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2 Corinthians 2

Scripture  2 Corinthians 2:14 

...and to God are thanks, who at  ALL TIMES 

is leading us in TRIUMPH in the Christ, 

and the fragrance of His knowledge 

HE is MANIFESTING through us in every place. (YLT) Observation  A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. - Matthew Henry Commentary  Understanding  I love this! At all times we are being led by Christ in victory!  Even as we are socially distancing ourselves for safety reasons God is leading us at ALL TIMES. And HIS knowledge is being made known to the people around us like a fragrance.  People can detect it.  It may not be visible at first but it is pleasing to them. The way it would be when you are in the presence of something that smells amazing! In this moment of our lives we have an incredible opportunity to move forward in our Christian Faith and principles with courage and LOVE.  Our times may be uncertain But HE is “the same yesterday, today, and forever!” Our times may be scary But “He is my rock and my salvation of whom shall I be afraid?”  For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Cor. 2:15 (NIV) Application  Our mandate to “Multiply Christ Followers Everywhere” does not come to a halt, even in a pandemic.  You can smell a fragrance even from a distance. Especially if there is a breeze that will carry the aroma to many places. The Holy Spirit is the wind we need to take the fragrance of His knowledge to the people it needs to reach.  There are so many ways that we can share the love of Christ to those around us. Even when we are separated.  How will you spread the fragrance of Christ to those around you? 

  • Ask a grocery clerk how they are doing
  • Talk to your neighbors and find out if they need any necessities or prayer
  • Create a way to have face time with some of your friends
  • Write a letter or send a text to family members 
  • When your out shopping, look for ways to let someone have an item that maybe you were looking for too 

 Be encouraged, strong and courageous! This is a unique time for Christians to put to practice all that we have been taught so that we can reap the harvest for God! 

 Deborah Lee

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2 Corinthians 1

Scripture

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭‬‬

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

 
Observation-What does it say?
 
In this epistle, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. Paul has been put through the “ringer” in life. So many times as he has gone place to place, sharing the gospel of Jesus, and has ran into opposition. From physical attacks against his body, to attacks against his character, Paul has suffered dearly. But as Paul writes this epistle to the church in Corinth, he finds God’s purpose in his sufferings. Paul understands that God is always there throughout his sufferings. He knows that God brings him comfort during those times. Paul knows that it is through that comfort from God, that he can bring that same comfort to others who are suffering as well. And from this, all will experience God’s love, comfort, and answer to prayers that will ultimately bring glory to God our Father!
 
Understanding-What does it mean?
 
Finding God’s purpose during difficult times.
 
You ever wonder “why me God?!” Whether it is dealing with the death of a loved one, experiencing a grim health notice from your doctor, or even maybe experiencing financial difficulties. The truth of the matter is that God has a purpose for it all. But have we ever truly took the time to think about what that purpose is? I know the Apostle Paul has. Paul knew that the more he suffered in Christ, the more he would experience God’s comfort as well. He knew that others he came in contact with may have experienced similar sufferings in life, and that he may share with them that same comfort he experienced from God. It’s like a person who lost a loved one. Who better to bring comfort to that person than another person who experienced that same problem, and overcame that sorrow through the comfort of God? If anyone knows what that person is experiencing it would be him/her right? The bottom line is God has a purpose for everything in life. He shares with us the good times in life, but especially the bad times. His purpose is to make us grow, to be stronger in our faith, and to be more like His Son Jesus. And to be more like Jesus, we need to be more loving, compassionate, forgiving, and be able to bring comfort to those in need. So remember whenever those tough times hit us, God has a purpose behind it all. He wants the world to know Him. He wants the world to be able to experience His unfailing love, grace, and mercy He has for all who believe. So next time trouble hits, instead of asking “why me God?”, say “why not me?” Just know that God will give us the strength we need when we need it.💪🏽😊
 
“So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.”
 
2 Timothy‬ ‭2:10‬
 
Life Application
 
Being salt and light to the earth.
 
Like we learned this past Sunday, we as Christ Followers are change agents. We are called to be salt and lights to the earth. We should be illuminating God’s light/love to others. Or how Pastor Gary put it, we should be making an unseen God, seen. How do we do this? Through our actions and testimonies to others. What better time to do it than now? With the world living in fear and panicking over this Coronavirus, it is our time as Christians to shine bright. So while the world tells us we should be worried and scared, let us be the ones who bring peace and comfort. While the world fights in the lines at grocery stores, let us show love and grace. While the world hoards supplies, let us share with those in need. Let our lights shine so bright during these dark times so that all will see the glory of God.
 
-Moses Gaddi
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1 Corinthians 16

Scripture 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
 

Observation-What does it say?

In this chapter, Paul addresses a few things. From verses 1-9, he’s talking about taking a collection for the poor in Jerusalem. In verses 10-12, he is commending Timothy and Apollos for their work and labor in the Lord. In verses 13-18, Paul is exhorting the church about being watchful in faith and love. Verses 19-24 are Paul’s final greetings. (Reference: Matthew Henry commentary on 1 Corinthians 16)

 

Understanding and Life Application

Please watch Pastor Gary’s video that he emailed the church family yesterday. It's based on the above passage. In light of the current circumstances, there is not much more that I can add to it.

 
Here’s the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/HztZrTITm58
 

Also, please worship Jesus in the midst of the fear and chaos surrounding us all. God continues to be good, unchanging, and with us through the storm. I love what Pastor’s wife DeLaine said at one of our worship nights. “The safest place to be is in the eye of the storm.” The eye is the calmest part of the storm.

Link to “See A Victory” by Elevation Worship: https://youtu.be/jEK6_rz26z0

 

-Michelle Gaddi

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