For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 2 Corinthians 7:11-13

As we continue on what Paul was teaching “Godly Sorrow leads to repentance” So the next logical question is “What is repentance” The word Repent is one of the most hated words in the English vocabulary, however it’s a beautiful word when you understand its meaning. The Biblical meaning of Repent is to turn away or turn around from something. For example, if your currently stuck in a particular sin, you need to Repent, meaning to turn away from that sin and turn to Jesus Christ!

Now the beautiful thing about Repentance, we were created by a God who is merciful and compassionate. Even though we don’t deserve forgiveness, God will forgive us because He loves us, but we need to Repent and become Born Again in Jesus Christ. Jesus told us “The Holy Spirit will convict the world of its sin” (John 16:8) So where did this “Godly Sorrow” over your sin come from? It’s the Holy Spirit convicting you of your sin, it’s a sign that God is beginning the salvation process in your life, a fruit of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul teaches us “After you were convicted with Godly sorrow of your sin, look what it produced in you, a clearing of your conscience, a fear of God, a zeal for The Lord, a vindication of your soul!” Now I know a paraphrased alot there, but if you read the list for yourself, you get the point! If you truly want the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, repent of your sins, be washed by the blood of Christ, be Born Again by the Holy Spirit! Once you are reconciled back to our Heavenly Father, there is no longer a war inside of you!

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Paul goes back to talking about the arrival of Titus “We were comforted in your comfort” The next part of your salvation plan is find a local Church body to belong to. You will be comforted by their comfort, they will be comforted by your comfort! Bear each others burdens! (Galatians 6:2) This Christian walk won’t be easy, Jesus never said it would be, but you don’t have to walk alone! You are part of the Body of Christ, you belong to a family of God

Godly sorrow leads to true repentance which leads to submission to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father is calling you home!The Holy Spirit is leading you!  Turn around and run to the cross! Amen!\

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

One of the hard things about evangelizing to people is giving them the “bad news” before you give them the “good news”. Without the bad news there is no need for the good news, right? So you might be asking “What is the bad news”? Well the Bible tells us “We are all sinners, fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

So next question is, what’s wrong with being a sinner? Right, that’s the mentality our culture and world has today, in fact people are proud of their sin today. Well more bad news “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) Well this sort of “rains on our parade” pun intended..right? Nobody probably finds it comfortable or enjoyable to tell them they are headed to an eternity in Hell because of their lifestyle, right? Therefor most Christians neglect to tell the bad news to people when telling them about Jesus. However does the “good news” even make sense to them, when they don’t even know there is bad news?

Think of it this way ,  a medical doctor comes to you and says “I have good news, your going to live”, Even though this is good news, it brings total confusion to the patient as they didn’t even know they were dying! If a medical doctor fails to give a patient the honest status of their medical condition, are they really doing their job? Is that even ethical? Do they really love their patients? If your medical doctor only wanted to give you good news and neglect any bad news, would you trust them?

The same is entrusted with us as “Ministers of God” (2 Cor. 3:6) that includes You by the way! If we know someone’s soul is headed to Hell, we need to warn them! This is not pleasant or desiring, but it is our obligation as servants of Christ. There is no good news without the bad news! 

Notice what the Apostle Paul says here “Even though I made you sorry with my letter, I don’t regret it, for I perceive my letter made you sorry or sorrowful only for a little while” Paul knew giving the Church of Corinth the “bad news” was going to upset them temporarily, however once they realized he was warning them of the state of their soul, eventually they would understand why he was doing it!

Paul goes on to say “I rejoice , because your sorrow led to repentance” So once the Church of Corinth understood there sinful state and condition of their souls, it led many of them to true repentance! Yes, we need to repent of our sins, as Jesus said “Repent or Perish” (Luke 13:3) The gospel without the message of repentance is not the full gospel

Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation! What a beautiful equation, we can receive the good news because we now know the bad news. The wages of sin is death BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen!

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

One major thing unsaved people miss out on in this life is the peace of God. When you are a Born Again Christian, and you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, flows over you. Now with that, I’m not saying you will never have fear, anxiety, or depression, as long as we live in these fallen bodies, we will suffer the curse of sin. However what I’m saying is God will give you the comfort to make it through!

