November Archives

November 1

John 18:1-2

Mark 14:32-42

Matthew 26:36-46

Luke 22:39-46

Mark 14:43-52

Matthew 26:47-56

Luke 22:47-53

John 18:3-24

I suppose I should feel irritated with Peter, James, and John for being unable to stay awake, but my heart feels sad for them. We know they had a long troubling day and night with much activity. They had just finished a large meal and hiked across a valley, and now they are in a peaceful garden. Add to that – we are told they were exhausted from grief. They clearly still did not understand all that was going on. And they fell asleep. Even after the Lord rebuked them they could not stop their heavy eyes. The last 24 hours overwhelmed them with fatigue. So they took a 3-hour (more or less) nap before they were confronted with the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. Sure, it was a failure of the flesh, but a failure that I believe would have been made by anyone else in the same circumstances.

It should not be lost in all this – Jesus’ constant attention to the Scriptures as the will of God, and His deliberate surrender to that will, even against His own flesh. This section closes with Jesus being struck on the face because of this commitment to truth.

November 2

Mark 14:53-65

Matthew 26:57-68

Mark 14:66-72

Matthew 26:69-75

Luke 22:54-65

John 18:25-27

Mark 15:1

Matthew 27:1-2

Luke 22:66-71

Matthew 27:3-10

I find myself fascinated by the varied accounts. I understand the Influencer is the Holy Spirit, but of course, He is working through other influences, such as the personalities of the writers and their sources who observed from different perspectives. But one of the strongest examples is the look of Jesus at Peter as the rooster crowed. It seems to me that was likely on an elevated spot, so virtually all the witnesses would notice Him turning suddenly to look at someone or something, but perhaps it didn’t register with them. We know that Luke’s research was extensive, and he apparently interviewed someone who saw clearly who Jesus was looking at (perhaps Peter himself) and recalled when (the crowing of the rooster) He looked. But most importantly, the Holy Spirit inspired the recollection and inspired Luke to recognize the importance and include it for us. May we always know the eyes of Jesus are lovingly present.

November 3

Mark 15:2-5

Matthew 27:11-14

Luke 23:1-12

John 18:28-40

Mark 15:6-15

Matthew 27:15-26

Luke 23:13-25

John 19:1-16

Mark 15:16-20

Matthew 27:27-31

It seems to me that Pilate well represents a mindset in America (mostly in the churches). He senses there is something about this Man. He is even warned about Him by a loved one (his wife). He realizes he is getting railroaded by people with improper motives. But in the end he just doesn’t feel like he can afford to rock the boat anymore, because of his rough past.

There are so many people that feel certain there is something to this Man. But they are tied too tightly to their peers, their lifestyle, their greed, their lust, or to just plain apathy. They are warned by loved ones and they are even willing to acknowledge Him – even say they believe! But that is nothing more than appeasement to one group, while they continue to hold to another group. In the end, they wash their hands, while condemning Him to death.

November 4

Mark 15:21-24

Matthew 27:32-34

Luke 23:26-31

John 19:17

Mark 15:25-32

Matthew 27:35-44

Luke 23:32-43

John 19:18-27

Mark 15:33-41

Matthew 27:45-56

Luke 23:44-49

John 19:28-37

What a fitting way for this section to end – with the words, “These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures…” We can’t help but feel much sorrow for everything that is going on, not to mention that it is going on because of my sin. But there is one other reason that all this is going on, and it is the one thing in all of these happenings that should not make us feel sorrow, but rather joy. And it is shown in this Scripture I wrote above. All of this was predicted clearly because God is in perfect control throughout everything. So while we should feel sorrow that our sin in one sense caused this, we should feel joy that the love of God toward us ultimately caused this, indeed ordained this. “In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us, and while we were still sinners, sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” There is nothing on earth that can so totally break a man and so totally restore him as those words – that truth.

November 5

Mark 15:42-47

Matthew 27:57-61

Luke 23:50-56

John 19:38-42

Matthew 27:62-66

Mark 16:1-8

Matthew 28:1-7

Luke 24:1-12

Mark 16:9-13

John 20:1-18

Matthew 28:8-15

Joseph of Arimathea provides us with such a rich lesson on how a commitment can evolve. The truth is - his situation is not so unusual. He was not ashamed of Jesus. That eventually becomes obvious to us. But he apparently thought it best to retain his position on the Sanhedrin, even though he was a follower of Christ. Of course, that means he would have to be very careful to not let the others know. Now, assuming that he was like virtually all the others, including the closest disciples, then he did not really have an understanding about the resurrection. He simply was traumatized by the Lord’s death and wanted to insure that His body was treated as best as possible. And he no longer cared whether his position was in jeopardy or not. And it appears his colleague, Nicodemus, was in the same situation. But one thing we can project – that they soon would become very aware that Christ has risen!

