Paul's concern for the Corinthian church was obvious. On one hand he needed to address false teaching by Judaizers in Corinth. On the other hand, the apostle also felt important to explain the reason why not all men will be saved. "1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1) The ministry is that of Jesus Christ, the mercy mentioned by Paul came to him on the road to Damascus where Saul was blinded, but Paul would be reborn to see and preach the truth. Those in Christ should rely on the same divine mercy and grace when faced with challenges brought on according to God's perfect plan for out lives. "2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2) Paul declares his mission as a transparent one, visible not only by man but also God almighty. While His wrath upon us His children can be severe, imagine how much more devastating the curse that leads to eternity spent in hell. The apostle accuses the Judaizers of preaching a strategically modified gospel other than the truth. "3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Because their hearts are hardened and their souls driven by greed, some among those destined for hell will never have the privilege of a clear vision of the beauty within the gospel. Unlike the old testament veil which, when lifted, revealed the end of an era which leads to death. The new covenant's veil, when lifted to those who once could see, now see more clearly then ever as new believers in Jesus Christ. "5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5) United through bondage, chains made of blood spilled on the cross. His life taken so ours could be saved, through faith in the savior. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the focus of the ministry, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth about His resurrection from the dead and to share the good news about the great mystery. Revealing the mystery to the Gentiles was Paul's mission. His message pulled from the gospel was simply that all men, among both Jews and Gentiles, that all those who believe in Jesus Christ and be baptized will be saved. "6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) Those who believe in Christ are taken from darkness to light, through the gospel as preached to us by disciples who themselves were blessed with the same light that flows from the divine truth. Once blind, now fully aware of the light that is the knowledge of the truth, Christians should consider themselves fortunate among all those who will perish in darkness, veiled from the light, from the gospel. Let us pray! Father God; Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles, God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope May your will be done We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day. Praise God, This message was written by Rev. Daniel St.Pierre
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