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 2 days. So get your Scripture Journal now.

Our shout-out today goes to David Blount IV from Cary, NC. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:19-20.

The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. — 1 Corinthians 16:19-20

Paul closes with what appear to be simple greetings. But this is not filler. There is some correction in here.

Corinth had become spiritually myopic. They centered their religious experience around personalities. They divided the local church into factions. They treated their gathering like the epicenter of all Christianity.

So Paul widens the lens by addressing some people. All the churches in Asia that know about the Corinthian church also pray for and support them. Then Aquila and Prisca (a.k.a. Priscilla)—who had been in Corinth before Paul arrived, worked alongside him in tentmaking, and grew so close that when he left for Syria, they traveled with him. And even brothers beyond your city.

The point is: you are not the center. You are part of something far bigger. Modern Christians tend to shrink the church to a brand, a building, a livestream, a preferred preaching style. We talk about my church as if Christ belongs to us. But the church is not your bubble. It is Christ's body. Spanning nations. Crossing languages. Outlasting trends.

The gospel does not create isolated spiritual consumers. It creates a global, visible people under one Lord. If your vision of the church fits neatly inside your comfort zone, it is too small.

The risen Christ is gathering a people far beyond your preferences and far beyond your city. The resurrection is going to be different from what you think.

DO THIS:

Pray this week for two churches: one very different from yours, and one in another nation. Ask God to strengthen them and purify your love for his whole body.

ASK THIS:

1. Has my view of the church become narrow and tribal?
2. Do I value Christ's global body—or just my local expression of it?
3. Am I cultivating affection for believers outside my circle?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, forgive me for shrinking your church to my preferences. Enlarge my heart for your global body. Teach me to love what you are building across cities and nations. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"The Church's One Foundation"

Hosea contains some of the most shocking lines in the entire Bible—verses that expose the seriousness of sin and the relentless love of God.

The book of Hosea confronts readers with some of the most startling language in the Old Testament. Through powerful imagery and prophetic declarations, these verses expose the depth of Israel's spiritual adultery and the devastating consequences of abandoning God. Yet alongside the warnings of judgment, Hosea also reveals the astonishing compassion of a God who refuses to give up on his people. These seven verses capture the tension at the heart of the book: human unfaithfulness and God's relentless covenant love.

1. Why do you think God uses such shocking imagery in the book of Hosea?

2. What does Hosea's marriage reveal about the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

3. How do the names of Hosea's children communicate God's message to Israel?

4. Why is idolatry described as relational betrayal rather than just theological error?

5. What does Hosea 4:6 teach about the responsibility of leaders to teach truth?

6. How does the phrase "they sow the wind and reap the whirlwind" apply to personal and national choices today?

7. Why is Hosea 11:8 such a powerful glimpse into the heart of God?

8. How do these verses balance the themes of judgment and mercy?

9. What modern forms of spiritual adultery can tempt believers today?

10. What does Hosea teach us about God's willingness to restore those who return to him?

If the resurrection is real, it should show up in how you give, serve, stand firm, and build the church.

After fifteen chapters of correction, Paul ends 1 Corinthians with something surprisingly practical. Instead of more theology, he shows what resurrection faith looks like in everyday life—generosity, partnership, courage, and faithfulness. The resurrection is not just a doctrine to defend; it is a reality that reshapes how believers handle money, relationships, leadership, and service. If Christ truly rose from the dead, then our lives should visibly reflect it.

1. Why does Paul begin the final chapter by addressing money and generosity?

2. How does believing in the resurrection change the way we view money and possessions?

3. What does Paul's list of ministry partners reveal about how the early church actually advanced?

4. Why is partnership more important than personality in building the church?

5. How can modern church culture drift toward spectatorship instead of participation?

6. What does Paul mean when he commands believers to "be watchful" and "stand firm in the faith" (v.13)?

7. How does the resurrection give believers courage in a culture that pressures compromise?

8. Why does Paul intentionally honor ordinary, faithful servants at the end of the letter?

9. In what ways can we better recognize and encourage faithful servants in our churches today?

If someone looked at your life this week, what evidence would they see that you believe the resurrection happened?

What if America's founders weren't trying to create freedom from religion—but freedom to live faithfully under God?

