2 Corinthians 13: BLESSED ASSURANCE “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God; Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.” (Blessed Assurance, Fanny Crosby) Do you have assurance? “ Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith; tests yourselves.” Paul asks in … Read more
2 Corinthians 12: The Crown of Thorns Paul reveals something which happened to him 14 years before when he was caught up into heaven. What is amazing, is Paul had never told anyone about this. Today we have books written and movies made about people who supposedly died and went to heaven and returned. Paul … Read more
2 Corinthians 11: I want to finish this section of 2 Corinthians 10 first and then begin the first part of chapter 11 as they fit together. “And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete (fulfilled, KJV).” 2 Corinthians 10: 6 The question you must ask yourself … Read more
2 Corinthians 10: “Now, I Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ- who in presence am lowly, (timid, when face to face with you NIV), but being absent am bold with you. I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with confidence by which … Read more
2 Corinthians 8: The Treasure Principle of Amazing Grace! Buried treasure is the theme of novels, movies and the dreams of everyone who ever watched a pirate movie or read, Treasure Island or the Count of Monte Cristo. This fascination with buried treasure is nothing new, listen to what Jesus said: “The kingdom of heaven … Read more
2 Corinthians 7: Two Types of Sorrow “Can two walk together, except they agree?” (Amos 3:3) This Old Testament verse reminds us why we are not to be unequally yoked. But when the world pulls a believer back into sin, how does one get back into sync with God. Repentance. This is what this lesson … Read more
2 Corinthians 6 Part 2: Followership Paul says to the Corinthians, “we have opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding affections from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange- I speak as to my children, open wide your hearts also.” Paul speaks a father to his children, … Read more
2 Corinthians 6: Are You Sincere? Some definitions to start today’s lesson: Sincere is defined as free from pretense or deceit: proceeding from genuine feelings. The Bible uses this adjective with sincere love, sincere faith, and sincere hearts. We value sincerity and we despise hypocrisy, deceitfulness, and flattery. A fanatic is someone described as “filled … Read more
2 Corinthians 5, Part 2: Who Wrote the Book of Love? In verse 14, Paul tells us what compels him, what motivates him and gets him up every morning- “Christ’s Love.” We know the Bible tells us God is Love. The song recorded by the Monotones asks the question: “I wonder who, who wrote the … Read more
2 Corinthians 5: What’s In It For Me? Often referred to as man’s favorite radio station, WIIFM- is something we all think about. For it is part of our nature which thinks in terms of our own selfish nature. What’s in it for me – means what benefit will I derive? What will this do … Read more
2 Corinthians 4, Part 2: Hungry – Homeless – Helpless I saw one of our ‘professional beggars’ with this 3-word homemade sign. I was impressed with this man’s economical use of careful wording which supposedly described his dire circumstances. Paul has told us he had experienced these same circumstances and more on many occasions. Yet … Read more
2 Corinthians 4: The Light of the World “Therefore since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. “Paul talks a lot about not losing heart, about not giving up and about not quitting and pressing on. He has given us two reasons why in this one verse: we are now … Read more
2 Corinthians 2&3: Is Truth Dead? Is Truth Dead? This was the cover of the April 3rd edition of Time Magazine. According to Time magazine it provoked a massive response. The NY Times had recently called President Trump “delusional.” It reminded many of the provocative cover in 1966 which asked: Is God Dead? It also … Read more
2 Corinthians 1 Part 2: The Role of Conscience A change of mind led Paul to change his plans. This caused others to say Paul had not kept his promises. Remember Proverbs 16: 9 says: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” And Proverbs 19: 21 tells us: … Read more
2 Corinthians 1: Don’t Get Too Comfortable Comfort has two distinct definitions: ‘a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.’ And –‘to ease or lesson another’s sadness, sorrow or pain. One is a noun the other a verb, an action taken. Ever been getting ready to sit down and as we say, … Read more