was the right to food and drink, the second was the right to be accompanied by a wife, and the third was to be paid for his work as an apostle. He was a totally free man with rights but he intentionally chose not to use those rights. Paul did not want to be swayed by personal whims or desires. Rather, he wanted to be fully and totally focused on the Gospel. Indulging in these freedoms, while they are not bad things, might divert him from the purpose. Everything is about the mission for Paul and he didn't want to risk doing anything that could challenge his integrity and compromise the mission.   Paul is really committed to the cause.  I'm not sure many of us would give up what he has freely chosen to give up.  I'm struggling with this.  I like good food, I'm married, and I get paid for my work as a pastor.  Let's be clear, God does not require us to give these things up.  But, we may decide there are certain things that get in the way of our service to the Lord.  Only we can know what those things are.    One point that Paul makes is that by making these sacrifices, he is actually a stronger leader, not a lesser one. What is your view of Christian leadership? Are sacrifices essential to achieving the mission? What sacrifices have you made to share the Gospel of Jesus with others?  How do you reconcile all of this?    Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Need a good laugh in February? Don't settle for the chicken suit!! We met through a popular website and have some funny stories to share about that experience. Turn up the volume and find out why not to ever settle for the chicken suit. Wait for the monkey one! I Corinthians 2:14

I Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Daily Dose of Hope February 3, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 8   Prayer:  Almighty God, you are so good.  Thank you for your love, your mercy, and your forgiveness.  How amazing it is that you care so much for me.  You are my everything.  Help me take my scattered thoughts this morning and focus on you and you alone.  In these next few moments of silence, help me center myself on you...Holy Spirit, come and speak to me through your Word.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Right now, we are working our way through Paul's pastoral letters.  We are currently in I Corinthians.   Today, our reading was I Corinthians 8.  The Christians in the church at Corinth would have experienced a significant life change when they came to know Jesus.  And this would have led to lots of questions.  I want us to talk about the whole issue of meat sacrificed to idols and why this would have generated confusion in the church.   Meat wasn't typically consumed by the average person.  They were vegetarians by necessity.  Meat was just too expensive.  But Corinth had many cults (dedicated to the Greek/Roman gods), which included animal sacrifices, and meetings at these cults would have been some of the only times that the average person would eat meat.  These cult-like organizations were common experiences for many Corinthians, a part of their social and civic circle if you will.  Even Christians, who only believed in the one true God and rejected the Greek/Roman gods, might participate in these organizations and consumed meat there.    What Paul is saying is that the meat being consumed at these events is kind of irrelevant.  The meat is neither holy nor unholy – it's just meat.  But being part of these cults is an issue.  While those who are strong in their faith (possess knowledge is the phrase that Paul uses) may be able to attend these cult meals and not be affected by them, others who are weaker may very well be affected by them.  Thus, Paul encourages those with stronger consciences to not participate simply so as not to confuse or negatively influence a weaker brother or sister.    This was not about doctrine but really more of a pastoral argument.  We love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and we should refrain from this, not because it's inherently wrong, but because we love them and don't want them to stumble.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Pastor Mike preaches on the need for humility when interacting with the political world, how the Scriptures cannot be mapped on to any political ideology, and how the Beatitudes call us to live. 4th Sunday After Epiphany, Year A: Micah 6:1-8; I Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Daily Dose of Hope February 2, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 7   Prayer:  Dear Lord, After a hurried weekend, sometimes we rush into the week.  Help us slow down and focus on you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and distractions.  Help us have laser focus on you and your Word.  Lord, in these next few moments of silence, we yearn to hear your still small voice...Come Holy Spirit and guide our reading, our interpretation, and our thoughts.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through Paul's pastoral letters.  We are currently in I Corinthians. Today, our reading was I Corinthians 7.  This whole discussion on marriage is interesting. Paul is not opposed to marriage but there is a certain tension in this chapter. He is genuinely concerned about those who marry and have families. There is the whole issue of not being totally and completely dedicated to God (because they are also dedicated to their spouse and children) but there is also a present distress that exists and may get worse. At that time in Corinth, there was definite pressure being put on the Jews and increasing pressure on the new Christians. We know from reading history that intense persecution is on the horizon. Living in stable societies, rarely do we think much about the effect of persecution, warfare, and oppression on families. Paul was very right; those who were married with children would in fact suffer more. They would worry more about the safety and welfare of their children and it would be more difficult for them to pick up their lives and flee. It was only fifteen years after Paul wrote this letter that Jerusalem was destroyed. What did the families do in such circumstances? I can't help but think about the fate of families in more recent conflicts-Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Sudan.  Spend some time in prayer for families across the globe who are dealing with warfare and persecution. But there is another element in this chapter I want to try to address.  Paul writes in v. 29-31, What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.   There is definitely a sense that something is about to come to pass.  Is Paul speaking about Jesus' second coming?  So, I did a little digging.  It does appear that the event Paul is referring to is the coming of Christ.  Bringing this up would have been incredible encouragement to the Corinthians.  Because when Jesus comes the present form of this world will pass away and there will be a resurrection of believers.  Think about it...if we thought that Jesus would return this week, and we knew that everything would change, that the Kingdom of God would become real and palpable and that all things would be made new, that would definitely change our perspective.  The ordinary and familiar of Monday would feel totally different because we knew it was temporary.  Paul is asking the Corinthians to think this way.  Of course, two thousand years later, we know that Jesus hasn't come and the world has not changed.  But what would it be like for us to live with that perspective that Paul encourages?  Maybe we don't worry so much about our present burdens and the everyday habits of life.  Maybe we see everything through the lens of the coming Kingdom of God.  What if we saw values, politics, relationships, and justice through the lens of the Kingdom?  How would that change things for us? Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

