"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS" Introduction by Mark Copeland

                "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                              Introduction

AUTHOR:  Paul, the apostle, along with Timothy (1:1)

PLACE OF WRITING:  Somewhere in MACEDONIA, while Paul was on his way
to make another visit to Corinth.  This would be during his third 
missionary journey, in a part of which Luke says very little (cf. Ac 
20:1-2).

TIME OF WRITING:  Possibly in the fall of 57 A.D., making it but a few
months after writing First Corinthians (likely written in the spring of
57 A.D.).

MESSENGER:  Titus, who was accompanied by two others on his journey
(8:16-24)

BACKGROUND OF THE EPISTLE:  The church in Corinth began in 52 A.D., 
when Paul visited there on his second missionary journey.  It was then
that he stayed one and a half years, the first time he was allowed to
stay in one place as long as he wished.  A record of this visit and the
establishment of the church is found in Ac 18:1-18.

This second letter of Paul to the Corinthian church was occasioned by
the report brought back by Titus, who informed Paul of their reception 
of the first letter, and how they received the rebuke that letter 
contained (2:12-13; 7:5-9).

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: Titus' report was encouraging, but evidently
it also brought troubling news that some at Corinth were questioning 
Paul's authority as an apostle.  This doubt may have planted by 
"Judaizing teachers" who seemed to follow Paul and attempted to 
undermine his teaching concerning the Law.  They appear to have 
questioned his veracity (1:15-17), his speaking ability (10:10; 11:6), 
and his unwillingness to accept support from the church at Corinth 
(11:7-9; 12:13).  There were also some people who had not repented of 
their licentious behavior (12:20-21).  Paul's primary purpose, then, in
this epistle is:

            TO VINDICATE HIS APOSTLESHIP AND MANNER OF LIFE

He hopes that by writing in advance of his visit he can get all of the
necessary rebuke out of the way (1:23-2:3; 13:10).  He also uses the 
opportunity to encourage them to have the collection for the needy 
saints in Jerusalem ready when he comes (9:1-5; cf. 1Co 16:1-2).

This letter is the most biographical and least doctrinal of Paul's
epistles.  It tells us more about Paul as a person and as a minister
than any of the others.  Those who would be ministers of the gospel
would do well to carefully study it (along with Paul's epistles to
Timothy and Titus).

KEY VERSE:  2 Corinthians 7:2

"Open your heart to us.  We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no 
one, we have defrauded no one."

BRIEF OUTLINE:

SALUTATION AND THANKSGIVING (1:1-11)

I. PAUL EXPLAINS HIS MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION (1:12-7:16)

   A. HE DEFENDS HIS INTEGRITY
      1. The Changed Plan (1:12-22)
      2. The Delayed Visit (1:23-2:4)
      3. The Penitent Offender (2:5-11)

   B. HE DESCRIBES HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
      1. Triumphant (2:12-17)
      2. Accredited (3:1-3)
      3. Glorious (3:4-18)
      4. Honest (4:1-6)
      5. Suffering (4:7-18)
      6. Hopeful (5:1-10)
      7. Devoted (5:11-17)
      8. Reconciling (5:18-21)
      9. Approved (6:1-10)

   C. HE MAKES HIS APPEAL TO THEM
      1. To Open Their Hearts (6:11-13)
      2. To Be Separate From The World (6:14-7:1)
      3. The Comfort And Confidence They Have Given Him (7:2-16)

II. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS IN JERUSALEM (8:1-9:15)

   A. THE EXAMPLE OF MACEDONIA (8:1-5)

   B. THE BASIS FOR HIS EXHORTATION (8:6-15)

   C. THE MESSENGERS FOR THIS MINISTRY (8:16-9:5)

   D. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO GIVE LIBERALLY (9:6-15)

III. PAUL DEFENDS HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (10:1-13:10)

   A. EXPLANATION CONCERNING HIS CONDUCT
      1. He Uses Weapons Mighty In God (10:1-11)
      2. The Contrast Between Him And His Opponents (10:7-18)

