But to those called by God to salvation,
both Jews and Gentiles,
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
This foolish plan of God
is wiser than the wisest of human plans,
and God’s weakness is stronger
than the greatest of human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:24-25
The message of the cross
is foolish to those who are headed for destruction!
But we who are being saved
know it is the very power of God.
As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”
So where does this leave the philosophers,
the scholars,
and the world’s brilliant debaters?
God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.
Since God in his wisdom saw to it
that the world would never know him
through human wisdom…
1 Corinthians 1:18-21
Now you have every spiritual gift you need
as you eagerly wait for the return
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you strong to the end
so that you will be free from all blame
on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
God will do this,
for he is faithful to do what he says,
and he has invited you into partnership with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:7-9
I pray that God, the source of hope,
will fill you completely with joy and peace
because you trust in him.
Then you will overflow with confident hope
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
…the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement
as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
May God,
who gives this patience and encouragement,
help you live in complete harmony with each other,
as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.
Then all of you can join together with one voice,
giving praise and glory to God,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:4-6
…we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
For the Scriptures say,
“‘As surely as I live,’
says the Lord,
‘every knee will bend to me,
and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’”
Yes,
each of us will give a personal account to God.
Romans 14:10-11
Bless those who persecute you.
Don’t curse them;
pray that God will bless them.
Never pay back evil with more evil…
Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry,
feed them.
If they are thirsty,
give them something to drink.
In doing this,
you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you,
but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:14, 17, 20-21
Rejoice in our confident hope.
Be patient in trouble,
and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12
Don’t just pretend to love others.
Really love them.
Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection,
and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10
In his grace,
God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…
If your gift is to encourage others,
be encouraging…
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others,
do it gladly.
Romans 12:6, 8
