16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Trust. It is difficult to build, but easy to destroy. It is also the foundation of all good relationships, from families to friends to coworkers. Any betrayal of trust, no matter how small, damages the relationship. Suppose you found out that your best friend borrowed your car without asking and then wrecked it. Even if they repent and you forgive them, your relationship is still not the same as it once was. The bitter aftertaste of guilt and betrayal remains. It takes a great deal of time to rebuild the trust and truly reconcile the friendship again.
When God first created us, the relationship was pure, pristine, and happy. We trusted God, and he trusted us. When we sin, we betray God’s trust. In order to restore the relationship, a high price had to be paid. Jesus shed his blood to erase the stains of guilt and betrayal and to reconcile us to God. Through him, the relationship is restored to the joy of all who experience it.
Unfortunately, too few know the joy of reconciliation that could be theirs. They do not know that all the stains of their past deeds can be cleansed, that the mistakes can be erased, that the old can go and the new can come. That is where we come in. Verse 20 says that we are Christ’s ambassadors, carrying his message of the promise of reconciliation to the whole world. Do you know someone in need of this message of God’s promise? Fulfill your duty as an ambassador: tell them.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2 Corinthians 5.6–10
Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
When Carrie Underwood sang “Jesus, take the wheel,” I’m not certain that she knew the extent of what she was asking. I know that the sentiment is nice and that most Christians would agree that “giving control to Jesus” is a way of life worth aspiring to. But what if saying “Jesus, take the wheel,” is simply and excuse to jump out of the car?
As Christians, we run the risk of misusing Jesus’s promise of a heavenly future as a motive for checking out of our “mundane” daily lives. Even though Paul’s desire is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord,” he was not about to let that desire detract from his calling to form the love of Christ more perfectly in himself and his churches. Paul’s goal in life was to please Christ, no matter what the circumstance.
Paul did not want the Corinthians driving blindly through the world without a thought to anything but their future in heaven. He wanted their eyes so wide open and focused on the finish line that they couldn’t help but see the desperate need of the world around them. Because even though Paul lived “by faith,” this did not exempt him from the inevitable judgment of Christ.
Are you driving with blind faith through the world, or does your faith in Jesus and what he accomplished inform every action you take?
When Carrie Underwood sang “Jesus, take the wheel,” I’m not certain that she knew the extent of what she was asking. I know that the sentiment is nice and that most Christians would agree that “giving control to Jesus” is a way of life worth aspiring to. But what if saying “Jesus, take the wheel,” is simply and excuse to jump out of the car?
As Christians, we run the risk of misusing Jesus’s promise of a heavenly future as a motive for checking out of our “mundane” daily lives. Even though Paul’s desire is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord,” he was not about to let that desire detract from his calling to form the love of Christ more perfectly in himself and his churches. Paul’s goal in life was to please Christ, no matter what the circumstance.
Paul did not want the Corinthians driving blindly through the world without a thought to anything but their future in heaven. He wanted their eyes so wide open and focused on the finish line that they couldn’t help but see the desperate need of the world around them. Because even though Paul lived “by faith,” this did not exempt him from the inevitable judgment of Christ.
Are you driving with blind faith through the world, or does your faith in Jesus and what he accomplished inform every action you take?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2 Corinthians 5.1–5
1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Have you ever gone camping? When I read this passage it reminds me of the times that I spent "camping out" as a child. While I was only 50 feet from the house, I was still scared that something would come and destroy my tent, rendering me alone and helpless in the night. A tent made from mere cloth and poles was certainly not as satisfying as a shelter as a brick house would be. Why then, do we confuse this mere tent we call Earth as our home and shelter?
This passage encourages us to remember that the world is not our home and that God has a much better home for us in Heaven. We get so caught up in worldly events and physical possessions that we forget that they are made by human hands and are nothing compared to what God gives us. Take a moment today to say a prayer for those who don't know about the majestic home God has for them in Heaven.
Have you ever gone camping? When I read this passage it reminds me of the times that I spent "camping out" as a child. While I was only 50 feet from the house, I was still scared that something would come and destroy my tent, rendering me alone and helpless in the night. A tent made from mere cloth and poles was certainly not as satisfying as a shelter as a brick house would be. Why then, do we confuse this mere tent we call Earth as our home and shelter?