   B. SOME FOOLISH BOASTING
      1. The Necessity For Boasting (11:1-21)
      2. The Grounds For His Boasting (11:22-12:10)
      3. His Rebuke For Compelling Him To Boast (12:11-13)

   C. HIS FINAL WARNINGS
      1. Motivated By Love, He Seeks Their Edification (12:14-19)
      2. His Fear Of What He Will Find (12:20-21)
      3. His Coming Will Be In Judgment If Necessary (13:1-6)
      4. But He Hopes To Avoid Sharp Words By Writing In Advance 
         (13:7-10)

CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS AND BENEDICTION (13:11-14)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) On which journey did the apostle Paul establish the church in 
   Corinth?
   - His second journey

2) Where does one read about the establishment of the church in 
   Corinth?
   - Ac 18:1-18

3) On which journey did Paul write both of his epistles to the 
   Corinthians?
   - His third journey

4) From where did Paul write his FIRST epistle to the Corinthians? (cf.
   1Co 16:8)
   - Ephesus

5) From where did Paul write his SECOND epistle to the Corinthians?
   (cf. 7:5; 8:1; 9:2-4)
   - Somewhere in Macedonia (perhaps Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea?)

6) What is the approximate date of writing?
   - The fall of 57 A.D.

7) Whose arrival likely prompted Paul's writing of this epistle? 
   (7:5-7)
   - Titus

8) What sorts of things about Paul were questioned by those challenging
   his apostolic authority? (cf. 1:15-17; 10:10; 11:6; 11:7-9; 12:13)
   - His veracity
   - His speaking ability
   - His refusal to accept financial support

9) What is the purpose of this epistle?
   - To vindicate Paul's apostleship and manner of life

10) What other topic does Paul discuss in this epistle? (9:1)
   - The collection for the saints

Attitude

Like so many things in life, being a Christian is all about attitude!!!  Whether you are new to Christianity or have been faithful for decades, what you will ultimately become is tied to your state of mind.  So, attitude is everything!!!  Without a proper attitude, there is a very good chance you will regress into old attitudes, but with it you will continue to excel in your service and spirituality.  Frankly, my favorite example of this is the apostle Paul.  To me, the following passage is really worth reading and even memorizing.

Philippians, Chapter 3

 7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.  8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ  9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;  10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;  11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

  13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,  14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

No matter who you are, God has a plan for you.  Realistically, its probably not a grand as that God had for Paul, but its a plan designed for YOU!!!  Since each of us has a completely different background, it is impossible to say what God's will for you is.  I mean beyond HIS desire for you to be free of sin and live with HIM forever, of course.  But, this I know: If you have the right attitude, your life will continue to grow in spiritual maturity and over time will reflect in what you do with however many years God will grant you upon the precious Earth.  Only, don't waste a single day!!! Realize your shortcomings and be humble; for you haven't arrived at perfection, you are just becoming better day by day.  That is why I love this little post-a-note, because it applies to me.  And if it applies to me, then it probably applies to you as well.  Something to think about on a rainy day in Florida!!!  A thought worth sharing... so... pass it on!!!!

July 18 1 Chronicles 16-18

July 18

1 Chronicles 16-18

1Ch 16:1 They brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

1Ch 16:2 When David had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Yahweh.

1Ch 16:3 He dealt to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins.

1Ch 16:4 He appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of Yahweh, and to celebrate and to thank and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel:

1Ch 16:5 Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;

1Ch 16:6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.

1Ch 16:7 Then on that day David first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh, by the hand of Asaph and his brothers.

1Ch 16:8 Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on his name. Make his doings known among the peoples.

1Ch 16:9 Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works.

1Ch 16:10 Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

1Ch 16:11 Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more.

1Ch 16:12 Remember his marvelous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,

1Ch 16:13 you seed of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

1Ch 16:14 He is Yahweh our God. His judgments are in all the earth.

1Ch 16:15 Remember his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,

1Ch 16:16 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac.

1Ch 16:17 He confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

1Ch 16:18 saying, I will give you the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance,

1Ch 16:19 when you were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.

1Ch 16:20 They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.

1Ch 16:21 He allowed no man to do them wrong. Yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,

1Ch 16:22 saying, Don't touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm.