(This podcast was previously published on March 27, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   God brings scriptures to our attention to encourage us.   When this happens, those scriptures are chosen by God for us to fit our need.   For example:   In a need Pam Padgett had, God gave her this scripture:  Psalm 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.   In my need, God gave me:  Romans 1:16-17  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.   It is important to collect the scriptures which God brings to our mind and  keep them before us day and night (for a season) to strengthen us and encourage us in our assignments.   As individuals, our needs at this point in time differ, but God fills those needs in our lives by calling to our attention scriptures or dreams which we need to keep before us.   I will share with you a few of my personal collection of scriptures which I keep on my Kindle photo album for easy access.   I usually go over these scriptures daily to help me in the faith and to strengthen me in the assignment God has given me while HE keeps me on this present earth.   This may shock you, but I find it even harder today to keep the faith and do the work of God than it was 40 years ago.   I believe this means the sins of people and the attack of devils has increased because we draw closer to the return of Jesus.  (See: Revelation 12:11-13)   Therefore I find that I need to do even more meditating in scriptures, for the time of Jesus' return draws nearer.   Joan Boney   *****   As we encounter problems of this life, to put a spotlight on the problem we are having and to strengthen us to be able to overcome in the situation, God may give us a scripture or a dream to show us what to do.   ***   In February 2021, some disturbing thoughts came to my mind in the form of "what if?" ... Instantly God brought the following to my mind:   Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (by the Word HE gives you)   I said:  "That's right!"   If a "need" arises, God will bring me a "WORD" to show me what to do and that need will vanish when I do that Word.   I added that scripture to a list of scriptures which God has brought to my mind in the past so I can be encouraged as I live on this present earth and go forward.   Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. ***   In 1975, I owned a small business and a man filed a law suit against me.  I hired a lawyer.  But the bills for the legal services began coming in weekly and it was taking most of the profits from my business to pay those bills.   One day, God brought the following scripture to my attention:   Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of ME, saith the LORD.   I began to reason this scripture:   I am now a Christian so this promise applies to me.  Therefore the weapon of this lawsuit cannot prosper against me.  I can dismiss my lawyer and go to court without any human legal counsel, eliminating the financial drain coming upon my business.  I dismissed my lawyer based on what this scripture said to me.  I planned to go to court with out human legal counsel.  Six days before the trial, the man dropped all charges and there was no court case.   I keep this scripture in my mediation scriptures to remind me and encourage me as I go forward.   ***   When I was a new Christian, God called to my attention several scriptures showing me what the Holy Spirit of God would do for me.   John 14:26  Jesus said ... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.   John 16:13 Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.   I Corinthians 2   6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:   7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:   9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love HIM.   10 But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.   11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.   12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.   13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.   I owned a small business in American Indian arts at that time and I began to live by that which God showed me by HIS Spirit.   Before I would go to buy merchandise, I would pray for the artist to make the items I needed.  When I saw the art objects, I prayed for God to show me what to buy.  As I returned to my shop, I prayed for God to send out the angels to bring the customers into my shop to buy the art objects.   In the 4 years I operated that business, every item sold.  I never had a special sale.  The items just sold.   ***   As a new Christian, God called my attention to the following scripture:   James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.   At the same time, I was reading about wisdom given to Solomon and I read many scriptures in Proverbs which encourage us to seek wisdom.   When I saw this, I wrote in my Bible, above each chapter, "Pray for wisdom."  For I knew I needed God's wisdom to understand scripture.   I John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of HIM abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in HIM.   God teaches us by the Holy Spirit who lives in us and reminds us of scripture and concepts.  

