1 Cor 3:11
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.❤️

In 1 Cor 3 Paul gave wise counsel to the church in Corinth about laying a foundation that would stand the “test” which would “reveal the quality of each man’s work”.

How often do we find churches and ministers of God operating in the flesh rather than by and through the grace of Jesus Christ?

Grace is unmerited favor that cannot be earned.  Grace is pardon and forgiveness when we do not deserve it. Grace is the bedrock of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we lose sight of grace we become like the Sadducees  and  Pharisees who missed the teachings of Jesus–or  people seeking signs and power without first establishing a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus Christ. The Pharisees were unable to recognize Jesus even when he was standing right in front of them! Their eyes were blinded by their pride,  flesh, legalism and rituals. They rejected the simple message of forgiveness, mercy and love because they  were proud, arrogant and self righteous.

Isn’t it interesting that a knowledge of God isn’t enough to place you in a right relationship with God? Witnessing miracles isn’t enough either. Only by RECEIVING the GRACE of Jesus–that same grace JESUS died on the cross for–the grace that rescued us from the dominion of darkness–WILL WE WALK IN TRUE FREEDOM, MERCY and LOVE. Hallelujah! (Rom 9:23; Titus 3:3-7; Eph 2:4-8).

Here is the problem: if we take our eyes off of the grace of Jesus Christ we lose sight of the heart of the Father who sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins  on the cross (John 3:16) SO THAT we could be forgiven of our sins–WHILE WE WERE TRAPPED IN SIN.  No amount of good behavior, righteous living, “head” knowledge or manifestations of God’s power is enough to transform us from fallen sinful fleshy human beings into “SONS” of God!

We must FIRST build a foundation of GRACE through FAITH  and THEN grow from glory to glory!

1 Cor 3:10-23
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

According to the GRACE of God which was given to me, as a wise builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it.

***DON’T MISS THIS…

BUT EACH MAN MUST BE CAREFUL HOW HE BUILDS UPON IT.

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Let’s stop there for a moment–|
Jesus and His GRACE is the foundation from which all other fruits and power will flow!! Jesus died to set us free from the law of sin and death–where there is now NO CONDEMNATION. (Rom 8:1)

V13 Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire and the fire itself will TEST the quality of each man’s work.

V 21-23 SO THEN LET NO MAN BOAST in MEN. For all things belong to YOU, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you,
and YOU BELONG TO CHRIST; and CHRIST BELONGS TO GOD.

YES LORD!! All things belong to YOU! We belong to you and we offer up ourselves as “living sacrifices” for your GLORY!

Thank you Jesus for your AMAZING GRACE that SET US FREE!

Power flows from relationship. Help us to rest in YOU Lord Jesus, that you may fill us up to overflow  with your mercy, grace and unfailing LOVE!  Let us not be people who witness miracles and yet still refuse to repent! (Matt 11:20).

Help us Lord to lay a strong foundation of GRACE through FAITH FROM WHICH your SALVATION, miracles, Holy Spirit power, healing and deliverance will FLOW like  a MIGHTY RIVER; like streams in the desert, flowing for YOUR Glory!!

Grace and Peace,
Ashley