Let’s think about an essential mark of servanthood: integrity . . . or absolute honesty. Remember these words? “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart . . .”
Read MoreTag Archives: Second Corinthians
Transparent Humanity
The great apostle Paul was just like you and me . . . he had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion . . . and great weakness. The longer I thought about this concept, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it.
Read MoreA Model Servant
Perhaps the finest model, other than Christ Himself, was that young Jew from Tarsus who was radically transformed from a strong-willed official in Judaism to a bond servant of Jesus Christ—Paul.
Read MoreThe Price of Leadership
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 Anyone who steps into the arena of leadership must be prepared to pay […]
Read MoreHome with the Lord
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1 Remember this: Every time you attend a […]
Read MoreQ & A about God’s Will
As a pastor, I often get asked questions regarding God’s will. Today I’ll consider four of the more common ones. And remember, those who really want to do His will, will know it (John 7:17).
Read MoreA Great Outlook on Life
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 Let’s consider a couple of alternative responses to aging. First, view life as a challenge not a threat. You’ve been around long enough to know that nobody can predict our tomorrows. So, obviously […]
Read MoreA Style That’s Authentic
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. 2 Corinthians 4:2 Listen to the way Paul talks about himself in 1 Thessalonians. For a moment he shifts the emphasis from […]
Read MoreThe Fine Art of Blowing It
It happens to every one of us. Teachers as well as students. Cops as well as criminals. Bosses as well as secretaries. Parents as well as kids. The diligent as well as the lazy. Not even presidents are immune. Or corporation heads who earn six-figure salaries. The same is true of well-meaning architects and hard-working builders and clear-thinking engineers . . . not to mention pro ball players, politicians, and preachers.
Read MoreGrace-Oriented Giving
“Can you see anything?” What a question to ask! Howard Carter’s mouth and eyes were wide open when his aide asked it. His head was stuck into a timeless tomb. Beads of perspiration popped out on the British archaeologist’s brow. For six straight years he had been digging. Endless trenches. Tons of rubble. Huge chunks of worthless debris. Nothing!
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