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany February 1, 2026 Faith Lutheran, Okemos Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 1, I Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12   Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth as in Heaven…   Our Father in heaven, in each moment, in each day we pray your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.   Your kingdom come, your will be done…  I been thinking about our sister congregation, Immanuel Lutheran in Grand Ledge.  Their pastor, Chuck Forrester, has been on leave from call for several months because of a serious medical condition.  For the last five months, God provided Pastor Chrisy Bright to serve Immanuel.  Chrisy, a young pastor, most recently served as an assistant to former Bishop Satterlee, and now for at least the next three months is Immanuel's contracted pastor.  In this present moment this morning she is preaching the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ to the people of Immanuel. God provided both work for a gifted pastor now without a letter of call, and pastoral leadership for a congregation whose called pastor's return remains uncertain.  An answer to most powerful of all prayers: Your kingdom come, your will be done…   One year ago today, Pastor Megan was ordained, and the very next day, she served as our pastor.  Surely, in this moment in the story of Faith Lutheran Church, God provided for us a shepherd abounding in compassion and joy in a time in our society when so much is uncertain.    Both Immanuel and Faith have been blessed too with exceptionally wise lay leaders and brilliant musicians, so reassuring during this past tumultuous, fear-filled year in our country when the foundations of our democracy seem very tenuous.  In ways we may not have readily recognized, our praying the Lord's prayer week after week did not go unheard.  In both congregations, in this fragile time for all of us, signs of the kingdom, signs of the reign of our Father and his Son, signs of God's steadfast, faithful, loving presence…  We are so blessed.   [In a Zoom call on Wednesday with three other former bishops, Floyd, Marcus, and Jerry, Floyd proclaimed that, for him. these readings for today from Micah, Psalm 15, I Corinthians, and Matthew were maybe the best ones in all of our three-year cycle of biblical texts.  Surely, they all are very beautiful and challenging and powerful as such a time as this.]   Many of us know by heart, or have at least heard these famous words from the prophet Micah, plain-spoken words we are called to live out until we take our last earthly breath: He [God] has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?     Less familiar, but no less powerful and reassuring are the words of Psalm 15, words for each of us in each moment of each day, for all of us who are daily bathed in God's forgiving love.  Please read them with me in their entirety:  LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle… [vs.4b:  They are willing to do the right thing, to stand by their oath even to their own hurt.]   And then these opening words from I Corinthians 1:18 revealing the  seemingly contradictory way God has chosen to save us:  The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us [most of whom are probably not all that worldly wise or powerful] to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  How ludicrous to worldly wisdom and worldly power and might to believe that a man accused of treason, who dies on a cross, would thereby takes away the sin of the world.  But it is God's wisdom that Jesus' cruel death would be the very way God would save us from our deep brokenness and alienation from each other and from the One who so loves us, so heals us, so day by day rekindles our faith in and hope and love for our Maker and Redeemer and for our friends and enemies alike.        And then, even more, the beatitudes in Matthew 5 as Jesus sat down and to his disciples long ago and to us this morning began his sermon on the mount.    Hear the beatitudes, these blessings in a translation, a rendering by Steve Garnaas-Holmes, a friend of Pastor Megan's:   Blessed are you who have nothing to offer,         for you are offered everything. Blessed are you who are broken-hearted for the world,         for God weeps with you, and will rejoice with you. Blessed are you who do not seek to dominate,         for love dominates your life. Blessed are you who sacrifice for the sake of justice,         for you will know victory. Blessed are you who are gentle,         for God's gentleness enfolds you. Blessed are you who seek only love,         for God will be everywhere for you. Blessed are you who remain peaceful in conflict,         for so you reveal God. Blessed are you who are treated harshly,         for God treats you to the entire realm of God. Blessed are you who are punished for your compassion,         for this is the way of the cross.  These beatitudes are not commands. They are not orders for how we should live our lives.  Rather they are promises to us when our spirits are weak and pretty much exhausted, when we mourn the injustices and the acts of violence in words and deeds against our brothers and sisters.  The beatitudes are promises that when we hunger for, yearn for, work for respectful, kind, and honest relationships in our own lives and in our communities and in our country, they are promises that already God has begun to fill our hearts with hope.  We see God already exposing the abuses of power and the violation of basic human rights so contrary to the way of our gentle Lord, even now calling tens of thousands of protesters to speak up for those who are treated harshly.    "Your kingdom come, your will be done."  It is already coming, our Father's will already being done.  So, blessed are we, members and friends of Faith, when in each moment and each day, the Holy Spirit moves us to perform simple acts of kindness, simple acts of gentleness, simple acts of mercy.  Blessed are we when that same Holy Spirit enables us to see injustices to the poor and to boldly resist in words and actions those in power who would crush and destroy the lives of those the Bible calls "resident aliens."  And blessed are we if we "take a hit," if we a maligned for the simple acts of compassion we are called to take for the oppressed in our midst, the acts of compassion we take for Jesus who was maligned for all of us, who will always be our Immanuel, God with us, God in the very depths of our hearts…   Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven…in each of our lives, in each of our hearts, in each of our actions, in each moment of each day.  Amen.                                                                                                                         JDS     *or "kindom," the latter word, recently coined and offered in the Apostles' Creed as an understanding of God's kingdom as a beloved community of siblings, all of us as beloved sisters and brothers with Jesus as our Lord.