This passage encourages us to remember that the world is not our home and that God has a much better home for us in Heaven. We get so caught up in worldly events and physical possessions that we forget that they are made by human hands and are nothing compared to what God gives us. Take a moment today to say a prayer for those who don't know about the majestic home God has for them in Heaven.
Monday, February 9, 2009
2 Corinthians 4.16–18
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
How do we fix our eyes on what is unseen?
Over the Christmas holiday, I’ve found a new toy to use to entertain my puppy – a laser-pointer. Now, he’s a smart puppy, catching on quick that the dot on the floor and the object in my hand are somehow related. As soon as I grab the laser-pointer, he knows its time to play; he even anticipates the dot before I’ve hit the button!
My dog’s particular breed has a nickname, the Velcro dog – known as such for the attachments they make with their owners. Training is quite easy for this breed, and they have a reputation of being some of best hunting dogs. This Velcro effect can be attributed to one characteristic…trust. They trust their owners, and I believe – and have seen – that they also trust their own instincts. This, if it can be put into one word, is what it means to fix our eyes on what is unseen. Trust.
How do we fix our eyes on what is unseen?
Over the Christmas holiday, I’ve found a new toy to use to entertain my puppy – a laser-pointer. Now, he’s a smart puppy, catching on quick that the dot on the floor and the object in my hand are somehow related. As soon as I grab the laser-pointer, he knows its time to play; he even anticipates the dot before I’ve hit the button!
My dog’s particular breed has a nickname, the Velcro dog – known as such for the attachments they make with their owners. Training is quite easy for this breed, and they have a reputation of being some of best hunting dogs. This Velcro effect can be attributed to one characteristic…trust. They trust their owners, and I believe – and have seen – that they also trust their own instincts. This, if it can be put into one word, is what it means to fix our eyes on what is unseen. Trust.
Friday, February 6, 2009
2 Corinthians 4.13-15
13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
The Apostle gives us two foundational premises for the Christian walk,
which is to be for the glory of God. The first is Faith—“we also believe and
therefore speak”. Hebrews 11: 6 defines Faith as the belief in God’s
existence Justice. It is important that our manner of conduct as Christians be
Faith-based i.e. based on our belief in God and His Justice. But Faith in God is
not the luxury of the Christian; non-Christians also have Faith in God’s
existence and Justice. This leads to the second point the Apostle raises, namely
Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus. This Faith is what defines a Christian. Do
you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus? If you do, then the Apostle says that
the same Power of God that raised the lifeless body of Jesus will work in and
through you towards others for God’s glory!
The Apostle gives us two foundational premises for the Christian walk,
which is to be for the glory of God. The first is Faith—“we also believe and
therefore speak”. Hebrews 11: 6 defines Faith as the belief in God’s
existence Justice. It is important that our manner of conduct as Christians be
Faith-based i.e. based on our belief in God and His Justice. But Faith in God is
not the luxury of the Christian; non-Christians also have Faith in God’s
existence and Justice. This leads to the second point the Apostle raises, namely
Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus. This Faith is what defines a Christian. Do
you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus? If you do, then the Apostle says that
the same Power of God that raised the lifeless body of Jesus will work in and
through you towards others for God’s glory!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
2 Corinthians 4.1–6
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
The sun is our main source of light. Relative to the earth, the sun is in a fixed position. Whether or not we receive the light depends on many things. One is the position of the earth relative to the sun. Are we on the part of the earth facing the sun? Are there any atmospheric conditions blocking the light? Are there any man-made things, such as buildings, blocking the light? Do we even have our eyes open? Regardless of all of these factors, the light is always there and always shining.
Paul, in comparing the message of the gospel to light, says the same thing. The message is always there, and it’s always clear. But, there are things in this world, some within our control and some outside of our control that work to obscure it.
What is blocking you from the light? What do you need to do to remove it?
