Bible Study_An Introduction to Ephesians 1_12.9.22

Bible Study_Philippians 2_1.12.23

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was[a [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2&version=AMP;NRSVA#fen-NRSVA-29380a]] in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. #faith #connected #connectedchurch #biblestudy #epistles #Paul #Philippians

Bible Study_An Introduction to Ephesians 1_12.9.22

An introduction to Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus as well as some commentary on Chapter 1. #faith #connected #connectedchurch #biblestudy #epistles #Paul #Ephesians

Bible Study_Romans 4_10.22.22

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness[b] of Sarah's womb.20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone,24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Bible Study_2 Corinthians 13_9.29.22

Final Warnings 13 This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”[a]2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you. 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Final Greetings 11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.13 All God’s people here send their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Bible Study_2 Corinthians 7_9.15.22

Sorrow is not bad if it brings someone to a place of repentance. At the time that Paul wrote the letter of tears he felt bad, however, now having seen the effect it had he is not sorry because his pain induce sorrow in the Corinthians that led them to repentance and ultimately sending Titus to contact Paul and bring him encouragement at the time he needed it. This is the importance of accountability and my wife is much better at this than I am, though I am trying to get better. Paul did not mask his hurt from the Corinthians, he poured it out, but he poured it out in such a way as to convey his pain and as a result he was ultimately comforted. What if Paul kept his hurt to himself. What if he never "confronted" the Corinthians about their behavior. They may have never repented and Paul would not have received comfort from them at a time when he needed it most. Don't be afraid to have hard conversations. They make things and Us better.