Category: Bible (Page 38 of 356)

Skeptics accused Paul of manipulating his preaching for personal gain. Which seems a stretch, since the man tramped from town to town, endured beatings, and lived off the goodwill of the those he served. Still, a charge of deceitful behavior hung in the air. Paul shot back:

We have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God…for what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord…

No whispers in the dark, no insider knowledge, no sleight of hand accompanied Paul’s teaching. Rather, he and his team preached Jesus Christ as Lord. Out loud—in synagogues, in homes, in the backwoods and the marketplaces.

These early evangelists refused to twist their message to suit the culture of the day. Quite opposite of the charges addressed here, they pushed one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Make a decision, accept or reject, choose your adventure for eternity.

I’m tempted to soften the challenge Jesus brings. But distortion serves no one. Jesus Christ is Lord. The sooner we recognize it, the better off we’ll be.

2 Corinthians 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jon Tyson

I tend to be a quiet person in a crowd, at least until I get to know a few people. I also tend to hold my views on controversial topics close, wanting to hear from others first before I craft an opinion in response.

I lack boldness, so I take notice when Paul writes of the exceptional courage available for those who follow the ways of Jesus:

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold…Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of our Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit animated the lives of Paul and his band, empowering them to spread their message with confidence. The same Holy Spirit dwells within all who turn to Jesus. As I contemplate the Lord’s glory and favor, I grow more like him and allow his power to take hold within me.

Lord, develop boldness in my life as I write and speak. May your Holy Spirit animate my life so that others may see you with unveiled faces.

2 Corinthians 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Michael Baird

Years ago I walked through a packed area of Calcutta (which is easy to do, as millions of people fill the city). Homeless families cooked outside of businesses, men bathed in public fountains, and a stray dog watched us pass by. I immediately noticed the clashing smells. Every few steps brought a new aroma. Some foul, emanating from too many people, and other delightful, drifting from restaurants and bakeries. My nose rollercoastered across town.

The Apostle Paul wrote of his life as an aroma: But thanks be to God…who uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. 

Paul noticed a stark difference among the hearers of his message. Some breathed in the salvation in Christ, while others recoiled at the smell. Through it all Paul and his posse of missionaries spoke with sincerity, patiently explaining the God behind the aroma.

I notice similar responses when I’m bold enough to mention my faith. A whiff of Jesus either draws a smile, or elicits a cold turn. When it happens to you, don’t take it personally. The aroma of Christ is at work. Pray silently and speak sincerely, hoping that listeners might perceive the fragrance of life.

2 Corinthians 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Austin Curtis

Here at the end of the summer a healthy crop of tomatoes hangs from my vines. I’m not a great grower of tomatoes, so when they ripen I celebrate. I enjoy eating the fruit of my labor.

The Scriptures promise the fruit of labor to followers of the Lord, like this assurance from Psalms:

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

A gratifying life emerges for the one who lives in awe of the Lord, who respects and observes his commands. While never problem-free, God’s favor and protection mark their years, and material goods fall into their laps.

I think of prosperity in material terms, and the Scriptures carry similar intent. Following the ways of the Lord over a lifetime often yields tangible financial benefits. I don’t usually consider this idea (I’ve seen too many leaders abuse religion to make themselves rich), but the Lord clears a path to prosperity—both for you and your household.

Popular opinion paints the Bible as little more than a screed for closed-mindedness and self-denial. But that’s not true at all. Follow the Lord as best you can, day after day, in large decisions and small, and don’t be surprised when prosperity follows.

Psalm 128 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Andrea Riezzo