1Ch 16:23 Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display his salvation from day to day.

1Ch 16:24 Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples.

1Ch 16:25 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised. He also is to be feared above all gods.

1Ch 16:26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.

1Ch 16:27 Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place.

1Ch 16:28 Ascribe to Yahweh, you relatives of the peoples, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength!

1Ch 16:29 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship Yahweh in holy array.

1Ch 16:30 Tremble before him, all the earth. The world also is established that it can't be moved.

1Ch 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, Yahweh reigns.

1Ch 16:32 Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is therein!

1Ch 16:33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh, for he comes to judge the earth.

1Ch 16:34 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

1Ch 16:35 Say, Save us, God of our salvation! Gather us together and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise.

1Ch 16:36 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. All the people said, Amen, and praised Yahweh.

1Ch 16:37 So he left there, before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, Asaph and his brothers, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required;

1Ch 16:38 and Obed-Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight; Obed-Edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;

1Ch 16:39 and Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of Yahweh in the high place that was at Gibeon,

1Ch 16:40 to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Yahweh, which he commanded to Israel;

1Ch 16:41 and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because his loving kindness endures forever;

1Ch 16:42 and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God; and the sons of Jeduthun to be at the gate.

1Ch 16:43 All the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.

1Ch 17:1 It happened, when David lived in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of Yahweh dwells under curtains.

1Ch 17:2 Nathan said to David, Do all that is in your heart; for God is with you.

1Ch 17:3 It happened the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

1Ch 17:4 Go and tell David my servant, Thus says Yahweh, You shall not build me a house to dwell in:

1Ch 17:5 for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tent to another.

1Ch 17:6 In all places in which I have walked with all Israel, spoke I a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

1Ch 17:7 Now therefore thus you shall tell my servant David, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel:

1Ch 17:8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.

1Ch 17:9 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the first,

1Ch 17:10 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover I tell you that Yahweh will build you a house.

1Ch 17:11 It shall happen, when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who shall be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

1Ch 17:12 He shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne forever.

1Ch 17:13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my loving kindness away from him, as I took it from him that was before you;

1Ch 17:14 but I will settle him in my house and in my kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever.

1Ch 17:15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to David.

1Ch 17:16 Then David the king went in, and sat before Yahweh; and he said, Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

1Ch 17:17 This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, Yahweh God.

1Ch 17:18 What can David say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? for you know your servant.

1Ch 17:19 Yahweh, for your servant's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make known all these great things.

1Ch 17:20 Yahweh, there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

1Ch 17:21 What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to himself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt?

1Ch 17:22 For your people Israel you made your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God.

1Ch 17:23 Now, Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning his house, be established forever, and do as you have spoken.

1Ch 17:24 Let your name be established and magnified forever, saying, Yahweh of Armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and the house of David your servant is established before you.

1Ch 17:25 For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray before you.

1Ch 17:26 Now, Yahweh, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant:

1Ch 17:27 and now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you: for you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.

1Ch 18:1 After this it happened, that David struck the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and its towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

1Ch 18:2 He struck Moab; and the Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute.

1Ch 18:3 David struck Hadadezer king of Zobah to Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

1Ch 18:4 David took from him one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots.

1Ch 18:5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck of the Syrians twenty-two thousand men.

1Ch 18:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went.

1Ch 18:7 David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

1Ch 18:8 From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very much brass, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

1Ch 18:9 When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer king of Zobah,

1Ch 18:10 he sent Hadoram his son to king David, to Greet him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; (for Hadadezer had wars with Tou;) and he had with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.

1Ch 18:11 These also did king David dedicate to Yahweh, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

1Ch 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah struck of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand.

1Ch 18:13 He put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went.

1Ch 18:14 David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness to all his people.

1Ch 18:15 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

1Ch 18:16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

1Ch 18:17 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.

Jul. 18, 19 Acts 12

Jul. 18, 19

Acts 12

Act 12:1 Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.

Act 12:2 He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.

Act 12:3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread.

Act 12:4 When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

Act 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.

Act 12:6 The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.

Act 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands.

Act 12:8 The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me."

Act 12:9 And he went out and followed him. He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.

