Letting Go of Doubts

March 5, 2015

Opening Hymns:
297 Beneath the Cross of Jesus http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh297.sht

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
1:18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."

1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe.

1:22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom,

1:23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

1:24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1:25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

Message:
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. In this scripture we are able to see a glimpse of the challenges that early Christians had. Other people in their world think their beliefs are foolish. They didn’t accept the idea that the Savior would have been killed as a criminal. I’m sure that many questioned the reality of His resurrection. How could His death bring us life?

As people doubted then, they still doubt now. How can the death of one man make up for the sins of the world? How can we all be saved? The all-powerful God that created the world has shown us time and time again how magnificent His works are. How vast His power is. We need only go outside and look at the forest or ocean, to see some of His amazing wonders. Still, the most beautiful thing of all is love. Love so deep that He would give us His son to die on the cross, and forgive us of our sins.

I know that I’ve had my own doubts about my salvation. Could God truly love me enough to clear away my sins, and call me to an eternal life with Him? The last line in this scripture reminds me that God’s power is beyond my greatest imagination. “For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.” With faith all things are possible, mountains can be moved, sins can be forgiven, and our lives can be saved.

Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us when we doubt. Let us put our faith in You, and Your loving and saving grace. Cleanse us, and free us from our sins. As You have forgiven us, let us forgive others. As You have called us to know You, let us help others hear that call. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
294 Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh294.sht

The blessing of God Almighty, the wisdom and power of Christ Jesus, and the light of the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.