In the Beginning . . . God!
Monday, January 1, 2007
In the Beginning...God Studies
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study
My Prayer Today
Thank God today for the blessings of 2006.
God’s Word Today - 1 Corinthians 9:14-16
14 In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I would like to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my distinction of preaching without charge. 16 For preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't do it!
Reflecting on God’s Word
Mark 16:15 tells us “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.” We are going to take some time on this first day of 2007 to discover how we can prepare ourselves to share the new life of Jesus Christ with the world – one person at a time.
We are to “go into all the world.”
Where is your mission field?
What is your testimony?
What do you share with others about your faith in Jesus?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
In 1 Corinthians 9:14, we read that the Lord “gave orders” that we are to preach the Good News (Gospel).
How do you preach the Good News each day?
Pastors and missionaries are to be supported by those who benefit from hearing the Good News. What are ways you can support (other than financial) pastors and missionaries?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
Read verse 16. The Apostle Paul tells us that preaching is not something to boast about.
When we share the new life of Jesus with others, the attention should be pointed to God, not ourselves.
How can we rid ourselves of pride?
On whom should our focus be placed?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
The Apostle Paul shares that he was “compelled” to share the Good News. He had an urgent need to tell others about Jesus.
Do you feel compelled to share the Good News?
We are living on borrowed time – we don’t know when Jesus will return. Does this compel – urge – you to share the Gospel?
Thoughts
People celebrate New Year’s day in different ways.
In Japan, people dress in new clothes and decorate their houses with bamboo and pine branches—symbols of long life.
In Scotland, groups of friends or families get together for dinner at a host's house and exchange gifts soon after midnight.
In Greece, the children leave shoes by the fireplace, hoping St. Basil will fill them with gifts.
For believers in Jesus, one way to begin the New Year is to read from the Bible and pray. Thank God for the year that has passed and ask Him to compel us to accomplish His will in the year ahead.
The times and seasons and years, including this New Year, are in God's hand (Psalm 31:15). As Christians, we have nothing to fear, for God's goodness is great (v.19). We can walk with Christ each day and join the psalmist in saying, "As for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God' " (v.14).