REPENTANCE

2^nd Corinthians 7

I have had a couple of questions over the last few days regarding repentance. These were from Christians who had turned from God and wanted to know what the Bible requires them to do to come back.  Repentance means to have another mind, to change the mind, and is used in the NT to indicate a change in mind in respect to God, sin, and self. 

In Acts 8:13-24 we are told of Simon who was baptized and became a Christian.  Later he sinned and Peter instructs him that repentance involves prayer.  “Pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” Simon asked the apostles to pray for him.  Repentance involves a change of mind, prayer and action.  The prayer could be private prayer between you and God or if the sin dictates, a private prayer with another Christian, or a public prayer led by a church leader.

In 2^nd Corinthians 7 Paul tells us that repentance comes from godly sorrow.  When our relationship with God is broken because of sin and our heart is made sorry because of this, then godly sorrow leads us to repentance that leads to salvation. 

Paul had started the church at Corinth and sometime after he left, false teachers moved in and attacked Paul, his credentials, and his teaching.  Paul made a quick and disappointing visit to Corinth in attempt to correct the wrong. This turned out to be a very painful visit for him, and while there one of the false teachers verbally attacked Paul in the church.  What made this so painful is that the church did nothing to support Paul during this attack and it hurt Paul.  He leaves and writes a very strong reprimand to the church.  He sends this letter by Titus and Paul is bothered after he sent the letter, that the writing was too harsh and would cause damage rather than good. 

Titus delivers the letter and meets back with Paul in Macedonia.  When Paul receives the good news that Titus brings concerning the church in Corinth, he would write 2^nd Corinthians to express his comfort and joy.  Paul could tell from Titus and the report that he delivered that the church had truly repented of their error and were faithfully following the teachings of Jesus. 

2^nd Corinthians 7:11 then gives us a list of qualities of action that follow repentance based on godly sorrow.  “What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication!  In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”  So if one truly repents and clears the relationship barrier with God, that person will show a diligence, a confidence, a respect, a vehement desire, a zeal that they did not have before they repented.  You will live differently and be different when you repent.  May God bless you! 

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EXCEL IN GIVING

2^nd Corinthians 8

During Paul’s evangelistic missionary work, he also conducted a fund raising project for the benefit of the poor saints in Jerusalem.  While at Corinth the church there, committed to be a part of this project.  Maybe because of the situation with the false teachers, or just because of lack of direction, the church had apparently neglected their agreement to help with this collection.  Chapters 8 and 9 are written to encourage the renewal of the Corinthian church to this project.  These chapters are also valuable to our own giving as well. 

Paul uses the example of the Macedonian churches to spur the Corinthians back to their original commitment and to encourage them to excel in their giving.  The Macedonians in “a great affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.”  Beyond their ability they were freely willing to give. 

Our giving should be a joy, and should be of our own free will and not of a compulsive need to do.  Our giving should be out of what we have and not what we would like to have.  Out of deep poverty the Macedonians joyfully gave.  God loves a cheerful giver.

The reason the Macedonians could have this attitude of joy in their giving is found in verse five.  “They first gave themselves to the Lord.”  If Christ is first in your life, then the giving of your material property is a joyful process of obedience and opportunity.  If giving is a problem with you, you should examine your heart and your relationship with the Lord. 

Twice in chapter 8, does Paul state that the opportunity to give is a test of love.  If our priorities are right with the Lord, out of love for Him, will we want to share what He has given us with others in need.  We are not asked to overly burden ourselves, but our love will recognize more needs than our own and we will joyfully help others in this journey called life.  Then if per chance we have needs that we cannot meet, then others out of love would help us in our need.  Equality is the attainable goal if those with abundance share with those in need.  May the Lord help us to excel in giving as well!

SOWING BOUNTIFULLY

2^nd Corinthians 9

There is an old saying that you cannot out give the Lord and I think a scriptural proof for that would be 2^nd Corinthians 9.  Paul is continuing his plea for the church at Corinth to renew their commitment to help the poor saints in Jerusalem financially.  This was a project they had started over a year before Paul writes this, but somewhere along the way they had apparently abandoned the collection for this project.  Paul is writing to put them back on track.  This is also written for our benefit.

“He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  This is a direct statement in Scripture and one that I have seen proven over and over again.  My dad is one of the best examples of giving that I have ever been around.  All my life I have watched him give to others, the church, good projects, and to me as well.  He enjoys giving and the Lord has blessed him with opportunity after opportunity to give.  The Lord has also provided him with the ability to make money to give.  The more he gives, the more the Lord gives him to give, and that is what Paul is telling us and the church in Corinth in this chapter.  Are you a cheerful giver?  Do you enjoy giving?  Have you ever tried to out give the Lord?

