Test yourselves to see whether you are in the faith
We are called to test whether we are in the faith and reconcile with those in the household of faith..
2 Corinthians 13: Final Warnings
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them---
3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?---unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
6 I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong---not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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Things to think about…
1. Paul says test those who speak out against someone else – with at least two or three witnesses, 2 Cor 13:1. This echos the law of Moses Dt 17:6; 19:15. But also Jesus in Mt 18:16. Paul says the church must turn against immorality, vs 2. This is how accountability is maintained in the church. Gossip etc should never be tolerated, but if there is an issue, bring in others who are not emotionally biased and who can speak Christ’s wisdom into the situation. Satan is powerless when this occurs because his lies have no influence. This is what Jesus meant when he said the truth shall set you free, and you shall be free indeed. Amen.
2. Paul doesn’t want anyone to be deceived, hence he asks that people examine themselves, to see whether they are in the faith, 2Cor 13:5. The test is whether Jesus abides within. There should be fruit of your faith. Ask faithful people who love you, perhaps others in the church who you know and respect. Get wisdom and counsel on this. The chances are if you are concerned about it your heart is in the right place.
3. Paul says he and his fellow labourers in the gospel seem to have failed the test, 2Cor 13:7. He says this because there was a misunderstanding as to what the life in Christ looked like. Unfortunately, we see the same today within some sections of Christianity that want the cash without the cross, they want the riches without the repentance. Paul says “we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth”, vs 8. Amen. Gospel truth should never be supressed.
4. Look at Paul’s final comments regarding the aim of his letter, 2Cor 13:11. Is this a description of CBC? I am thankful I see much love and grace being given even through difficult times in the church. Perhaps we will know for sure when we feel comfortable with Paul’s exhortation in vs 12 to give each other a holy kiss. Bit hard for Aussie males, but there it is.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesday – 6:30pm at church. 5:30om for prayer. We will be discussing how Jesus is the King in your life. New Life group starting in Karana Downs.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Israel/Gaza, Ukraine wars. May Yeshua, the Prince of Peace still the storms
2. New people as they settle in
3. New Life group in Karana Downs
4. Those that haven’t come to church for a while to return.
5. Revival over our city.
6. Pray for Kids church and Kids Hope at Karalee State school.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for response to Hs word on Sunday.
2. PlayPatch keeps seeing new people every week.
3. Finances continue to be maintained.
4. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
5. Café, music, kids church, admin, sound and technical team every week
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Ministries this week. Life group, Kids@Church, Kids Hope - Karalee.
2. PlayPatch 1-5yos, Fridays 9:30am at church.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for March...
Q. 30. What does every sin deserve? A. The anger and judgement of God.
