2 Corinthians 3

 Good morning. What a nice day yesterday. Sherri and I were able to get away to Ithaca for most of the day. She is feeling quite a bit better. We spent the day walking around the Commons then to the Cornell Botanical Gardens and a visit to some of our favorite Cornell spots. Topped it off with ice cream at the Dairy Bar. Sherri and I graduated from Cornell in 1986- things have changed some since then! We did get some outside work done when we came home, but it was nice to take a day off!

Lectionary today and some quick errands- hope I get them done before the rain comes- again!

The big talk from us all yesterday was forgiveness. It is hard! But, like I said to someone, we all want it too! Christian author Lewis B Smedes said, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover that the prisoner was you." 

In this brief chapter, Paul continues to defend his ministry and authority. The letters he mentions are letters of reference. Anyone could come to a town and say "Paul sent me, so you should support me." To help guard against these issues, letters of recommendation were often sent with these people. Paul says that the people of Corinth are his letter, his proof of ministry. The way the people acted and responded (initially) to Paul's ministry is proof enough to validate his ministry. His credentials are the changed lives of the people of Corinth. The fruitfulness and mission-mindedness of the people is validation of the preacher. Comments about your preacher/teacher? The author of Paul's letter is Jesus as evidenced by the changed hearts of the people (v 3).

Paul seems to begin sounding proud here, but quickly moves to the concept that it was through God/Jesus/Spirit that this happened. He certainly wasn't able to do this all on his own (vv 4-5). It was Christ's death that made Paul and the others ministers of the New Agreement (v 6). The covenant, created by God, evidenced through the life of Christ and offered by the Spirit is available to us if we desire. If we desire!

Paul branches out into a contrast between the "old" covenants and the new covenant (vv 7-11). The old covenant, in some translations called the "ministry of death" binds us to laws and sin and the punishment that we get from those sins when we don't follow the laws. Even with that death and strict laws, there was glory and triumph as evidenced by the shining of Moses' face (v 7), but that glory faded away as people moved away from God. The new covenant will outshine that and never fade away.

The old covenant separated and restricted God and people; the new covenant brings us together with God through the Spirit. We can be bold in our faith and look face to face with God (unlike Moses who needed/used a veil, v 12). Paul suggests that when Moses covered his face, it prevented people from seeing the glory of God- and that continues to current Corinthian Jews that are struggling with the new covenant. If they would just turn to Jesus, the veil would be lifted and they would see the glory of God (vv 16-17).

Paul declares that the Spirit and God and Jesus are all the same (v 17). This is a revelation of sorts to the people of the time. We are freed ("liberty") from sin, but we are still bound by love of God. Paul invites everyone to have an intimate relationship with God (v 18); all people can connect with God; all people can see and witness to the glory and greatness of God. When we do that, we will shine with God's glory and show God to others. Do we do that?

Some good points made by Paul. I especially identify with the initial paragraphs about Paul's letter of recommendation as seen by the actions of the Corinthians. I wonder how my "letter of recommendation" looks?

Have a good day. It looks like its going to be an inside day!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

2 Corinthians 2

 Good morning. Sorry for ditching you all yesterday. It was a long and hard day!

Sherri has been sick (again) for the last several days- really bad and aggressive head cold and probably bronchitis at this point. The kids left Sunday after lunch. My morning "coffee buddy" is gone for the week (insert sad face here). 

I slept in until almost 8 AM yesterday! No grandson to wake me up! Then had to make a salad for my lectionary group picnic; followed by chores. As I was getting ready to leave for the picnic, the boy from the farm next door flew in on his 4-wheeler, in tears. "There's an emergency at the barn. Can you check my goat? I think she is dead." He is going to 5th grade this fall and was a wreck. I drove up to their house; Dingus was dead. I moved her to a clothes basket that was in the barn, covered her with a blanket that I found; the boy was there, so I asked him if I could pray for Dingus and him. We prayed, he cried, we hugged. We put her into the tack room until I could get back from the picnic. When I got home from picnic, I went up and we dug a hole and buried Dingus after a memorial service. It was so hard seeing him and his twin brother so sad. 

