Sunday, May 29, 2011

May 29, 2011

Galatians 1 – 3
I was fortunate to attend my wife’s nephew’s graduation this week. As the ceremony started the audience was reminded, “by the powers that be”, that the event was a formal occasion. Rules and expectations were established. Tradition was to be enforced. My wife, who attended the same high school, noted minor differences in procedure but held that it was pretty much the same way. As the event proceeded, a young man with Downs Syndrome came across the stage to receive his diploma. He proceeded to do a little dance and show his joy at his accomplishment. While it took all the school personnel on stage to get him refocused and redressed his classmates first, then the audience began cheering and clapping, sharing in the young man’s joy. So much for tradition. I later asked my wife’s nephew whether the young man or anyone got into trouble for the celebration. He replied “NO”, for that student was the heart of our senior class. Tradition and procedures were not important to these students because they realized what they and this young man had accomplished and the new life they would all start.

So how does this pertain to today’s reading, as we start the book of Galatians? In the first three chapters of this letter, written by the Apostle Paul, he once again had to defend his authority and authenticity of the Gospel he preached. He as well had to deal with false teachers, known as Judaizers. These people taught that Gentiles had to follow Jewish Law and customs in order to be truly saved. Throughout this letter, Paul will reemphasize the “Good News” that salvation was through faith in Jesus Christ and not in performing traditions to follow the Law. Just as with the students who broke from traditions and procedure to celebrate an accomplishment and new beginning, we to should be mindful of our own new beginning. Our salvation is based on faith in Jesus; not our adherence to old customs.

From the beginning, Paul set the stage of urgency. He uncommonly skipped over his remarks of thanksgiving after the greeting and launched into the problems. Throughout the chapters, Paul confronted allegations from the Judaizers that dealt with: 1) his preaching being unauthentic and inspired by man, 2) His being unaware of Jewish customs and 3) how the Jewish Laws were still the path to salvation. To rebuke this teaching, chapters 1 and 2 addressed his past and how God chose him and gave him revelation to the Gospel. Paul laid out a timeline showing his knowledge and zeal in Judaism, his conversion through Christ intervention and how he was inspired by Jesus, not by man or other apostles, to preach the word.

Throughout chapters 2 and 3, Paul tackled the key problem of the allegations from the Judaizers. Paul remarked that he even challenged the Apostle Peter’s hypocrisy when dealing with how salvation was obtained. Paul asserted that the Gospel was about salvation coming solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to the Laws. He used the patriarchal image of Abraham to emphasize how it was through faith in Christ (God’s promise to us) not our actions that brings about salvation. If the reverse was true then Jesus’s sacrifice was made in vain. Paul went further to explain that the purpose of the Law was to come alongside the Messiah and convict believers of their sins. There were two other purposes for the Law. The first was to give guidelines on how to live and the second was to drive us to have a relationship and be dependent on Jesus Christ.

To conclude chapter 3, Paul wanted the Galatians to understand, along with what we should take from it, that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are all children of God. Despite being Jew or Gentile, black or white, Baptist or Pentecostal, we are all able to receive God’s promise of freedom when we place our faith in his son Jesus and not by our own actions.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

May 22, 2011

2 Corinthians 11-13

Throwing Down the Gauntlet

As with the days of the knights, Paul is taking off the gloves and throwing down the gauntlet. Within these final chapters (11-13), Paul directly confronted the major issues of the letter, false teaching, defending his authority and spiritual immaturity.

In chapter 11, Paul began by reemphasizing the need for believers to focus purely on God and to not be swayed by false doctrines and teachers. This was the idea of the “pure bride” (v.2-3). Ironically, in viewing our own time we are still confronted with this as recently as yesterday. A pastor persuaded many people to believe that May 21, 2011 at 6:00p.m., the rapture was to take place. There were many who spoke out against this prediction based on biblically truth. Matthew 24:26-44 is Jesus, “THE AUTHORITY”, telling the disciples the end of time is not for man to know but to be watchful and live accordingly. We must be as alert to false teachings, as Paul was back then. From (11:11-15) Paul made known that as Satan disguises himself, so shall his servants. So remain vigilant.