Daily Dose of Hope January 30, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 6   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, We come before you this morning, thanking you for a new day.  Lord, you are good and we rejoice in your holy and powerful name.  As we begin our day, Lord, help us focus on you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on your Word and what you want us to learn today.  We get so distracted and self-consumed.  Forgive us for that, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us have laser focus on your voice... In Your Powerful Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters.  Today, we are continuing through our fourth pastoral letter, I Corinthians. Today's reading is I Corinthians 6.  Paul continues to press this issue: Jesus-followers should look different than the culture around them. Why were they allowing secular courts to decide issues that should have been worked out in the church? Why were they getting pulled into disputes that distracted them from the mission in the first place? And then Paul presents a list of wrongdoings which have no place in the church. He is imploring them, "You know better!" You've been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are different now, new creations, so behave like it. The second half of the chapter is the discussion about sexual misconduct in the church.  Some of the Christians in Corinth were saying they had been freed from the law and now could do whatever they wanted.  Remember, this was a very sexualized society.  People from the church were still having sex with prostitutes and they were saying it was no big deal.  Afterall, they weren't living under the law. Paul says that you were freed from the Law to love God and love others.    But the issue went deeper.  The Corinthians were kind of like, "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die."  They thought that their bodies were temporary and eventually God would be doing away with them, so who cares if they have some casual sex?  It's just biology, just our bodies, right?  Not our souls.  So, what's the big deal?  Well, Paul tells them what the big deal is.   The Corinthians believed in the immortality of the soul. But Christians believe in the resurrection of the body. Because the resurrection of the body is a core doctrine of the Christian faith, we take a very high view of the human body. Paul reminds them of this. The human body is sacred.  God created you, God values you.  We firmly believe that our soul and physical body are interconnected, we can't just separate the two so easily.    This is what Paul is saying:  You can't have sex with someone and not become one flesh with them.  You can't separate body and soul. Sex is not just biology; there's something deeply spiritual about it.  Souls are connecting with one another.  I read this and it feels like Paul is in parent-mode. He is telling the Corinthians to remember who and whose they are! He even tells them he is ashamed of them.  Two thousand years is a long time and yet people are still people. We aren't any better today; I do hope everyone realizes that. Yes, we think we are quite sophisticated. We think we are quite knowledgeable. But, just like the Corinthians, we still forget what it means to belong to Jesus. We still allow the values and temptations of the world to seep into our lives. How often we blend so neatly into the world around us. How often have you believed the same lies that the Corinthians believed? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

(This podcast was previously published on March 19, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   I became interested in the word "covetousness" and looked this up in dictionary and saw a revealing definition showing that which causes covetousness:   "covetousness:  eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth or possessions.  Social media so often encourages us to compare ourselves to others, inspiring covetousness and insecurity."   And I recalled the following scripture:   II Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.   ***   Hebrews 13:5   Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness;   ***   After God put me on radio in 1980, a woman at our church group said to me, "I want to be like you.  I want to do what you do".   I was surprised and responded, "You do?"  (I just couldn't imagine anyone wanting to do that which God had me doing.)   Later another woman in church said to me, "I don't see how I can compete with you who have been taken into heaven twice."   In the body of Christ, we should not be trying to "compete" with other persons but rather we should follow those scriptures brought to our attention by God and allow God to form us as HE wills in the body of Christ.   We are recreated over and over by examining those scriptures given us by God and by following HIM through doing those scriptures, thus being continually formed by God into the image of Christ.   ***   Young people in school often want to be like other people or have that which other people have.   I do see this as "unwise", as the apostle Paul said to us.   But until now, I had not seen it as the root of "covetousness".   Covetousness is one of the serious sins of the flesh.   I Corinthians 5:11;13 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat... put away from among yourselves that wicked person.   I Corinthians 6:9-10   Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.   ***   Our goal should be to follow God as HE works through our life and therefore be recreated by God in HIS image, doing what HE tells us to do, being satisfied in the way HE recreates us.   Ephesians 2:10 For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.   Philippians 2:13   For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of HIS good pleasure.   I Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?   ***   Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.   Let us do that which God has enabled us to do, always knowing it is God who made it possible for us to do that which we do.   Each of us are totally unique when we follow God and indispensable as an integral part of the body of Christ working as a specific part in the body as created by God.    