November 6

Luke 24:13-43

Mark 16:12-13

John 20:19-23

Mark 16:14

John 20:24-21:25

Matthew 28:16-20

Mark 16:15-18

Luke 24:44-49

I have learned so much reading the NLT in a chronological form through the four Gospels. Very powerful. But today, I really felt that I wanted to review a couple of other versions. Not because the NLT was weak, but just because I found myself desiring the strongest perspective possible in a few areas.

It is tempting to be very critical of the disciples as if I would somehow have been much less dull of heart and mind, but of course, that could not be more ridiculous. Jesus visited for quite a while with Cleopas and his companion before revealing His true identity (Luke 24:31). And in Luke 24:45 He (apparently for the first time) opened their minds to understand the Scriptures – what we know as the Old Testament – that spoke of Jesus. With this in mind, perhaps we should look at these Gospels and the conduct of the disciples in a new light. They were what they were because of dull minds, but they became what they became only because of Jesus.

November 7

Mark 16:19-20

Luke 24:50-53

Acts 1:1-2:47

Oh what a difference the Holy Spirit makes! Those that went into the Upper Room were not the same in knowledge and ability when they came out.

Peter’s first recorded speech in Acts, to the 120 indicates that not only was he giving himself to prayer, but he was giving himself to study. And while I’m not sure he always arrived at correct theology, he was clear and bold, and a far cry from the clumsy, dull-minded Peter before the Holy Spirit was given. There obviously was a great revealing of the truths of God’s Word that had been studied by these people, because they obviously presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly and appealingly, and in the languages that the people could understand. It was a great miracle recognized by all and there were conversions by the 1000’s. And so, that is what we all need: the Word of God and the Holy Spirit with study and prayer.

November 8

Acts 3:1-5:42

That is it. It doesn’t get any simpler. God raised Jesus from the dead after He was crucified willingly in payment of the penalty for my sins and the sins of the world. He is now at the right hand of the Father as Prince and Savior. He did this to give us all an opportunity to turn from our sins and turn to God so our sins will be forgiven, and we will receive the Holy Spirit. This is the testimony of the eye witnesses and we can confirm it to be so.

This was the purpose of everything else the apostles did.

Ø When they collected funds, they did it to preach the Gospel.

Ø When they fed the poor and cared for the widows, they did it to demonstrate and deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Ø When they perform miracles by faith in Jesus, they did it to use the attention it caused to preach the Gospel of salvation through repentance and belief in the Risen Messiah, Jesus Christ.

You may ask, “So did they do anything from simple compassion for the suffering and needy?” Of course! They were genuinely compassionate, but it should never be missed that their compassion was always driven by the eternal welfare of souls before them. May it be our principle drive as well.

November 9

Acts 6:1-8:1a

Some might call this trouble in Paradise, but there were problems in the Church that were recorded earlier. Nevertheless, this was a tough one and so a meeting was called. A new structure was presented that would allow the apostles to spend their time in prayer, preaching, and teaching the Word of God. And this is a good rule for today. Messengers of God should be granted the freedom to properly study, pray, and prepare to guide people to grow in the knowledge of God. So they picked out 7 men to take care of the physical ministries to the widows and needy. They definitely picked out some powerful men of God, as we see right away through Stephen’s discourse to the religious leaders. The only problem is that some of these guys seemed as committed to preaching and teaching as the apostles. It is my guess that they acted as administrators, overseeing the work of many servants. Stephen’s discourse is a masterpiece among Old Testament surveys. And as an Old Testament survey should do, it led to Christ and conviction.

