Not Of Own Imagination!

People have brought about things that began in their own imaginations. They have come up with that which their heart has desired. Such has even become the basis of religion. However, that is not the basis of Christianity as revealed in the Scriptures. It is not man's gospel, but the Lord's. ( Galatians 1:11-12) As Paul exhorted the Corinthians, reminding them of the manner in which he had shared the Gospel (good news) of Jesus with them, he made it clear that the basis of his teaching was not his own lofty words and wisdom. He had kept the message simply focused on "Jesus Christ and him crucified." ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-2) Paul was not trying to develop a group of "Paulites", but bring all he taught to faith and life in Christ Jesus. Therefore, the power of the message was not in himself, but in the truth of the message accompanied by a demonstration of the power of God's Holy Spirit so that their faith would not rest on man's wisdom, but on God's power. ( 1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Then, beginning by quoting from Isaiah 64:4, Paul went on to state. . .
"(9) But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM' -- (10) these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." ( 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 ESV)

The fulfillment of our salvation in Christ -- and the life to be lived in Him now and for eternity -- is not based on what man had seen, heard, or imagined, but rather on what God had in mind to bring about "before the ages for our glory." ( 1 Corinthians 2:7; see also Ephesians 1:4) The coming of Christ into the world to give Himself for our sins was not God's plan B, but what everything else had been working and pointing toward all along. (note 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:10-12) God needs no back up plan. Though we may recognize stages (or steps) in what God was bringing about, He had one plan with its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. May our life rest not on man's plans, but rather the plan of God!

Have a great day OPEN TO GOD'S PLAN AND THE BLESSINGS IT BRINGS!
Carl

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