Our giving should never be a grudging obligation.  You should be cheerful as you are able to give to the work of the Lord.  What is ours anyway?  And what do we have that the Lord has not given us?  Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than receive.”  You have reached a certain plateau of maturity when you understand this.

Paul began this discourse by saying that the Macedonian Christians first gave themselves.  When we put Christ first in our lives, giving comes easy.  Paul closes his thoughts about giving by saying, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”  When we truly appreciate what God has given, is giving, and will give us then what little we might give out of our earthly resources is incomparable to what we have been given.  What is your attitude about giving?

These lessons have come at an appropriate time for us.  We have had some expenses beyond the ordinary the last few weeks and we have had request for help beyond our usual pattern as of late.  Please examine your heart and giving, and if you can help the work more financially, please do so.  May God continue to bless us!

DO NOT RESTRICT YOURSELF

(2^nd Corinthians 6)

Have you ever wanted to do more for the Lord?  Do you sometimes wish that you were more spiritual?  Do you look at others and wish that you were as involved in church and Christian activities as they are?  What keeps you from being more Christ-like in your life? Why are you not more zealous in your Christian walk? 

In 2^nd Corinthians 6:12, Paul tells the Christians in Corinth that they are restricted by their own affections.  The care and things of this life were keeping them from moving forward in their relationship with Christ.  There were things in this life that were just more important to them than a spiritual walk.  Maybe there are things in your life that are restricting you as well.  Here are some suggestions:

Ø      Take time to evaluate your life.  Take a truthful look at your life and confirm that you are where you should be.  Be honest with yourself!

Ø      Make a list of things that are important to you. Where do you spend your time, thought, and money?

Ø      Are these things helping or hindering your journey to eternity?  Are they restricting you from doing the Lord’s work?  Do you spend more time with the things of this life or in your service to God?

Ø      If the priorities of your life are restricting you from being what you should be; what can you do to change?

Ø      Spend time in prayer and meditation.  Reshape your life to where you are not restricted in your Christian walk. 

In verse 14, Paul would say that we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.  We should not be in a position where an unbeliever can dictate to us what is right and wrong.  We should not be in a position where an unbeliever controls or restricts our service to God.  The idea is not that we should avoid all fellowship and contact with an unbeliever, but that we are not unequally yoked in that relationship; the unbeliever is not in a position to tell us what to do, and not do, in our life as a Christian.  Do not let a relationship hinder you from your eternal reward and your earthly enjoyment of the good life with the Lord. 

CLAY POTS

2^nd Corinthians 4

Paul would declare that he was an “earthen vessel” containing a wonderful treasure.  Some translate this as clay pots.  Clay pots were part of the culture of Paul’s day and were used in various everyday uses.  Clay pots were even used to bury treasure.  His reference in verse seven is that this old body contained the treasure of eternal life.

Paul had been commissioned to proclaim the ministry of Christ and he was pleased to do so, even though he went through several physical ordeals.  His body was broken and bruised but inside he contained the treasure of Jesus Christ.  He would proclaim that “even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

We too go through the ordeals of life and as we grow older our physical bodies show the wear and tear of this life’s natural process, but inward we grow stronger and stronger as we approach our eternal destiny.  One day we will shed our clay pots and enjoy our perfect existence forever. 

When we arrive, we will see that no matter what we go through in this journey, it will be but light affliction and that for just a moment, compared to the rewards of eternity.  Thus, our focus should be more on eternal things, which are not seen, than focused on the temporary things that we do see. 

Learn to develop your eternal vision, the ability to see the unseen.  Here are some ideas:

1. Use your imagination; it is a gift from God.
2. Focus on the eternal directions of Scripture.
3. Realize as beautiful as the things seen may be, they do not compare with what is to come.
4. Ask God, through prayer and fasting, to allow you to see more into eternity.
5. Rejoice at being reunited with love ones who have already departed this journey.
6. Anticipate meeting the likes of Abraham, Moses, David, Mary, Peter, and Paul.
7. Lay aside the things seen and imagine the things unseen on a regular basis.
8. Learn to set your mind on things above.
9. Find a time and place for regular, silent meditation.
10. Share with others your hope and eternal destination. 
11. Imagine, seeing God face to face.
12. Close your eyes and imagine; a sweet embrace with Jesus our Lord.

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July 2

DO YOU SMELL LIKE CHRIST?

