God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

2 Corinthians 9:7

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give. We don't have to be embarrassed if we can give only a small gift. God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have.

 

(People on the receiving end need to be sensitive when they accept a gift...I was once told by a friend who was collecting donations for a family member to go on a missions trip...."thanks for your small gift".)

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't compromise. (2 Corinthians 6:8-10)

2 Corinthians 6:8-10

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

⁸ We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. ⁹ We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. ¹⁰ Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

 

 

What a difference it makes to know Jesus! He cares for us in spite of what the world thinks. Christians don't have to give in to public opinion and pressure. Paul stood faithful to God whether people praised him or condemned him. He remained active, joyous, and content in the most difficult hardships. Don't let circumstances or people's expectations control you. Be firm as you stand true to God, and refuse to compromise His standards for living.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are being watched ! (2 Corinthians 6:3)

2 Corinthians 6:3

New Living Translation (NLT)

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

 

In everything he did, Paul always considered what his actions communicated about Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, you are a minister for God. In the course of each day, non-Christians observe you. Don't let your careless or undisciplined actions be another person's excuse for rejecting Christ.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

New Living Translation (NLT)

6 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. ² For God says,

“At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.”

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

God offers salvation to all people. Many people put off a decision for Christ, thinking that there will be a better time - but they could easily miss their opportunity altogether. There is no time like the present to receive God's forgiveness. Don't let anything hold you back from coming to Christ.

Joe

 

 

 

 

We are Christ's Ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

2 Corinthians 5:20

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

An ambassador is an official representative on behalf of one country to another. As believers, we are Christ's ambassadors, sent with His message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are you fulfilling your commission as Christ's ambassador?

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jars of Clay (2 Corinthians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 4:7

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

⁷ We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

The supremely valuable message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings ("jars of clay"). Paul's focus, however, was not the perishable container but on its priceless contents - God's power dwelling in us. Though we are weak, God uses us to spread His Good  News, and He gives us power to do His work. Knowing that the power is His, not ours, should keep us from pride and motivate us to keep daily contact with God, our power source. Our responsibility is to let people see God through us.

Joe

People must be introduced to Christ, not to you. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

2 Corinthians 4:5

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

⁵ You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

 

The focus of Paul's preaching was Christ and not himself. When you witness, tell people about what Christ has done, and not about your abilities and accomplishments. People must be introduced to Christ, not to you. And if you hear someone preaching himself or his own ideas rather than Christ, beware - he is a false teacher.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you been blinded? (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

³ If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. ⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

 

 

The gospel is open and revealed to everyone except to those who refuse to believe. Satan is "the god of this world." His work is to deceive, and he has blinded those who don't believe in Christ. The allure of money, power and pleasure blinds people to the light of Christ's gospel. Those who reject Christ and prefer their own pursuits have unknowingly made Satan their God.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be careful not to distort the message to please your audience. God's watching ! (2 Corinthians 4:2)

2 Corinthians 4:2

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

 

Preachers, teachers, and anyone else who talks about Jesus Christ must remember that they stand in God's presence - He hears every word. When you tell people about Christ, be careful not to distort the message to please your audience. Proclaim the truth of God's Word.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you know any "peddlers" of God's word? (2 Corinthians 2:17)

2 Corinthians 2:17

New International Version (NIV)

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.

 

 

Some preachers in Paul's day were "peddlers" of God's word, preaching without understanding God's message or caring about what happened to their listeners. They weren't concerned about furthering God's kingdom - they just wanted money. Today there are still religious teachers who care only about money, and not about truth. Those who truly speak for God should have sincerity and integrity, and should never preach for selfish reasons.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow these directions. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

¹³ Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

¹⁴ Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).

As the Corinthians awaited Paul's next visit, they were directed to 1.) be on their guard against spiritual dangers, 2.) stand firm in the faith, 3.) behave courageously, 4.) be strong, and 5.) do everything in kindness and in love. Today as we wait for the return of Christ, we should follow the same directions.

Joe

What you do today matters for eternity. (1 Corinthians 15:30-34)

1 Corinthians 15:30-34

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

³⁰ And why would we put ourselves in danger every hour?
³¹ I die every day. I really mean that, brothers and sisters. Here is something you can be sure of. I take pride in what Christ Jesus our Lord has done for you through my work. ³² Did I fight wild animals in Ephesus for only human reasons? Then what have I gotten for it? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
    because tomorrow we will die.” (Isaiah 22:13)

³³ Don’t let anyone fool you. “Bad companions make a good person bad.” ³⁴ You should come back to your senses and stop sinning. Some of you don’t know anything about God. I say this to make you ashamed.