In continuing our reading, Paul begins to layout his credentials for his authority to preach. He laid out several factors that distinguished him from the rest, such as: diligent hard work, imprisonment, physical torture, a stoning, several shipwrecks and long journeys with constant endangerment. Paul informed the Corinthians that he was not boasting about his own efforts but rather how God had sustained him through these trials and his weaknesses. The apostle went further as he noted how God spoke to him is his moments of physical affliction. Paul informed the believers, that God made known that His grace is all we need and that His power works best in our weakness (v.12:8-10). What a glorious thing to hold on to day by day.

In concluding today’s reading, Paul desired for the Corinthians to understand that he passionately cared about them. He wanted them to know he was not weak in comparison to other speakers but diligently chased after them, because he was invested in their maturity towards following Christ. Paul warned them that on his next visit he would openly deal with those who did not heed his corrections. To end, Paul illustrated the behaviors we should display towards others who are falling into deception: stand strong in your faith, rely on God’s grace, be vigilant to deceivers and perform redirections firmly but with love. Paul made a key point in (v. 13:10), that we should remember. A mature believer would rather use God’s truth to build/strengthen fellow believers as opposed to tearing them down.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thursday, May 19th

There is no one like God. Who is His equal? Job 39 is a continuation of a list of questions given by God to Job that started in chapter 38. The questions are rhetorical. The point; to help Job (and you and I) remember that He is God and we are not.

Job 40 shows Job silent in God’s presence. Job says that he will place his hand over his mouth. Just the same way that Princes used to do in the presence of Job. (29:9)

This makes me think; how often am I silent in the presence of a Holy God. I sing… I “pray”… I talk about Him; but when I look back I realize that I do not find myself in the position of stillness and silence before him.

I’ll just be honest; I would hate to have to go what Job went through. However I would love to know God in the way that Job knows him towards the end of this book. Truth be told though, I’m not sure I can have one without the other. Lord help us to embrace our times in the valley.

(LATE) Thursday, May 12th

(Sorry for this late post. It seems the blog website was down last week.)

I made reference in last week’s blog about Elihu’s arrogance. In some ways I could sum up Job 37 with the Latin phrase; et cetera. On and on go the words of this young man who stated he has perfect knowledge (36:4)

Lest we be too unfair to Elihu he does make some great observations. He sees the power of Almighty God in nature and makes note of how it rocks mankind’s world. Sad to say that I believe we have lost some that in our day and time. Not that God’s power isn’t still turning the plans and schemes of man upside down; it’s just that so often we have forgotten to drop to our knees and say, “We remember you O Lord!” After all to do so would make us ignorant of how earthquakes and storm systems work, right? May we never forget that the power that moves us to the basement and interior room of our homes; the power that “gets our prayer life caught up,” is only a fraction of His might. We remember you, O Lord!!!

Speaking of YHWH God…. Wait for it… Wait for it… “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind…” (Job 38:1) The silence is over!!! Job was absolutely right; our Redeemer lives!!

God answers Job in “personal power.” Out of a whirlwind He speaks directly to the man. Many questions have been asked thus far. Now the Lord of all has some questions for Job. “Job… you’ve gone on about the day you were born?” “Were you there when the universe was born?” How’s that for perspective?

I am not going to comment very much more on chapter 38. I want you, the reader of this blog, to go back to chapter 38 and let it be personal. How many times have you doubted God’s plan for you? Remember the time that, in your heart of hearts, you did not feel like you could trust God with____?” I have been there as well.

Do yourself a huge favor today. Read Job 38 out loud. Go ahead… read it. At the end of ever question I want you to answer… out loud. How great it our God. He’s got the whole world in His hands; and for the record, that includes you and me.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Have you ever felt like your life was like a roller coaster? Jeremiah understands this feeling. Jeremiah 37 through 41 finds himself imprisoned, cast in a Cistern, rescued from the Cistern, eyewitness to the fall of Jerusalem, released to go wherever, and sees the death of the newly appointed leader of Judah.

When Jeremiah thinks everything is getting better, the situation gets worse. Sometimes bad things do happen to good people. Jeremiah is one such person. We are not promised that life will always go in a good way, but we are told that God will never, never, never, never, never leave us or forsake us. That is an awesome promise.