Picnic was good. Petonia Lake in Greene. Quiet, peaceful, no noise, good food! Sherri stayed home and rested and recovered. Seems to be doing much better!

But it was a long day and I had no energy when I got home! So, sorry to disappoint you all and miss posting! Thank you for the grace.

Back to Paul and his troubles with Corinth.

He opens this chapter with another thought on why he didn't visit Corinth. The "yes and no" statements may be clearer now. Donna mentioned it was as if the Corinthians were thinking Paul was "speaking out of both sides of his mouth." Paul changed his plans (for whatever reason) and the Corinthians used it as a criticism for Paul saying that he is unreliable and untrustworthy, If we can't trust him to visit like he said he would, how can we trust him with bigger issues- like God and Jesus! Paul's most recent visit was full of unpleasantness and controversy, so he wanted to spare (himself and) the Corinthians more trouble (v 1). If he brought sorrow and pain every time he visited, then who would they look to for happiness and joy (v 2)? Paul wasn't willing to risk losing the church to some outside agency (Satan?). 

Paul decided that a personal letter would be better than a visit (v 3). Paul could say what he needed to say without the "risk" of aggression or conflict. Paul was hoping that this current letter would get all the hardships on the table; that the Corinthians would change their hearts, and that when Paul did visit, they would all be happy and have joy. I'm sure that Paul, like us, didn't like confronting the Corinthians and telling them they were doing wrong. Do we like starting conflict? Paul (and we) was looked at as the enemy when he offered correction and guidance. We can really feel Paul's compassion for the Corinthians in these words he is writing!

Paul uses some brilliant pastoral wisdom (v 5). Paul is referring to someone specifically that caused grief and sadness to Paul and the community, but he doesn't mention the person's name. It is good to not call out the person directly, but also, others now begin to look at what they have done and wonder if they were the reason for these words from Paul. He may be referring to the man from 1 Corinthians 5 (the one having an incestuous relationship with his step-mother), maybe it is someone different. Paul asks the church to stop punishing the man (v 6). It seems as though the man may have repented, but the church is still excluding him! That never happens in our churches, does it?! Paul's words of wisdom- forgive him, comfort him, love him (vv 7-8). We need more of that in our world! Continued harsh treatment of fellow Christians is a way for Satan to get into our lives (v 11). The more anger and hate we harbor, the easier it is for evil to take control. Theologian John Trapp said (about Satan), "That wily merchant, that greedy blood-sucker, that devoureth not widows' houses, but most men's souls." The failure to show love to a repentant man is the avenue Satan is using. 

Paul mentions a brief visit to Troas (v 12, "a door was opened" in some translations), but Paul wasn't a one-man show and his companion Titus was missing, so he didn't stay. Paul mentioned this to partially explain his lack of visiting Corinth.

Paul comments that he is being led by Jesus (v 14). It seems as though Paul is referring to Jesus/God in almost military terms (victory). Do we look at Jesus/God that way- as generals in an army? The sweet fragrance Paul refers to is also a Roman tradition. As the Romans returned from successful battles, they would burn lots of sweet smelling incense. In Paul's mind, this incense was like the wisdom of God. The "sweet smell" may also be a reference to the sacrifices that were made at the altars to God. The sweet smelling incense that was burned at the Roman victory parades were joyful for the victors, but not so much for the people that lost (vv 15-16). In the same way, the Gospel message is sweet smelling and victorious for some, but a message of condemnation for others!

Paul ends this chapter by saying they are not in this job for profit or to make a quick buck! They (Paul and his companions) are in the field of ministry to make a change in the world not to make money quickly!

It is good to be back! Possibly date day in Ithaca!

Enjoy the beauty of the day!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

2 Corinthians 1

 What a busy day already- and its only 1030AM!! Kids are beginning to pack things up. They will be leaving Sunday for the entire week- Lauren has on-site in-service the whole week, so they will be staying with friends. The house will be quite then! They make their final move to Balston Spa on Tuesday, Sept 7. I am going to miss them- and the kid especially. We have a morning routine now. I always have coffee when I get up. Now Joseph sits with me and has "coffee" (whole milk with some vanilla and cinnamon added and then heated slightly), We sit at the table and look outside at all the birds and squirrels. We have so much fun!