November 10

Acts 8:1b-9:43

This is a classic example of good coming from evil. Apparently, the Gospel was not being spread beyond Jerusalem adequately, and so the global evangelism outreach that was needed was provoked by persecution. Everyone but the apostles fled Jerusalem. Even the deacons fled, but not in silence. They began preaching in the areas that they fled to. Philip brought the Gospel to the Samaritans and indirectly to the Ethiopians. God allowed persecution so that those afar off might receive the Word of Life. Dear Lord, may I hear You clearly when You speak Your assignments to me, lest I should require more uncomfortable means to prompt me to obedience. It is both a sad and a wondrous thing that it should take the martyrdom of an anointed deacon and Gospel preacher like Stephen to ignite the fire of the Good News of Jesus Christ – a fire that would spread even to the Gentiles in the far reaches of Europe – a fire that would be carried by a once bitter Pharisee who had resisted the marvelous truth with murderous stones.

November 11

Acts 10:1-12:5

It is interesting to examine the various “scholarly” views of when and how Cornelius was accepted by God as righteous. There are different systems of theology that rise or fall on their treatment of this account. Is a pagan noticed and favored by God for the religious things he does? Perhaps it could be argued that we cannot know for certain that he was not a Christian. Add to that the fact that Peter recognized Cornelius clearly had heard of Jesus and all that was said about Him. But I think the rest of the text indicates more strongly that he was not a convert to Christianity before Peter’s preaching. If so, this would present a significant refutation to many systems of Christian theology. But before we get too bold, it should be understood that God’s recognition of Cornelius was not so much acceptance as it was simply indication that mercy was on its way to a seeker. The Holy Spirit draws before the Holy Spirit fills. Even after God’s acknowledgment of Cornelius’ good conduct, it was still needed for God to send preaching, to send His Word, and to send His Holy Spirit. Cornelius still needed the Gospel.

November 12

Acts 12:6-14:20

I can just see Luke as he visited with John Mark about this. Surely he reviewed it while they were journeying together with Paul. But it is also quite possible that he actually visited with the whole gang at Mark’s mom’s house. If so, it is not hard to imagine the excitement as they recounted the details and it would almost seem there was laughter, along with a little bit of poking fun. Because Luke’s detail brings out the humor as well as the wonder, not to mention the sobriety of the group prayer for Peter’s welfare. It was prevailing prayer and likely tearful and earnest. But these people did not wait for disaster to practice diligent praying. They were quite given to the practice. Are we?

Paul’s message to the congregation in Antioch (Pisidia) is an excellent and succinct discourse for all to study for witnessing. Granted it was delivered to Jews, but the main theological core is common to any Gospel delivery. And God used it powerfully.

November 13

Acts 14:21-28

Galatians 1:1-3:23

What excitement must have been in the hearts of Paul and Barnabus as they wrapped up this first missionary trip! And what anointing (and heartache) and genius delivered the message written to the Galatians. Everyone recognized that God had opened the “door of faith” to the Gentiles. That is an interesting phrase to me – door of faith. Where does the door lead to? Why should one go through it? Is there any other door that will lead to the same thing? This phrase is found in Acts 14:27. But we are not left wondering about what is found by the one who walks through the door. That revelation is in Galatians 3:11. Through the doorway is life. And by the way, there is only one door. And lest we go off on a wild tangent about faith, maybe we should be more specific about the Object of faith. What material is this door made of? Make no mistake; we do not have faith in faith. Galatians 3:9 and 3:22 make it clear; the door of faith is Jesus Christ. In fact, let me just blow this whole parable wide open. Christ is not only the door; He is the hinges, the frame, and the whole house. He is our life – our righteousness. Not law – not rules – Christ alone.

November 14

Galatians 3:24-6:18

Acts 15:1-21

One of the things that stands out largely in this section (to me) and I think represents the whole section well is the statement given after the fruit of the Spirit is laid out in Galatians 5:22. “Here there is no conflict with the Law.” That statement should make all the Judaizers relax some and make all the “faith-only” folks take notice. When one is living according to the Spirit, his life will not conflict with the Law whatsoever. But when one is living according to the sinful nature, the Law will conflict with everything he does. Now, if we consider all this loosely, we might think it good to run to the Law to see how we are doing. Big mistake. But if we consider all this carefully, we will run to the Spirit, and live in Christ, at the cross – in love – according to the Spirit, nailing our sinful nature to the cross, crucified with Christ - to live no longer in the way of the flesh. Praise be to God for the unsearchable depths of His mercies!