Let’s take a look at what Paul says here “Our flesh had no rest, we were troubled on every side, outside were fighting, inside were fears” Can you relate to this? Do you see trouble everywhere you go? Is there fighting or conflict within your family or Church? Do you have a great fear within you of the future? This is exactly what Paul and the Church was experiencing at the time. However they were able to overcome, how? Because God is our comfort

The Apostle Paul says “Nevertheless God, that comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” Now you’ll say “Doesn’t it say Titus comforted the Church”? Yes,  he did, but how or why did he do it? Because God ordained Titus to comfort the Church of Corinth. You see God uses us to fulfill his Will, when you ask God for help, it doesn’t always come in some supernatural answer, sometimes God sends someone to help you!

We need to remember this as Christians, when we disobey Gods calling on our lives, you may be sidetracking someone’s miracle that God was going to answer through You! This is why the Body of Christ, the Church is important, everyone is important, because we all have a gift or calling we have been assigned with. When someone is disobedient to their calling or gift, they are fighting against God’s will, which ultimately hurts the Church

Just the obedience of Titus to go to Corinth when the Holy Spirit orchestrated it, allowed Gods comfort to reach the Church and Paul. Look at Paul’s response here “I rejoiced the more”! Because everyone was encouraged by the arrival of Titus , the Holy Spirit used to this lifted everyone’s spirit! Titus didn’t have to do anything special, he didn’t have to perform a miracle or have some great revelation, Titus just had to be obedient to God and show up! Many times that is half the battle.

Maybe you or your Church are going through troubled times right now, or maybe there are others around you in need, be obedient to our God of Comfort and His will be done in Jesus name! Amen!

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 2 Corinthians 7:1-4

 As we continue Pauls theme about being the Temple of God and being Born Again, notice Paul’s instructions here “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit”. Now if Paul taught this in most “Churches” today, he would be thrown out. The question is How do we cleanse ourselves of our sins? And why do we cleanse ourselves of our sins?

The Bible says “The Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding” (Proverbs 9:10) The problem with most of the world is there is no fear of God, people live in sin with no remorse, people curse the name of our Lord with no regard, however one day everyone will stand face to face with Jesus Christ and give an account for their life, are you ready? Jesus said “Don’t fear the one who can kill the body, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:28)

Notice what the Apostle Paul says “Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God” If we love God, why wouldn’t we strive to please him? Many people will justify their sin by saying “Jesus loves me”, and yes Christ does love us, however the real question is “Do you Love Jesus”? Do you have any fear or reverence for The Lord? As Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) 

So back to the original question “How do we cleanse ourselves from our sins”? The Bible says “The blood of Jesus Christ  His Son cleanses us from all our sins” (1 John 1:7) It’s only by the blood of Jesus we can be cleansed, so we need to be Born Again in Christ to be saved!  As Paul goes on to say “Receive Us, we have wronged no man” As Christians we are to strive to live a Holy life filled with the Holy Spirit, the idea of a carnal Church is a fake Church with no fear of God

Can Paul say this about your Church? “Great is my boldness or confidence of speech towards you” Paul was confident that the Church of Corinth at this point was living for Jesus Christ as their Lord led by the Holy Spirit. Can others say the same about you? Do you have the fear of God in your life?  Amen!

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18

The Apostle Paul continually teaches us that we are the “Temple of God” (1 Cor. 3:16, 2 Cor. 6:19) I think this is an important concept for us to grasp for several reasons. Firstly , because we are Born Again, the Holy Spirit is living inside of us (John 3) Regeneration has been a foundational doctrine I think is missing from todays Church. Secondly , our bodies are not our own anymore (1 Cor. 6:19) If the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, then God is working through you

Notice what Paul is saying here “What agreement does the Temple of God have with idols?” What do Born Again Christians have in common with unregenerated sinners? Nothing! This is why as a Christian, you stick out in the world like a sore thumb, the world doesn’t understand you because the world doesn’t have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. 

Paul goes on to say “God said “I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” The Apostle Paul is talking about being Born Again, God will live and walk in us! Think about how powerful this is! People will always say “All religions lead to the same God, ect” No, no other religion has God transforming and living inside of You! No other religion has atonement and cleansing for your sin! Religion without the Triune God is just works based salvation, period!

So what does God command us to do? The Apostle Paul teaches here “Come out from among them and be separate” This is exactly what the Church is supposed to be. The Greek word Ekklessia , which is usually translated as Church, means “Called Out Assembly” Christians are Called Out and Set Apart from the rest of the world, Christians are not to conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)

We are Children of God through Jesus Christ , we can call God our Abba Father because we have been reconciled by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15

When it comes to the “Rainbow flag” issue in the Churches, these scriptures provide alot of context and clarity. Many Churches have become divided over this topic, many Christians have left their denominations or home Church. While others will ask “Whats the big deal”?  

