SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 1:1-22 OBSERVATION: Some in Corinth were questioning Paul’s commitment to them, in part because he didn’t come to them sooner, and also because of a previous letter that offended them. Paul tells them of his hardships for their sake, and how God rescued him through their prayers, so that he might strengthen them in…
Author: Norm
Feb 17 — Psalm 41:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 41:1-13 OBSERVATION: Written while very sick, possibly near death. He feels abandoned, betrayed, depressed. Reaffirms his confidence in God over sickness and death. He trusts that God helps those who are kind to the poor, weak, oppressed, therefore God will restore His suffering servant. Does this prayer reflect a discouraged person after prolonged sickness,…
Is evangelism important?
Time to hear from you again. Do you think evangelism (telling people about Jesus) is important? If so, why? If not, why not? Maybe another question is, does it seem to be important to our church? Can you tell by looking at our church that evangelism is important? If you have something you would like…
Feb 16 — Isaiah 43:14-28
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:14-28 OBSERVATION: God reminds His people about how He rescued them from Egypt, that He can still do it, but then wonders why they are not seeking Him, honouring Him, trusting in Him. God is at work, but His people are not seeing it – a new thing they’re blind to because they’re not…
Feb 15 — Isaiah 43:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:1-13 OBSERVATION: Isaiah is speaking to Israel during Assyrian exile, after Jerusalem was destroyed and children were taken to Nineveh), a severe trial. He declares God’s presence, power and purpose, that He will bring children back and deliver His people. Take comfort, for God is in control, not the idols, and everything is going…
Feb 14 — 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 OBSERVATION: Paul is saying that the most important thing we can do is love people, its what gives legitimacy to all that I do for the Lord. We will never fully understand everything, so don’t make knowledge your highest goal – make faith, hope and especially love your highest ambition. Paul is challenging…
Feb 13 — 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 OBSERVATION: Just because something is allowed, doesn’t mean its beneficial or helpful. Paul is making the case for caring more for the sensitive conscience of unbelievers than for our own rights and freedoms. The issue is not the food itself (belongs to God, received with thanks), but the attitude of the person who…
Sermon on 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
I’m preaching on 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 this coming Sunday (Feb 18, 2007). Its the daily Bible Reading scheduled for February 11. I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you in this passage. I suggest…
Feb 12 — 1 Corinthians 10:1-22
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 OBSERVATION: Paul uses OT Israel as an example for those who were too cocky and casual about dabbling in sinful, immoral practices. He warns them that just because they were baptized and share in Christ through the Lord’s Supper, that doesn’t mean they cannot fall – look how many OT followers fell into…
Feb 11 — 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 OBSERVATION: Paul’s point is that though He is free in Christ from other peoples’ demands and expectations, he voluntarily becomes like others in order to win them to Christ. He illustrates this with the Jews (v.20), the non-Jews (v.21) and the weak (v.22). In relation to the law, Paul says that he is…