 

 

If death ended it all, enjoying the moment would be all that matters. But Christians know that there is life beyond the grave and that our life on earth is only a preparation for our life that will never end. What you do today matters for eternity.  In light of eternity, sin is a foolish gamble.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pray and Worship with your Mind also. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

1 Corinthians 14:15

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

 

 

¹⁵ So what should I do? I will pray with my spirit. But I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit. But I will also sing with my mind.

 

 

In praying and singing, both the mind and the spirit are to be fully engaged. When we sing, we should also think about the meaning of the words. When we pour out our feelings to God in prayer, we should not turn off our capacity to think. True Christianity is neither barren intellectualism nor thoughtless emotionalism.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 14:2)

1 Corinthians 14:2

New International Version (NIV)

² For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.

The gift of speaking in a tongue was a concern in the Corinthian church because the use of the gift had caused disorder in worship. Speaking in tongues is a legitimate gift of the Holy Spirit, but the Corinthian believers were using it as a sign of spiritual superiority rather than a means to spiritual unity. Spiritual gifts are beneficial only when they are properly used to help everyone in the church. We should not exercise them only to make ourselves feel good.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith, Hope and LOVE ! (1 Corinthians 13:13)

1 Corinthians 13:13

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹³ Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God Himself. Love involves unselfish service to others, to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; Hope is the attitude and focus; Love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.

Joe

God's kind of love ! (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

New International Version (NIV)

 

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

 

 

Our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God's kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We need to get involved in the lives of others. (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)

1 Corinthians 12:25-26

New International Version (NIV)

 

²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

 

 

What is your response when a fellow Christian is honored? How do you respond when someone is suffering? We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Too often, unfortunately, we are jealous of those who rejoice and apathetic toward those who weep. Believers are in the world together - there is no such thing as private or individualistic Christianity. We shouldn't stop with enjoying only our own relationship with God; we need to get involved in the lives of others.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who's table do you sit at...Christ's or Satan's?

1 Corinthians 10:21

New International Version (NIV)

 

²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

 

 

As followers of Christ, we must give Him our total allegiance. We cannot, as Paul explains have a part in "both the Lord's table and the table of demons." Eating at the Lord's table means communing with Christ and identifying with His death. Eating at the demon's table means identifying with Satan by worshipping or promoting pagan (or evil) activities. Are you trying to lead two lives, following the desires of both Christ and the crowd? The Bible says that you can't do both at the same time.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principles for Ministry (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

1 Corinthians 9:22-23

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

²² When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. ²³ I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Paul gives several important principles for ministry: 1.) find common ground with those you contact; 2.) avoid a know-it-all attitude; 3.) make others feel accepted; 4.) be sensitive to their needs and concerns; and 5.) look for opportunities to tell them about Christ. These principles are just as valid for us as they were for Paul.

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honor God with your gifts. (1 Corinthians 9:16)

1 Corinthians 9:16

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

 

 

Preaching the gospel was Paul's gift and calling, and he couldn't stop preaching even if he wanted to. Paul was driven by the desire to do what God wanted, using his gifts for God's glory. What special gifts has God given you? Are you motivated, like Paul, to honor God with your gifts?

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knowledge vs. LOVE (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

8 ... We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. ² Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. ³ But whoever loves God is known by God.

 

Love is more important than knowledge. Knowledge can make us look good and feel important, but we can all too easily develop an arrogant, know-it-all attitude. Many people with strong opinions are unwilling to listen to and learn from God and others. We can obtain God's knowledge only by loving Him. And we can know and be known by God only when we model Him by showing love (see 1 John 4:7-8 below).

1 John 4:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Joe

Stay where you are ! (1 Corinthians 7:20)

1 Corinthians 7:20

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.