Daily Dose of Hope January 29, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 5   Prayer:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians.   A significant problem in the church of Corinth was both sexual immorality and sexual deviancy, which simply underscored their shallow discipleship. Corinth was a port town that was home to the Temple of Aphrodite, a pagan temple with many, many prostitutes. Sexual immorality was rampant and almost a way of life in the city. To say that Corinth was a very sexualized society would be a massive understatement.  It's estimated that one in every thirty people were prostitutes. You really see this when you visit there.  It touches every area of their culture.  So, it isn't surprising that the church was dealing with it.  What the culture deals with seeps into the church and the church is tasked with figuring out how to deal with it based on God's truth. The apostle Paul was trying to develop a holy church, based on commitment to Jesus rather than the pagan gods and ways of being. We see the struggles over these first few chapters.   In chapter five, today's reading, Paul addresses a case of incest in the church, specifically a man sleeping with his father's wife (presumably his stepmother). While this might have been acceptable in Corinthian society, it is absolutely deplorable among God's people. This kind of behavior was forbidden in the Torah and that translated into the church. The people of Jesus were also supposed to seek holiness and sexual morality was part of that. They are the body of Christ.   The issue isn't just the incest – yes, that is really bad – but it's that there are no boundaries whatsoever for sexual behavior.  And they are bringing those values, or lack thereof, into the church.  God's people have to call sin what it is and recognize it as a problem.  So, there was that.  Paul is appalled - why does this not bother them?  Their arrogance is hard to take.   Let's be real. This is just as much as issue in today's church as it was 2000 years ago in Corinth. Why don't we behave like the body of Christ, holy and blameless? We tolerate all kinds of stuff!  Do we demonstrate the same kind of arrogance and complacence? Certainly something to think about.   I do want to at least touch on what Paul says at the very end of the chapter, verses 12-13, What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."  Basically, Christians are not called to judge those outside the church.  If someone is not a Christ-follower, then we can't hold them to the same standards.  They don't know any better really.  But, those inside the church have to be held accountable.  Paul is holding the Corinthians responsible for not dealing with the man having sex with his stepmother.  That kind of sinfulness has no place in Jesus' church.    Now, if someone committed a sin and then was repentant, that would be a different story.  Afterall, Jesus gives us all second chances and third chances and fourth chances.  If someone is serious about forgiveness and wants to change, then the church welcomes them.  If they are arrogant and refusing to change, that's when church accountability has to occur.    We struggle with this.  Accountability in general is something we struggle with in our culture.  What if this same situation were to happen at New Hope?  It would be uncomfortable and awkward but I couldn't, as the pastor, allow this man to sit in the pew with his arm draped around his stepmom for all to see.    What other situations might also require a response?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope January 28, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 4   Prayer:  Almighty Father, Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you, that no matter what this week has held, we can come to you and start over.  We are grateful for your forgiveness.  We are so very grateful for your care and your love.  Help us, Lord, to set aside our distractions, to set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians. Today's reading was I Corinthians 4.  You have to love the apostle Paul's sarcasm! He has really had it with the Corinthian church's arrogance. You see, they think they are mature, healthy, and effective. They think they have arrived. But Paul is making it quite clear: No, you have not! Why? Because they are worldly in their thinking, they are full of themselves, they have no desire to make sacrifices or suffer. They are comfortable, concerned more about status, popularity, and reputation than about serving Jesus. This passage is always convicting for me.  How mature are we?  What would Paul think of us?  Are we willing to make sacrifices for our faith or are we more concerned with comfort?  Paul makes this interesting argument that a servant is not greater than his master. The Corinthians clearly think they are better. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25,"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Part of the Christian experience is giving up one's life, one's wants, one's desires, and even one's comfort, basically the things of this world, in exchange for the things of Jesus. What things of this world might you still be holding onto? If you were to be brutally honest with yourself, can you relate to the Corinthians? Spend some time in prayer about this today. How might God be speaking to you through this chapter? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope January 27, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 3   Prayer:  Almighty God, Search our hearts today.  Show us those places that we need to change.  Show us where we aren't fully devoted to you and your Kingdom.  Lord, we need your wisdom and guidance.  On our own, we falter and drift.  Lord, we want to know you more.  We want to be a living example of your love and holiness.  Help us, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's pastoral letters, chronologically.  Thus far, we have read through Galatians, I Thessalonians, and II Thessalonians.  We are currently in I Corinthians.    Today's reading was I Corinthians 3. Paul continues to have harsh words for the Christ-followers at Corinth. They think they live by the Spirit, but Paul tells them they actually are still living by worldly standards. He had to teach them like babies in the faith; they lack maturity. They are drinking milk rather than being able to eat solid food.  One example of this is their view of Christian leadership. They see leadership as focusing on an individual, that person having a following, pitting one person again another. In a sense, they view Christian leadership as a popularity contest. Paul makes the case that there are no individual superstars in Christian leadership. Different people have different tasks at different times. Some people plant, some people water, and others harvest. One task is not better or more important than another. They are all necessary for expanding God's Kingdom. My own experience is that Christian leadership has to be rooted in humility. The way our churches are structured doesn't always lend itself to this so we have to be very, very intentional.  I know I have to very, very intentional.  Ministry isn't about me as a pastor, it's always about Jesus and what he desires for his church. Jesus is of course our ultimate example of leadership. As a servant leader, he washed dirty feet, touched lepers, and ultimately gave up his life for those he led. No superstardom there, just a lot of rolling up sleeves, getting dirty, and experiencing sacrifice.   We find a beautiful example of Christian leadership in Philippians 2:5-8: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Strong and Steady, Pt. 4 | January 25, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV) Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.√  WE BUILD OUR SECURITY ON TEMPORARY THINGS.I Corinthians 3:11 (TLB) No one can ever lay any other real foundation than that one we already have—Jesus Christ.Anything that can be taken from you cannot be your foundation.√  WE COMPARE OUR JOURNEY TO OTHERS.Ephesians 6:4-5 (TLB) Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.Comparison makes you doubt what God is doing in your life because you're distracted by what He's doing in someone else's.√  WE CARRY BURDENS WE WERE MEANT TO SURRENDER.Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.UNSHAKABLE FAITHI Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.I. “BE STEADFAST” - ROOT YOUR LIFE IN GOD.Jeremiah 17:7-8 (TLB) But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.II. “IMMOVABLE” - ANCHOR YOUR LIFE IN TRUTH.Ephesians 4:15-16 (MSG) God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.III. “ALWAYS ABOUNDING” - LIVE FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF.1. Do I belong?2. Am I growing?3. Am I making a difference?I Peter 4:10 (CEV) Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.

