2 Corinthians 6
August Memory Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Read: 2 Corinthians 6
2 “For he says,
‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
There is a time in God’s economy when He listens to sinners and responds to those who are repentant; it was and is that time. There will also be an end to that time.
To enforce this urgency, Paul employs a quote from Isaiah 49 that he interprets as finding fulfillment in the present time. Today is the day for the Corinthians to demonstrate their faithfulness by opening their hearts to Paul and to one another (6:13). The Corinthians, after all, are God’s new creation (5:17). Their actions should reflect God’s gracious acts in their lives.
Just like the Corinthians, we today sometimes struggle with living faithfully. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to exhibit faithfulness, not simply through words, but through action. Now is the time to live as witnesses of God’s new creation. That can be especially hard in the midst of our hurt, but that is why the Holy Spirit dwells in us. It’s why the Christian life is so paradoxical, as Paul explains in verses 8-10. It’s why we gather with our church community, discipling and encouraging each other. I hope you’ve felt the love that those within Center Point Church have for each other in this time of heartache; I know I have.
Just as Paul’s heart was wide open to the Corinthians, our hearts are wide open for you. Let’s continue to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, like Tim continually taught us to do.
By: Kaitlin White
Read: 2 Corinthians 6
2 “For he says,
‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
There is a time in God’s economy when He listens to sinners and responds to those who are repentant; it was and is that time. There will also be an end to that time.
To enforce this urgency, Paul employs a quote from Isaiah 49 that he interprets as finding fulfillment in the present time. Today is the day for the Corinthians to demonstrate their faithfulness by opening their hearts to Paul and to one another (6:13). The Corinthians, after all, are God’s new creation (5:17). Their actions should reflect God’s gracious acts in their lives.
Just like the Corinthians, we today sometimes struggle with living faithfully. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to exhibit faithfulness, not simply through words, but through action. Now is the time to live as witnesses of God’s new creation. That can be especially hard in the midst of our hurt, but that is why the Holy Spirit dwells in us. It’s why the Christian life is so paradoxical, as Paul explains in verses 8-10. It’s why we gather with our church community, discipling and encouraging each other. I hope you’ve felt the love that those within Center Point Church have for each other in this time of heartache; I know I have.
Just as Paul’s heart was wide open to the Corinthians, our hearts are wide open for you. Let’s continue to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, like Tim continually taught us to do.
By: Kaitlin White
5 Comments
Well said Kaitlin. Tim not only taught us but was always on the front line in leading his flock in all areas of CPC's many ministries of witnessing, discipling and ministry to our community and each other; a valuable lesson to continue.
This is one of my favorite Bible. NOW is the day of salvation. Kaitlin is right on it about how all of our CPC members have pulled together to strengthen each other during this difficult few days. Wonderful message, Kaitlin. â¤ï¸
I was flying out of Lexington to Florida to be with my grandkids early Wednesday morning when I heard the heartbreaking news about Pastor Tim. I won't be back until after the memorial on Monday. Even though I am not physically with my CPC family, I feel so bound with them. A number have reached out to me and I am so grateful for that connection in this horrible time. The scriptures we have read over the last few days have been so applicable, as many have pointed out. God's timing is perfect and He is always working out things for our good and His glory. My heart, as so many others', is so broken, but He binds up the broken hearted and gives us the promise of glory. My love and prayers extend to Tim's family and our CPC family.
Good word, Kaitlin, thank you. "Their actions should reflect God's gracious acts in their lives." It can feel easy to do good works because it's the right thing or there's gratification through helping someone. But acts should be an outpouring of the Spirit and an act of worship in our life. Worshipping God through serving the brotherhood, especially in a time of hurt when the enemy wants to provoke disunity, can be a healing ministry for all involved.
💜💜💜