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 2 Corinthians 2 - The Sweet Smell of Life

Our motives must be pure.  A man is adequate to share the life-giving knowledge of Christ if he knows the forgiveness, grace, and authority of Christ the King.  God invites us to live a life of wisdom (Proverbs 9).  He encourages us to instruct and to teach - this is a double benefit for those who minister and those who hear the Good News.  Our lives, everything about us, show Christ’s impact on us.  We need no worldly qualification.  Christ alone qualifies us for the task of spreading His life-giving message.  And the proof is in the pudding.  The Spirit of the Living God will show through the impact on others the results of new life through the new covenant of Christ.

        You see some churches led by hucksters with nothing but scandal and dysfunction.  They are characterized by worldly traits.  You can see other churches overflowing with good and godly people, humble preaching, teaching, and overflowing with God's blessing.  

        We must not be hucksters, selfish, hucksters preaching for personal profit.  The world has seen enough of those.  God will expose them all.

        We preach because our God is victorious.  His message of forgiveness is life-changing.  It brings new life and regeneration.  The Gospel is the sweetest perfume, saving all those who hear of God’s offer of life, repent of wrongdoing, and accept Jesus Messiah as King and Rescuer.

        Our payment for preaching is joy.  What joy to know the One True God.  And what joy to see people perishing repent of sin and then overflow with gladness and love and thankfulness.  There is life-giving power in the blood of Jesus Christ.  There always will be.

        Oh my God, my Lord and Saviour.  Thank you for the joy of the Saints.

        May we be adequate for the task.  May we have courage.  May we be in your triumphal procession; fully captive to your glorious, eternal task of spreading the knowledge of Christ everywhere.  Amen.



With Kari in London, UK

  


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