Daily Dose of Hope January 26, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 2   Prayer:  Holy God, We come to you today with expectancy.  We need to hear your voice.  We need to feel your presence.  Lord Jesus, we know that we are weak.  Our lives are incomplete and empty without you.  Our world is nothing without you.  Help us go through this day remembering that we belong to you.  With your Spirit in us, we have power.  With your Spirit in us, we can be bold and courageous.  We give you our day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are currently working our way through Paul's pastoral letters.  We are currently in I Corinthians.   Today we read I Corinthians 2.  Paul begins the chapter by reminding the Corinthians about how he preached and taught when he was with them.  He wasn't arrogant, using language they didn't understand.  He very intentionally approached them with humility.  His message was, "Jesus Christ crucified" and he delivered it plain and simple.  He didn't need to adorn the message and make it fancy, he kept it straightforward so that it would be the power of the Spirit that they heard.  Paul said this so that the Corinthians could not base their faith on some kind of skillful teaching or human wisdom, but only on the Holy Spirit.   Paul then rebukes the Corinthians who seek the wisdom of the world.  Faith involves a great deal of wisdom, but it's the wisdom of God.  They don't understand it because they are still immature in the faith.    You can probably sense it from the reading, but Paul is highly frustrated with the church at Corinth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have access to the mind of Christ. Paul is saying that even though they are believers who have received the Spirit, they are beginning to behave like unbelievers.   Just for some background, Corinth was very much a troubled church. They were dealing with sexuality immorality, tremendous conflict (they were suing each other in civil courts), and abuse of spiritual gifts.  As we get further into the book, we will talk more about their abuse of the Eucharist, or communion.  Those who were wealthy would eat and drink first, having communion together, getting full and getting drunk.  When the poor came to the table, there would be nothing left.  Not surprisingly, Paul found this reprehensible.   How easy it is for Christians to say yes to Jesus but then sit back and not grow. There is also the temptation to slip into comfortable, easy Christianity (an oxymoron if ever there was one). The reality is in our culture and society, a person can profess faith in Jesus, go to church, go through the motions, but never know the mind of Christ. How critical it is to unite with other believers who will encourage us to grow and challenge us to live in the Spirit.   Do you have the mind of Christ? Do we have the mind of Christ as a body of believers? What will it take for us to get there?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Introduction I Corinthians 2:6 I Corinthians 14:20 I need to recognize my own faults and improve. Genesis 3:11-13 Exodus 32 – Aaron blamed…

