The Lord brings comfort to His people in many ways. While the Apostle Paul was in Macedonia he was overburdened with afflictions and in desperate need of encouragement. God used a gentile friend who showed up at just the right time to give him the encouraging word and the comforting presence he needed to keep pressing on in the Lord.

As Christians in these last days staying clean in a dirty world is no easy task. The Apostle Paul concludes 2 Corinthians Ch.6 with an exhortation and encouragement to the church to be separate, be holy, and not be bound to unbelievers. With the power of the Holy Spirit in us we can do all these things through Christ who gives us strength.

1 Corinthians 12:31 states, “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” Paul then embarks into what some would call the most important chapter in the New Testament. As the love of many grows cold, the Lord’s word for the church in these last days is to press in, burn brighter, and be fully saturated in the love of Christ.

Motivation can be defined as: “The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” As the Apostle Paul bears his heart to the Corinthian church he makes clear his motivations in the ministry. He kept the main thing the main thing and though those around him questioned him, doubted his motives, or tried to get him off track, he would not budge. He lived and breathed to glorify Jesus Christ.

One of the literary devices in the toolbox of the Apostle Paul was juxtaposition. Throughout the second letter to the Corinthians Paul beautifully utilizes this poetic device to communicate hope, glory, and the joys that are store for all Christians. Through the pain, struggles, and questions of life Paul wants us to understand it’s light and momentary compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us all.

It’s an honor to serve the Lord. The Apostle Paul never forgot this. Mercy guided his ministry and mercy sustained it. He was devoted to sharing this mercy with others and calling everyone to to see the light of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jana Kovar - From Trials to Triumph/Walking in God’s Strength and Joy

Jana Kovar - Do Not Worry/ Walking in God’s Joy and Strength

Jana Kovar - Grace That Restores/ Living in HIS Joy and Peace - Session 1

In 2 Corinthians Ch.3 The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church they are a letter of Christ and Paul’s confirmation in the ministry. It’s a ministry that no one is adequate for, and a ministry only sustainable by the grace of God. Paul then shifts to the topic of glory as he points the Corinthians to the majesty of Christ, a glory that abides forever and is incomparable to that which came before.