Act 12:10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Act 12:11 When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."

Act 12:12 Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

Act 12:13 When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.

Act 12:14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

Act 12:15 They said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."

Act 12:16 But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.

Act 12:17 But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, "Tell these things to James, and to the brothers." Then he departed, and went to another place.

Act 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.

Act 12:19 When Herod had sought for him, and didn't find him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

Act 12:20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

Act 12:21 On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.

Act 12:22 The people shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"

Act 12:23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn't give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Act 12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Act 12:25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS" Chapter Sixteen by Mark Copeland

                 "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                            Chapter Sixteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand the basis and purpose underlying the collection taken
   on the first day of the week

2) To note the love accompanying the writing of this epistle which is
   filled with so much correction of error

SUMMARY

In this final chapter, Paul discusses one last subject before making
his concluding remarks.  It concerns the collection for the saints, for
which Paul gives instructions as to the manner in which the funds are
to be gathered and then sent to Jerusalem (1-4).  He then writes
briefly of his plans to see them and makes a few comments concerning
Timothy and Apollos (5-12).  His final exhortations, greetings and 
solemn warning are marked with a tone of love:  the need to love one 
another, a warning to love the Lord, and a declaration of his love for 
them (13-24).

OUTLINE

I. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS (1-4)

   A. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING TAKING UP THE COLLECTION (1-2)
      1. The same as those given the churches of Galatia (1)
      2. To be gathered each first day of the week, people giving as
         they have been prospered, to avoid last minute collections (2)

   B. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SENDING THE COLLECTION (3-4)
      1. To be sent along with an approved representative of the church
         of Corinth (3)
      2. If deemed appropriate, Paul will join them in going to
         Jerusalem (4)

II. PERSONAL PLANS AND RELATED COMMENTS (5-12)

   A. PAUL'S PLANS (5-9)
      1. To see them after passing through Macedonia (5-7)
      2. To remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a door of 
         opportunity has been opened for him (8-9)

   B. CONCERNING TIMOTHY (10-11)
      1. Allow him to come without fear (10)
      2. Do not despise him, but send him to Paul in peace (11)

   C. CONCERNING APOLLOS (12)
      1. Though urged by Paul, he chose not to go to Corinth at the
         present time (12a)
      2. But he will at a more convenient time (12b)

III. CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS, GREETINGS, AND A SOLEMN FAREWELL (13-24)

   A. FINAL EXHORTATIONS (13-18)
      1. Exhortation to steadfastness and love (13-14)
      2. Exhortation to submit to the household of Stephanus and others
         like them, who refresh the spirits of those who know them
         (15-18)

   B. GREETINGS (19-21)
      1. From the churches of Asia, Aquila and Priscilla, and others
         (19-20a)
      2. Greet one another with a holy kiss (20b)
      3. Paul's own personal salutation in his own handwriting (21)

   C. A SOLEMN FAREWELL (22-24)
      1. A grave warning about not loving the Lord Jesus , with a plea
         for His coming (22)
      2. A prayer for grace and an expression of love for those in
         Christ Jesus (23)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - The Collection For The Saints (1-4)
   - Personal Plans And Related Comments (5-12)
   - Concluding Exhortations, Greetings, And A Solemn Farewell (13-24)

2) What was the purpose of the collection? (1)
   - For the needy saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26)

3) When was the collection to be taken? (2)
   - On the first day of the week

4) What was the purpose of doing it this way? (2)
   - To avoid a last minute collection

5) What principle concerning giving is taught in verse two?
   - To give as one may prosper

6) When did Paul plan to go to Corinth? (5-8)
   - After staying in Ephesus till Pentecost, and then after passing
     through Macedonia

7) Who would likely see them in the meantime? (10-11)
   - Timothy

8) What noble comments are made concerning Stephanus, Fortunatus, and
   Achaicus (15-18)
   - They devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints
   - They refreshed the spirits of Paul and those at Corinth

9) What husband and wife team joined Paul in greeting the church at
   Corinth? (19)
   - Aquila and Priscilla

10) What grave warning does Paul give in this chapter? (22)
   - If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus, let him be accursed

