As we emerge from the Christmas season, and journey through Epiphany, the daily lectionary takes a journey through 1 Corinthians – a key document for understanding cross-cultural mission in the early church. So we’ve built a series of reflections around Paul’s first and second letters to the church in Corinth. In the first week, to prepare us, we’ve got some guest writers with direct cross-cultural experience, and they’re going to take us through 1 John.
Start with self examination not judgement 2 Corinthians 13 (NIV) This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will … More Journeying out…pushing through – Tuesday 16th February 2021
Sustained by vision – power in weakness 2 Corinthians 11.16-12.21 (New Revised Standard Version) I repeat, let no one think that I am a fool; but if you do, then accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not … More Journeying out…pushing through – Monday 15th February 2021
Authority and integrity 2 Corinthians 10.1-11.15 (New Revised Standard Version) I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold towards you when I am away!— I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those … More Journeying out…pushing through – Sunday 14th February 2021
The harvest of generosity 2 Corinthians 9 (New Revised Standard Version) Now it is not necessary for me to write to you about the ministry to the saints, for I know your eagerness, which is the subject of my boasting about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year; and … More Journeying out…pushing through – Saturday 13th February 2021
The call to generous giving 2 Corinthians 8 (New Revised Standard Version) We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. … More Journeying out…pushing through – Friday 12th February 2021
Facing into the challenges and coming through 2 Corinthians 6.3-7.16 (New Revised Standard Version) We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by … More Journeying out…pushing through – Thursday 11th February 2021
Becoming God’s ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5.1-6.2 (Good News Translation) For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever. And now we sigh, so great is our desire … More Journeying out…pushing through – Wednesday 10th February 2021
The glory and paradoxes of the new covenant 2 Corinthians 3.7-4.18 (New Revised Standard Version) Now if the ministry of death, chiselled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’ face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside, how much more will … More Journeying out…pushing through – Tuesday 9th February 2021
Being ‘letters from Christ, carved on human hearts’ 2 Corinthians 2.5-3.6 (New Revised Standard Version) If anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent—not to exaggerate it—to all of you. This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person; so now instead you should forgive and console him, so that … More Journeying out…pushing through – Monday 8th February 2021
A letter, not a visit, from a heartbroken apostle 2 Corinthians 1.1-2.4 (New Revised Standard Version) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,to the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord … More Journeying out…pushing through – Sunday 7th February 2021
