"...and now I will show you the most excellent way."
Jesus stated that His followers would be known by their love for each other, yet if we were honest that is not the reputation we typically earn. We gossip and ridicule. We become angry and resentful. We can be demanding and defiant. Our ambitions and fears get the better of us turning our churches, communities, and social media feeds into battlefields. We are known for our conflicts.
The church in Corinth experienced conflicts as well; dividing and damaging the church in a variety of different ways. The Apostle Paul writes to them to address the rising conflicts taking a moment to pen these words, “…and yet I will show you the most excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31b, NIV) This way is the path forward for a church in conflict and a people in crisis. It is our way forward and our way through.
“The Most Excellent Way” is a 13-week small group devotional that explores Paul’s aspirational words to the church in Corinth. Each week, we will explore a thought from 1 Corinthians 13 unpacking its challenging and inspiring implications for our churches and our communities.
As a personal devotional this will encourage introspection and self- discovery. Our hope is that these readings and reflections will turn into life altering conversations with family and friends.
This devotional is ideal for group reflection and discussion. These don't have to be formal small groups. Explore these readings with your family or with your friends.
Sign ups available August 22, 2021.
The devotional is not exclusive to New Hope Community Church in Aptos, CA. Other churches are welcome to join us in rediscovering the invitation to becoming a community known by our love.
Each week’s devotion will be available on Sundays at Noon Pacific starting on September 12, 2021 and concluding the week of December 12, 2021.
Jesus stated that His followers would be known by their love for each other, yet if we were honest that is not the reputation we typically earn.
It can be easy for us to hide our true selves—our intentions and motivations—behind our words claiming to be someone we are not, to be better than we are, or more innocent.
When we succeed, whether natural or spiritual, it can be easy for us to buy in to the idea that we are something simply because of what we can do.
There is an impulse within our churches to solicit donations and volunteers by appealing to self-interest.
This section of 1 Corinthians 13 is often read in the context of marriage, yet this is describing a church, a community of Jesus followers.
Generations of Christians—and humans in general—have embraced ambitions to attain wealth, power, and influence.
We harbor resentments and bitterness towards our political, economic, and military competitors. Yet none of this is what love does.
Churches and other organizations have struggled with scandals of abuse and exploitation…defending abusers and vilifying victims.
Love shapes our perspective, our attitude, and our behavior toward others.
This thought is reminiscent of the reflections on what really matters…what really lasts.
None of us see ourselves clearly whether as individuals, a church, or a community.
Our lives are filled with conflicts and competition for control.
Jesus stated the two greatest commandments as essentially, “Love God” and “Love your neighbor.”
We will be hosting in-person and online small groups that will be going through this 13-week devotional. If you are interested, sign ups begin August 22!
Keep the conversation going on social media using the hashtags:
Campus Pastor: Ed Delfin
Administrative Pastor: Cisco Lopez
Author: Scott Olson Jr
Website/Graphic Design: Scott Olson Jr
Promotional Image: Erik Tangke/Pixabay
Have a question? Do you have a prayer request? Need help or guidance? Whatever you need, we are here to listen.
We would love to hear from you!
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