Today, be prepared for bad things to happen by being in a close walk with Jesus. He is the only one who can get us through the bad things of life. Quess what? He wants to get us through the bad things of life. Trust Him.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday May 15, 2011

2 Corinthians 8 & 9

The Art of Giving

Today’s reading is on Paul encouraging the Corinthians to give financially to support believers in Jerusalem. He emphasized how the other churches, especially Macedonia who was poor, gave so abundantly and beyond his expectation (v.8:3-5). His desire was for the Church in Corinth to live up to the boasting he had spread about them (9:2). Paul noted that since they excelled at so many things, they needed to excel at giving. It is at this point, Paul gave basic principles to giving that we should be mindful of today.
1) (v.8:5) First give yourself to the Lord.
2) (v.8:8) Be mindful whether you are taking steps to mature in your walk with Christ.
3) (v.8:9) Imitate Christ, by making a sacrificial gift to help others.
4) (v.8:10-11, 9:5)) Fulfill your obligations to others.
5) (v.8:12-13, 9:6-8) Give eagerly but responsibly, as a willing gift.
6) (v.8:14, 9:10-11) Obedience to God never comes back void.

Throughout these chapters, Paul wanted to make clear that giving was something people are led to do by the Holy Spirit acting upon them, not because of obligation. We have an opportunity today to give financial to support missions and church growth. We also have an opportunity to give of our time and talents in church ministry. Just as well as tithing, giving your time in a ministry allows you to achieve the overall results Paul mentioned in (v. 9:13-14). You will display an eager heart to help those in need and you will show your obedience to God.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

God told Jeremiah in chapter 32 to buy a field outside Jerusalem. The city had been under siege for a year, and Jeremiah bought land that the soldiers occupied -- certainly a poor investment. In addition, Jeremiah was a prisoner in the palace. But Jeremiah was demonstrating his faith in God's promises to bring his people back and to rebuild Jerusalem.

Trust doesn't come easy. It wasn't easy for Jeremiah to publicly buy land already captured by the enemy. But he trusted God. It wasn't easy for David to believe he would become king, even after he was anointed. But he trusted God (1 Samuel 16-31). It wasn't easy for Moses to believe that he and his people would escape Egypt, even after God spoke to him from a burning bush. But he trusted God (Exodus 3 - 4). It isn't easy for us to believe God can fulfill his "impossible" promises either, but we must trust him. God, who worked in the lives of Biblical heroes, will work in our lives too, if we will let him.

Jeremiah 33:15-16 refers to both the first and second coming of Christ. At his first coming he would set up his reign in the hearts of believers; at his second coming he would execute justice and righteousness throughout the whole earth. He is coming again. This is another reason for us to trust him.

Jeremiah 34 describes the fulfillment of many of Jeremiah's predictions. The people of Israel had a hard time keeping their promises to God. In the temple, they would solemnly promise to obey God, but back in their homes and at work they wouldn't do it. God expressed his great displeasure. If you want to please God, make sure you keep your promises. God wants promises lived out, not just piously made.

God told Jeremiah in chapter 36 to write his words on a scroll. Because he was not allowed to go to the temple, Jeremiah asked his scribe, Baruch, to whom he had dictated the scroll to read it to the people gathered there. Baruch then read it to the officials, and finally Jehudi read it to the kimg. Although the king burned the scroll, he could not destroy the word of God. Today many people try to put God's Word aside or say that it contains errors and therefore cannot be trusted. People may reject God's Word, but they cannot destroy it. God's Word will stand forever (Psalm 119:89). We should never forget this truth. This is another reason we can trust God. May you trust him today in whatever you face.

Thursday, May 12th

I made reference in last week’s blog about Elihu’s arrogance. In some ways I could sum up Job 37 with the Latin phrase; et cetera. On and on go the words of this young man who stated he has perfect knowledge (36:4)

Lest we be too unfair to Elihu he does make some great observations. He sees the power of Almighty God in nature and makes note of how it rocks mankind’s world. Sad to say that I believe we have lost some that in our day and time. Not that God’s power isn’t still turning the plans and schemes of man upside down; it’s just that so often we have forgotten to drop to our knees and say, “We remember you O Lord!” After all to do so would make us ignorant of how earthquakes and storm systems work, right? May we never forget that the power that moves us to the basement and interior room of our homes; the power that “gets our prayer life caught up,” is only a fraction of His might. We remember you, O Lord!!!