Are we not supposed to invite everyone to come to Church? I actually had this argument with a co-worker several years ago. A member of his Church got up on the podium and said “We believe in Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve”  While I probably wouldn’t use this line in a Church, I think we all understood his point. My co-worker thought it was a bad statement because we should invite “everyone” to Church, and I agreed with him at that. However I asked him what is the Church? I think the problem is most Churches use their service as an opportunity for evangelism, however I don’t believe that’s the point of a Sunday service. 

Church is a family, we are the body of Christ, we are brothers and sisters in The Lord. Going to Church, belonging to a Church is being yoked with these brothers and sisters. That’s why Paul says “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” Yes we invite everyone to Church, however that doesn’t make someone a Christian because they sit in a Church  building

This is the core of the whole argument I have against the “Rainbow Churches”, these people are obviously unregenerated, not Born Again (John 3) as Paul stated unbelievers! Until you become Born Again and put your true faith in Jesus Christ, you are not a Christian. You can label yourself a Christian, but without the Holy Spirit, we are still dead in our sins. The idea of having unregenerated people leading a Church is simply blasphemy!

The Apostle Paul makes a very interesting statement here “And what accord or harmony does Christ have with Belial” If you look up this word Belial, the original Greek actually says this is a name for Satan or a demon! Paul is getting right to the point, you are either in Christ or your in Satan, there is no in between. And if someone is not regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they should not be yoked together. For what fellowship does righteous (Born Again) with unrighteous (unregenerated) ? There is a dividing line, yes Jesus ate with the sinners , but Jesus didn’t conform to their sin, No they needed to repent and conform to Jesus Christ!

I’m going to end with a question by Paul “What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” What does the light have to do with the darkness? Don’t be yoked to those who are not yoked to Jesus Christ, Amen!

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Corinthians 6:4-5

Do you think the Apostle Paul was preaching a prosperity gospel here? The obvious answer is NO, but it amazes me today the amount of “Christianity” today that is carnal and self absorbed. Do the majority of Christians read the Bible at all? This is an honest question, because I don’t see how you can read a text, like today, and get a prosperity gospel out of it? 

Paul starts out by saying “But In ALL things, approving or commending ourselves as the ministers/servants of God” In ALL things in life we prove if we are truly Born Again by the Holy Spirit. If you’re alive long enough, you know life is full of hardships and pain and trials. How do you respond to these things? How do you endure these times of trouble?

The fake gospel is if your a Christian then your blessed with wealth and health. This could be nothing farther from the truth, because as a Christian your probably going to be poorer than you have ever been, your probably going to be persecuted more than you have ever been, your going to feel sorrow more than you have ever did, but it’s how do you respond to these things? When you have the peace of God by the Holy Spirit, you are able to endure to the end! Notice Paul says here “In much affliction, in much distress, in much imprisonment, in much hunger and fasting, yeah this is not a pretty list!

But we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13) This is not just a bumper stick, cliche, this is a way of life! This is the battle cry, as Jesus said “Don’t fear the One who can kill the body, Fear Him who can destroy both the body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:28) In Christ we have spiritual victory over sin, death, and Satan! Amen!

 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:6-10

Now the question is how? How can we as Christians endure all these sufferings and pain, well lets look at Paul’s next list. It’s by knowledge, it’s by pureness, its by patience, By The Holy Spirit! There’s an ex factor nobody is talking about, you have been Born Again by the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raise Jesus Christ from the dead is living inside of You! (Romans 8:11)

When you are In Christ, Christ lives in You, nothing can separate you from the love of God, Amen!

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:  2 Corinthians 6:1-3

Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37) Notice Jesus said The Workers are Few, being a Christian is a calling, it’s a way of life, it’s not just a title you give yourself or another religion, it’s a relationship with God. 

