New Testament | 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Grace and Peace by Joel Sczebel

Lyrics:
Grace and peace oh how can this be
For lawbreakers and thieves
For the worthless the least
You have said that our judgment is death
For all eternity without hope without rest

Oh what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me

Grace and peace oh how can this be
The matchless King of all
Paid the blood price for me
Slaughtered Lamb what atonement You bring
The vilest sinner's heart
Can be cleansed can be free

Grace and peace oh how can this be
Let songs of gratefulness
Ever rise never cease
Loved by God and called as a saint
My heart is satisfied
In the riches of Christ

Oh what an amazing love I see
What an amazing love I see
That Your grace has come to me

Passage:
1 Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother:

2 To the church of God at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours.

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. 6 In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
(1 Corinthians 1:1-9 CSB17)

Musical Reflection:
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (DIVINUM MYSTERIUM)

Reflection Notes:
This meterless hymn flows freely, a clear indicator of its plainchant origins. The rich text by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius was a response to the Council of Nicea in the early Church; it establishes belief in the Trinity and Christ’s nature as fully man and fully God.

Prayer:
Merciful Lord, the comforter and teacher of your faithful people, increase in your church the desires which you have given, and confirm the hearts of those who hope in you by enabling them to understand the depth of your promises, that all your adopted children may even now behold, with the eyes of faith, and patiently wait for, the light which as yet you do not openly manifest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Ambrose