November 15

Acts 15:22-17:15

Paul is no doubt understanding the pattern of persecution now. Of course, long before this, the Lord showed him what things he must suffer. But Paul (by now) has a full grasp on the process of preaching the truth, the Holy Spirit giving success, the Judaizers inciting the people against Paul, the fickled minds of the people, and the inevitable beating and imprisonments. Nevertheless, Paul seems to not hesitate in carrying out his calling. He is compelled to preach the Gospel and any other plan is a curse to him.

It appears that Luke joined Paul and Silas in Troas (16:10) as they were heading to Macedonia and the towns of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, etc. At 16:10 the pronouns change to first person. But more importantly, we constantly see another Person directing the journey of these travelers. This Person is the Holy Spirit. I think Paul operated with a plan but I also think he kept it flexible and remained sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

November 16

Acts 17:16-18:3

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11

Paul was constantly around environments that were idolatrous and immoral, but he usually had Christian companionship. However, he did not have such companionship for a period in Athens. And Athens was like no other place when it comes to idols and altars and a debauched society. Paul was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw. You see, even though he did not have earthly companionship, he always had the companionship of the Lord, and when one is constantly in the company of the Lord, such things will trouble greatly. But oh how alert Paul was! And how purposeful he was in determining an approach for presenting Christ to these people. He even read the inscriptions on the idols, and no doubt smiled just a bit, even as he was troubled by all he saw, when he read about the “unknown god.” I mention there was perhaps a smile because he had found his “in.” That was all he needed – an opening - an ice-breaker. He already had the message – the message that never changes. And even though most scoffed at his message, a few eventually believed – even one who was a member of the Council at the Areopagus. God’s Word never goes forth without purpose and it never returns without results.

November 17

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18

Acts 18:4-23

In both letters to the Thessalonians, Paul addresses the problem of laziness and idleness. And he is more emphatic in the second letter. I have heard that the problem is the firm belief that Jesus would return at any second and so there was considered to be no need for making money or paying bills. If this is true, then your heart goes out to them, but their behavior still requires correction. And Paul says warn them, but be patient with them. In the second letter, he says if they don’t work, they shouldn’t eat, and if they refuse to heed these warnings they should not be treated as enemies. They should never be treated as enemies. They should be treated as Christians (as family) who simply need to be warned. We would all do well to learn this unique concept of love that has the courage to correct while having the gentleness to embrace. I get so tired of people who think all negativity should be avoided. That’s just plain dangerous. When things are wrong, it is loving to say so (1 Thessalonians 5:14). It is unloving to not say so.

November 18

Acts 18:24-19:20

1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23

It is interesting that John the Baptist’s ministry had spread so broadly. This is where Apollos comes into the picture. He came from Egypt. He was one of the (likely indirect) proselytes of John the Baptist. He was very articulate in preaching Jesus. But this denomination of John the Baptist followers continued to base their ministry on the first coming of Christ. They seemed to know that Christ had come, but the preaching apparently was still rooted in the Christ yet to come. This is interesting in view of the thorough awareness of Jesus nearly everywhere in the known world. Somehow their approach was askew of the Gospel as presented by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.

Speaking of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he had a tough job on his hands. The church at Corinth had a lot of problems. I think Apollos was a great speaker and debater, but I don’t think he was well-gifted with pastoral skills. Between lack of guidance and a perverted society encroaching on the church, Paul had much to deal with.

November 19

1 Corinthians 4:1-7:40

This section is so rich with instruction in simple Christian living it is hard to know what to touch on. Paul presents some thought-provoking instructions that at times seem to be at tension with one another. He mentions that the incestuous person “will be saved when the Lord returns,” but then says “none that do wrong will share in the kingdom of God.” Perhaps this can be resolved with word studies or just with the consideration that some will have “position” in the Kingdom of God without having “reward” in the Kingdom of God.

In chapter 7, I think many people miss the message behind the message. Paul wants people to do right, but the most important way to do right is to be focused on doing “whatever will help you serve the Lord best.” And most important of all, we should understand that “God wants His children to live in peace.” If we remember that, we will always adjust ourselves accordingly.

November 20

1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

When people read about Paul doing everything possible to not offend a weaker Christian (or anybody for that matter), they tend to quickly assume that Paul doesn’t really mean what he says, because we cannot possibly please everybody all the time, and we should not try. I even hear ministers speak this way, and I have always agreed, because it seems like common sense. But today, I see in the reading that Paul means exactly what he says. He says, “I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them, so they may be saved.” I know people (Christians) who would say, “That is crazy. If you tried to do that, it would drive you crazy.” But the person who says that is usually just thinking selfishly. Why did Paul live this way? “For the glory of God.” Why did Paul live so unselfishly? “I try to find common ground with everyone that I might bring them to Christ.” That’s why!