The sun is our main source of light. Relative to the earth, the sun is in a fixed position. Whether or not we receive the light depends on many things. One is the position of the earth relative to the sun. Are we on the part of the earth facing the sun? Are there any atmospheric conditions blocking the light? Are there any man-made things, such as buildings, blocking the light? Do we even have our eyes open? Regardless of all of these factors, the light is always there and always shining.
Paul, in comparing the message of the gospel to light, says the same thing. The message is always there, and it’s always clear. But, there are things in this world, some within our control and some outside of our control that work to obscure it.
What is blocking you from the light? What do you need to do to remove it?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
II Corinthians 3:12-18
Back when my nephew was just a year old, I was sitting with him on my grandmother’s couch. My uncle Max was sitting on the other couch. As we sat there, my nephew kept peeking around me, keeping an eye on Max. He wasn’t quite sure if he could trust him or not.
I understood what he was going through. When I was a little kid, I was terrified of Max. Max is about 6 feet 6 inches tall, had a thick black moustache, and a deep, gravelly voice. He was very intimidating for a small child. But, with Max, the intimidation is purely physical. He’s one of the nicest people I know. While he still looks intimidating, I’m not afraid of Max anymore.
God can often seem intimidating and unapproachable. But, as he showed us through Jesus, he is very approachable. The veil has been torn and we are able to go to him without fear.
What’s keeping you from approaching God?
I understood what he was going through. When I was a little kid, I was terrified of Max. Max is about 6 feet 6 inches tall, had a thick black moustache, and a deep, gravelly voice. He was very intimidating for a small child. But, with Max, the intimidation is purely physical. He’s one of the nicest people I know. While he still looks intimidating, I’m not afraid of Max anymore.
God can often seem intimidating and unapproachable. But, as he showed us through Jesus, he is very approachable. The veil has been torn and we are able to go to him without fear.
What’s keeping you from approaching God?
Monday, February 2, 2009
2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Fading Glory vs. Increasing Glory
We spent a lot of time last semester reflecting on the differences between the old covenant and the new covenant. Paul addresses the subject of old vs. new in this passage by speaking in terms of glory. When Moses descended the mountain after conversing with God, he held in his arms the law (the Ten Commandments), and his face shown with the glory of the Lord. The glory that radiated from Moses was so amazing that the people could not even bear to look at him! You can read more about this in Exodus 34:29-35.
Even so, this glory quickly began to fade. It was only temporary.
Paul makes a point here that the new covenant established by Christ is quite different than that of the old covenant. It’s glory and power does not fade or become dull; it increases, and it is everlasting.
What is your understanding of a glory that fades vs. a glory that increases?
We spent a lot of time last semester reflecting on the differences between the old covenant and the new covenant. Paul addresses the subject of old vs. new in this passage by speaking in terms of glory. When Moses descended the mountain after conversing with God, he held in his arms the law (the Ten Commandments), and his face shown with the glory of the Lord. The glory that radiated from Moses was so amazing that the people could not even bear to look at him! You can read more about this in Exodus 34:29-35.
Even so, this glory quickly began to fade. It was only temporary.
Paul makes a point here that the new covenant established by Christ is quite different than that of the old covenant. It’s glory and power does not fade or become dull; it increases, and it is everlasting.
What is your understanding of a glory that fades vs. a glory that increases?
Friday, January 30, 2009
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Someday, I plan on going skydiving. Skydiving, of course, is very tricky and dangerous. It takes a lot of knowledge to do it correctly. However, anyone can go skydiving. You just have to do a tandem jump with an instructor.
In a tandem jump, you can honestly say that you went skydiving. But, ultimately, it was the instructor who took care of all of the skill part. You still did it, but you didn’t really do it. Paradoxical, yes. But either way, you get to experience the rush of a lifetime.
This is sort of what Paul is getting at. We can do anything, yet we can do nothing. We can do it because God is doing it. But the cool part is that we get to take the dive with him, and even though it is God and not us, we get to experience all of the rush.
