Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study in 5 days. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea exposes what happens when leadership fails, and hearts drift from covenant loyalty. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you by mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Doug & Jena Martin from East Earl, PA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:10-12.

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. — 1 Corinthians 16:10-12

Paul closes his letter with another reminder:

"When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you… for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am."

Timothy was much younger. More timid than Paul. Not flashy, as educated, smooth, and a master of debate like Paul.

And this is critical to note because Corinth loved impressive leaders.

Knowing this, Paul commands something that goes against the culture of Corinth: Do not despise him.

For "seasoned" believers, spiritual maturity shows up in how you treat those coming behind you—especially young, aspiring leaders who are still finding their footing.

They may not be as charismatic. They may not yet carry influence. They may not speak with polished confidence. But if they are faithful, they need older believers who will steady them, defend them, and invest in them.

Timothy was one of those younger workers who was "doing the work of the Lord." Not much is ever said about his style or the strength of his personality. But he was known for being faithful.

Then Paul mentions Apollos. Apollos was different. Eloquent. Strong. Capable. And Paul leaned on him differently:

"I strongly urged him… but it was not at all his will to come now."

Notice Paul's strong will and humility combined as the "seasoned" leader. There is no rivalry. No insecurity. No control. Just mutual respect in the work of Christ, with the strong encouragement for him to return to Corinth.

The Corinthians had a history of dividing over leaders because of their immaturity. Remember, this is one of the first issues Paul addressed in this letter. "Some follow Paul." "Some follow Apollos." But Paul ends the letter by modeling something better. Honor faithful servants. Refuse personality cults. Reject leader worship.

Here's why.

The church does not need more celebrity. It already has a risen Lord. What it needs are older believers who will refuse cynicism, reject comparison, and actively champion the next generation of faithful workers.

DO THIS:

Identify one younger believer or leader in your church and intentionally encourage them this week. Speak specific words of affirmation and, if appropriate, offer your guidance and support.

ASK THIS:

1. Am I investing in the next generation—or merely critiquing it?
2. Have I withheld encouragement because someone does not lead the way I would?
3. Am I actively strengthening younger leaders who quietly labor in the Lord?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, guard my heart from cynicism and comparison. Teach me to champion younger leaders with wisdom and humility, strengthening those who are doing your work. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"The Servant King"

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study and move into the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea reveals what happens when a nation confuses comfort with covenant faithfulness. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to David Luna from Frisco, TX. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:5-9.

I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians 16:5-9

How do you know when God is opening a door? Paul says something about this that is pretty striking today:

"A wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

We often assume God opens the door to ease. Paul assumes the opposite— opposition. This means a "wide-open door" does not always mean comfort. Wide-open opportunity in the kingdom often invites resistance.

Notice the theology beneath this statement.

The door has opened because God did it. But on the otherside the adversaries are real. Open doors, even wide open ones, do not remove enemies. They often reveal them.

And Paul does not refuse the door because opposition appears. He walks through it because the opportunity is substantial.

This is mature discernment. Providence is not measured by comfort. Faithfulness is not determined by the absence of difficulty. Sometimes the clearest sign you are in the will of God is that resistance increases.

The Corinthians were tempted to chase two things: spectacle and status. Paul models two different things: endurance and obedience.

He sees the mission clearly. He walks through the open door anyway. Because resurrection hope produces durable courage. If death is defeated, all adversaries are not ultimate.

DO THIS:

Identify one area where opposition has made you question obedience. Recommit to faithfulness there this week.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I interpret resistance as a sign to quit?
2. Have I confused ease with God's will?
3. Where might a "wide door" require stronger resolve?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, give me discernment to recognize open doors even when adversaries appear. Make me courageous, steady, and faithful in the work you have set before me. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study and move into the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea confronts divided hearts and exposes what we truly love. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Edward Janowiak from Highland Ranch, CO. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. — 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

What does resurrection faith look like?

