Hi, my name is Becka, and I'm a fool...
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NIV
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Paul had an eloquent way of making simple ideas seem confusing. If you read that scripture more than once, it's OK. I did too! Maybe I can help break this down for you. The scripture he quotes in verse 19 is from Isaiah 29. In that scripture, the "wise" men of Judah were putting faith in alliances with other nations rather than in God. Paul's audience in this text, which definitely applies to the church today, is the church in Corinth. The city of Corinth had three different large ports and it was strategically located to be a very diverse hub. It was known for it's wealth and luxury but also for immorality. Because it was such a diverse city, there were many different gods being worshiped. What Paul is saying here is that the gospel, committing your life to Jesus and serving Him alone, seems absurd to a nonbeliever. It is supposed to.
Over and over in scripture we see examples of people doing things that look off but God uses it for His glory. A young David defeated a giant... Gideon dwindled his army to only 300 and still won... Joshua tore down walls of a city with worship... Paul and Silas opened prison gates with worship... Abraham defeated a multi-kingdom army with 300 men... Jesus fed massive numbers of people with a child's lunch... shall I go on? My daughter's favorite verse (which I love) is 2 Corinthians 5:7, "we walk by faith, not by sight." As believers, we are not supposed to go off of what we see or what the world says looks right. We are supposed to act in faith and follow God's path for our lives.
The world is constantly going to try to influence your decisions and tell you that the way you live is foolish, or today they might say weird or subversive. Here's the thing, you, as a child of Christ, are not supposed to look like the world. It's OK to look foolish to them. You are supposed to be foolish in their eyes. I would much rather look foolish in the world's eyes, and wise in God's, than have the respect of those that God deems foolish.
March Events: Later Events:
Bible study Mar 8 6:30 Good Friday Apr 2
New Thing Rising Mar 17 6:00 Easter Apr 4
Bible Study Mar 22 6:30 Seek 2021 Oct 14-16
Seek: April drops Mar 26
Seek 2021 Retreat - You do not want to miss this amazing time of resting in God's presence. The last two years, this event has been life changing. You have months to prepare for this event and fees are not due until September. Register now to save your spot! Seek 2021 Registration Form
Bible Study - A time of worship, studying God's word, and fellowship with other women who long to Seek God on a deeper level. This event takes place at Becka's house at 6:30 every other Monday.
New Thing Rising - Come out to worship by the river to the one true God! To declare unity over our nation! An awakening of praise TO ENTER HIS GATES for eyes to SEE, to declare God's goodness and freedom over the city of Hamilton. To fight hell with the blood and name of Jesus! To cry out for the 60 million babies slayed; to declare God's vengeance in this land against powers and principalities. To build up God's children AND TURN OUR WHISPER TO A ROAR! In UNITY, in one accord! ARISE, Sound THE ALARM! There's a NEW THING RISING! Meet at the Fitton Center at 6:00 pm March 17th. "Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise." Isaiah 60:18 NKJV
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