What plane is God calling you to dive out of? What’s keeping you from doing it?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2 Corinthians 3.1-3
1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
A friend of mine died the other day. While she will be missed, I’m pretty sure that she was ready. Most would say that she didn’t do much of significance. She spent most of her life in a small town, just miles from where she was born. Most of her life she was a stay at home mom making sure that the daily duties were taken care of. She loved to work in the kitchen, she was a whiz at gardening, and her home was always open to anyone who dropped by. It was during those “drop by” times that God taught us lessons. She would always be ready to talk about her family (her daughter and her family are in Haiti) serving as missionaries. She would love to talk about what was happening in the church. Her concern for her guests and her concern about others needing to know Jesus always seeped out of every conversation.
I wish that you could have known my friend. She never wrote any books and there likely won’t be any books written about her. But when you were around her, she was a letter written from Christ, who wrote upon the tablets of her heart.
Today, take some time to get away. Get away and spend some quality time with the one who has poured out his Spirit upon us.
A friend of mine died the other day. While she will be missed, I’m pretty sure that she was ready. Most would say that she didn’t do much of significance. She spent most of her life in a small town, just miles from where she was born. Most of her life she was a stay at home mom making sure that the daily duties were taken care of. She loved to work in the kitchen, she was a whiz at gardening, and her home was always open to anyone who dropped by. It was during those “drop by” times that God taught us lessons. She would always be ready to talk about her family (her daughter and her family are in Haiti) serving as missionaries. She would love to talk about what was happening in the church. Her concern for her guests and her concern about others needing to know Jesus always seeped out of every conversation.
I wish that you could have known my friend. She never wrote any books and there likely won’t be any books written about her. But when you were around her, she was a letter written from Christ, who wrote upon the tablets of her heart.
Today, take some time to get away. Get away and spend some quality time with the one who has poured out his Spirit upon us.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, 13 I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
A Few Words On the Olfactory Senses
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
A Few Words On the Olfactory Senses
What smells absolutely horrible to me, smells like a really good, life-sustaining meal to those zoo animals. For a few bites of fish, they’ll even perform embarrassing tricks for a large audience!
There is a great analogy here:
In these verses, Paul paints a great picture of the Christian ministry. He thought of believers as incense, from which the fragrance of Jesus was experienced in the lives and labors of Christ-followers. Within a community of believers, this fragrance means life. To many unbelievers, the fragrance is the stench of death.
Now, I don’t exactly think the smell of fish is like death , but I certainly make a b line to the bottle of Febreze to cover it up! Which leads me to ask: Are we leading lives that offer up a fragrance that God delights in, or are we more concerned with smelling like potpourri to the world?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
One of the members of the Corinthian church caused Paul and the church a great deal of pain. We do not know what sin was committed, but we do know that in a separate letter, Paul had urged the church to discipline the man in a Biblical manner. Once this was done and the man repented, Paul says: “Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise, he may become so discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Now show him that you still love him.”
9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
One of the members of the Corinthian church caused Paul and the church a great deal of pain. We do not know what sin was committed, but we do know that in a separate letter, Paul had urged the church to discipline the man in a Biblical manner. Once this was done and the man repented, Paul says: “Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise, he may become so discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Now show him that you still love him.”
What I think we can learn from this is that sin should not be ignored, but neither should the person who sinned be disciplined to the point that they feel hopeless. I once read that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin so that we will confess it and turn to Christ for cleansing; but Satan accuses us of sin so that we will despair and give up. Of course, we are to follow the model that Jesus gives us in the way that we address sin and forgive others.
Monday, January 26, 2009
2 Corinthians 1.23–2.4
23 I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. 1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
In our Christian walk we all mess up or don’t live up to the standard God set for us. As brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not for us to condemn one another but to take up responsibility for keeping each other on the straight and narrow path. We shouldn’t get mad at the person for their sin; “hate the sin not the sinner” but instead correct each other out of the love and concern for the persons soul. If the situation comes up and you don’t think you can control your anger or disappointment over a fellow Christian’s sins, do like Paul, write them a letter that ENCOURAGES them to come back to the faith and share in the joy you have when you are both right with God.
In our Christian walk we all mess up or don’t live up to the standard God set for us. As brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not for us to condemn one another but to take up responsibility for keeping each other on the straight and narrow path. We shouldn’t get mad at the person for their sin; “hate the sin not the sinner” but instead correct each other out of the love and concern for the persons soul. If the situation comes up and you don’t think you can control your anger or disappointment over a fellow Christian’s sins, do like Paul, write them a letter that ENCOURAGES them to come back to the faith and share in the joy you have when you are both right with God.
