In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 the Apostle Paul explained that the wisdom of God, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all its benefits, is only revealed by the Holy Spirit and results in spiritual discernment. Likewise, if we would understand the wisdom of God and practice spiritual discernment, which results in unity in the body of Christ, then we must depend on the Holy Spirit who reveals God's wisdom.

Joseph, and Mary along with him, returned to Bethlehem, his ancestral home, in order to take part in a census. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in a manger. In these verses we see the meaning of Christmas, the meaning of Jesus's birth that we all should hold as our most cherished Christmas memory. Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!"

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul recounted for the Corinthian believers just how he had first preached the word of the cross to them in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Looking at this passage we can clearly discern what faithful preaching sounds like so we can tell the difference between it and fine-sounding speeches that are not much more than empty entertainment.

If we are apart of the foolish group according to the world's perspective that has believed the wisdom of God, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then at least two things happen: (1) We are humbled and (2) Jesus is exalted. Our contemplation of this passage leads to same conclusion as that of the Apostle Paul - all our boasting should only be in the Lord.

In Revelation 19:1-5 we see the inhabitants of Heaven praising God for His judgment. We believers, small and great alike, praise God for many things - His holiness, His justice, His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. We ought to praise Him for His judgment as well.

Starting in 1 Corinthians 1:18 Paul began to lay out the Word of the cross and its wisdom - a wisdom that is foolishness to the world but is saving and unifying for those who are called to believe. As we'll see as we study along, the Word of the cross is wisdom from God that erases the dividing lines between us.

Paul wrote these verses (and really all the verses that follow in this letter) to unite the divided Corinthian church by reminding them that only Jesus is worthy of their ultimate allegiance. If we would be a united body of believers, then the same is true for us. We must remember that only Jesus is worthy of our ultimate allegiance. As we understand this and trust and pursue Him we will find ourselves being knit closer and closer together as a church body.

In this second part of his opening greeting, the Apostle Paul, in verses 4-9, expressed his genuine thanks to God for God's grace in the life of the Corinthian church; a grace displayed in their spiritual gifts and eternal security in Christ Jesus. However, in this greeting Paul continues to establish the foundation for the rest of his letter as he establishes three threads that will weave throughout his letter. These three threads tell us a lot about what a healthy church truly looks like today.

In these three verses Paul greeted the Corinthians and laid the foundation for the rest of the letter. As we'll see, these are important verses for us if we'll slow down and pay attention. They remind us that we all belong to God and by His Word He alone determines how we should live.

Jesus wrote to the church in Ephesus calling them to return to their first love – Him. As we look at this letter we’ll see that even a church with a lot going for it must keep love for Jesus at the center.