2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 1:5

2 Corinthians 1:5

During times of trials, we tend to become self focused. We take the problem and wrap it around ourselves like a cocoon, becoming isolated our sorrow. And in our self pity all we can think about is ourselves, our pain, and why God allows our suffering. We cut ourselves off from others becoming cisterns instead of channels. But God in His infinite wisdom, knows the blessings of tribulations. He allows them our lives for a duel purpose. First, adversity deepens our relationship with the Lord as we learn to lean on and trust in Him. Second, adversity allows us to comfort and encourage others. It is only through experiencing our own pain that can we relate to the pain of others. And because of the comfort and grace shown to us, we can extend that same comfort and grace to others. God always stands by our side during even the darkest of times. So we can rejoice knowing He has given us the blessing of doing the same for others.

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July 2nd – 2 Corinthians 3:17

2 Corinthians 3:17

This weekend as we celebrate the Fourth of July and our hard fought freedoms, I can’t help but think of Patrick Henry who so famously said, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” The Greek word for liberty is “Eleftherios”, meaning personal freedom from servitude, or oppression. And that just what Jesus came to do, to set us free spiritually. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the perfect fulfillment of the Law. And once we receive Him as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell every believer. And through the power of the Spirit we are, “released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit” (Rom.7:6) And this liberty empowers us to deny the flesh and our own selfish desires for the purpose of glorifying God!

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Words Of Comfort – 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4

Throughout history there have been failed predictions about the end of the age and the return of Jesus. Dates set which are meant to conjure fear and panic in the heart of Christians everywhere. But when the apostle Paul speaks of death and the Rapture, his words are used for comfort and hope. …

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Justification Through Faith – Romans 4

Romans 4

In the first four chapters of Romans, Paul makes it very clear that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. There isn’t a sacrifice we can make, a good deed we can do, nor a price we can pay to obtain salvation. The apostle taught it is only because of grace through faith that we are justified. Now that was a pretty radical concept to the Jewish people whose whole lives were wrapped up in the Law and a system of works. …

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March 17th – 2 Corinthians 7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1

As sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, we can trust the beautiful promises of God who welcomes us as our loving, heavenly, Father. But He also calls us to do our part when it comes to change and renewal. We are to wash away the fleshly living and sins of the world. And instead lead lives which reflect His holiness. And we do this out of love and thankfulness of all God does for us. For by cleansing ourselves of all immorality, we demonstrate our faithfulness and devotion to the One who gave everything to call us His!

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March 8th – 2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Corinthians 4:16

Our society is obsessed with holding on to youth. But it is a losing venture since aging and decay go hand in hand with living in a fallen world. But one day, when Jesus calls us home, we will trade these perishable bodies for new glorious, perfectly eternal ones. And until then, our focus shouldn’t be on the outside, but on our hearts and minds. We should be fully committed to the renewal of our insides that God, through the Holy Spirit, offers us each day. A renewal that no injection or supplement could offer, and no deterioration can touch!

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February 18th – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Paul deeply loved the Lord. He personally witnessed all that Jesus endured for the sake of each and everyone one of us. Compelled by the self sacrificing love of the Lord, Paul dedicated his life to following God and sharing Christ’s love with the world. And as followers of Jesus, we too should share that same compelling desire. For Jesus died for all. So out hearts of thankfulness for the great love He has shown us, we in return need to have a Christlike love for others. And the greatest way to show that love is to share the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

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The Value of Weakness – (2 Corinthians 12)

2 Corinthians 12

The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations during his ministry. He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Paul lived under constant fear of death, and often went hungry, thirsty, and cold. And even with all of this, God allowed him to be broken further by giving him a constant thorn in the flesh. But instead of giving in or giving up, Paul drew closer to God. And in the process he learned that there is strength in weakness. …

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January 7th – 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

We serve the God of fresh starts and new beginnings. And to all who would believe, through the death of His Son Jesus on the Cross, God offers a rebirth. For the moment we receive Christ as our Savior we become new creatures, born again, cleansed from sin, and declared righteous. Gone is our old nature as the Holy Spirit indwells us, going to work changing us from the inside out. He gives us the gift of a new nature that no longer chases after the desires of the flesh, but instead fills its desires through chasing after the Lord.

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January 2nd – 2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

No matter who we are or what we’ve done in the past, God is the God of fresh beginnings. For once we receive Jesus as our Savior, we experience a “new birth”.  And through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the old us becomes the new us, reconciled back to God, declared righteous, and eternally forgiven. The past is old and forgotten. And as new creatures of the Lord with new spirits and natures, we become heirs in His kingdom. No longer is our destiny death and destruction, but instead a heavenly one spent at the side of Jesus and in the presence of God forever!

 

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