Paul begins this letter with a typical greeting- but adds "by God's will" I am an apostle (v 1). Paul was held in low regard with the Corinthians, and he needed to remind them of his calling! Note he is also with Timothy here. Remember- the church in Corinth was planted in early 50AD; 1 Corinthians was written maybe 54- 56 AD; 2 Corinthians was written a few years after (56-58AD).

Paul opens the letter by praising God who has shown mercy and grace to Paul. We get the feeling through these words that Paul has truly experienced the love and grace of God. Paul uses the word "comfort"; in the original Greek, the word was "paraklesis" which has the idea of strengthening, helping, or making string. It is more than "soothing" One "purpose" of God is to comfort (strengthen) us so that we can in turn comfort (strengthen) others (vv 4-6). How do we "comfort" people in the Greek meaning? Paul mentions the suffering he has endured and seen at the expense of other Christians and that these sufferings strengthen him in his mission (vv 6-7). Are we strengthened when we see suffering of others?

Paul then begins to talk about the troubles he experienced in Asia. We don't know the exact troubles he had, but obviously (?) some type of persecution. There are some indications through other historical accounts of severe beatings he may have encountered, an encounter with "wild beasts", or a flare-up of some physical issue he had. Whatever it was, it seems like Paul was ready for death at any moment (vv 8- 9). Paul put his entire trust and hope in God (vv 9- 10) and seems to have been saved form whatever was troubling him. He asks the Corinthians (even the Corinthians!) for intercessory prayer (we have mentioned many times about the power of prayer from others).

Paul then seems to begin boasting about his mission and ministry. The Corinthians had become cynical in their dealings with "ministers" and they didn't really trust any of the travelling missionaries- they had been burned too many times. Paul deals with this cynicism by telling them exactly who he is and what he stands for and the good work that he has done. How cynical are we in religious circles? Paul essentially says he is honest and there are no hidden meanings in his words, there is no ulterior motive in his ministry other than teaching about God. 

One point that upset and caused mistrust in the Corinthians is that Paul was supposed to visit them earlier in his ministry. To "please" them, Paul made changes to his trip and stopped both before going to Macedonia and then on his way back; they were to get two visits when they were only to get one (vv 15- 16). However, we see this will change later; apparently his first visit was too awful and he decided not to visit the second time!

God is faithful though (v 18); and so was Paul- for him yes means yes and no means no (v 18). God is tat way; Jesus is that way. When God says yes- God means yes; when God says no- God means no! Simple as that (I really don't get what Paul is saying in vv 18-20, help me if you can!)

Paul insists that he didn't come for a second trip so that they could be spared persecution (vv 23-24). My guess is that the no-Christians (Romans et al.) were having issues with the church and the Christians, so they were beginning to beat and persecute the Christians (just a guess?).

Tough chapter to begin with. Easy to understand the first half, but the second half I struggled! Sorry!

Maybe with a second reading this weekend I can figure out more!

Have a good weekend and find peace!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 16

 Yikes! It was a warm one yesterday! Summer is here a few more days! Nice beautiful morning. Elderberry- chocolate chip scones are in the oven for our "breakfast with the pastor"...house smells delicious! It is going to be a good day!

Paul seems to be responding to a question about a monetary offering asked by the Corinthian church. Paul refers to the Galatian church; in his letter to them, he asked that they offer money to Jerusalem for the care of the poor and widows. It seems as though Paul is asking the same thing of the Corinthian church. Their method of giving was to be systematic ("on the first day of the week" v 2); the first day of the week is Sunday. It is expected of everyone ("each one of you"). The amount of your offering is dependent upon how much you make ("as you have been blessed"). Paul asked that they collection be done before he got there; he didn't want to seem manipulative or seem to be the one taking the money from them (he asked that one of their people take the offering to Jerusalem, v 3).

Paul is currently in Ephesus (v 8) and will be staying there a while; he seems like he has his hands full in Ephesus doing ministry among a hostile crowd (v 9). After Ephesus, he will be going to Macedonia, and will likely stop in Corinth along the way (v 5).