Summary

This interview with Andrew Linn digs into the historical and theological roots behind religious liberty, the separation of church and state, and America's Christian foundations through the lens of his documentary, Church and State: Roger Williams and the Founding of Freedom of Religion. The discussion explores how early colonies wrestled with religious authority, why Roger Williams championed freedom of conscience, and how modern culture has redefined freedom itself. Vince and Andrew confront current issues surrounding morality, secularism, cultural Marxism, and the growing silence of Christian voices in public life. Ultimately, the conversation challenges believers to recover courage, biblical conviction, and faithful engagement in both church and culture.

Reflection & Small Group Discussion Questions
1. What is the difference between "freedom of religion" and "freedom from religion"?
2. Why did Roger Williams believe forced worship "rapes the soul of men"?
3. How did the early colonies misunderstand religious liberty?
4. Why is moral self-control necessary for true freedom to exist in a nation?
5. How does separating the church from government differ from silencing Christian influence in society?
6. In what ways has modern culture redefined freedom compared to the founders' understanding?
7. Why do you think many Christians hesitate to engage publicly with political and cultural issues today?
8. How can believers speak truth boldly without becoming harsh or self-righteous?
9. What role should pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders play in shaping the conscience of a nation?
10. What practical step can you take to become more courageous in living out your faith publicly?

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 3 days. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea shows us that covenant faithfulness is proven over time, not declared in a moment. 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 Rudolf De Jong from Hartford, MI. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:15-18.

Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. — 1 Corinthians 16:15-18

Who do you naturally respect?

Is it those who "have devoted themselves to the service of the saints?"

It is interesting here that Paul picks out this quality at the end. He spent the whole letter giving no reference to platformed leaders, even admonishes them, and then here at the end mentions by name those they would have missed. The contrast is pointed and powerful.

The word "devoted" implies deliberate commitment. They appointed themselves to "serve." Not to the platform. Not to prominence. But to service.

And Paul tells the church to do something counterintuitive to their culture:

"Be subject to such as these."

This flips worldly instincts. It turns to those who have wholeheartedly given themselves to the Lord and to serving him from the right motivation for the benefit of others.

Most, even today, naturally honor charisma, confidence, and visibility. Paul honors devotion, consistency, and quiet service. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who were not in the spotlight.

They earned trust through faithfulness.

And Paul adds:

"They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours."

Faithful servants strengthen the weary. They stabilize churches. They encourage leaders. They refresh the saints.

Resurrection faith does not just produce bold courage (yesterday's daily). It produces durable service. And mature churches know how to recognize it.

So tell a faithful servant thank you this week, and appreciate the ordinary, faithful men and women like Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus.

DO THIS:

Identify one steady, faithful servant in your church who rarely receives attention. Thank them personally this week.

ASK THIS:

1. Do I value visibility more than faithfulness?
2. Am I refreshing others—or draining them?
3. Who has quietly strengthened my faith that I have never properly honored?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, give me eyes to see faithful service. Keep me from chasing applause and teach me to honor those who quietly labor for your name. Make me a source of refreshment to your people. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

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 4 days. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea reveals what happens when strength is disconnected 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 Matthew Meester from Pullman, WA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23.

Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Paul fires off five rapid commands. Four of them build toward one that is often misunderstood — and often misapplied. "Act like men."

Corinth lived in a culture obsessed with status, rhetoric, and public displays of power. Weakness was despised. Honor was everything. But courage in Paul's mind is not posturing. It is perseverance in truth.

To "act like men" meant this: hold the line when false teaching pressures you. Endure when culture mocks you. Refuse to bend when doctrine becomes costly.

In our time, courage is often redefined as self-expression or ideological conformity. But biblical courage is different. It is steady allegiance to Christ when the cultural winds shift. It is clarity without cruelty. It is conviction without compromise.

At the same time, Paul does not let courage drift into harshness.

"Let all that you do be done in love."

Courage divorced from love becomes theological brutality. Love divorced from courage becomes woke empathy. Christian maturity refuses both extremes.

Therefore, to "act like men," in Paul's sense, is to embody resurrection-shaped bravery—rooted in truth, restrained by love.

This is what resurrection-shaped courage looks like: Not loud. Not reactive. Not intimidated. Instead steady. Alert. Anchored in Christ. And governed by love.

DO THIS:

Identify one area where you have softened biblical conviction to avoid tension. Take one concrete step this week to speak or act with clarity and love.

ASK THIS:

1. Am I watchful—or drifting?
2. Am I firm in the gospel—or flexible under pressure?
3. Have I confused cultural approval with biblical courage?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, teach me real courage. Make me steady in truth and gentle in love. Keep me from cowardice on one side and harshness on the other. Shape my bravery after Christ. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Courage"

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"