March 22nd, Sunday: 2 Corinthians 6 - 7

2 Cor 6

Acceptance.

Often those in the church who cause problems, are people who have never truly been born again.

They may think that they're saved, but they are not.

NOW is the time to accept God's grace.

Tomorrow maybe too late.

Appreciation.

It's easy to forget the sacrifices others have made so that we can know the Lord.

Paul never spoke about his sufferings unless his words helped to protect the ministry.

Do you take your church fellowship for granted?

Have you thanked those who came before you, and made it possible?

Agreement.

Dr Edmund Lewis Cole said that, 'Agreement is the place of power.'

Believers in the church were compromising with the world, and not walking in a separated way.

Big mistake!

God longs to have a close fellowship with us.

But He will not share the yoke with the world.

2 Cor 7

We have to be cleansed.

It's one thing to ask God to cleanse you.

And quite something else to cleanse yourself and put away things that defile.

Separation sometimes demands surgery.

The same people who give you joy can also cause you sorrow.

When Titus reported that the church had disciplined the offender, the apostle was overjoyed.

Have you ever been the answer to someone else's prayers, as Titus was?

Clearing.

Listen if you're serious about repentance.

We will do everything we can to clear things up.

Remorse and regret do not go far enough.

There must be repentance followed by restitution.

Caring.

Both Paul and Titus cared about the believers in Corinth.

And this love finally won the day.

It's true you do take a risk when you love others, for they may hurt you.

But it's worth the risk to be like Jesus Christ, and live a life of love.