Paul had trouble with the Corinthian Christians not welcoming him and accepting his authority; how would they receive Timothy (v 10)?! We are not sure where Timothy is, but Paul expects a visit.

Paul closes with words of encouragement and strength. The Corinthians are really struggling and Paul's desire is that they remember what Jesus did and the grace offered from God (vv 13- 14). 

Stephanus was the head of the household; Fortunatus and Achaius were his two slaves (vv 15-17). These were the three men that brought the letter to Paul. Paul was grateful for their visit and their encouragement to him; something that the church wasn't doing for Paul (v 18).

Paul adds greetings from the Ephesian church that meets in the home of Priscilla and Aquila (v 19). Closing with words of love and peace, we can sense Paul's love for the church in general. 

This was an interesting letter. We can definitely sense that there were issues in the Corinthian church and we can see Paul's love for that church. The first letter seems cold and stern, almost disciplinary in nature. The next letter, 2 Corinthians, is more loving and personal; he really pours put his heart to the people in the second letter. We will read about his hopes, fears, joys, concerns, love and pain- something Paul doesn't really share. It will be interesting to see this side of Paul.

Have a great day and tomorrow we begin 2 Corinthians.

Peace+
Pastor Paul

 

1 Corinthians 15

 Good morning! What a nice day yesterday...and what a nice day today is going to be! 

Paul begins this chapter with a statement of how the gospel will benefit the people of Corinth. Salvation! Easily said! The benefit exists only if we stand on it and believe it though. The Corinthians, as riotous and carnal as they were, did stand on the gospel. FYI- the word gospel means good news (I think we all knew that) but it is any good news- not just the good news of Christ.

Paul states that the gospel of Christ that he shares was not made up by him but he received it from Christ (based on his statement in Galatians 1:11-12). Paul will describe the events of the life of Christ, facts that can stand the test of time. Our religion is based not on opinion, but on facts. Paul describes the events of Jesus' last day and then the following few days. Death, resurrection, sightings by many. Nobody saw the actual resurrection, nobody was in the tomb during that event- but there were witnesses to both Jesus' death and Jesus after. Peter is mentioned first- there may have had to be some feeling of restoration and comfort between Jesus and Peter after Peter's denial. Paul even says, if you don't believe me- go ask these people that were there (v 6)! The James that Paul mentions (v 7) is likely Jesus' brother, a prominent leader of the church in Acts 15. Notice that there were no women mentioned! The testimony of a woman was not allowed in court- so Paul didn't mention them here either. Surprised?

Paul talks about his pre- and post Jesus life (vv 9-11). He describes how he persecuted Christians and how God's grace changed his life. Once full of hate- now full of love. You can really feel Paul's love for God and Jesus in these statements. I am sue we all know people like Paul...maybe some of us are like Paul.

The Corinthians Christians did not reject the resurrection of Jesus, but they did reject the resurrection of people. Possibly influenced by Greek teachings or teachings from the Sadducees, they just could not get the idea of human resurrection straight in their minds. If Christ rose- then so will others! The resurrection is core to our life as Christians. An essential part of our faith is the belief in resurrection. 

Adam gets the "blame" for our death in sin; Christ is the one who can reverse all that (vv 21-22). Jesus is sometimes referred to as the Second Adam, the one that undoes the sin that the First Adam brought to the world. 

Paul then discusses the return of Christ and the resurrection of believers. There will be destruction of  enemies (Satan and Satan's angels and followers). The last enemy that will be crushed is death. Paul continues to stress the concept of resurrection and life for eternity. We can really feel Paul's passion for preaching and teaching in these lines. The people of Corinth should be getting the same feeling and ideas that we have about resurrection!

A big question that exists is what kind of body will we have after the resurrection. Paul makes an analogy of a farmer planting seed. When I plant a corn seed- I get a plant that comes out, something so very different; we don't get big corn seeds to come out of the ground. The same will be for us and our resurrected bodies. After we are "planted" something better and greater will happen. Paul doesn't tell us what we will be like- he probably doesn't know completely. Reading his description of celestial beauty and glory, we can assume that we will be something great! We may not have a physical body, but instead a spiritual body.