Friday, January 23, 2009
2 Corinthians 1:12-22
12Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. 13For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 14as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. 16I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. 17When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas[a] and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
The backstory: There were people who gained some influence in the Corinthian church who felt Paul was a threat, so they tried to discredit him. One of the things they said about Paul is that he wasn’t “eloquent” enough. Paul’s response is that you can sound very intelligent without having any clue what you are talking about.
The gospel is not merely words, he points out. When he preached it to them in his “simple” words, they understood it and their lives were changed by it. Had he used words that they couldn’t understand, then they would not have been changed.
More importantly, he points out, is that the way he lived his life was also part of the message. His integrity, which the Corinthian church was aware of, was proof of the power of the gospel. This “simplicity” that he was accused of was not something to be ashamed of, rather it was an opportunity for Jesus to shine instead of him.
15Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. 16I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. 17When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas[a] and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
The backstory: There were people who gained some influence in the Corinthian church who felt Paul was a threat, so they tried to discredit him. One of the things they said about Paul is that he wasn’t “eloquent” enough. Paul’s response is that you can sound very intelligent without having any clue what you are talking about.
The gospel is not merely words, he points out. When he preached it to them in his “simple” words, they understood it and their lives were changed by it. Had he used words that they couldn’t understand, then they would not have been changed.
More importantly, he points out, is that the way he lived his life was also part of the message. His integrity, which the Corinthian church was aware of, was proof of the power of the gospel. This “simplicity” that he was accused of was not something to be ashamed of, rather it was an opportunity for Jesus to shine instead of him.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Personally, I am one who is fascinated by destiny. I love the idea that some things are “meant to be”. I draw comfort from trusting that God has known everything since eternity past, especially when life seems like a 5000-piece puzzle, jumbled in a heap. Today’s passage showed that even the apostle Paul had burdens so heavy that he despaired of life! Who else suffered like that? Jesus Christ, of course, who was crushed with our condemnation. The Good News is that, if we share in His sufferings, we also share in is glorious resurrection! How can we not? Do not lose hope when things are out of your hands. Instead, rejoice that our destiny always has been and always will be to be united with our beloved Father. Let us pray for those with burdens and despair – that God’s grace would be received by them, especially our brothers and sisters in persecution.
Personally, I am one who is fascinated by destiny. I love the idea that some things are “meant to be”. I draw comfort from trusting that God has known everything since eternity past, especially when life seems like a 5000-piece puzzle, jumbled in a heap. Today’s passage showed that even the apostle Paul had burdens so heavy that he despaired of life! Who else suffered like that? Jesus Christ, of course, who was crushed with our condemnation. The Good News is that, if we share in His sufferings, we also share in is glorious resurrection! How can we not? Do not lose hope when things are out of your hands. Instead, rejoice that our destiny always has been and always will be to be united with our beloved Father. Let us pray for those with burdens and despair – that God’s grace would be received by them, especially our brothers and sisters in persecution.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
—2 Corinthians 1.3–7—
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
God has not promised us that we will not face difficulty and suffering in our lives; however, he has promised us that he will give us comfort in our suffering. Therefore, if we are suffering, we should not complain or feel sorry for ourselves. Instead, we should pray and ask God to help us through the situation. We should also be sure to look for what God is trying to teach us. Otherwise, it will all have been for nothing.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
God has not promised us that we will not face difficulty and suffering in our lives; however, he has promised us that he will give us comfort in our suffering. Therefore, if we are suffering, we should not complain or feel sorry for ourselves. Instead, we should pray and ask God to help us through the situation. We should also be sure to look for what God is trying to teach us. Otherwise, it will all have been for nothing.
In addition to this, we need to share God’s comfort with others. If we see that someone else is going through a hard time, we should offer them encouragement and share with them what we have learned from God through our own sufferings. In addition to the situations where we can share God’s comfort with others directly, there are also ways to share it more indirectly. If others see that we are using God’s comfort to get through a tough time, that observation in itself will be an encouragement to them to do the same.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
2 Corinthians 1.1-2
—2 Corinthians 1.1-2—
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
It is always necessary for me to address myself by name when I communicate in some way, shape, or form. It is the small link to my identity. People call me by name and I am drawn to wherever it is called. However, there is an important lesson for all Christians when examining the method Paul uses to identify himself. Paul always opens by name and then a description of his relationship to Jesus Christ. He writes, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus…” In effect, Paul is not solely linked to his name and, therefore, himself. His self is only with regards to the service of Jesus Christ. It is more like saying, “I am Paul, but that means nothing. The only reason I have a legitimate identity is because I know the Christ.” Let us reflect now upon how we choose to identify ourselves. Is it on our own two feet or standing on the rock of Jesus?Monday, January 19, 2009
CCF The Real Deal Devos
Greetings CCFers (Both Iowa and Iowa State).
Our Wednesday night theme this semester is "The Real Deal." It is a follow-up to last semester's series on the book of Hebrews. Hebrews used a lot of theology to show us why Jesus is worthy of being followed.
So, having explored why Jesus is worthy of being followed, this semester we are going to take a look at what following Jesus actually looks like. In doing so, we will be looking at parts of II Corinthians and Galatians.
To supplement our Wednesday night teaching, we have put together a daily devotional. This devotional is online at ccfdevos.blogspot.com. We have it set up to email to our CCF lists. Since it is a blog, you are able to make comments. Hopefully, a lot of discussion will take place.
The devotions are CCF origninals, written by CCF students, staff, and alumni. Our hope and prayer is that each of you are blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this project.
Peace,
Eric, Adam, Jaime, and Roger
Our Wednesday night theme this semester is "The Real Deal." It is a follow-up to last semester's series on the book of Hebrews. Hebrews used a lot of theology to show us why Jesus is worthy of being followed.
So, having explored why Jesus is worthy of being followed, this semester we are going to take a look at what following Jesus actually looks like. In doing so, we will be looking at parts of II Corinthians and Galatians.
To supplement our Wednesday night teaching, we have put together a daily devotional. This devotional is online at ccfdevos.blogspot.com. We have it set up to email to our CCF lists. Since it is a blog, you are able to make comments. Hopefully, a lot of discussion will take place.
The devotions are CCF origninals, written by CCF students, staff, and alumni. Our hope and prayer is that each of you are blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this project.
Peace,
Eric, Adam, Jaime, and Roger
Sunday, January 18, 2009
CCF: The Real Deal Devotions
Greetings CCFers (Both Iowa and Iowa State).
Our Wednesday night theme this semester is "The Real Deal." It is a follow-up to last semester's series on the book of Hebrews. Hebrews used a lot of theology to show us why Jesus is worthy of being followed.
So, having explored why Jesus is worthy of being followed, this semester we are going to take a look at what following Jesus actually looks like. In doing so, we will be looking at parts of II Corinthians and Galatians.
To supplement our Wednesday night teaching, we have put together a daily devotional. This devotional is online at ccfdevos.blogspot.com. We have it set up to email to our CCF lists. Since it is a blog, you are able to make comments. Hopefully, a lot of discussion will take place.
The devotions are CCF origninals, written by CCF students, staff, and alumni. Our hope and prayer is that each of you are blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this project.
Peace,
Eric, Adam, Jaime, and Roger
Our Wednesday night theme this semester is "The Real Deal." It is a follow-up to last semester's series on the book of Hebrews. Hebrews used a lot of theology to show us why Jesus is worthy of being followed.
So, having explored why Jesus is worthy of being followed, this semester we are going to take a look at what following Jesus actually looks like. In doing so, we will be looking at parts of II Corinthians and Galatians.
To supplement our Wednesday night teaching, we have put together a daily devotional. This devotional is online at ccfdevos.blogspot.com. We have it set up to email to our CCF lists. Since it is a blog, you are able to make comments. Hopefully, a lot of discussion will take place.
The devotions are CCF origninals, written by CCF students, staff, and alumni. Our hope and prayer is that each of you are blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this project.
Peace,
Eric, Adam, Jaime, and Roger
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