Jan 01 2008
A Resolution Worth Keeping
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
(1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV)
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If the apostle Paul ever made a New Year’s resolution, I suspect it was similar to the one made here, where he resolved to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
Paul’s message was radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. That means it’s not Christ plus your good behavior, not Christ plus the years you taught a Bible study, not Christ plus your tithe, not Christ plus the church you attend.
It’s not Christ plus the number of verses you memorize, not Christ plus your title in the church, not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar, not Christ plus a desert fast – or even a dessert fast!
It’s not Christ plus a good driving record, not Christ plus well-behaved children, not Christ plus your newly shined shoes, not Christ plus the right job, not Christ plus the right spouse, not Christ plus a college education, not Christ plus the latest technology.
It’s simply Christ. Christ plus nothing. That’s our message in this still-new millennium, and it’s a message that is as right throughout 2008 as it will be in 2999. May your New Year’s resolution be nothing but Christ and him crucified.
What does this mean?
· Jesus plus nothing equals salvation.
· Check your beliefs – Is there something you think you need to do or achieve to be fully accepted by God? Are you adding to that Scripture, changing it to say, “I resolve to know nothing except Jesus and …?”
· Pray through this verse – “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV) Ask God to teach you this year to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.
By Jon Walker
Wow … that’s exactly what I needed to hear !! Nice message for the New Year. Thank you Jesus for my salvation !!
In Christ,
Leah in Los Angeles
Thank you for always sending me these awesome devotionals, I can honestly say the Lord has blessed me with stumbling upon this site a year ago. Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart.
Although we don’t need “credit” for those good deeds for salvation, we are still called to do them. “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethern, that you do unto me.”
We were made to know, love and serve God in this world and the next, so we are called to teach, convert, help, comfort, preach, tithe and do God’s work on earth. Our salvation has been earned for us through Jesus Christ, and we honor Him by doing His work on earth.
Really great message! =] Thanks so much.
Cooper in LA
Perfect verse for the new year.
What a good way to begin this season of New Beginnings.Praise God!!
Amazing…..These were my thoughts for 2008 as I anticipate the days that will unfold in this coming year. I am thankful for my salvation. And I also resolve to know nothing except Christ Jesus!!
Looking forward to have another happy new year in Christ Jesus!!
In Christ,
Ann in Florida
I feel so blessed to be able to see 2008. The Lord has been good to me and my family over the years. I feel honored He has allowed me to be here so that I may do whatever He has for me to do. I look forward to the challenges ahead. May 2008 be a year of peace and happiness for everyone.
Thank You so much for these wonderful devotionals you send out. I so needed this message today.
God Bless You in 2008,
Stephanie in Freezing Florida
I agree with this to an extent, but the message is misleading. All of these things are done to live (or try) as Christ-like followers. To say that we “do not need to do such things” is to say that we may live as we wish if we simply follow Christ. I’m sure we would all agree that there are many people in the world who live absolutely awful lives and claim that it is in Christ’s name.
Just a thought.