We are all made in the physical image of the first Adam- from the dust of the earth. Our spiritual body will be in the image of the Second Adam- Christ. Our physical material bodies cannot inherit God's kingdom- only spiritual bodies can. So, we must be resurrected to inherit the kingdom. We aren't sure when this is going to happen, but Paul assumes it will be in his lifetime (v 51) as some "will not sleep in death." The resurrections will happen immediately and without hesitation. We can feel the glory and power in these words from Paul!

New life will happen and new spiritual beings will arise. Death will never happen again (v 55). 

I love the closing words from Paul (v 58). Stand strong! 

This was a great piece of literature from Paul. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and passion. He really was a good and faithful person!

Have a great day. Stay cool!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 14

 Good morning! What a beautiful morning it is...following a beautiful sunset last night! Not sure if you had the chance to see it but it was so amazing. Photos don't do it justice- but here is my attempt!

God was listening to our conversations about love, and this is God's love for us!

After Paul spent the entire chapter on love and defining what love is and what it isn't, Paul says- go for it! Seek love (v 1). There is nothing wrong with wanting to find the true love that Paul speaks about. We all long for that. We should also desire spiritual gifts- as long as it doesn't begin to consume our whole essence. Our main pursuit should be love, follow by the healthy pursuit of gifts and determining which gifts we have. According to Paul, we should seek the gift of prophecy (v 1)! Based on the conversation that follows, the Corinthian church was more interested in gifts of tongues, but Paul says we should strive for prophecy.

According to Paul, gifts of tongues is between man and God, not man and man (v 2); this puts Acts 2 in a different light! This "language" is not meant to be understood by people, but by God. And the Spirit acts through that. Thoughts?

Prophesy, on the other hand, is directed to people (v 3). God speaking through people so people can understand. The purpose of prophesy is to educate, encourage, and comfort people with a goal of helping all people (v 4). Paul values the gift of tongues (v 5), but put in a practical sense, prophesy is better since all can understand it. If someone comes to you speaking a different language and you don't understand it- what good is it? There is no benefit (unless there is someone there to translate). 

Paul likens the speaking of tongues to some musical instruments that are out of tune and not in synch (v 7). I can remember when our kids did music lessons in school (Lauren flute, Morgan clarinet). When they first started, we encouraged them and they would quiz us as to what song they were playing. It was hard! The better they got, the more we were able to pick out the song. That's what Paul is saying about speaking in tongues. We should use our gifts to strengthen the church (v 12), and speaking in tongues doesn't do that if nobody understands you. 

Paul continues saying if you have the gift of tongues, use it- but at discretion. Use it when appropriate and there is someone to translate; use it to build the church; use it to edify the people. It is believed Paul had the gift of tongues, and he is saying here that he uses it in his devotional time, but not for public gatherings (vv 18-19).

Paul points them to a higher place (vv 20-21). They are selfish in their use of tongues, showing that they are better or more "educated" than those that cannot speak in tongues. Paul sees church meetings as a way for people to gather together and all people can edify all others (v 26). Church meetings are meant to build up the body not break it apart. Are your church meetings like that- building up? Obviously, Paul won't stop speaking in tongues by the Corinthians (v 27) as long as there is someone to translate!

Even as tongues are to be regulated, so should prophecy (v 29). Say what needs to be said, but the people will be prudent to hear and "judge" the accuracy of the words. That's tough. I think we do that at our meetings, but who says their "interpretation" of God's will (and thus their judgement) is accurate? The goal of church meetings (and of God) is to unify the body, not cause disruption (v 33). I know at some of our meetings there is "disruption of the body"!

Next we get to some uncomfortable words from Paul (but we should expect them, based on him and the culture). Women should be quiet and be dependent on their husband for clarification (vv 34- 35). In Jewish synagogues, mane and women sat in separate areas. If a woman called out or asked for clarification, she was punished harshly! It sounds here that the (Gentile) Corinthians adopted the Jewish arrangements. I am not touching these points from Paul!

The ending of the chapter, Paul reiterates- strive for prophecy but if you have the gift of tongues, use it wisely. 