2nd Corinthians 3

In our study of 2^nd Corinthians we come to the passage in chapter 2:15-16:  “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.”  As Christians we offer a special aroma that is pleasing to our heavenly Father.  We offer the fragrance of Christ to God. 

In the second chapter of 2^nd Corinthians we can see how this fragrance is exhibited in the Christ-like life.  First of all the Christian has the sweet smell of forgiveness.  Not only is he forgiven, but he forgives.  Paul urged the church in Corinth to forgive the repentant brother who had apparently insulted Paul on his painful visit to Corinth.

After the event of the visit, Paul would write a difficult letter to the church at Corinth.  We do not have a copy of that letter but Paul was very concerned about how the church would receive this writing.  It was out of an abundant love for fellow Christians that Paul would write this tearful letter.  As Christians we too have the sweet smell of an abundant love for our God and our fellow man.  

The Christian also has the sweet smell of a reaffirmed love.  After the sinful man had been disciplined by the church, he repents and Paul has to encourage the church to reaffirm their love to this brother.  When someone sins against you, it is often difficult to reaffirm your love to him, but when you do it is a sweet aroma that drifts to heaven. 

The forgiving Christian will realize that discipline is for one purpose, that being to get the guilty party to repent and turn back to the Lord.  An injured, unloved brother is very much prey for Satan.  The believer will have a sweet smell of knowledge concerning Satan and his schemes.

Paul was very anxious and concerned as he waited for a response to the tearful letter he had written.  Paul finally heads to Corinth and meets Titus in Macedonia, who brings good news about the response to that letter and the faithful status of the church at Corinth.  There is the sweet smell of victory that comes through Christ.

The Christian does have the sweet aroma of salvation.  When we share and proclaim the gospel message we exude the sweet aroma of salvation to those who will accept and believe, but to those who do not, it is the smell of death.  Do you have the sweet aroma of Christ about you?  Do you smell like Christ? 

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THE SUMMER OF ‘06

I have had a very special week in the service of the Lord.  I was privileged to hear Dr. Jack Evans, President of Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas on three occasions this week.  On Wednesday I had lunch with Dr. and sister Evans and that was an event I will remember.  Also, on Wednesday I spoke to the congregation at 43^rd Street. This was my first time to be with those folks and they were very encouraging. I am thankful to Beverly Moss and to Dennis Randall for that opportunity.  In essence this week, I came into contact with about 400 members of the church in Manatee County that I had not previously met. 

We did begin a new season this week and it is time to move forward at Midway.  There is just too much to be done to delay.  We pray that each one of us will be more committed to the Lord’s work during this new season.  If you cannot do anything but pray and encourage others, please do that like you never have before.

Growth involves going to the next level.  We often emphasize the next level for the young and beginning Christian and fail to encourage the mature to continue to grow.  As a result I feel there are older Christians who tire of their religious pilgrimage because they stop or limit their own growth process.  As long as we live we will never reach a peak, a pinnacle or a stopping place.  We are to grow continually.  There are levels that we have not reached.  We have some very serious servants who need to progress to a very serious level of spirituality.  Let us move forward in the summer of 2006!

This is a wonderful time to make changes and adjustments in your life.  The beginning of a new summer season and the beginning of a new era in the church at Midway.  Here are some ideas to consider seriously and prayerfully:

1.  Attend services on a regular basis.  It should be a rare exception that you should miss a Sunday worship service.  Make a commitment to not miss a single service during this new summer season.

2.  Get the Wednesday night habit.  I must say that there are Wednesday nights that I just do not want to attend services, but I have never left a service saying I wish I had not been there.  This is a very rewarding period of fellowship and Bible study that will change your week and change your life.  Come and give it a try!

3.  Do you know what you are missing on Sunday evenings?  We have been studying through the gospel of Luke every since I have been at Midway on Sunday nights.  We also have visitors from other congregations who are just with us for this service.

4.  Share Jesus Christ with someone.  Do you know that there are people around you every day that do not know the comfort that Christ can bring to their lives?  Tell them about Jesus.  Bring them to church with you.  The soul you save may be your own.

5.  Spend time in prayer and meditation.  Take some time every day to be with God alone.  Go to Him in prayer, mediate on His word and observe the beauty of His creation.  Begin today!

Make this the most wonderful season of your life by drawing closer to God in the summer of 2006!

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June 18

FELLOW WORKERS FOR YOUR JOY

2nd Corinthians 2

A church leader does get discouraged at times.  A true worker for the Lord will strive hard to see that those around him are staying true to the faith.  His goal will be for the growth of every member of the body.  He often fails in this and thus he becomes weakened in his own course.  But hopefully and usually, this is only a temporary status and soon that worker is back on track for the Lord’s work, stronger than before.

