2 Corinthians 12 (résumé): Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

In chapter 12 Paul continues to defend his apostolic ministry initially focusing on a supernatural experience he had transporting him to the third heaven and to Paradise. He then goes on to talk about his thorn in the flesh through which Satan tormented him. Paul says that 3 times he pleaded for God to deliver him from this, and God replied: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness... and when I am weak, then I am strong". He then returns to the topic of "super-apostles" and laments the lack of the church's support on this front, pointing to his ministry with signs following which was ample proof of his authenticity. Paul then says he will visit the church for the third time but he does not want their money nor had anyone else he had sent there like Titus. However when Paul gets to Corinth he fears he will encounter quarrelling, jealousy, anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder in the church. He also fears that some have not repented of impurity, sexual sin and debauchery.

2 Corinthians 11 (résumé): Paul and the false Apostles

Paul now combats "super-apostles" who preach a different Jesus with a different spirit and a different gospel. Paul warns the Corinthians to not be deceived as Eve was by the serpent. And in the ministry of the Gospel Paul says that he was always careful not to be a burden to the church. However Paul warns that they are facing "false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ... and their end will be what their actions deserve". Paul criticized the Corinthians' willingness to tolerate these people who exploited, mistreated, enslaved and humiliated them, and said that he would boast in his true commitment to Christ which had involved suffering, floggings, danger from bandits and at sea, suffering hunger, thirst and cold... "so if I must boast I boast I boast of the things that show my weakness".

2 Corinthians 10 (résumé): Paul's Defence of his Ministry

Paul now deals with the issue of the authority of his ministry which is being questioned by some, but he feels assured and commended by God for "we don't wage war as the world does or fight with the weapons of the world... and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ... for you only look at things superficially... for I boast about the authority the Lord gave us... but we don't boast beyond limits... for let him who boasts boast in the Lord... for it's not the man who commends himself who is approved, but the man whom the Lord commends".

2 Corinthians 9 (résumé): Sowing generously

In this chapter Paul continues encouraging the Corinthians regarding their awaited offering for the Christians in Jerusalem. He shows too that generosity is not just about money because it reveals the condition of the heart and is a way of giving thanks to God. Paul says that he is aware of the Corinthians' "eagerness to help... but he wants to this fulfilled... as to the contrary Paul would be ashamed of having been so confident... so he hopes for a generous gift as expected and not one grudgingly given... for each man should give as he decided in his heart... not reluctantly, because God loves a cheerful giver... and you will be made rich so that you can be generous on every occasion... which will result in thanksgiving to God... and people will praise God for your obedience and generosity... and people's prayers will be said for you... and give thanks to God for his indescribable gift".

What must I do to be saved?

I led the service in Patos last night and my sermon was entitled "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) The sermon traced the origins of the church at Philippi in Macedonia, on Paul's second missionary journey, now going into Europe accompanied by Silas, Timothy and Luke. The move of God in the town saw the conversion of a business woman called Lydia together with her household, a spirit possessed slave girl, and a jailer and his family. God saves and changes all sorts of people for his glory! There was one decision for Christ at the end of the service.

2 Corinthians 8 (résumé): Generosity encouraged

Here Paul exalts the Macedonian churches for their generosity having given beyond what they really could afford. Paul goes on to challenge the Corinth church to "see that you also excel in the grace of giving". Paul stresses that he isn't commanding them to give, but is testing the sincerity of their love in comparison with others, and in the light of Christ's supreme example of sacrifice. Paul advocates equality between churches giving and taking as the needs and supplies arise. Paul then says that Titus "welcomed our appeal" and is going to Corinth "with much enthusiasm". "He was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering... for we want to avoid criticism as we administer this liberal gift... Titus is my partner and fellow-worker among you... so show what you're made of church of Corinth!"

Teixeira Preaching

Last night we travelled up the mountain to Teixeira where I preached on 'Gratitude' as requested by the local pastor Maesio. The service and sermon went very well with about 80 present. Teixeira is 30 km south of Patos which takes about 45 minutes. The dangerous part is the 8 km of a very steep climb of 500 metres altitude climb with 24 sharp bends on the edge of sheer precipices where there are frequent accidents. Thankfully all went well.

Parallel to this Missionary Sacha preached at Imaculada and the Patos church band sang, Pastor Murilo took the service at Green Pastures, and Pastor Rafael took the service at the school. We are a busy team! Later I preach in Patos.