After fifty-seven verses on resurrection glory in Chapter 15, Paul talks about money. And that is not accidental.

Resurrection hope does not make Christians abstract in their practice. It should make us practical. The Corinthians were instructed to give regularly. Systematically. Proportionally.

"Each one as he may prosper."

This is not emotional manipulation. It is disciplined stewardship. Notice who this giving supports. The saints. The church. It's a gospel partnership across the region.

Paul is organizing a relief offering for believers in Jerusalem. The Gentile church supports the Jewish church. Theology becomes generosity. Doctrine becomes dollars. Unity becomes action.

Resurrection people should never be close-fisted with the generous life and blessings that God has afforded them. If Christ is risen and eternity is secure, then natural resources (i.e., money) loses its ultimate grip.

Believers never hoard what they cannot keep. Believers invest in what will outlast them. Giving to God's work is not a side note in Christian maturity. It is further evidence that you believe the kingdom is real.

And Paul adds accountability to his command. Trusted men will carry the gift. Paul may go with them. Resurrection faith produces transparent generosity.

DO THIS:

Set aside a specific, intentional gift this week for the work of the Lord. Don't wait for emotion. Plan it. Pray over it. Give it.

ASK THIS:

1. Does my spending reflect resurrection hope—or present fear?
2. Am I giving proportionally to how God has prospered me?
3. Do I see generosity as worship—or as loss?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, you gave your Son for me. Teach me to hold my resources loosely and invest in what advances your kingdom. Make my generosity a reflection of my hope in the risen Christ. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Take My Life and Let It Be"

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study, and we are moving into the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea shows us a God who refuses to let his people go—even when they run from him. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Kevin O'Neil from Prior Lake, MN. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."
"O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. — 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Paul, still speaking about the critical nature of the resurrection, now narrows his focus to one unavoidable reality.

"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."

This present body—weak, aging, perishable—cannot enter eternity as it is.

Paul now brings the chapter to its triumphant close.

"When the perishable puts on the imperishable... 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'" (This is from the book of Hosea, which is our next book of the Bible).

This is prophetic fulfillment.

Isaiah anticipated it. Hosea echoed it. Paul preached it. We need to remember it.

In the resurrection of Jesus, our victory has already begun.

Then Paul dares to taunt the grave:

"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

Death may feel powerful. Funerals still bring emotional aches. Bodies still return to dust. But for those in Christ, stinger of the scorpion of sin is simply a reminder of the day the sting and death are gone.

This is because sin incurs judgment defeated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ bore the penalty for sin and its sting. He fulfilled the law. He rose in triumph. So death no longer holds final authority over those who belong to him.

"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

And we are called to faithful obedience because of this hope.

DO THIS:

Choose one act of faithful obedience you have been postponing. Do it this week—not because you feel strong, but because Christ is risen.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I live like death still has the final word?
2. Where has fear weakened my faithfulness?
3. Am I abounding in the Lord's work—or retreating under pressure?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank you for victory through Jesus Christ. Make me steadfast when I grow weary. Fix my eyes on the risen Christ so I labor with courage, knowing my work in you is not in vain. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Before the Throne of God Above"

If Jesus didn't physically walk out of that tomb, Christianity isn't mistaken — it's meaningless.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul stakes everything on one historical claim: Jesus Christ bodily rose from the dead. If the resurrection is metaphor, preaching is empty, faith is futile, sin still reigns, and the church is a fraud. But if Christ is raised, then death is defeated, the body matters, sin is judged, and obedience carries eternal weight. The resurrection is not inspirational symbolism — it is the foundation that makes holiness, courage, unity, and endurance rational.