 

 

 

Often we are so concerned about what we could be doing for God somewhere else that we miss great opportunities right where we are. Paul says that when someone becomes a Christian, he or she should usually continue with the work he or she has previously been doing - providing it isn't immoral or unethical. Every job can become Christian work when you realize that the purpose of your life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Christ. Because God has placed you where you are, look carefully for opportunities to serve Him there.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

Sin is Sin ! (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

 

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁹ Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, ¹⁰ or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. ¹¹ Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

 

In a permissive society it is easy for Christians to overlook or tolerate some immoral behaviors while remaining outraged at others. We must not participate in sin or condone it in any way, nor may we be selective about what we condone or excuse. Staying away from more "acceptable" forms of sin is difficult, but it is no harder for us than it was for the Corinthians. God expects His followers in any age to have high standards.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kingdom of God is to be lived, not just discussed. (1 Corinthians 4:18-20)

1 Corinthians 4:18-20

The Message (MSG)

^18-20 I know there are some among you who are so full of themselves they never listen to anyone, let alone me. They don’t think I’ll ever show up in person. But I’ll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we’ll see if they’re full of anything but hot air. God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.

 

 

Some people talk a lot about faith, but that's all it is - talk. They may know all the right words to say, but their lives don't reflect God's power. Paul says that the kingdom of God is to be lived, not just discussed. There is a big difference between knowing the right words and living them out. Don't be content to have the right answers about Christ. Let your life show that God's power is really working in you.

 

 

 

 

Joe

Your spiritual leader is a representative of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:6-7)

1 Corinthians 4:6-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁶ Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. ⁷ For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

How easy it is to become attached to a spiritual leader. When someone has helped us, its natural to feel loyalty. But Paul warns against having such pride in our favorite leaders that we cause divisions in the church. Any true spiritual leader is a representative of Christ and has nothing to offer that God hasn't given him or her. Don't let your loyalty cause strife, slander or broken relationships. Make sure that your deepest loyalties are to Christ and not to His agents. Those who spend more time debating church leadership than declaring Christ's message don't have Christ as their top priority.

Joe

No Superstars, only Team Members (1 Corinthians 3:7-9)

1 Corinthians 3:7-9

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁷ It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. ⁹ For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

God's work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. There are no superstars in this task, only team members performing their own special roles. We can become useful members of God's team by setting aside our desires to receive glory for what we do. Don't seek the praise that comes from people - it is comparatively worthless. Instead, seek approval from God.

Joe

(Happy Birthday brother Nick)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a Pedestal... (1 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

1 Corinthians 3:6

 

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

 

 

Paul planted the seed of the gospel in people's hearts. He was a missionary pioneer; he brought the message of salvation. Apollos's role was to water - to help the believers grow stronger in the faith. Paul founded the church in Corinth, and Apollos built on that foundation. Tragically, the believers in Corinth had split into factions, pledging loyalty to different teachers (see 1 Corinthians 11-13 below). Our leaders should be certainly respected, but we should never place them on pedestals that create barriers between people or set them up as a substitute for Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. ¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep it simple. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

 

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

2 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. ² For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. ³ I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. ⁴ And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

 

 

A brilliant scholar, Paul could of overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual arguments. Instead he shared the simple message of Jesus Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide His words. In sharing the gospel with others, we should follow Paul's example and keep our message simple and basic. The Holy Spirit will give power to our words and use them to bring glory to Jesus.

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impressive message or impressive speaker? (1 Corinthians 1:17)

1 Corinthians 1:17

 

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.

 

 

Some speakers use impressive words, but they are weak on content. Paul stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners. He wanted them to be impressed with his message, not just his style. You don't need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the gospel effectively. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller. Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say, but against those who try to impress others only with their knowledge or speaking ability.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the content. (Romans 16:17-20)

Romans 16:17-20



New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹⁷ And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. ¹⁸ Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. ¹⁹ But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. ²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

 

When we read books or listen to sermons, we should check the content of what is written or said and not be fooled by smooth style. Christians who study God's Word will not be fooled, even though superficial listeners may easily be taken in.

 

Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A preacher or teacher who give God's true message will never contradict or explain away anything found in God Word.

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treat your enemies with kindness ?? (Romans 12:19-20)

Romans 12:19-20


New International Version (NIV)




¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”




What does it mean to "heap burning coals" on someone's head? This may refer to the Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning charcoal on one's head as a public act of repentance. By referring to this proverb, Paul was saying that we should treat our enemies with kindness so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. The best way to get rid of enemies is to turn them into friends.





Joe