Day 216
2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21
In Christ Alone
The Scripture reading of 1 Corinthians dealt with a current event for the church, and it is timely and true for the church today. “Is Christ divided?” NO! He is not. Paul then appeals, in the name of Jesus the Christ, and no other name, on earth or the heavens above or under the earth, to follow ONLY Jesus the Christ. For it was by Him alone that you have been saved. We have not been baptized in any other name; not Apollos, Cephas, Paul, Pope Francis, Billy Graham, Chris Tomlin, or Francis Chan… but Jesus.
I read yesterday that an American denomination has refused to include the song “In Christ Alone” in their new hymnal because of its mention of blood. I reread the article for clarification, and yes, it WAS a Christian denomination. I would have LOLʼd if it were not so disheartening. Our Proverbs reading says that an inheritance gained hastily will not be blessed in the end. This verse is as true today as the day it was written. A proverb is a truth based on common sense. A gospel example would be the story of the Prodigal Son who was given his inheritance in haste, and it was squandered, not blessed.
Why do we continue to hastily pass on the inheritance of the gospel truth to those who care more about what Paul referred to as “words of eloquent wisdom”? It is common sense that entrusting the inheritance of the gospel to those who care more about themselves and their feelings than the responsibility of guarding the truths of our faith will end in being cursed by Godʼs wrath rather than blessed by Him.
Our inheritance is Jesus! He is not to be squandered or trampled underfoot. Preach Christ! Believe in Him alone and be blessed.
C. Todd Hare