Encounter the Truth

Jesus has surprising praise for an unlikely role model: the dishonest manager. But in the surprise of what Jesus has to say, we learn a key lesson about money: its very best use in this world is to invest in people and make friends for eternity.

The Lord has entrusted us with resources and opportunities to use fruitfully while we await his return. Jesus has a stark warning for those who would use those things for personal indulgence rather than fruitful service. We need to keep in mind the reality of his return when we consider how we use that which he has given us. ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

The Lord has entrusted us with resources and opportunities to use fruitfully while we await his return. Jesus has a stark warning for those who would use those things for personal indulgence rather than fruitful service. We need to keep in mind the reality of his return when we consider how we use that which he has given us. ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

One of the ways that money grabs hold of our heart is through fear—fear of the future, fear of not having enough. Jesus tells us that the Father cares for us, and we have no need to worry. Instead of fixating on money, we need to train our heart to seek his kingdom first and invest ourselves there.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Money is not a bad thing, but coveting money is terribly dangerous. Jesus warns us against longing for money and placing our confidence in the abundance of money. At the final day, worldly wealth will not help us—only “riches toward God”. We must be on our guard, and learn contentment with what we have.

Here Paul is using the imagery of a building to teach us about the way in which the church of Jesus Christ is constructed. He wants us to see that care is needed at every stage and that only the finest materials will do. The quality and integrity of God’s building—the church—matters immensely to God himself. He will hold every worker to account for the work they do on his building.

Here Paul is using the imagery of a building to teach us about the way in which the church of Jesus Christ is constructed. He wants us to see that care is needed at every stage and that only the finest materials will do. The quality and integrity of God’s building—the church—matters immensely to God himself. He will hold every worker to account for the work they do on his building.

At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul calls the Corinthians "people of the flesh and infants in Christ"—a stinging rebuke. We need to ask ourselves the question of whether or not these words could possibly apply to us. Here in these verses, Paul will show us first the peril of an unspiritual view of Christian ministry. Having highlighted the danger, he will then paint for us a portrait of...

At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul calls the Corinthians "people of the flesh and infants in Christ"—a stinging rebuke. We need to ask ourselves the question of whether or not these words could possibly apply to us. Here in these verses, Paul will show us first the peril of an unspiritual view of Christian ministry. Having highlighted the danger, he will then paint for us a portrait of...

The wisdom of God displayed in the cross of Christ is not something that we can understand on our own. We need the Spirit of God to open our eyes and to give us insight. This means we should be unsurprised if the message of the cross makes little sense to others. And it means that if you are struggling to make sense of the gospel, you should ask God to help you by his Spirit to see and understand.

The wisdom of God displayed in the cross of Christ is not something that we can understand on our own. We need the Spirit of God to open our eyes and to give us insight. This means we should be unsurprised if the message of the cross makes little sense to others. And it means that if you are struggling to make sense of the gospel, you should ask God to help you by his Spirit to see and understand.

Many people assume that a powerful ministry will be based on powerful rhetoric. Paul says “no”. A powerful ministry is based on a powerful message – the proclamation of Jesus Christ and him crucified. If we would see God’s power released and people come to true and saving faith, we need to be devoted to proclaiming and hearing the clear, exclusive, and faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ and him...

Many people assume that a powerful ministry will be based on powerful rhetoric. Paul says “no”. A powerful ministry is based on a powerful message – the proclamation of Jesus Christ and him crucified. If we would see God’s power released and people come to true and saving faith, we need to be devoted to proclaiming and hearing the clear, exclusive, and faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ and him...

Most of us Christians are not impressive people in the eyes of the world. That is true today; it was true in Paul’s day. But this is not some failure on the part of the gospel or the church. This is, in fact, God’s plan and design. God chose ordinary people to display his salvation so that none of us could brag about our achievements – and so that all eyes would be drawn to Jesus.

Most of us Christians are not impressive people in the eyes of the world. That is true today; it was true in Paul’s day. But this is not some failure on the part of the gospel or the church. This is, in fact, God’s plan and design. God chose ordinary people to display his salvation so that none of us could brag about our achievements – and so that all eyes would be drawn to Jesus.

The preaching of the gospel is not impressive to the world. Quite the opposite. But the wisdom of the message of the cross is greater than the wisdom of any worldly philosophy – and the power of the message is unmatched. The world may think us fools for our devotion to this message, but Paul wants us to know that this message is the message that saves and transforms lives.

The preaching of the gospel is not impressive to the world. Quite the opposite. But the wisdom of the message of the cross is greater than the wisdom of any worldly philosophy – and the power of the message is unmatched. The world may think us fools for our devotion to this message, but Paul wants us to know that this message is the message that saves and transforms lives.

It is so easy for us to become fixated on a particular Christian leader and teacher that we end up divided from other believers who choose another leader to follow or listen to. Personality cults can easily form, and divisions grow. It happens today – and it happened in the ancient church. Paul points us back to basics. Jesus cannot be divided, and so nor can his church. Faithful Christian leaders...

It is so easy for us to become fixated on a particular Christian leader and teacher that we end up divided from other believers who choose another leader to follow or listen to. Personality cults can easily form, and divisions grow. It happens today – and it happened in the ancient church. Paul points us back to basics. Jesus cannot be divided, and so nor can his church. Faithful Christian leaders...

These opening verses are stunning and remarkable in what they say about flawed and failing Christians. The church at Corinth is a mess, and ungodliness abounds. But the believers there are “sanctified” and will be sustained guiltless until the end. There is deep comfort here for flawed and failing disciples.

These opening verses are stunning and remarkable in what they say about flawed and failing Christians. The church at Corinth is a mess, and ungodliness abounds. But the believers there are “sanctified” and will be sustained guiltless until the end. There is deep comfort here for flawed and failing disciples.

The empty tomb speaks of victory – of salvation won – of mission accomplished. It also speaks of a fresh start for the failed disciples. Jesus promises to meet them once again in Galilee, where the journey began. Here is hope for the flawed and failing – the risen Jesus calls us to follow him in forgiveness and new life.

The empty tomb speaks of victory – of salvation won – of mission accomplished. It also speaks of a fresh start for the failed disciples. Jesus promises to meet them once again in Galilee, where the journey began. Here is hope for the flawed and failing – the risen Jesus calls us to follow him in forgiveness and new life.