November 21

1 Corinthians 11:2-13:13

Chapter 11 gives great insight into the roll of men and women and the nature of their relationship to one another and to God. I think it is a dangerous chapter for the foolish readers who isolate certain things to the exclusion of other things. Much damage has been done in the Lord’s Church because of readers magnifying some parts and minimizing others. Perhaps the most important word regarding the overall context is the word “custom” in verse 16. That verse leads me to believe that we should never argue over customs or traditions. So one should simply take from that section (16 verses) that:

1. Reverence in worship is supremely important.

2. Men and women have different roles and are equally dependent on one another.

3. If the majority of churches follow a particular tradition, then it is appropriate to be in accord with it; as long as it does not compromise an essential of the Christian faith.

In other words: BE AT PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER! J

November 22

1 Corinthians 14:1-15:58

Because of my background in the Church, chapter 14 saddens me in two ways.

1. I have seen churches that absolutely ignore decent order in the church.

2. I have seen churches so committed to decent order that they do not earnestly desire spiritual gifts such as are spoken of in chapter 14.

Some churches, despite the plain language of this chapter, all speak in tongues at the same time. That seems like inexcusable ignorance or just plain disobedience to me. And then other churches despite the plain language of this chapter do not fast and pray in earnest desire of revelatory prophecy. In fairness to them, many believe such gifts became unnecessary as the recognition of the Canon of Scripture was complete. Come to think of it, if such a body of believers truly uses their assembling for, among other things, the exposition of those Scriptures; then haven’t they demonstrated revelatory prophecy in the most verifiable way? I wonder if we sometimes forget that prophecy (Scripture) did not come by the will of man, but by the Spirit of God.

November 23

1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Acts 19:21-20:3

Romans 1:1-32

This section is tricky because I am drawn to write of what I have learned about money collections, percentages, and weekly accumulations. I am tempted to write of Stephanus and honoring those that serve. And then there is the curse of 1 Corinthians 16:22. Not to mention the fascinating account of the Ephesian uprising and Paul’s narrow escape, as well as Aristarchus and Gaius.

But how can I give up so little space when the first chapter of such a literary masterpiece as Romans is in my hands. Paul begins with small talk but not unimportant talk, because he deals with prayer and other subjects. But the most important subject he refers to several times in his opening is the Good News about Christ. This is what the book of Romans is about. And after mentioning this more than once, Paul plunges right in and his diving board is the key verse of the whole book (1:17): through faith a righteous person has life. From there he proceeds to show just how unrighteous the human race really is.

November 24

Romans 2:1-4:25

This section of Scripture seems so theologically intense that by the time I finished I thought my brain circuits were shorting out! Funny thing is, I wanted to spend more time with it! There are so many questions posed here and some are answered, some partially answered, and some are to be answered later. Perhaps one of the most significant and most obvious and most neglected truths in this section has to do with the nature of faith. Faith is a quality that enables belief. It is a gift, not a work. It is not meritable. It must be utilized to believe and that is done by choice. Abraham believed because he chose to believe and from God’s view, this gave Abraham no basis for pride. Paul and God have clearly differentiated between good deeds and faith. James also made a clear distinction. Many brilliant theologians have stumbled here. I suppose the best way to summarize this section with one word is with a word that is not even shown: Grace!

November 25

Romans 5:1-8:17

I am simply blown away by chapters 6 through 8. So many people have tripped over these chapters. Surprisingly, we begin in 5:1 with justification by faith and finish with repentance by action. Of course, Christ always preached “repent and believe,” in that order. Ironically, to believe requires a change of mind that effects the employment of faith. So we see a progression of repentance by faith that produces action (inevitably). Paul essentially closes (8:12-14) with a “turn or burn” message (although he presents it a little more gracefully).

Not to over use rowdy clichés, but I suspect we have all heard the one, “use it or lose it.” Well, Paul’s message regarding the Law is, “use it AND lose it!” By that I mean, if we use the Law as our guide for doing good, the best that can come from it is the lesson of how wretched we really are. The whole message here is “there is a choice.” We can either use a list of rules to live right, and fail miserably; or we can live in love with Jesus Christ. We can be driven by a spirit-deep love for God, instead of a flesh-deep obligation to rules. One brings life; the other death. One pleases God; the other perishes.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit given to us, we can live holy and wholly for Christ.

