In today’s Bible reading*, Paul tells Timothy what to look for in church leaders. I don’t know that Paul’s checklist is so much a checklist as much as it is a reminder that character matters. And character matters … a lot. I find it interesting how Bible teachers and commentators read their Bibles. Many modern…
I’ve had my share of tests. I’ve done well on many. I’ve done poorly on some. In today’s Bible reading*, Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they pass the test of faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Actually, Paul asks the Corinthians two questions: 1) Are you in the faith? and 2) Do…
Paul continues to address the Corinthians regarding the financial support of God’s work in today’s Bible reading*. He summarizes his appeal, “The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (CSB) Note that Paul doesn’t use manipulation. He…
In today’s Bible reading*, Paul talks about people supporting his mission work. He says that even in the midst of financial hardship, the Macedonian churches gave out of their poverty to support God’s work. He says, ” I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they…
Again, I’ll highlight what I have said before, that when you see a word or phrase repeated in close proximity in the Bible, it’s a signal of its importance. In today’s Bible reading*, Paul uses reconcile five times in only three verses. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) The word reconcile is used in accounting. You may have…