trials – CLibertyC

A Study on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians by Jesse C Jones

Post author:Sandra Crosnoe
Post published: January 9, 2019
Post category:Books Christian Ministry Jesse C Jones

Paul encourages the Corinthians and all God’s people throughout Achaia, which was originally part of the Peloponnesus. The Romans applied the name to all Greece and Macedonia in 146 BC, and Augustus divided the whole into two provinces—Macedonia in the north and Achaia in the south, with Corinth as its capital. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our savior, who encourages us in all our tribulations, who comforts us in all our trials so that we can comfort others in their trials. So if we are afflicted it is for your encouragement and deliverance, and if we are encouraged that should encourage you when you have to endure sufferings like those we are experiencing. For we want you to know about the trials we have experienced in the province of Asia. Things were so bad that in our hearts we felt that we were under a sentence of death. However, this was to get us to rely on God, and not ourselves. He rescued us from deadly peril, and the One in whom we have placed our hope will continue to rescue us. You must add your help by praying for us; for the more people that are praying, the more people there will be to give thanks when the prayer is answered. In confidence I had planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and visit again on the way back, but to spare you I didn’t come to Corinth at that time in order not to come in a rebuking spirit, as I should have had to come to you, if I had come then. Not that we have Lordship over your faith, but we are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand.

A Study on the Book of I Peter by Jesse C Jones

Post author:Sandra Crosnoe
Post published: September 18, 2018
Post category:Books Christian Ministry Jesse C Jones

Those that spend any time reading and studying the Bible are all very familiar with the Apostle Peter. Of the twelve disciples, his aggressive and impulsive nature got him into trouble more than once, but on the other hand, they also made him one to be admired. He was the chief figure early in the Christian movement, when Jerusalem was the center of activity. Simon was the first to respond when Jesus asked the disciples, “But who say ye that I am?” Peter immediately answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matthew 16:15-18). In verse 18 Jesus said, “That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church . . .” I believe Jesus was prophesying here that the church (His body), would be comprised of those believers who recognized and confessed that Jesus was the Son of God. But there was an additional meaning to the prophecy in that the Catholic church does in fact recognize Peter (the rock) as their first and founding leader (Pope). Thus, Peter was the unquestioned leader during early days in the establishment of the church. Later, Paul became the leading figure, when the focus of activity was moved to Antioch. Peter is not mentioned in the book of Acts after the council of Jerusalem in 50 AD. This change in leadership came after Peter’s visit to Antioch, where Paul confronted him about his continued ambivalence about new converts compliance with OT Jewish laws, such as circumcision. This was finally resolved when the Jerusalem council issued their decision, described in Acts 15:28-29. The date of this Epistle is uncertain, but it probably was written after 63 AD, near the start of persecution by Nero. It was written to strengthen and encourage Christians in Asia Minor during the fiery trials they faced.