••• In Light of Eternity, Ep 413 . ••• Bible Study Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:2, I Corinthians 15:19, I Corinthians 15:51, Hebrews 9:27, Hebrews 11:23 -27, 2 Peter 3:14, Luke 2:49, Ephesians 5:16 . ••• “The King then narrows the focus: “You have your orders—I send you to battle. You are a soldier, and I would not promise a soldier ease. I promise you difficulty, but with it resources and purpose and joy. “Go to where men die of thirst a stone's throw from pure water...go back as my water-bearer.” As long as we're still here in the parched wastelands of the present earth, God calls us to offer refreshment to a world fill of people dying of thirst", IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY, Alcorn † ••• "We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them", Robert Moffat †† ••• "I know what Eternity is, though I cannot define the word to satisfy a metaphysician. The little child taught by some grandmother Lois, in a cottage, knows what she means when she tells him "you will live forever," though both scholar and teacher would be puzzled to put it into other words", Alexander MacLaren, 1826-1910 †† ••• "The best moment of a Christian's life is his last one, because it is the one that is nearest heaven. And then it is that he begins to strike the keynote of the song which he shall sing to all eternity" Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892. †† ••• “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Be mindful of things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” Colossians 3:1-2, MKJV ••• What does it mean to live in the light of eternity? ••• What are some of the things that are opposed to the will of God? ••• What are some of the costs of identifying with Christ Jesus? ••• What is the great equalizer in life? ••• Is it better to spend time in church or to party and party and have fun? ••• What does it mean to be mindful of Our Creator's imminent return? ••• What does it take to live in the light of eternity? ••• Why is there a need for self assessment? ••• What is strange and interesting, yet uncomfortable to talk about? ••• What is “the hope of eternity “ and where does it lie according to The Word of God? ••• What must we constantly be reminded of in this life as a believer? ••• Will you ask your small group to pray that you will be the kind of person who will be more intentional about living in the light of eternity through the power of Holy Spirit in the upcoming New Year? ••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is a listener supported production who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you. ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND Nasa Picture of the day, The Helix Nebula from Blanco and Hubble, C. R. O'Dell, (Vanderbilt) et al. ESA, NASA, https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap041229.html . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/ep413-purpose-before-partnership-pt5 . ••• † https://www.epm.org/resources/2010/Feb/4/light-eternity-59-excerpts/. ••• †† Christianquotes.com••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://tinyurl.com/godspeaks777••• FERP260124 - Episode#413 GOT260124 Ep413 .••• Moving Forward to a Positive Year Ahead, Part-5, In Light of Eternity ✝️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily Dose of Hope January 23, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 1   Prayer:  Abba Father, You are the potter, we are the clay, and the work of Your hands. Mold us and fashion us into the image of Jesus, your Son. Father, may we be one in You as He is in You, and You are in Him. Glory and praise to you, forever and ever. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters.  Today, we are starting our fourth pastoral letter, I Corinthians.   Let's start by talking a little bit about Corinth.  It was a Greek city, about forty-five miles from Athens.  It was highly prosperous but also known for its immorality.  We read about Paul's time in Corinth in Acts 18 during his second missionary journey.  It's in Corinth that Paul meets Priscilla and Aquila, fellow tentmakers and believers.  He started his time there by preaching in the synagogues but the Jews were generally not responsive.  That led Paul to begin to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles in the area.  And he was very successful.  Thus, the church in Corinth included both Jews and Gentiles.  Paul stayed with the Corinthians for roughly a year and a half.  During that time, there were some Jews who brought charges against Paul for his teachings.  The discord continued after he left.  Thus, the Corinthians church was dealing with these outside pressures, as well as serious internal discord and immorality.  Paul stayed in touch with them through letters.  We have two of these letters (there were probably others) in the New Testament.   In this first chapter of I Corinthians, we immediately notice this is a letter. Paul starts by identifying himself as the author and makes it clear that the recipients are those in the church at Corinth. After a brief expression of thanksgiving, Paul wastes no time at getting to a most pressing point. There is disunity in the church. Factions have emerged over who to follow. Some say they follow Paul, others say Apollos or Cephas, and some say Christ.   We don't know the details of the disagreements, or how the factions came about. Really, I don't think the fine points are that relevant. What's more interesting to me is how Paul handles the situation. He reminds them who and whose they are. He reinforces the mission. We get so distracted by our own egos and allegiances; the mission is what suffers. The mission is sharing the Gospel, spreading the Good News of Jesus.   Let's fast forward 2000 years. How often have we as individual Christ-followers and as a church gotten off track because of disagreements with other Christians? Think about people you have personally known who have left a church because they got mad about something. Conflicts over individual personalities, music styles, bruised egos, miscommunication, or even the color of the new carpet, can totally derail a church from the true mission! What if we just had laser focus on Jesus? What if the mission trumped everything else? How might that change things?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Inside your body, there is a large and amazing family of chemical workers who, although they usually last less than a minute, make life possible. There are so many different kinds of these chemicals, called prostaglandins, that science is just beginning to learn how important they are to life.Prostaglandins are made by just about every tissue in your body. They are made by tissue cells from stored fatty acids. When triggered, fatty acids swarm out of the cell walls and are quickly changed into the necessary prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are involved in regulating reproduction, breathing and circulation, among other things.Prostaglandins made by the cells lining our blood vessels relax the muscles around them so that more blood can flow through them. And blood platelets also produce another prostaglandin; when triggered, it enables the blood to clot and seal wounds. In the lungs, prostaglandins regulate the openings of air passages. They help protect the inside of your stomach. It is because aspirin inhibits prostaglandin production that it helps headaches and can cause stomach problems in some people. Prostaglandins have been implicated in the swollen, painful joints caused by arthritis.The human body is literally a symphony of thousands of carefully designed systems, each one playing in harmony with the other and all of them working together. This fact alone leaves no justification for the claim that we are designed by genetic accidents.I Corinthians 12:18"But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased."Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I understand that it is because of sin that sometimes our systems do not work as You designed them. According to Your will, grant me healing in those cases, but let me always be aware of Your love and presence in my life. Amen.REF.: Shodell, Michael. The prostaglandin connection. Science 83. Image: Prostaglandin E1, Calvero, with ChemDraw, PD, WikipediaCommons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt preaches on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The Scripture passage is I Corinthians 1:1-9.