Kind of an odd chapter, but there must have been a question by someone about these gifts especially. 

Have a good day- it is going to be a beauty!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

1 Corinthians 13

 "Rain, rain, go away!!" Henri sure left an impact for us and many in the New England states! Great weekend here though! I can't believe August is almost over!! Where did the time go...my "honey do" list is still there!!

FYI- I did the Spiritual gifts inventory...my top three were:

• helping/assistance-  the gift of making sure that everything is ready for the work of Christ to occur. 
• teaching- the gift of bringing scriptural and spiritual truths to others
• exhortation- the gift of exceptional encouragement

Those that know me- comments?!

Anyway- we finally come to probably one of the most common pieces of scripture...the chapter on Love! Theologian Campbell Miller wrote that examining this chapter is like dissecting a flower to understand it. You tear it apart too much and you lose it's beauty! Another theologian, Alan Redpath, wrote that one could get a spiritual suntan from reading this chapter!

With that said- how do we discuss what Paul has to say?! Love is superior to any spiritual gift! I think we all know this chapter- and probably even can recite some of the lines by memory! Paul goes through a list of "characteristics" of love. We are doing a sermon series on Christian love. How do you define love? It is difficult to really define that word! I have two close friends that are gong through marital problems and they have come to me to talk (no idea why!). We have spent several hours talking about their spouses and what they feel is going on. I have asked both of them "Is there still love in the relationship" and they both hesitated. What is love?

I don't know the source, but I remember someone saying people with little religion are always noisy (v 1)! If they don't have love of God and love of man filling their heart they are like an empty wagon violently rolling down a hill-- lots of noise with noting in it! Know any people like that?

The Greeks had several words to describe "love"

• eros- the sexual, erotic love
• storge- familial love, the love between kids and parents
• philia- brotherly love and relationship, a deep friendship (Philadelphia- city of brotherly love)
• agape- self-giving love that doesn't expect or demand "repayment", love that loves regardless of the person being loved (think people in nursing and health care generally exhibiting this), self-denial for the sake of others; our English word "agony" comes from agape!

Regardless of what we have and what we do- we are nothing without love! Early Christians believed that martyrdom would wash away all sins. They were proud in their "ability to suffer" for Christ. Paul says that if they didn't have love in their hearts, their suffering meant nothing (v 3). 

Everything described on vv 1-3 (prophecy, tongues, knowledge, faith) is good, but! Without love, they don't really have meaning or value. I think we would agree that we can tell who has love and who is lacking love. I also think we can agree that when someone does something without love- we know!

I have the next set of verses (vv 4-8) bracketed and in the margin I have written "portrait of love- in case you have forgotten!" I don't know if that note was for me or for when I was preaching on this passage! Probably me! The first words Paul uses are "action" words-- love takes energy and action! Love sometimes isn't a feeling- it is an action word- a verb! Paul hen describes things that love is NOT! When I was talking with my two friends from before- I did bring these up in our conversations. It was interesting to hear their responses! We then come to "love's four sweet companions" (Charles Spurgeon's words): strong, believing, hopeful, and enduring (v 7)! I think the key words in this verse is "all things" ALL THINGS! Bears all things! Hopes all things. Believes all things. Endures all things. All things!

Paul ends this chapter with the permeance of love. Love is forever. Paul comments that the gifts of the Spirit may change throughout our life- but love is unchanging and permanent. Paul gives an analogy- as we grow, our actions change. What was cute when we were kids isn't cute when we are teens or adults; what we do as teens is appropriate when we are teens, but we change. That is like the spiritual gifts. They may change as we journey with Christ...actually they do change! But love stays strong and stays permanent. Gifts from the Holy Spirit are to be cherished and are precious, they were never designed to be the focus of our life or our goal as Christians. We are to pursue faith, hope, and love. Are we? But love supersedes all of these! Does it in your life?

I do love this chapter. I do get the feeling of warmth and God's love when I read these words from Paul. I am happy that I have love and have had love for my life. Love is hard though! It takes work and dedication!

I hope you enjoyed the words from Paul...these are some great words!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul