I love history, and I especially love church history!  There are valuable lessons to be learned from the Church history that is already of tremendous benefit to us (though you may not have realized it!)  You likely are familiar with the quote: "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it" (George Santayana, 1863-1952) -- so let's consider the role of LITURGY in the Church Universal and our own local churches.

2 Corinthians 13

Paul's instruction in 2 Corinthians 13:5 -- "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" -- commonly serves as the basis for a topical sermon on assurance of salvation.  There IS some value for self-examination (in light of the Bible's teaching).  All too often salvation is presumed by persons for a wide variety of (religious and/or cultural) reasons.  In this final teaching from 2 Corinthians, we will examine (pun intended) the context and terms of Paul's command.

2 Corinthians 12:20-21 and 13:1-6

In light of his expressed fears as to what he might find upon his third visit to Corinth, Paul offers the proverbial "word of warning to the wise is sufficient".  When he arrives, witnesses will have the opportunity to verify any wrong doings; and if necessary, Paul will use the authority given to by Christ for tearing down rather than (what he wants to do) building up (see 13:10).

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

As we have seen throughout Paul's "second" letter to the Corinthian church, his relationship with the church is strained, less than what it ought to be.  Though Paul has expended unprecedented time and energy on the church, the church has progressed more slowly than what one might normally expect.  Nearing the end of this letter, and anticipating his third visit to the church, Paul expresses several fears -- of a church that needs sharp correction, discipline.

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

As we have seen throughout Paul's "second" letter to the Corinthian church, his relationship with the church is strained, less than what it ought to be.  Though Paul has expended unprecedented time and energy on the church, the church has progressed more slowly than what one might normally expect.  Nearing the end of this letter, and anticipating his third visit to the church, Paul expresses several fears -- of a church that needs sharp correction, discipline.

2 Corinthians 11-21

The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his letter.  At chapter 12:11 the reader might envision Paul saying, "I have said all that (chapters 1-12:10) to say this (chapters 12:11-13:10).  Paul's heartfelt letter to the Corinthians was prompted by his deep disappointment in church's loyalty to his apostolic ministry.  Paul's disappointment is summarized by the question he posits in verse 15b: "If I love you more, am I to be loved less?"