Speaking of YHWH God…. Wait for it… Wait for it… “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind…” (Job 38:1) The silence is over!!! Job was absolutely right; our Redeemer lives!!

God answers Job in “personal power.” Out of a whirlwind He speaks directly to the man. Many questions have been asked thus far. Now the Lord of all has some questions for Job. “Job… you’ve gone on about the day you were born?” “Were you there when the universe was born?” How’s that for perspective?

I am not going to comment very much more on chapter 38. I want you, the reader of this blog, to go back to chapter 38 and let it be personal. How many times have you doubted God’s plan for you? Remember the time that, in your heart of hearts, you did not feel like you could trust God with____?” I have been there as well.

Do yourself a huge favor today. Read Job 38 out loud. Go ahead… read it. At the end of ever question I want you to answer… out loud. How great it our God. He’s got the whole world in His hands; and for the record, that includes you and me.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Monday May 9, 2011

I thought I would take a second here in this blog post and encourage you in your Bible reading plan.

Some of us may have let slip recently our steadfastness in our daily reading. Family, work, school, friends, etc. etc. etc. Everything takes up time and takes time from our time in God's Word.

Let's remember Jesus' words in John 17:17:

"Sanctify them in truth, Your Word is truth."

God's plan for us is to no longer be conformed to the patter of this world, which hates God and his people and is only focused on pleasure and selfishness. On a daily basis we are at war with our sinful natures. We are either making decisions based upon our fleshly life or our spiritual life; the two never work together.

Perhaps you've stopped your plan to read through the whole Bible in one year as our whole church is doing. Perhaps other things have taken up that time slot that you set aside at the first of the year. Perhaps life happened.

Perhaps today is the day to repent of the sin of ignoring God's message to you, that He has written clearly in His Word, and begin afresh to read and study the life alterning, holiness imparting truths of the Bible.

Let us confess today our inability to be holy on our own and surrender to the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. For, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

And may the God of our Lord Jesus Christ be honored in our pursuit of Him.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Sunday, May 8, 2011

2 Corinthians 6 & 7
Triumph in the Face of Adversity
Happy Mother’s Day

Today’s reading finds Paul, on the surface, defending his credentials and authority to the people of Corinth. However in viewing the passages more closely, Paul used his own hardships to exemplify his reliance on God, to triumph. From chapter 6, three assurances are displayed when people rely on God: 1) He is sovereign over all things, 2) He is faithful and will be there with us (v.7) and 3) His grace, as he provides for us (v. 8-10).

Throughout much of chapters 6 and 7, Paul called for believers to do more than just vocalize their faithfulness to God. He called for people to act in times of adversity. Paul illustrated this as he called believers to first cleanse themselves from anything that would defile their spirit (7:1). This cleansing is not just a movement away from sin but a turning to God. In John 15:18-25, Jesus spoke about how the world hated him and how we are chosen to come out of it. In 1 John 2:15, we are told not to love this world, for if we do, the love for the Father is not within us. Paul continued to demonstrate this as he used scripture from the Old Testament that gave reference to God’s people turning away from sin and focusing on Him. As believers, we are first called to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and secondly to repent of our sins and focus on God.

But Paul called for more. He encouraged the Corinthians to work towards complete holiness (2 Cor.7:1). Paul, in chapter 6 gave examples of how Christians should carry themselves in hard times. He mentioned relying on the Holy Spirit to empower us to show a pure heart, have patience to endure, display understanding and kindness and to show love to everyone (6:6). We are reminded that these actions were not performed for prestige or to earn passage into heaven. Believers are to perform actions in order to exemplify God’s love and give Him glory.

At the conclusion of chapter seven, Paul returns to his discussion from chapter 2; as he gave the Corinthians praise for their repentance and zeal to do right. At the center of these two chapters is Paul’s desire to convey the gift of salvation. In chapter 6, Paul starts out warning the Corinthians to not waste God’s wonderful gift. Throughout the course of the two chapters, Paul informed the believers about how to be reconciled back to God and receive salvation: use the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, repent from our sins and live a life that gives glory God.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Friday, May 6, 2011

Have you ever gotten conflicting reports? The King of Judah found himself in this very situation. Jeremiah 27 provides a message from the prophet Jeremiah to the king. His message is that Judah is to serve Babylon for 70 years or face sword, famine, and pestilence. Jeremiah warns that any prophet saying otherwise is not of God. Sure enough a false prophet named Hananiah comes to the king prophecying that the yoke of the king of Babylon has been broken and that they would be free in two years. Jeremiah and Hananiah confront one another in the king's court. Jeremiah states that Hananiah will die for his deceit and he does within two months of this confrontation. A true prophet's words will always come true. God's Word is always true.
It is important for believers to read, know, and live God's Word daily.

Jeremiah 29 finds the prophet writing a letter to those in exile in Babylon. He encourages them that God has not forgotten them, but that they need to plan for a long stay in Babylon. He encourages them to hope and work for Babylon's success. This message did not go well with the exiled. Once again a false prophet named Shemaiah begins to say the opposite to the exiled. He calls Jeremiah a madman and that the exile would be short. Jeremiah once again reveals that Shermaiah is a false prophet. The king must have realized that Jeremiah was the true prophet of God because he does not punish Jeremiah.

There will always be someone saying the opposite of what God says. We see it every day. God says to aviod sin, but many say that sin is not really sin. God says there is only one way to heaven, but many today say that there are many ways to heaven. Who do we believe? We must always believe God's Word.

Jeremiah 30 begins a positive theme. He claims that God will restore the nation, make a new covenant with Israel, bring Israel back to the Promised Land, and honor the Davidic covenant.
All claims have been fulfilled. God is Faithful Always.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

(LATE) Thursday April 28th

A note before I begin. This was last week’s blog. I had it written but forgot to post it. If you ever look for Thursday’s posting and by noon there is no blog posted; please call me. It means I forgot againJ

Before I was a believer in Christ I was very good pointing out reasons why I was not a believer in Christ. Most of those reasons revolved around the words and/ or actions of those who professed to be believers. I fully admit that most of my judgments were self centered and wrong but never the less it reminds me that the world is watching.

The reason I mention these things is that the speech from Elihu to Job reminds me of one of those conversations that I would’ve looked down upon. If I would’ve overheard Elihu’s words I do believe I would’ve said, “See… that’s why I’m not one of them.”

Numerous times throughout the passage Elihu twists Job’s own words and ideas in an attempt to show Job that he is somehow under the shadow of God’s judgment on his life. Can you imagine sitting near this conversation; seeing that the man listening has red, dry eyes from constant tears. Seeing that the man is covered in boils you lean in to hear what words of comfort and encouragement are being offered. What do you hear; a religious man espousing religiosity instead of godly truth and comfort. Is there anything more disgusting?

I know that today’s chapters are long but I am going to keep this short. Remember that we are to love like Jesus. People are watching our actions. They hear our words. Sometimes people just need someone to pray for them instead of praying “about” them. Lord have Your way because often times we don’t know exactly what You’re up to.

Thursday, May 5th

Arrogance - an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions; see Elihu.

For the length of these two passages this is going to be a very short blog. I am going to admit something to you. I am sick of hearing Elihu talk. Catch that; I am sick of hearing him talk. “I” who still has my family, means of income and health intact. Can you imagine how Job feels as he sits broken and feeling abandoned by the God he loves?

Elihu is a relatively young man. The text mentions that as well as the fact that he has to wait for the other three to speak to Job. Have you ever worked somewhere and had some younger know-it-all either as a supervisor or as someone who just constantly seems to run on at the mouth? If you have then you are beginning to get a feel for these two chapters.

