​Week 34, Day 3

​Week 34, Day 3
August 24, 2022
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1
 
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21–22)
 
Paul’s concluding word in his previous letter gets a double-down and encouragement.
 
We stand firm in Christ. We can do that now, because Christ has anointed us, sealed us with ownership and his Spirit is in us.
 
Friends, one of the most important aspects of our walk with Christ is knowing that he is in us, and he has sealed us with his ownership. I am deeply comforted by these truths laid out for us so simply.
 
So much of my life I have felt like it is up to myself, and personal strength to stand firm. Standing firm for what I believe, standing firm for the truth, standing firm for what is right! All of that is so overwhelming. Especially when we face trials and temptations. It seems impossible to endure on our own. Yet there is this comforting word to us, that teaches us that Christ is in us, His Spirit is at work in us, and we are not our own. We belong to Christ.
 
Suddenly, the standing firm doesn’t seem as daunting when you belong to Jesus.
 
There was this incredible moment on America’s Got Talent this season. Every season, there are what are famously known as “Golden Buzzer’s.” It’s when the judges hit a button and emotional music plays and people’s lives are changed forever.
 
Avery Dixon received the Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews. You can watch the special moment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TOysi_1INs
 
After Avery Dixon’s incredible performance playing the saxophone, the judges begin deliberating. Terry Crews comes over to the judging area and shares:
 
“I want to tell you man. You’ve been bullied all your life. But you tell every bully that you have a big brother named Terry Crews, who is here, and who’s got your back! And all those bullies are going to have to watch you succeed, my friend!” That’s the moment my tears start flowing. I love it.
 
Terry Crews is 250 pounds of muscle, and I would love it if he were my big brother looking out for me.
 
Paul is teaching us that the Golden Buzzer was hit for you when you gave your life to Christ. I want to tell you friend, that you have a brother in Jesus Christ. And you can stand firm, all the way until the end, because he is with you and laid down his life for you. The bullies we’ve known as evil, death, suffering, sin, shame – all the bullies of life that we all face, well they are going to have to go through Jesus. He loves you and has your back! He’s more than 250 pounds of muscle. He’s the King of Kings, Lord of Lord’s and all our hope is in him.
 
Love you. Stand firm.
 
Jordan