Life is a reflection of our deepest loyalties, shaping how we think, speak, and act. Whether it's politics, beliefs, or ideologies, our allegiances shape us.
Our lives are shaped by what we hold dear. Whether consciously or not, our actions align with our beliefs, forming patterns that guide our interactions. However, this can lead to division, tribalism, and being over and against each other.
But this isn't the life God intended for us. In Paul's letter to the first-century followers of Jesus in Corinth, he reminds them that true life is found in Jesus' sacrifice of love on the cross. Yet, the Corinthian church was divided, each faction claiming allegiance to something over and above Christ.
Paul's message is clear: the essence of Christianity lies in the self-emptying love of Jesus. Anything else empties the cross of its power. Just as the Corinthians were shaped by allegiances other than Christ, so too are we at risk of being molded by allegiance to something other than Christ.
So, what prevents you from being poured-out like Jesus? This question challenges us to reassess our allegiances and align our lives with the transformative power of Christ's sacrificial love. Only then can we be shaped away from division and experience unity in Christ.
(Re-)reflect on this call of discipleship to Jesus with this song from this past Sunday…
Below you will find other CCC updates and resources for participating in the body of Christ over the coming weeks.
See you Sunday if not before then!
This Sunday: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
This Sunday, April 14th, we'll continue reflecting on the first chapters of 1 Corinthians. We'll be focusing on the importance of following God's Spirit to become a sanctified (holy) and united (wholly) body of Christ. May we be ready to hear from God and obey His guidance as we reflect on the wisdom He shared with the Corinthian church through the Apostle Paul long ago.
Who is your one? Throughout Jesus' life, he exemplified living for God beyond the weekly Jewish gatherings at the synagogue. He interacted with people daily, such as meeting a woman at the well, visiting Zacchaeus' house, and mourning with Mary and Martha after Lazarus' death. Jesus demonstrated living the life of God one person at a time.
The Bible promises that where two or more gather in Jesus' name, God's presence is there. As followers of Jesus, we're called to emulate his example. This includes practicing the principles of community found in the New Testament letters, known as the "one-anothers."
To better live out the life of God between Sundays, we can connect with fellow believers throughout the week. While it may be tempting to postpone interactions until the next Sunday gathering, our modern culture often disrupts regular attendance due to work, travel, or other commitments.
While we can't change our culture entirely, we can control how we engage with one another during the week. Checking in with fellow believers is within our power. So, this week, who will you reach out to? When you gather in Jesus' name with that person, God's presence is there, and His life is manifested. Who is your one?
YouTube.com/@cccimpactkids
New resource for families. Recently the Little Impact (PreK-1st*) and Big Impact (1st*-5th) programming got a refresh. You can see what the new experience is like by clicking the image above. Families are encouraged to subscribe to the channel, as we hope the CCC Impact Kids Youtube channel allows parents and kids to revisit and guide kids in further conversation and thought about the activities, songs, stories, and lessons between Sundays.
How did you view the eclipse? Share in the comment section below, or comment on the video above.