Bible Reading Plan: May 24-30

We invite you to join us in reading through the Bible together.  We're not trying to complete it in a limited time frame like a month or a year; but rather, we want to create a habit (or discipline) of getting to know God's heart through what He's told us about Himself.

We are studying the Letter to the church in Corinth.  It’s Paul’s corrective letter to a divided and morally compromised church. He confronts disunity, immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and confusion about worship and the resurrection. His purpose is to re-center the church on Christ crucified and risen, calling them to holiness, unity, and love.

When reading, ask yourself the following questions:

• What does it say about God?
• What does it say to/about me?
• What can I learn from this reading?

• May 24, Sun Anniv.: Becky & Bruce Mason

Prov 2: 21 “… the upright will inhabit the land …”

• May 25, Mon We praise God for a strong Pastor Candidate!

2 Cor 4: 7-15 “We always carry the death of Jesus in our body …” (vs 10). Do you? How does that look like? Ans: vs 7-9. Our lives is a combination of life and death at work simultaneously.

• May 26, Tues Birthday: Jennifer Fender, Andy Yotko

2 Cor 4: 16-18 So (see above) we don’t give up! (vs 16). If we have a “focus” on the “unseen”, i.e. the eternal, the spiritual, etc. then we realize that our struggles area “momentary light affliction” (vs 17). If your focus is on earthly things then the spiritual is out of focus and not a priority; vice versa. 5: 1-2 There is internal struggle / groaning …a desire for the heavenly

• May 27, Wed Pray for the next few steps of his coming, discerning.

2 Cor. 5: 3-10 [The “tent” is a reference to our physical bodies] Notice the repetition of the word / sentiment “confident”. How come? Because of a “down payment” made to us – the Holy Spirit

• May 28, Thur Pray for NVBC to be of one mind and united

2 Cor. 5: 11-15 Why do we share the Gospel, or ‘Why should we share Jesus with others’? Firstly, because “we know the fear of the Lord” (vs 11; notice the verse starts with “Therefore”). Secondly, “the love of Christ compels us” (vs 14). Q: do you have either or both? That’s the key to whether you are motivated or not.

• May 29, Fri Pray for the Candidate and his wife as they plan the visit

2 Cor. 5: 16-21 [In chp 3 we were “letters” to everyone] We are “ambassadors for Christ” (vs 20). How well then does the Christian population represent Jesus and his Kingdom?

• May 30, Sat Pray for the Veteran’s Gathering this morning

2 Cor. 6: 1-10 Read the list (vs 4b-10) of hardship and revile that Paul says that we “commend ourselves …by great endurance”. If that is what Christians are expected and commended to endure, then why are we often thin skinned and grumbling of the attacks?