Posts

"Paul's Weird Resume" October 25 Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 11:16-13:14 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     This section continues a powerful description of true ministry, and frankly, an odd and counter-cultural defense of a man's ministry. Paul defends the reality of his faith and his apostleship not by his successes but by his sufferings. He then goes on, in chapter 12, to "boast in his weaknesses, because it is in those weaknesses that Christ is glorified. Paul discusses the concept of the "thorn in the flesh" in chapter 12 as well. This was possibly a temptation or, mor...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Dark Angel of Light" October 24 Readings: 2 Corinthians 10:1-11:15

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 10:1-11:15 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     This begins the intense part of Paul's letter, continuing through the end of chapter 13. In fact, some believe this is actually the "painful letter" Paul refers to in chapter 2, added on to the end of this book. I do not believe that, but the intensity of this section certainly gives rise to those theories. Corinth was rife with false teachers who were attempting to lead the people astray and Paul here ratchets up the defense of his ministry and his attacks on the false...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Giving God's Way" October 23 Readings: 2 Corinthians 8-9

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 8-9 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     Are Christians required to tithe? Is the Old Testament standard still in effect today? Today's passage is the quintessential teaching on New Testament giving practices and shows exactly what the standard is. Two things should be said. First, the OT tithe was far more complex than we've made it. Second, if we come to understand this principle, we might find ourselves wishing all we had to do was move the decimal one place and write a check (tithing means giving 10% of income). ...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Measuring Our Lives"; October 22 Readings: 2 Corinthians 6-7

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 6-7 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     These two chapters are an appeal to the church at Corinth to leave behind their wayward strayings and walk in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He warns them against yoking themselves in partnership with wicked people and instead appeals to them to open their hearts to Paul.  Daily Devotional:  Measuring Our Lives Has my ministry been successful? Is our church doing well? Our world has certain standards that it judges by, and the Christian world has baptized t...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Biblical Self-Image" October 21 Readings: 2 Corinthians 5

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 5 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     How do you view yourself? The world tells us that it is all about our self-image, our self-esteem. 2 Corinthians 5 defines a healthy self-image, one based on the realities of Christ's work in us, not on who we are in ourselves. We are people who are of eternity, not of the present. We walk by faith, not by sight.  We recognize that we will appear before his judgment seat to give account of our lives. We are new creatures in Christ.  We live to bring others into reconci...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Jars of Clay; Treasures of Christ" October 20 Readings: 2 Corinthians 4

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 4 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     2 Corinthians 4 is a powerful passage that details the character of Paul's ministry and explains his integrity, character, and spiritual focus. Paul had been under attack from false brethren, and he devoted this chapter to defending his character, his apostleship, and his behavior.  Daily Devotional:   Jars of Clay; Treasures of Christ Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture? I've always maintained that the Mt. Everest of the Bible is Romans 8. There are other grea...
Post a Comment
Read more

"Defeated by Jesus" October 19 Readings: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18

By
Image
  Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2026 This year, we will read the Bible chronologically, as it happened, instead of simply reading from Genesis to Revelation. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but we will give more emphasis to the New Testament, spending half the year in the Old Testament and half in the New.  Bible Readings :   2 Corinthians 2:14-3:18 In Bible Gateway, we will link to the NIV this year, though you can choose any version you prefer.  Background:     2 Corinthians is a powerful book - take your time with your readings while we are in this book! In 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul describes his letter of recommendation. Even the early church had its problems with false teachers. Evidently, some men went from church to church to teach their particular false doctrines, often carrying with them letters of recommendation to lend credence to his ministry when he would arrive. Paul had a different idea about what comprises a true ...
Post a Comment
Read more