November 26

Romans 8:18-10:21

The message here is clear. God is in charge and He is love. And not only does He choose whoever He wants to choose. He shows us here that He wants to choose those who have responded in faith to the message of the Gospel. If that upsets your theological foundation, stay with me; it gets better. J

This is the method He has chosen, and it is not a phony smoke screen. He loves people, not robots. He made them that way because He is sovereign and that is what He did. Man is made in His image. Paul uses the analogy of the Potter and the clay to illustrate the wonder of God’s sovereignty. He knows who will respond and who will reject. He knows, and yet He creates them anyway, because He uses all of their choices for His glory. He is not a reactionary, because He knows all, always. If one rejects, by choice he becomes a vessel for trash, but even this vessel will further the plan of God for those He loves. He is a longsuffering Potter and He is not wasteful with His clay. It is all used for His glory. Only God can make a clay pot that can choose – that has genuine faith to respond to (and even reject) the message of life.

November 27

Romans 11:1-14:23

The proper understanding of God’s choice of people can be acquired with careful reading here. We see that God allows a few to find His favor, but others are rejected. But we are continually reminded as well that those whom God rejects are those who have disobeyed repeatedly and continually unto death, and those God has chosen are those who have accepted God’s grace. May we never degrade the Good News by suggesting that it is deliberately delivered to those who gain faith by hearing it, and yet are then disallowed to employ that faith. Never consider the employment of faith (the act of believing) a meritable work. All of the Bible (and especially James) clearly differentiates.

Every Christian, shortly after conversion, should be strongly encouraged to study Romans 12 through 14. So many heartaches could be avoided with a clear understanding that the Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Harmony should always be the goal.

November 28

Romans 15:1-16:27

2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

This selection is well orchestrated in that it begins with exhortation to live for others rather than self. Avoid offending with any action, no matter how harmless it seems to you. As Paul opens the letter of 2 Corinthians, he shows us how he practices what he preached in these closing remarks to the Romans. He does this by tenderly helping the Corinthians past the potential offense from his last letter. And between these two heart-tugging bookends is the wonderful Romans 16, which gives us a window into the scope of Paul’s relationships.

I also find it notable that Paul’s amanuensis, Tertius, sends greetings in the first person. I have listened to some great speakers who refuse to allow that someone else may have done the writing while another dictated (i.e., Mark for Peter in the Gospel of Mark). This (I think) refutes those speakers very clearly. The Holy Spirit is not restricted (in His methods) by the minds and devices of men.

November 29

2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13

This is the grand plea for Christ and the focus is the love of the saints for one another. Paul begins with his exhortation to the church to forgive the brother who had turned from his sin. And he finishes by pleading to his “dear Corinthian friends.” “Open your hearts to us!” In between these bookends, Paul shows a survey of all he and his comrades in ministry have suffered for Christ. And throughout all this, he is also writing the pure and complete message of the Gospel. He writes of the failure of the Old Covenant and the triumph of the New. He writes of the glory of the new bodies we will receive soon, and why we can be joyous when it comes our time to lay aside our dying bodies. Paul then shows us that our hope motivates us to be Ambassadors for Christ, spreading the message of this great hope. It is clear that all who have this hope live to please Christ. The old life is gone – the new has begun!

November 30

2 Corinthians 6:14-10:18

A harsh rebuke can have value, but oh how cautious we should be. We can do more harm than good so easily. If it causes godly sorrow, it is a good thing. If it causes rebellious feelings, it only leads to darkness.

I am not sure how anyone with a brain and a conscience could read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 and still believe a message of health, wealth, and prosperity. I am only taught of love, ministry, generosity, suffering, and sacrifice. This text teaches me that my goal should be the glory of God and it tells me how to reach that goal: sharing and thus meeting one another’s needs, spiritually and physically. I have read harsh criticisms about the early Jerusalem church forming a community in which all was shared equally. It is believed from the text that this church was practicing communism. If things were truly as these critics are imagining, their criticism might be justified, but I think the text of Acts, along with numerous other texts, is insufficient for their conclusions.

Ó 2004 C. E. Briggs