Scripture R:eferences: Matthew 19:1-12; 18:21-22; Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Genesis 1:27; 2:24; I Corinthians 7:7-14 0:00 - 44:06: Sermon and Closing Prayer

In today's episode, I begin a new series exploring the deep and often hidden experience of shame that can grow out of abandonment. I share parts of my own story of being abandoned by my parents and other family members, and how that loss shaped my identity, relationships, and sense of worth. The effects of abandonment can linger quietly for years, influencing how we see ourselves and God. In this honest and personal conversation, I also share how God met me in my brokenness. Through His compassion and faithfulness, He began the work of healing my heart and freeing me from the shame I carried for so long. My hope is that this episode offers understanding, hope, and the assurance that restoration is possible, even after deep abandonment.   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.   For Workbook Small Groups, contact Louise at:  https://www.louisesedgwick.com/zoomsmallgroups   Scriptures mentioned: Genesis 2:18 Romans 12:18 Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 28:20 I John 3:1 Romans 8:15 Romans 1:6 Revelation 19:7 Romans 6:5 John 14:20 I Corinthians 6:19 John 15:15 Revelation 3:20 Romans 12:5    

Neil McClendon, Lead PastorGRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHMatthew 6:5-15How To Pray Big & Free1. Prayers is not for managing people's opinion, v. 5-62. Prayer is not where you control God, v. 73. Prayer is a demonstration of what you believe, v. 8Two things to believe...a) “for your father”b) “knows what you need before you ask him.”4. Prayer has structure, v. 9-13Structure of the disciples prayer...a) acknowledgement- “Our father in heaven...”b) nature1) name- “Hallowed be your name..."2) Kingdom- ...”your kingdom come...”3) will- ...”your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”c) needs- “...give us this day our daily bread...”d) responsibility- ”...and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”e) freedom, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”I Corinthians 10:13Mental worship...1. When you pray, are you more mindful of God or the people in the room?2. Does your life “hallow” God's name?3. Do you ever sound like an orphan when you pray. Like someone who doesn't have a Father?4. What would change about your prayers if you believed that God knows what you need beforeyou asked Him?5. How is your spiritual ability these days?6. What two words best describe your prayer life?

I Corinthians 3:9 is packed with vital truth for our life in Christ.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Matthew 18:15-20; 7:3-5; Leviticus 19:17-18; Deuteronomy 19:15; Proverbs 17:9; Romans 12:18; 16:17; I Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1; II Thessalonians 3:14-15; I Timothy 1:20; 2:10 Sermon & Closing Prayer: 0:00-46:38

Thank you for joining us for our morning worship! Today, Bishop Alfred Jackson ministers from the topic, "Why Build Yourself Spiritually". We pray you are encouraged by the message. Focal Scripture: Haggai 1:2-8, I Corinthians 6:19-20

I Corinthians 4 begins with being a faithful steward. But then Paul gets into being a minister. The people of the Corinth wanted to be seen more than wanted to work without being noticed. God's Kingdom is not about fame.

Strong and Steady, Pt. 1 | January 4, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.√  GROWTH HAPPENS BEFORE YOU CAN SEE IT.Matthew 6:6 (NIV) When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.Matthew 6:6-13 (MSG) Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.√  DEPTH DETERMINES STABILITY.Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.√  WHAT YOU'RE ROOTED IN DETERMINES WHAT YOU PRODUCE.Psalm 1:3 (ESV) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.I Corinthians 15:58 (NIRV) My dear brothers and sisters, remain strong in the faith. Don't let anything move you. Always give yourselves completely to the work of the Lord. Because you belong to the Lord, you know that your work is not worthless.STRONG ROOTSI. CREATE SPACE FOR GOD EVERY DAY.Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.II. CHOOSE SPIRITUAL DEPTH OVER DISTRACTIONS.Psalm 119:37 (NLT) Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.Psalm 119:37 (TLB) Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours. Revive my heart toward you.III. STAY PLANTED IN GOD'S PRESENCE.Psalm 92:12-14 (TLB) But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom teaches us what Christmas is all about. Luke 2:1-201 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.Matthew 1:2323 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”John 10:1010“ … I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”I Corinthians 15:33 “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”John 3:1616““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:1717 “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”Romans 10:9-109 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.Psalm 119:105105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.John 8:1212 …“I am the light of the world.Matthew 5:1414 “You are the light of the world…

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – “We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. (I Corinthians 2:6 – 10 – The Message)

In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers from I Corinthians 15:58 and James 1:8 on whether a believer is dogged or double minded. He encourages a believer to be dogged in their choices to obey the Lord for their labor is not in vain for those who carry out the will of God. Scripture: I Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. James 1:8 - he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers

In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers from I Corinthians 15:58 and James 1:8 on whether a believer is dogged or double minded. He encourages a believer to be dogged in their choices to obey the Lord for their labor is not in vain for those who carry out the will of God. Scripture: I Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. James 1:8 - he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

THE ULTIMATE POINT BEING LOVE, TENDERNESS, COMPASSION AND OTHER ASPECTS OF HELPING OUR FELLOW HUMANS.......... I Corinthians 13:4-7 Love Is the Greatest 13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.