1. Why does Paul ground the resurrection in eyewitness testimony rather than personal experience?

2. What collapses in Christian theology if the resurrection is only symbolic?

3. How does treating the resurrection as metaphor subtly reshape views on sin and judgment?

4. Why does Paul say that without resurrection we are "still in our sins" (v.17)?

5. How does the resurrection affirm the goodness and future of the physical body?

6. In what ways does resurrection theology confront modern ideas about identity and embodiment?

7. How does believing in bodily resurrection shape how you endure suffering?

8. Why does Paul connect resurrection to steadfast obedience in verse 58?

9. Where are you tempted toward a "coping Christianity" instead of resurrection certainty?

10. If Christ is truly raised, what area of your life must become more immovable?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study, and we are moving into the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea confronts comfortable religion and exposes what spiritual betrayal really looks like. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Kevin Hayes from Alva, FL. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 15:50-53.

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.— 1 Corinthians 15:50-53

Paul, still speaking about the critical nature of the resurrection, now narrows his focus to one unavoidable reality.

"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."

This present body—weak, aging, perishable—cannot enter eternity as it is.

What decomposes and decays cannot inherit eternity. But we are not discarded. There is something about us that will be changed. It's mysterious, but at the time of death, time will pass quickly, and we will be transformed. A twinkle then a trumpet. The mortal puts on immortality.

Notice. Not replaced. Not erased. But clothed. This is covenant continuity fulfilled in glory. This means the mortality you feel is not permanent—it is preparatory.

The resurrection of Jesus was not the abandonment of creation. It is the consummation of believers. The God who created all matter will redeem all matter. And he will do it suddenly, decisively, completely.

Death and taxes are not the only guarantees of this life. According to God's Word, it's death, taxes, and the resurrection from this body into new bodies and a new kingdom.

DO THIS:

When you feel the limits of your body this week—fatigue, pain, weakness—remember: a twinkle, a trumpet, a new body. Let present weakness train your hope for promised transformation.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I treat my physical decline as final—or temporary?
2. If I truly believed transformation is guaranteed, what fear would loosen its grip on me?
3. Am I living as someone preparing for glory—or clinging to what is fading?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, thank you that this perishable body will be clothed with immortality. Anchor my hope in the coming transformation and steady my heart as I wait for that trumpet sound. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"In Christ Alone"

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

We are about to begin our next study, and we are moving to the Old Testament. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea forces us to confront whether we love God—or just use him. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you in the mail.

Our shout-out today goes to Tom Vigorito from Sun City West, AZ. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 15:29-34.

Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. — 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

In this section, Paul demonstrates how theological error produces moral distortion.

If there is no resurrection, why risk anything for the gospel? Why be baptized at all? Why face danger for preaching? Why endure persecution from opposing forces?

(When Paul mentions people being "baptized on behalf of the dead," he is not endorsing the practice; he is exposing their inconsistency—why participate in a ritual that assumes life beyond death if no resurrection exists?)

He also references his own suffering—"fighting with beasts at Ephesus"—whether literal combat or fierce opposition, the point stands: why endure deadly hostility if the grave is final?

If the dead are not raised, the logic is straightforward:

"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." That is not merely ancient philosophy. It is modern philosophy. If death is the end, pleasure becomes the highest good.

False theology does not stay theoretical. It is absorbed into the mind and expressed through behavior. That is why Paul says:

"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning."

Resurrection denial had numbed their thinking and dulled their obedience. Theology drift produced moral drift.

If your behavior has been drifting, it may be time to sober your thinking about Jesus—his life, his death, and his bodily resurrection. The risen Lord is coming again, and eternity is not theoretical.

DO THIS:

Identify one area where your behavior does not reflect belief in a coming resurrection. Make a concrete adjustment this week that aligns your life with eternal reality.

ASK THIS:

1. If someone observed my lifestyle, would they conclude I believe in resurrection?
2. Have I allowed cultural voices to dull my eternal perspective?
3. Am I living for comfort—or for what lasts?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, wake me up where I have grown dull. Let the reality of the resurrection shape my choices, my discipline, and my courage. Help me live today in light of the life to come. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"