Paul compares our earthly bodies to spiritual bodies by using the example of the temporary tabernacle tent that the Old Testament followers had prior to the temple. Many Greeks did not believe in a bodily resurrection...they believed there was no immortality for the body, only the soul....The Holy Spirits is our guarantee that God will, give us immortal bodies at resurrection.....it is pretty cool to think that we have part of eternity now.
The Ministry of Reconciliation is all about getting people to have a relationship with God. God reconciled himself to us through Christ.......God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them, so we are Christ's ambassadors
Paul has hardships but recognizes that he has everything. He teaches that believers should not be yoked to unbelievers, because their is no harmony between Christ and Satan.
Paul has joy because of these promises, no matter what the circumstances. God comforts the downcast (thank God he did that for me today). He says that Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leads to no regret. Paul has been encouraged by Titus (he has his own book we will read later).
Paul defends the collection: the poor in Jerusalem need it....Titus is sent to Corinth and Paul encourages the church of Corinth to receive him in love. Paul concludes by pointing out that you reap what you sow....our attitude when we give is more important that the amount we give. God loves a cheerful giver. Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards for those that give generously to God's work.
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
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And Beth Moore talked about
ReplyDeletethe Ministry of Reconciliation......
I like 9:6-7 "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. so let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."