Elihu is arrogance personified. Take note of chapter 36 verse 4. “For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.” Wow!!Two things that I think we can take home from Elihu’s speech; which will actually carry on in chapter 37. One, if we are not seeking the Lord in humility we could easily become a person like Elihu. No matter our age or life experience only God truly knows the heart of a man and we are to humble our hearts before His perfect knowledge at all times and in all situations. Two, Job doesn’t answer Elihu. Not to give too much away but the next person to speak after Elihu will be God himself. There’s a lesson there. Stick around, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Tuesday May 3

We see In 2 Samuel 5, That David's long wait is over and he becomes king. He reigns in Henron but then captures Jerusalem. The key verse is

2 Samuel 5:10 And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

The Key to David's life is that he had an intimate close relationship with the Lord jehovah. Out of that intimate close relationship we see God's hand of protection and power revealed through him for His people.

In 2 Samuel 6, we see that David moves forward with his idea of bringing the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem rather than God's plan of transporting the ark. David chose a new cart believing that his new way was better but instead his defying of God's plan of transporting the ark caused the death of a fellow Israelite who touched the ark. As david chose to leave the ark where it was in an impetuous decision we see the key verse

2 Samuel 6:11 The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household.

We see exactly what David ultimately saw: that God's presence brings blessing. This truth can't be ignored, but we must live not only with His presence but in His plan of obedience for our lives.

In 2 Samuel 7, we see David's desire to build a building for God's ark and to honro His presence. Nathan relays to David that his desire is right and honorable but Gid's plan is for David's son to be the builder of this facility and not David.

in 2 Samuel 8-9, we see that David as King is both a victorious warrior king and a king with a long memory as he does not forget that he made a promise to Jonathan concerning his family when he became king. David asked the question if there was anyone that he could show mercy/grace/kindness to in the family of Saul and the one that was brought to his attention was one that could never give anything in return. (Does this sound familiar to anyone?) David hunts this person down and rather than kill them as they were a part of the former king's family he has them eat at his table fo rthe rest of their life not because of who they were but because of His grace/mercy/kindness. What a wonderful O.T. picture of grace that was reflected by God in the N.T. as He hunted us down and gave us mercy/grace/kindness.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sunday May 1, 2011

2 Corinthians 4 & 5

Greetings everyone,
Today’s reading is one of HOPE. Both chapters 4 & 5 contain words that inspire us to focus on Jesus and what we have after this worldly life. Also embedded into these chapters are Paul’s continued efforts to address false teachers, his ministry and cultural beliefs that do not coincide with biblical principles.

In looking at chap 4, Paul begins to remind us about our future as he illustrated to the Corinthians that this world is Satan’s and these earthly bodies are but temporary, fragile clay vessels. Paul points out that even though we are in this state, it gives testimony to how things are accomplished through God empowering us and not through our own skills. Paul later in chapter 4 used this concept to show how even though we go through strenuous circumstances; God is always with us (4:8-9). These same trials, Paul continued, could be seen in two manners. First it would act as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Secondly, as we faithfully go through our troubles; it gives testimony to others about the power and goodness of Christ Jesus.
Something always to ask yourself; would people see God’s light shining out of you, during troubled times or would they classify you as a poor witness?

In looking at chapter 5, Paul begins to readdress the issue of resurrection. Paul is confronted by the problem of cultural beliefs that conflict with biblical principles. The Corinthians were heavily influenced by the Greek culture which did not believe in the resurrection of the body. In our own time are you able to identify cultural beliefs that go against what the Bible teaches. Issues like abortion and premarital sex are always at the forefront but what about other issues such as the increase in fatherless homes, media/entertainment and poverty?

In chapter 5, Paul not only painted a picture of hope, as we would dawn new bodies and be present with the Lord; he wanted to make clear that believers were to acknowledge their new life here on earth in action and thought. Paul urgently tried to get across that a new life meant, a new creation, specifically for Christ, a new perspective about others, and having a new family. What we can draw from Paul’s view of a new life in Christ is:
1) Live by believing not by seeing. (v. 7)
2) Be fearful of the Lord’s judgment (v. 10-11)
3) Our actions are guided by the Love Christ displayed on the cross (v. 14-15)
4) We are God’s ambassadors as we are tasked with reconciling others to Him. (v. 18-20)