By Sam E. Stone Jeremiah is often called “the weeping prophet” because of the sad news he had to bring to his people. But he also held out hope for them. Following 70 years in Babylonian captivity, a remnant would return to the promised land (Jeremiah 23:3). They would rebuild Jerusalem and be the […]
By Sam E. Stone Even while the people of Israel were living as exiles in Babylon, they still received encouragement and hope from the Lord. In this month’s study we focus on the messages God sent through the prophet Jeremiah. James E. Smith pointed out that the material in chapters 30-33 was not part […]
By Sam E. Stone Despite the problems noted in 1 Corinthians (such as division, pride, and immorality), the church had many good qualities. Generous giving, however, was an area in which they needed to improve. In today’s text Paul used various appeals to encourage them to grow in generosity. An Example 2 Corinthians […]
By Sam E. Stone In the section of 2 Corinthians just before today’s printed text, the apostle Paul discussed why Christians must resolve differences (5:11-21). Compelled by Christ’s love, we are to practice “the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18). Paul reminded the church that God’s forgiveness of us is a model of how we […]
By Sam E. Stone Paul’s suffering is mentioned throughout this second letter to the Corinthians, especially in chapters 4, 6, and 11. When the Lord called him into his service, he revealed his plan to use Paul as a “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles.” He added, “I will show him […]