There are many Christians who have this attitude, they are entitled by Gods grace. Now that they are saved, they don’t have to do anything, just sit on the couch and wait to be raptured. This is not at all what Jesus and the Apostles taught, in fact when Christ does come back, he going to check to see what works you have done while he was away (Matthew 25:14-30)

Notice what the Apostle Paul says here “We (Church) then, as workers together with Him (Christ)” We as the Church are workers together in Christ, even though nobody ever knew when Christ would return, this never stopped the urgency of the work of the Church. In fact, we should live everyday like Jesus is going to return, if we knew Christ would return immediately, there probably would be more urgency. However we have fallen asleep, allowing the world to perish, allowing our lamps to run out of oil, allowing our hearts to grow colder, this is not the Great Commision Christ commanded us to do!

When Jesus told us “Go and preach the gospel to everyone” (Matthew 28:19) That’s alot of work to do, as everyone is everyone! That means every human on the planet needs to hear the gospel! If you don’t know where to begin with your ministry, start there with 8 billion people who need to hear about Jesus! As Christ said The Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!

Paul goes on to say “We beseech or urge You not to receive God’s grace in vain” The reality is alot of Christians have abused Gods grace, alot of Christians have abused the blood of Christ, alot of Christans have abused the Holy Spirit, many Christians want to continue living for themselves except dying on their cross! 

Don’t receive Gods grace in vain! You were bought with a price, your life is not your own! (1 Cor. 6:20) If you are a Christian, then you are a worker in Christ! It’s time for the Church to get back to work, be the hands and feet of Christ, be the Salt and Light in Jesus name Amen!

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

The Apostle Paul talks about being reconciled back to God, how is this possible? How can a wretched sinner like me, be reconciled back to a Holy God? That is the core of the gospel message, and it’s only possible through Jesus Christ! This is why Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) This is why Christianity is the only true religion, no other religion or anyone else provides a way for you to be reconciled back to God!

To understand this first we need to understand we are all sinners! (Romans 3:23) And because of our sin, we have become separated from God (Isaiah 59:2)A sign of a false religion is people who believe they can earn their salvation or earn the favor of God, as the wages of our sin is eternal death! (Romans 6:23)

So how did God make a salvation plan for us, notice what Paul says here “For He (Father) has made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, who (Christ), knew no sin, that we (Christians) might be made the righteousness of God in Him (Christ) Wow , what an amazing revelation made by the Holy Spirit through Paul

Why did Jesus die on the cross for us? Because Christ became the Lamb of God who paid the penalty for our sin, so we can be declared righteous before God. It’s only by the blood of Jesus, that you can be washed clean of your sin and be reconciled back to God

The world will tell you , there are many ways or paths to God or Heaven, this is a lie from Satan. It’s only through Jesus Christ that you can be saved, because your sins have separated you from God. Once you understand this, you understand the beauty of the gospel message, you understand the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

One of the foundational teachings that I think is sorely missing in Christianity today, is regeneration from the Holy Spirit. I hardly hear any preachers or Churches teaching this today, yet this is essential for our salvation, why? Because as Paul taught us previously, “Nobody can say Jesus is Lord, with the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3) You are spiritually dead without the Holy Spirit, you are dead in your sins (Ephesians 2) 

Look at Paul’s teaching today “If anyone be in Christ, You are a New Creature” boom! This runs parallel with Jesus’ teaching on becoming Born Again, regenerated (John 3) If you call yourself a Christian, if you confess Jesus Christ is your Lord, you must be Born Again by the Holy Spirit, there is no debate about this. 

I often hear “Christians” try to use the grace card,  they say I can still do this sin and that sin because I’m covered by the blood of Jesus. First off, anyone with this thought mentality , does not have the Holy Spirit inside them, because this is blasphemy! You believe your going to trick God in covering for your sins? People with this mentality have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as Christ said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16)

Paul goes on to teach “Old things are passed away, behold , ALL things become NEW” This is why Jesus said “You must become Born Again to see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) The old things have passed away, your old man has been crucified on the cross with Christ, your old man is dead! (Romans 6) And your New Self, the regenerated self by the Holy Spirit, is raised with Christ! You are a New Person, you are not the same person as when you came to Christ, this is the baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) this is the regeneration of the Holy Spirit

All things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ! Why do you need to be Born Again, to be reconciled back to our Heavenly Father. Without regeneration, you have been separated from God by your sin! That’s why Jesus said “Nobody comes to the Father (God) except through me (Christ)” (John 14:6) Until you are regenerated you are an enemy of God, when you understand this, then you understand why there are so many false religions and false converts, because they have never been regenerated!

But the Good News (Gospel) is , In Christ we are Born Again, a New Creation, reconciled back to our Father in Heaven filled with the Holy Spirit, Amen!