[Bible_study3] 2 Corinthians chapter 7&8; Sept 4 Morning beloved, Thanks beloved for the contribution on yesterdays reading. From the book of 2 Corinthians we can see that the tone of the letter differs from that of 1 Corinthians as the church has embraced changed and repented. 1. Cleansing of the flesh and spirit V1 - Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Bro Paul here is admonishing us to cleanse ourselves spirit, soul and body of anything that could tarnish or dent us in anyway. Same way he said in Romans 6:1 that we present our body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God. Beloved if we are to run this race we are expected to please our master and saviour in all we do, He so much care for us that He daily provide for all our needs. 2. You are not alone, God will work it out. V5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Be rest assured that the trouble and challenges steering you in the face isnt peculiar to you. Bro Paul was also troubled on every side but the God of all comfort came to his aid. Be rest assured all will be well, weeping may only endure for a night but joy is coming. For a reader of this write up you have been expecting a particular breakthrough since January and it looks as if its not coming to pass, be still for our God will soon put a smile on your face, He will turn your story to Glory and your pain to gain in Jesus name. Amen. 3. Spiritual maturity How interesting to see a church scolded for immorality, division, etc now been transformed and repented from their deed. This can only be achieved by the help of the Holy Spirit. From V8-13 we can see that the letter bro Paul sent had made a tremendous impact on them and had served as the catalyst for their change. This in return brought joy to his heart. For those whom we have laboured for spiritually lets not stop praying and watching over them. Chapter 8 V3 - For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4. Generous giving Was touched with the fact that churches in Macedonia though poor gave generously. They werent persuaded or cajoled but gave with a generous heart. The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered. Bro Paul encouraged the church to give according to their ability for. God loves a cheerful giver. V12 - Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. In as much as there are many preachers out there after money we must equally be sensitive to our spirit and discern when to give and when not. Too bad that the church of nowadays have become a business centre where money/donations received are shared amongs the host/guest ministers. Giving cheerfully and joyfully attracts great blessings and reward. Shalom!!! Austin ------------------ Thanks sir. Good morning everyone. 2Co 8:3-4 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— (ESV) The word relief caught my attention. In todays world several Christians are facing intense persecution from Islam and communism. How could we send relief to them? Anyone aware of some credible bodies coordinating such? ------------------- Thanks Bro Austin & Bro Lanre, Thank God for the timely scripture and I am also happy about bro Lanres questions/suggestion. In the last few days, reading through the news I have had a burden for christians in the north who have had to flee their homes due to the incessant persecution from Boko haram and are now living as refugees especially in Borno state. We have a responsibility to other christians in the north and wed all be surprised about how very little can make a difference. In 2005, I met a missionary from Taraba state and I was shocked at the sharp contrast in the lifestlyes of christians here and christians up north. He runs a church and he no only preaches, he also farms to support his congregation and organises classes for the children cos their parents cannot afford to send them to school. Secondly, I read with dismay about Ebola patients in Liberia dying more from starvation than from the sickness, some of them have even had to escape from the isolation centers to go and find food. If this continues, the scourge might linger more than is necessary. I believe God wants us to do something about it and todays message is very timely. Any idea how we can reach these people? Thanks Bukola ------------------- Hello. Good Morning. This is a nice idea. There are people in need of support everywhere even around us, up to the north , within West Africa and to the world. Probably it would be nice to start from where is reachable. Maybe a dedicated support team from the group to handle this project just like Paul and Co usually nominate someone from within their group to take gifts to others :). Cheers. HLM. -------------------- Hello. With a little research, I found a few avenues: 1. Voice of Christian Martyrs. The goal of this group is to accommodate and educate children whose missionary parents have been killed by Islamists in Northern Nigeria. The website is stephensng.org/mission/voice-of-the-christian-matyrs-nigeria. There is a Donate link that takes you to quickteller and you could donate with verve cards (Nigeria only) and Mastercard (International). 2. Calvary Ministreis (aka Capro) This is a missionary organisation which started in Northern Nigeria in 1975 but which has grown to have missions all over the world (congo, senegal, usa, etc). I learnt that of recent they have had to evacuate some missionaries from Northern Nigeria, and that not a few of their men have been killed by Boko Haram. They are right in the middle of the conflict...doing the work! Their website is capromissions.org/news.php. There you could pay by paypal, visa card, mastercard, and verve! Time for action!
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:07:30 +0000
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