Praise/worship for today

Bible Study

Memory Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always!  And again I say rejoice!  Phillipians 4:4

Bible Reading:  Acts 9:15; Ephesians 3

Reflection:  Paul's mission was go preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.  Through the Gospel Gentiles are now co-heirs with Israel members of one body of the "church" and share the promises of Jesus (Eph 3: 6). He was to preach to the Gentiles the unlimited love of Christ and build churches so that the wisdom of God be spread on Earth and in the heavenly realms (Eph 8-10).  He was to spread the good news that we can now approach God through Jesus with freedom and confidence ( Eph 12).

Bible Reading:  Acts 9:15; Ephesians 3

Reflection:  The "mystery of Christ" is that through the shed blood of Jesus Gentiles can now enter into covenant relationship with God.  Before they were outside of his covenant because they were not members of his chosen people.  But, by Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of everyone who believes, all who believe can now enter into a covenant relationship with God.

Paul's mission was important in forming the early church because he was spreading the Gospel/good news of Christ.  He was letting all know that Jesus died for their sins.  That through confessing with their mouths and believing in their hearts that Jesus died for their sins, they are saved (Rom 10:9).  Before Paul the message was primarily spread to Jews and those living in their midst.  This was the first time (?) that the message was being spread to those outside of the "Jewish faith".

Bible Reading:  Ephesians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:18-28

Reflection:  Paul's sufferings
1. worked harder
2. been in prison
3. flogged severely
4. exposed to death repeatedly
5. 5 times received 40 lashes
6. three times beaten with rods
7. pelted with stones
8. shipwrecked 3 times
9. spent 1 night 1 day at sea
10. constantly on the move
11. danger from rivers
12. danger from bandits
13. danger from Jews
14. danger from Gentiles
15. danger at sea
16. danger in the country
17. danger from false believers
18. labored and toiled
19. gone without sleep
20. hunger
21. thirst
22. cold and naked
23. feel pressure for the church(es)

Bible Reading:  2 Corinthians 11:18-28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Reflection:  In comparing the two readings, Paul is boasting in different ways.  In the first he is listing all his trials and tribulations to boast as the world boasts.  In the second he is acknowledging that he has difficulties, but realizing they are momentary and leading to something great in the heavenly realms.  I guess this teaches us to have joy in Christ so that you can bear the sufferings here on Earth.