Journal 2 Cor 12 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (Paul speaking) “I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these “super-apostles” (my emphasis), even though I am nothing.
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
Here for the third time, I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours, but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.
Observation: Continuing with the focus on the health of the local church…
Analysis: I wish I understood the dynamic between evangelism and discipling more.
It seems that the two positions vie for supremacy of focus: What should be emphasized?
Always a puzzle for me as I observe churches and the way I HEAR them.
It is a struggle to not be condemning and to have constructive conversation with folks. Not always easy as there are preconceived ideas and positions to contend with—from both sides of a conversation. I must ask a bunch of questions just to find a common ground to start. Doesn’t always work (try talking about the doctrine of election…always fun—not!).
Anyway, this is deep stuff but hard to talk about.
Prayer: Father, it is the in-between of the wall-hanging verses that are beginning to be very interesting for me; for it is the in-between that sets up the context of the wall-hangers and in fact, the whole context of the chapters.
Help me to continue wondering and being amazed of your Word.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes