Protect Your Intake
I sometimes fall victim to my own ignorance. Yes, I can be ignorant, or at least forgetful. I like to listen to certain types of music and watch varied movies, but the root of what these songs and films represent is not what is holy and righteous. So, when I am listening to Ice Cube or watching a scary movie, what is that intake doing to my output? Do I start mimicking what I hear from Ice Cube? Do I start thinking that there is a really a boogeyman in my closet? What we watch and listen to (TV, music, movies) and who we surround ourselves with (friends, social circles) will help dictate how we think and how we communicate with others. Whether it is media or real people in front of us we know that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). We are to make sure that those we are linked to are with us in our walk with Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14). We are responsible for what we watch, listen to and with whom we spend time. Make your decision wisely.
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Be Consistent
If you have been reading along or have already read through the New Testament you may have noticed something that I think is remarkable. Some may say it is not, but to me it shows character. When Paul begins his letters to the churches (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3), he consistently opens up with "peace" and "grace" and shows what he represents in God and in Christ. To some, that is no big deal as he is just writing letters. You will see though that these letters are also letters of direction or correction. I know when some of us are correcting or directing others that we are in charge of, we can become tyrannical. Paul consistently sends grace and love. He does not stray off the path of being loving even when correcting or directing. Why? Because he represents Jesus. We could learn from Paul's example.
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Examination and Salutation
Paul closes out 2nd Corinthians with a warning for the church. As we knew, they had not been doing what they should have been doing by allowing sinful ways to be accepted in their church. In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul says something that I think all of us need to do. He tells the church to "examine" themselves. He wants them to see for themselves if they are really with the faith. He told them to test themselves to see that Jesus is really in them. We ought to test with scripture, the Word of God. We do not test by looking at ourselves by how the world sees us but as God sees us.
Paul sends them off similarly to 1 Corinthians. He signs off the letter with encouragement. He wants to have "restoration," and encourages them to comfort and agree with one another living in peace. In verse 14, Paul says "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." May we all take some lessons from what Paul says and examine and test ourselves and also live in peace with others.
On another note, yet related, this young man Daniel says he is gay and goes to church. he says that he thinks it is okay to be Gay and be a Christian. I want to share a video I saw on Youtube from Ray Comfort as he shares the word in a very open and relaxing way. I respect the way that he did this and did not do what I have seen many do, which is openly condemn and insult people. That is not the way to win souls for Christ. Please watch
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False Teachers and Humility
In verses 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul separates himself from teachers who claim to be the same as he is. He calls them false apostles, deceitful and they are disguising themselves. Paul is telling the church at Corinth to beware of these people and not assume that they are the same as Paul who may not be as good of a speaker, but possesses the knowledge. Paul is trying to save them from being led astray. He says that even Satan disguises himself so it would be obvious that his servants would disguise themselves too.
Lastly, Paul does not like to boast. He has been known to tell his stories of his experiences and he has been told that he is bragging and boasting. Paul says in verse 30 that if he were to boast it would be in his weaknesses. In those weaknesses it can be seen that God is the King of all and turn those weaknesses into strengths to honor his Kingdom. Amen.
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Every Thought Captive and Belonging to Christ
A few verses jump out at me and they speak volumes as to what we should do and who we are. In verses 5-6 Paul has been confronting any accusation that he is doing what feels humanly right versus what he is to do as he is led by God, led by the Spirit. Paul tells the Corinthian Christians that whatever points and thoughts they try to use against him and the knowledge of God (what they know about God) needs to be taken captive to obey Christ. Think about how significant that statement is. Every thought should be taken captive to obey Christ. That means what ever you think needs to go seek God first before you can even dwell on it or put it into action. Wow. Talk about total submission.
Paul addresses any separation in the church in verse 7. He tells them to look at what is before them and see that if anyone is confident that they are Christ followers, they should remind themselves that Paul and others were as well. There was no "we are better than you" or "you are not as good as us." Paul was seeking to bring unity within a church that had division and was engaging in sin and excusing sin as if it was the loving thing to do.
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The Cheerful Giver
As discussed in chapter 8 the amount one gives to a church or whatever should come from the heart. The old testament had a standard of 10% but God knows what you can give and what you cannot give. As a matter of fact, due to reading yesterday's text and today's text I remembered to give to my home church as I had forgotten the last 2 months. I gave what I could, not what some might say I should. As Paul says here in verse 7 "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." My Pastor Rick Warren has stated that if you feel pressure to give, then don't. It's not coming from the heart. I would agree with him as what he says is backed up by scripture (see what I did there- not every pastor gets everything right).
But before that in verse 6 Paul tells us that the point is if you give sparingly (little) in dedication to God, you will reap sparingly (little). The opposite is true where if you give bountifully (much/more than you can afford) then you will reap the same. The reaping does not have to be money, it can be, If the focus is on "how can I get more money?" then you have forgotten about the heart of Christ. Seek his will as it was entrenched in the Father's (God's).
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Praise and Appreciation
For as much as Paul condemns what the Corinthian Christians, do, say and think, he will also praise them for what he sees them doing that is right. In verses 6-7, Paul says that God comforts the downcast (saddened) and that he and his ministry were comforted by Titus coming and him being comforted by the Corinthian Christians. Here he not only praises the church, but he also acknowledged God as a comforter and sees Titus as solution to needed comfort. He is praising and respecting everyone in this section. No matter how people look at Paul for his intensity and some times his sarcasm, you can't over look his appreciation of
the blessings.
Paul ends this section of text in verse 16 once again affirming the church. He tells them that he has full confidence in them. He doesn't take shots at them and undercut them and say that they need to prove themselves to him. While he would have every right to do so, how does that build them up? It doesn't. That wouldn't be very encouraging. Paul sees the positives and points them out.
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No Obstacle and Not Being Unequally Yoked
Two verses jump out to me today. One is verse 3 that tells us that Paul's ministry was not designed nor can it be justly accused of putting an obstacle in anyone's way. The Corinthian Christians could falsely accuse him of anything they wanted, but when it got down to it, there was no justification in the accusation. In verse 4-10, Paul gives a running list of the things that his ministry has endured from sleepless nights, beatings, and imprisonments. They are treated like impostors and liars yet they are truthful. They were able to endure all of this through "truthful speech and the power of God."
The second verse that hit me was a reminder that we are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corithians 6:14). This didn't mean we could not speak to non-believers to them. But think of a connection that people have be they friendships, marriage, business. Christ followers submit to God understand that God's grace saved us for reconciliation. An unbeliever is not linked to Jesus, which is why they are an unbeliever. You can't charge an iPhone with a cordless phone jack. They would be unequally connected and the same applies to our lives. You have that connection with Christ so the closest people to you that are yoked (or linked) to you should also be connected to Christ.
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Heavenly Dwelling and Reconciliation
It is hard to read this section of text again (2 Corinthians 5:1-10). The last time I did, a friend of mine was reading it after he was diagnosed with ALS. He died within the year he was diagnosed. He knew then that his earthly body while imperfect was not his only body. It was a tent that was temporary. He knew that his Heavenly dwelling with the Father was eternal and would be painless. He was courageous and walked by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
And since Christ died for our sins we must know why that happened. He was God in the flesh and sold out for the will God too. His dying for our sins made it so we could be reconnected and reconciled with God even though we sin. We had to accept what Christ did through God's grace and minister about that reconciliation to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). We do not have to live in distance from God on earth or in Heaven.
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Jars of Clay and the Eternal
I love how Paul sets the records straight again with renouncing disgraceful and underhanded ways. Remember, he is a leader. He has to be above reproach. Further, he states that he refused to practice cunning ways or tamper with God's word (2 Corinthians 4:2). Now, can you think of a church or church leader who has done this? Maybe a sect of Christianity? Secret meetings and twisting if scripture. I have seen it before and we will continue to see it as long as people are not submitting to the Almighty God and in the Spirit.
Paul tells the church that the gospel of Christ is a treasure. That treasure is stored in us as earthen vessels or jars of clay as some translations may have it. Either way, it shows that we are not to be proud and boastful. The greatest part of us is the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The final reminder in this chapter is a verse I fell in love with more than 10 years ago. It is 2 Corinthians 4:18. The verse focuses on the unseen and not the seen. It shifts our focus to the unseen and the eternal from the seen and temporary. Paul wanted the Corinthian church to understand what was truly important.
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Ministers of the New Covenant
Paul tells the church that they are the apostles letters of recommendation. If the apostles wanted to spread the word and teach and build churches, then their previous work would be their portfolio (2 Corinthians 3:2). So, if the church in Corinth was getting it wrong, then it makes Paul look bad. The church needed to know that basically your actions are a reflection of me. It reminds me of a work environment like a boss to an employee or like a family with a parent to a child.
Paul compared the 10 commandments to a ministry of condemnation as it was the law that was being used to condemn people as sinners. Then he referred to the new covenant (the Gospel of Christ) as the ministry of the Spirit, meaning the spirit of God or Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:9). The new covenant removes the "sinner" tag and replaces it with a "saved by grace" tag if you choose to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Paul closes out the chapter by informing the church that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). I just googled an image for this blog and verse and I saw an image with the American flag embedded in it. The freedom that Paul is talking about is freedom from sin, freedom from condemnation. An American flag cannot give you that freedom. It cannot save you from the death of your sins. Only accepting God's grace can give you that freedom.You can be aligned to your country and the freedoms allotted by the government, but freedom from sin is far more important and crucial to your walk as a Christ follower.
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Forgiveness and Triumph
Forgiving the sinner is one lesson to learn from 2 Corinthians 2. Paul opens up by discussing that he didn't want to make another painful visit because if he did the only one there to comfort him would be the one he had hurt. His hurt is not coming from being mean, but from his chastisement of the church members. He continues and speaks on forgiveness. There is no specification of who the man was and what was done, but Paul urged them to forgive their brother. His punishment of not being forgiven was punishment enough. In verse 7 Paul says that he should be forgiven because if not then he will be overcome with excessive sorrow.
Paul closes out Chapter 2 by setting it straight that he and others (Titus) were not trying ti make money off of the gospel of Christ, but was a man commissioned by God and as a man of sincerity they in the sight of God speak in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:17). Paul was real about it. He didn't just say it and not live it. That is why he was commissioned by God.
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God of All Comfort
Life can be very hard at times. We all have problems of one kind or another. Whether it is health or relational, we all have problems. During these problems one thing that we need is comfort. We can want it from people and when it doesn't come we seek it from food or drugs or distractions. That is not real comfort when we distract ourselves. Yes, people can help but we also need to go to the Source and the Creator, God.
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Paul mentions the word comfort 10 times. Listening to it on audio makes me understand that it was important where when reading I could have skimmed over it without even thinking. Paul says that God comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may comfort others. Paul says while we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings we also share in comfort. Paul's point seems to be unity that what he felt from God was allowing him to help others feel the same. If God comforts Paul and the apostles and disciples then he can use that and help others feel comforted.
Also, Paul wanted to correct the accusations against him. He was accused of meaning one thing and saying the other. His example of Jesus being the Son of God and not just some guy and validating God's promises through Christ. God's son was not some guy, but was Jesus and we find truth in God's promises through Christ and his life (2 Corinthians 1:20).
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If Today Is Your Last Day
The topic of salvation has come up numerous times in the last few weeks with friends and family. I have been asked questions Bible choice (translation) to the second coming and people should be scared. I'm no Biblical scholar, but I am seeking to learn and teach other as I learn. I have directed people who do not read the Bible to start with a simpler book, proverbs, but then I was later corrected and told to introduce people to the Book of John so that they can be introduced to Jesus. That is what I realized what was missing. I talk to numerous people every week and sadly I have not brought up Jesus or their salvation through him. I was doing people a disservice and as best as I can through the Holy Spirit, I want to help guide them toward resources to answer the question, if today was your last day on earth, would you go to Heaven or Hell?
You cannot earn salvation. There are no works to complete in order to get to Heaven. You cannot be baptized by your parents and get into Heaven. You cannot be saved because your family is. Following Christ and accepting him as your Lord and Savior is your choice. Yes!, YOUR choice. If you are on your death bed and accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are forgiven and welcomed into the family of believers. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no once comes to the father except through him. Jesus is not a way, or one way, or anything other than THE WAY (J0hn 14:6).
For those of us who are not on our death beds and can repent for our sins, then do that. Our sin is what draws us away from God. It is our sin that brought Christ to earth to be the last sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God. No more slaughtering of animals, just accepting that Christ's blood paid the price for us. When we repent of our sins that does not mean we all of a sudden stop sinning, but our minds change on the sins that we have committed and sought to justify as just part of being human (Got Questions article on repentance). If you have accepted Christ then the old ways die and you become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
To further understand Jesus, I would also check to see if you know and understand that Jesus is God in the flesh. Do you know that he was resurrected on the 3rd day after his day bringing truth to prophecies that existed before he was ever born? Do you know that he is the only way to God? If you understand these and accept Christ, then welcome to the family of believers. If you think Jesus was just some rebel who was just counter culture, then you need to read more and put down your remote for your TV. If you want to be saved seek to know Christ and accept him as your Lord (of your life) and Savior (from eternal damnation). Our life is not very long and the after life is longer. Where will you spend yours?If you are ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can pray this prayer "Jesus is the Lord of my life. He is my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead. I believe that you are God in human form. I believe that you are the way the truth and light. I thank you for dying for my sins. Thank you for saving me. Amen."
Please see Francis Chan's 3 min explanation on eternity (click his pic)
Please see Rick Warren's 13 min message on Jesus and Salvation (click his pic)
(Please feel free to leave comments to add to the discussion)
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The Resurrection
The Resurrection of Christ (to me) is symbolic of how our former lives were and our current lives are after we accept God's will fully into our lives and submit to His will (James 4:7).
Mary Magdalene, John, Peter and Simon Peter went to the tomb to check on Jesus but he was no longer there (John 20:1-4).
The pieces of clothing that he was buried in were left in the tomb and folded neatly and left behind by Jesus (John 20:6-7).
When we set our hearts and minds and souls on being fully sacrificial to God's will, we too can leave the old ways behind us like Jesus left behind the linen cloths from his burial. Those burial cloths represent what was, not what is. People we knew before full obedience to God come to see us, metaphorically speaking, it seems like we are not there. We are not the same. We are different. Our submission is to God's will, not the way things used to be. They can only see pieces (similar to memories) of what used to be us, just like the burial clothes of Jesus. We are made new through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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In Need of Jesus
Jesus had fed 5,000. That was a miracle. People saw that happen. People saw that it was Jesus. Jesus walked on water. That too was a miracle and an example of how when we keep our eyes on Jesus, amazing things can happen. But, even after Jesus provided miracles and examples of great faith, people wanted more. They desired more. They desired more of what they wanted than what they needed. They had their fill (verse 12) but still sought Jesus for more of their wants and not their needs.
Jesus traveled from the Sea of Galilee to Capernum by walking on water for a bit and then riding in a boat with the disciples the rest of the way. The crowd that had been on the other side of the sea saw Jesus the next day and wondered how he got from one side to another when they never saw him get on a boat. This is when Jesus calls out their infatuation with his travels. In John 6:26 he says to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." He knows that they aren't concerned with Jesus in this moment outside of what they want, not anything else.
In verse 27, Jesus really straightens their focus on what is the most important. He tells them to focus on the food that brings eternal life, not the food that perishes. Didn't he say something like that to the Samaritan woman at the well?
In verse 35 Jesus refers to himself as the bread of life. He says that whoever comes to him will not hunger and will not thirst (this unifies what he said to the Samaritan woman and in this chapter). He does not mean physically hunger and thirst, but spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus wants us to come to him. Not just when we need something. Not just in an emergency, but before that. Jesus is not a genie. To follow him takes effort and a humble spirit (James 4:6) that is ready to leave the old life and begin anew in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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