11) What earnest wish does Paul express in this chapter? (22)
   - That the Lord might come

12) How does Paul close this epistle which is filled with so much
    rebuke for the error that existed in the church at Corinth? (24)
   - My love be with you all in Christ Jesus

"ICE"

I was looking in my cell phone for a number today and came to my "ICE" numbers, that is, important people to call in case something happens to me and I can not help myself.  This is a great idea because if I am alone a strangers intervention may just save my life, or at least give my family a "heads up" as to what is happening to me.  Then I saw this sign and realized that this is more important than any number I could ever put in a cellphone.  Once again, I was reminded of the following verse...

Jeremiah, Chapter 29

 13 You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

Cars break down, cell phone batteries die; things happen!  The good news is... as long as you have a seeking, yearning heart, God will listen!!!  If you can't really say that about yourself, TODAY is the day to change!!!  Who knows what could happen in the next 24 hours?  The decision is yours, but I hope you will chose God before its too late!!!

July 17 1 Chronicles 13-15

July 17

1 Chronicles 13-15

1Ch 13:1 David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.

1Ch 13:2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, If it seems good to you, and if it is of Yahweh our God, let us send abroad everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us;

1Ch 13:3 and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we didn't seek it in the days of Saul.

1Ch 13:4 All the assembly said that they would do so; for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

1Ch 13:5 So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor the brook of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.

1Ch 13:6 David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God Yahweh that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.

1Ch 13:7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

1Ch 13:8 David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

1Ch 13:9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

1Ch 13:10 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzza, and he struck him, because he put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God.

1Ch 13:11 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzza; and he called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.

1Ch 13:12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

1Ch 13:13 So David didn't move the ark to him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

1Ch 13:14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months: and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that he had.

1Ch 14:1 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build him a house.

1Ch 14:2 David perceived that Yahweh had established him king over Israel; for his kingdom was exalted on high, for his people Israel's sake.

1Ch 14:3 David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David became the father of more sons and daughters.

1Ch 14:4 These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

1Ch 14:5 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpelet,

1Ch 14:6 and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

1Ch 14:7 and Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

1Ch 14:8 When the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David: and David heard of it, and went out against them.

1Ch 14:9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.

1Ch 14:10 David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to him, Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand.

1Ch 14:11 So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

1Ch 14:12 They left their gods there; and David gave commandment, and they were burned with fire.

1Ch 14:13 The Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.

1Ch 14:14 David inquired again of God; and God said to him, You shall not go up after them: turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.

1Ch 14:15 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God is gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

1Ch 14:16 David did as God commanded him: and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer.

1Ch 14:17 The fame of David went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of him on all nations.

1Ch 15:1 David made him houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

1Ch 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has Yahweh chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to him forever.

1Ch 15:3 David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh to its place, which he had prepared for it.

1Ch 15:4 David gathered together the sons of Aaron, and the Levites:

1Ch 15:5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brothers one hundred twenty;

1Ch 15:6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and his brothers two hundred twenty;

1Ch 15:7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brothers one hundred thirty;

1Ch 15:8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brothers two hundred;

1Ch 15:9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers eighty;

1Ch 15:10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and his brothers one hundred twelve.

1Ch 15:11 David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

1Ch 15:12 and said to them, You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.

1Ch 15:13 For because you didn't carry it at the first, Yahweh our God made a breach on us, because we didn't seek him according to the ordinance.

1Ch 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

1Ch 15:15 The children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of Yahweh.

1Ch 15:16 David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers the singers, with instruments of music, stringed instruments and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy.

1Ch 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

1Ch 15:18 and with them their brothers of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.

1Ch 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed with cymbals of brass to sound aloud;

1Ch 15:20 and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;

1Ch 15:21 and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.

1Ch 15:22 Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.

1Ch 15:23 Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1Ch 15:24 Shebaniah, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

1Ch 15:25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the house of Obed-Edom with joy.

1Ch 15:26 It happened, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, that they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

1Ch 15:27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: and David had on him an ephod of linen.

1Ch 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with stringed instruments and harps.

1Ch 15:29 It happened, as the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out at the window, and saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.