God’s grace cannot be earned nor is it deserved.  He gives His grace to all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior.  No one can earn heaven; no one deserves to go to heaven.  No one can do it on their own merit.  Not one.  For we all sin. (NASB) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned […]

The Corinthian church promised to generously give toward a financial collection to be sent to the suffering believers in Jerusalem. Paul wanted these brothers and sisters to make good on their promise, to keep their commitment. (NASB) 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or […]

Do you use a “tight-fisted” approach to life or do you go through your door into the world with an open-hand? (NASB) 2 Corinthians 9:6 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Warning of “not enough”: Sow little; sow sparingly; sow […]

Being forthright is to be frank, candid, blunt, honest or “straight talk.” Forthrightness does not need to be harsh or condemning.  It does need to be frank, candid and honest. Forthrightness states the obvious.  It examines and evaluates previous promises which were made with good intentions. The Corinthian church had made a promise the previous […]

  Doing God’s work, God’s way is to be wise in observing others.  Wise leaders will be testing to find out the character of potential fellow workers in their commitment to doing God’s work. The following is taken from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 1-Earnest desire to serve God by serving others (verse 16) 2-Acceptance in traveling, […]

What needs do you have?  Not your wants or desires; but, what need is God providing for you this day? Many times the Lord blesses you through others – when you have needs.  And are you available to bless others by giving toward their very real needs? We are to give according to what we […]

  How many times have you begun a project with good intentions but never finished it? Your desire disappeared, you became disinterested.  Something else caught your attention and imagination and off you went… starting something else.  The first project was put off in a corner somewhere and forgotten. The Corinthian church had started a project […]

  What is the most extravagant thing you have ever done for another? Jesus did the most extravagant thing anyone could do for another.  He went from being Fully God to becoming Fully Man.  He did this for a time, that I might have eternal life through faith in Him. Have you ever given up […]

(NASB) 2 Corinthians 8:7 “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.” According to the above verse, consider what followers of Christ abound in: Faith – is your faith […]

1- The Grace of God 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (Paraphrased) The grace of God – His favor and spiritual blessings – was given to the Macedonian churches; and the area known as Turkey today.  Those churches desired, and gave, a special money offering to other believers who were in great need.  Those Macedonian believers had severe […]