We find in an Old Testament book a collection of sermons given during the last month of an old man’s life. In it we find his last words, his last statement to those who were in desperate need of the truth. They had been through a lot and needed encouragement and direction. If his message could be summed up in one word, one statement, it would be this: A Call To Remembrance. The preacher set before them life and death, and pleads with them to choose life that they might live.

The magi from the east traveled a great distance bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King of Kings. They were excited when they finally found Jesus, rejoicing exceedingly when the star they followed stood over the place where Jesus laid. Scholars surmise many things regarding the wise men, the star, the distance they traveled etc. But one thing is for certain. The King takes center stage, and the story is all about Him.

Several times in the New Testament the Apostle Paul calls the churches to imitate him. Most athletes look to someone to model their game after, and as Christians we do well to do the same. Ultimately, Christ is our aim and giving up everything in pursuit of Him is the most noble and worthy cause.

Idolatry was rampant in the Roman Empire in the 1st Century. Pagans that were turning to Christ were tempted to go back to the same practices that they engaged in before. Could feasting in the idol temple really jeopardize one’s faith? Isn’t it just a dumb idol? Feasting with old friends and offering a sacrifice to a wooden pole isn’t hurting anybody is it? Surely the Corinthians asked questions like these as they justified their erroneous actions. The Apostle Paul exhorts them to flee sin, seek edification, and glorify God in all things.

Some years ago a popular pastor told his congregation that Christians need to “unhitch” themselves from the Old Testament. His plea to his church and his listening audience was to put their focus mainly on Jesus and the New Testament because that Old Testament can’t really be trusted. Truth is satan loves to live in the realm of half-truths. Pointing people to Jesus, while telling them to avoid His words in the Old Testament, is actually turning people away from Christ. The Apostle Paul implores the Corinthian church to not be ignorant of the Old Testament. They must study it, know it, and learn from it so they don’t fall in the same way ancient Israel fell.

The Apostle Paul lets us peer into his heart as he gives several reasons why he’s foregoing his rights in the gospel. He voluntarily served the church in many ways, and yet he said he will receive his wages. What are those wages? He goes into details as he explains the paradoxes of his life. Winning for Paul was everything, and he shows us his seemingly unconventional way of attaining that goal.

In Revelation 5:5 Jesus is referred to as, …”the Lion from the tribe of Judah.” Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Jesus is both the lion and the lamb, humble and courageous, gentle and fearless. As Christians we do well to learn from Him and emulate Him. Balancing boldness and gentleness is no easy task. It requires much prayer and continual submission to the Holy Spirit. May the Lord grant His Church wisdom to be courageous and meek before Him in these last days.

The Apostle Paul continues on into 1st Corinthians Ch. 9 with the theme of Christian freedoms. The scene has the feel of a courtroom setting. Arguments ensue as the Apostle hammers the church with questions. They have withheld what was rightly owed to him, and their mouths have been stopped. What is the Apostle’s response? He gives an unforgettable answer that surely leaves most scratching their heads.

The Apostle Peter in his final letter shares several crucial reminders for Christians living in the last days. His warnings culminate at the end of his letter with the warning of the great and terrible day of the Lord. A day in which the heavens, the earth, and ungodly will all be destroyed. In light of all these things Peter asks the question, “What sort of people ought you to be?

The Apostle Paul dives into the topic of Christian liberties as he introduces the topic of food sacrificed to idols. The Corinthians had knowledge in this area, but because it was void of love they once again were puffed up with pride. Paul implores the church to go the extra mile and show concern and care for the weaker brother among them. The applications of the text are numerous, and found underneath them all is one word—love.