January 28, 2022

1 Corinthians 16 (HCSB)
1 Now about the collection for the saints: You should do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches.2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it is suitable for me to go as well, they can travel with me. 5 I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia —for I will be traveling through Macedonia— 6 and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. 7 I don’t want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me —yet many oppose me. 10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear from you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Therefore, no one should look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so he can come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 About our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity. 13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. 14 Your every action must be done with love. 15 Brothers, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you 16 also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. 17 I am pleased to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 This greeting is in my own hand —Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Marana tha that is, Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

Ladd Bennett - A fellowship of believers; what a beautiful thing. We are all sinners. We all lose our temper sometimes and even Christians have been known to be a little bit greedy and proud but, overall, I would much prefer to associate with my congregation than the losers I used to run with. A belief in God just makes people softer, gentler and far more pleasant to be with. It’s like magic (the good kind). Non-believers just can’t understand what we have. It’s like being in a special club where only those who know the password can enter. The password is not secret. It is given to all that will accept it. Here it is, “I believe”. Pass it on.