Paul’s words to the Corinthian Church speak directly into the crisis facing Churches today. In this time, Churches with deep roots—Churches that shaped our parents and grandparents—are treated like endangered species. Newer models of worship rise quickly, drawing crowds and resources, while the communities around us remain wounded by violence, addiction, racism, and economic exploitation. Can the traditional Church survive?
Paul answers that question not with institutional analysis but with spiritual testimony. He writes as one under pressure—misunderstood, opposed and criticized. Yet he refuses despair. His survival is not rooted in popularity, but in his relationship with Christ. That’s the message for us today: survival is not determined by the systems around us but by the Savior within us.
Paul had experienced a personal encounter with Christ. Neither his education, his Roman citizenship, nor his status could give Paul what he received on the Damascus Road—liberation from the old order and entrance into God’s new creation. Churches that survive today will be those that lead people into authentic encounters with Jesus—not programs, performances, or prosperity slogans.
Paul aligned himself with God’s assignment. When Paul met Jesus, his first question was, “Lord, what would You have me to do?” That is the cry of a liberated soul—one that refuses to be shaped by empire, culture, or tradition alone, but by the will of God. In Acts 27, even a storm could not stop Paul because God had already declared Paul’s purpose.
When Churches commit to God’s agenda, storms can’t sink us.
“Battered by troubles but not demoralized; sometimes unsure what to do, but certain that God knows what to do; spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; thrown down, but we haven’t been broken.”
(We invite your comments. Feel free to share this devotion with your friends and invite them to subscribe by forwarding their email address to the Pastor at: fredjeffsmith@gmail.com)
Mornings with Shiloh airs on WVLA Channel 33 each weekday at 6:58 a. m. CST. Mornings with Shiloh is available on our Youtube channel at 8:00 a.m. CST.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/@ShilohMBCBR/videos
Want to get more involved at Shiloh?
Browse our Ministries