1 Corinthians (Program #27) – Stewards of the Mysteries of God

When we consider the leading ministry, the most respected Christian workers of the day, what kind of image of their life do we have?   Well, most of the well known seems to be quite successful even by worldly standards; they are honored, respected for the most part, seems well off, able to live a very comfortable life.  But what about at the time of the New Testament?  The leading apostle from most of that era was the apostle Paul of course he wrote the bulk of the New Testament. What kind of living did he enjoy?  Well from his autobiographical comments found in 1 Corinthians chapter 4 we get a glimpse:

“For, I think, God has set forth us the apostles last of all as doomed to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools because of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are glorious, but we are dishonored. Until the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked and buffeted and wander without a home; And we labor, working with our own hands. Reviled we bless; persecuted we endure; Defamed we exhort. We have become as the off-scouring of the world, the scum of all things, until now.“

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Psalms (Program #35) – The Earth Turning to the Lord Through Zion

For all their beautiful and poetic expressions, the Psalms in great details and richness reveal Christ in many aspects.  At time, He is revealed in prophetic passages but at other times, Christ is directly spoken of by the Psalmists.  Take for example, the passages in Psalms 102, verses 25-27 “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You endure; Indeed all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them, And they will be changed….. ”  Well, apparently these are the words of the Psalmists in His affliction as He pours out His heart and anguish directly to God concerning the devastation of God’s house and God’s city.  But is this passage is quoted in Hebrews concerning Christ, we have to conclude that the Psalmist’s speaking in this Psalms is really his revelation of Christ Himself.  What is this realization opens to us in our life study of this marvelous book?

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1 Peter (Program #15) -Christian Life and Its Sufferings (2)

The word “grace” bears tremendous significance in the New Testament, yet like so many biblical terms, it has become almost a clichéd to many people and it’s been greatly devalued in the understanding of most Christians.  God’s unmerited favor has become the most common definition among believers.   While this does convey a certain  limited sense of the word, it’s obvious by considering Scriptures that this definition is grossly inadequate.

Consider Peter’s use of the word “grace” in 1 Peter 2:19-20 “for this is grace” he writes “if anyone, because of a consciousness of God, bears sorrows by suffering unjustly.  For what glory is it if, while sinning and being buffeted, you endure? But if, while doing good and suffering, you endure, this is grace with God.“

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