This is what is revealed about Paul in the pages of II Corinthians.  He went from a stage of distress and worry to complete joy over the growth of the church at Corinth. He too became stronger because of the ordeal.  There were some in the church at Corinth, who were out to undermine Paul and his work.  They caused Paul much aggravation.  The true believers would see through these false teachers, and stay firm in the teaching of the gospel.  This would bring Paul much joy.

Paul was an apostle with power and authority that he could selectively use in his work as an evangelist.  But he chose not to do anything that would upset or offend those new converts at Corinth.  His yes was yes and his no was no and his writing was straight forward with nothing hidden.  This was done for the purpose of strengthening and growing the church.  Paul would proclaim in the last verse of chapter one that he was a fellow worker for their joy.

Are you a fellow worker for the joy of others?  By sharing the truth and directing others in God’s way, you not only help others to find freedom but joy as well.  Do you like to bring joy to others? 

In order to be a fellow-worker for another’s joy, one can see what Paul did in the early pages of his letter to Corinth.  He kept his message and his life, simple and truthful. He put the well being of those in Corinth above his own personal needs and desires.  When discipline was required, he administered such directly and truthfully.  Paul spent much time in prayer about the well being of the church and he followed up on problems that arose.  Again, his ultimate goal was to bring joy from truth to those like believers.   

Today, we need fellow workers to help bring joy to others.  The way of Christ is the only source of true joy.  Let us live Christ-like lives and let us bring joy to those around us.  May God bless us in this!

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LEADERSHIP

Loving           People do not care how much you know till they know how much you care.  Leading is loving God and loving your fellow man.  One has to be truly concerned with the souls around him to be an effective leader.

Educating       When you study our leader Jesus, notice that most of his earthly ministry was spent in teaching.  Leading involves teaching those around you the more excellent way.

Assisting         Leading also involves assisting others in their needs.  The servant-leader concept is an appropriate analysis of a leader serving and assisting others.

Directing        Leading does involve management and administrative duties.  Overseeing the use of individual gifts and talents is a function of leading.

Inspiring          Letting your light shine …is an important aspect of leading.  Elders are told to lead by example.  Others are to see the good works in our lives and glorify God.  We cannot make people do things but we can inspire them to.

Negotiating     In Isaiah 1:18 God says “come and let us reason together.”  Leading is a give and take process.  We do not bend on basic principles of faith but a leader seldom gets his or her way in everything.  Concessions must be made for the good of all.

God-like        We are to reflect a Christ-like character in all that we do.  Today, more than ever before, we need leaders who can show the world what Christ was like.  Are you one of these?

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June 11

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

2nd Corinthians 1

In writing 2^nd Corinthians Paul’s introduction is full of rejoicing in the comfort of God.  Paul had founded the church in Corinth and served as a leader there for 18 months.  When he moved on to Ephesus, Paul received word of various problems in the church in Corinth.  He corresponded and visited with the church in order to keep them faithful.  But with all his concern there was an element in the church that was actively opposed to Paul and his work.  This bothered Paul, and after a painful visit, he sent Titus back to Corinth to check on their status.  Paul was deeply concerned about what was going on and headed toward Corinth again, himself.  However in Macedonia, he met Titus bearing good news about the church and this brought Paul much relief and comfort. 

Paul would immediately write 2^nd Corinthians and he cannot help but begin with a discourse about comfort.  He also acknowledges that we serve the God of all comfort.  Paul would later tell of all the sufferings he endured, but his daily concern was for the churches he loved so much.  Good news was supplied by the Father of all comfort. 

Life can be a troubling journey at times.  We are often troubled and wearied by things beyond and within our control.  We must endure hardship, disappointment, and problems as part of life.  But we must never give up.  These times of hardship will pass and we can grow and find advantage in endurance.  God’s comfort will prevail. 

Paul would point out that one of the reasons that we are to endure the hardships is so that we can help others who will go through similar circumstances.  When this happens we can comfort them with the comfort God comforted us.  (2^nd Corinthians 1:4)  Use your life experiences to help others who are in a period of struggling and trial.  Share the comfort God gave you. 

When you are going through a difficult time of struggle, do as Paul did; take action.  Do what it takes to endure the situation you are dealing with.  Spend much time in God’s word and in prayer.  Seek the support of others who have endured similar trials.  Allow others to love and help you on your journey.  God’s comfort is a shared comfort. 

Share God’s comfort with someone today!

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