In eodem sensu | United

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." - 1 Corinthians 1:10 

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In this verse, Paul makes a plea to the believers in Corinth to pursue unity. He appeals not in his own authority, but “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". As next verses explain, the church in Corinth was deeply fractured by quarrels and statements on following different leaders. Paul, asking rhetorically "Is Christ divided?", recognized that these divisions undermine the very message of the Gospel.

Unity does not mean uniformity in every opinion or preference. Rather, Paul calls for a shared commitment to the core truth of the faith - the Cross of Christ and a Christ-centered perspective. He urges the believers to be "united in the same mind and the same judgment,” pointing toward a posture of humility and mutual love.

This message is just as relevant today as it was then. We live in the world full of divisions - both within and outside the Church. We easily become divided by politics, preferences, or personalities. Paul's words invite us to reflect on our own role in building or breaking unity. Do we prioritize love and understanding over being right or being heard? Do we seek reconciliation when conflict arises, or do we let it deepen, or even fuel it with our words and actions? Are we contributing to unity in our churches, workplaces or families—or are we adding to division through pride, gossip or unforgiveness? Unity begins in small choices: choosing to listen with empathy, resisting the urge to speak harshly, and placing Christ above personal agendas. 

Each of us can play a role in building unity and peace in our environments. After all, we all belong to the One and the same Christ. And by being the advocates of unity and peace we can also become more truly Gospel witnesses.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 by Agata Wierzbowska

(Listen to podcast here)

Deus Pacis | The God of peace

And the God of peace will be crushing Satan under your feet before long. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you – Romans 16:20

 

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Romans 16:17-27 are the apostle Paul’s final words of this epistle. A person’s final words often reveal what is really important to that person. The apostle Paul’s closing words in the epistle to the Romans emphasize things of vital importance.

His conclusion begins with a word of warning, as he warns of those who would seek to twist the truths he has taught in this epistle (verses 17-20). He then includes greetings of those with him in Corinth (verses 21-23). Finally, in verses 25-27, Paul closes with that we should glorify God. "God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

The apostle Paul reminds us that our God is a "God of peace" (Romans 16:20). No matter what happens currently in the world, we should always remember that. The term "God of peace" is used in the Scriptures, mainly by the apostle Paul. He uses it in several of his letters, including Romans 15:33, 16:20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

As we hear about wars every day, we also read about wars in the Scriptures. Revelation 12:17: ‘’And the dragon was angry with the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her seed, who keep the orders of God, and the witness of Jesus”.  Although the dragon is trying to destroy Israel and those who keep the orders of God, this is an encouragement for us as believers, to remain strong in our faith. As we read in Revelation 17:14 “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

The apostle Paul also refers to God as the "Lord of peace" in 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all”.

Reflection on Romans 16:17 – 27 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)

Dei Virtus | The power of God

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God - 1 Corinthians 1:24.

Where does your power come from? Are you powerful, or are you weak and fragile? Do you know how to solve your problems? Do you have enough wisdom? Are you prudent, or do you feel powerless in many situations? If you feel this way, you need to listen carefully to the words of the Letter to the Corinthians.

As a Christian, your power should come from the Lord Jesus. His Holy Spirit should strengthen you in every moment of your life. Even your weakness can become your strength through divine grace. Even your foolishness can be enlightened from heaven. As St. Paul reminds us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Don't look for wisdom in bestselling books, but in the Holy Scriptures. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). You are a child of God even if you are not wise by human standards. You are His child even if you are not of noble birth. As Scripture tells us, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

You are chosen from the world to shame its wisdom. You are chosen from the world to shame its strength. "God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).

You don't need to boast before God, but love Him with your whole heart and mind, as Jesus commanded: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). You are in Jesus Christ, who becomes for you "wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Therefore, "let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31), for in Him we find everything we need for life and godliness. 

Reflection on 1 Cor 1: 19-31 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Help | Assista

I commend to you sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. - Romans 16:1-2

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Brother and sister in Christ.  "A debt of gold can be repaid, a debt of character is under death".  The proverb above tell us how to remember the kindness of people to us. How we are doing good things as fellow servants of God.

In Roman 16: 1-2, Paul ask to receive Phoebe and give her help. It is described, as a servant of God , we must serve each other and take care each other.  These are the signs that we are truly the witnesses of God, filled with holy spirit.

Let's help and serve one another in God's work so that our lives become a blessing to others.

Reflection on Romans 16: 1-16 by Florence

Propter gratiam | Because of the grace

Nevertheless on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:15-16

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Paul's Reason for Writing So Bold

14 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 Nevertheless on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. 20 Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written."Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand."

Reflecting on Romans 15:14-21, focus verses 15-16. As the only believer in my family, I really need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to witness to my pre-believing family of the reality of God's Grace in my life. Thus, I cling on to the promises in 2 Pet 3:9: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I will close my brief sharing with this song from Steve Green. May the Almighty God give our ministry & faith the spiritual wings to touch the lives of pre-believers in our midst, who truly need the LORD as personal LORD and Saviour. 

People Need The LORD 

Verse 1 

Everyday they pass me by 

I can see it in their eyes 

Empty people filled with care 

Headed who knows where 

Verse 2 

On they go through private pain

Living fear to fear 

Laughter hides their silent cries 

Only Jesus hears 

Chorus 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord 

At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord 

When will we realize people need the Lord? 

Verse 3 

We are called to take His light

To a world where wrong seems right 

What could be too great a cost 

For sharing life with one who's lost? 

Verse 4 

Through His love our hearts can feel 

All the grief they bear 

They must hear the words of life 

Only we can share 

Ending Chorus 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord 

At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door 

People need the Lord, people need the Lord 

When will we realize that we must give our lives? 

For people need the Lord, people need the Lord 

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1uZcGaixMhg?si=4yDKIK8Qpwu2FxHK

Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Greg Nelson / Phill Mchugh

 

People Need the Lord lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group

Reflection on Romans 15:14-21 by Chris Tan