Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

It’s beautiful here how the Apostle Paul demonstrates to us the Triunity of God, as the Holy Spirit is also referenced as the Spirit of The Lord Jesus, the unveiling on the entire Old Testament is fulfilled by Christ. You can’t understand or comprehend the Old Testament without understanding Jesus Christ. This is why Orthodox Jews are still waiting for their Messiah to come, while the prophet Isaiah clearly revealed in detail the life of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53) How can they not see or understand this? Because they don’t have the Holy Spirit, their hearts and minds are veiled from the scriptures

There is liberty or freedom in Jesus Christ, as The Lord said himself “If the son has set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36) So what did Jesus set us free from? Jesus set us free from the bondages of our sin, Christ can set you free from the slavery of alcohol, or the slavery of pornography, Jesus can set you free from false religion, but most importantly Jesus Christ has set you free from the penalty of our sin. Without Christ there is no freedom or liberty, any self help will still lead to an eternity in Hell. 

Notice what Paul says here “But We All” , who? Born Again Christians in Christ, with the Holy Spirit , we ALL have been unveiled to our Heavenly Father. No longer do we have to hide our faces in fear or shame, no longer is the veil separating us from the presence of God, as God now lives inside of us, we have now been reconciled back to God through Christ. As Jesus said “Nobody can come to the Father, except through Me” (John 14:6)

As Paul says here “Are changed into the same image from glory to glory” This is a transformation not just a confession of faith. This is not talking about saying a “Sinners Prayer” or baptizing a baby, this about becoming Born Again by the Holy Spirit through Christ. Your old self, the veiled is dead, and your new self is raised with Christ and is now unveiled. You are a new creature in Christ, from glory to glory!

The Apostle Paul says we are to be “conformed or like the image or likeness of Christ” (Romans 8:29) What is your calling in life? To be more like Jesus Christ! How do we accomplish this? By the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:12-14

How do we come to Christ? How do we understand the Word of God? It’s by the Holy Spirit living inside of us, giving us a new heart and a new mind, conforming us into the image of Christ. As the Apostle Paul said “The natural man doesn’t understand the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14)  You can’t understand God unless God reveals it to You

The Apostle Paul here goes back to when Moses put a veil over his face so the Israleites couldn’t see his face. Why? Because when Moses stood in the presence of God, his face shined from the glory of God, and this frightened the Israelites. Paul says “For until this day remain the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament” 

Without the Holy Spirit there is a veil on the scriptures, you can’t understand the scriptures unless you have the Holy Spirit. Even today there is a veil on the prophecies of Christ, you can’t understand the fulfillment of these prophecies unless you have Christ. This is why many still blindly reject Christ , they misinterpret the Word of God, because the veil is still over the scriptures

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 1 Corintians 3:15-16

Notice what Paul says here “Even today when Moses (Torah) is read, the veil is upon their hearts. People can read The BIble all their lives, but without the Holy Spirit they won’t understand the scriptures, so how can you understand the Bible? Paul says here “When You Turn to The Lord, The Veil shall be taken away” it’s only if you are Born Again in Christ, then you can understand the Word of God

I pray the veil is removed from the scriptures for you drawn by the Father, conformed in the image of the Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9

 As the Apostle Paul continues to show us the differences between the Old (Mosaic) and the New Covenants, he describes the Old Covenant as the “Ministry of Death”, while he describes the New Covenant as the “Ministry of The Spirit” This really emphasizes the big difference in the New Covenant in Christ, we are Born Again, regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit

Why is the Mosaic Covenant a ministry of death? Because without the Holy Spirit, you can’t understand God , this is why the religious leaders couldn’t even identify the Messiah yet dedicating their lives to the scriptures. It’s impossible to know God without the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible to “Keep The Law” without the Holy Spirit, it’s impossbile to come to Christ without the Holy Spirit

Another reason why the Old Covenant is a ministry of death, is because you don’t have the atonement of Christ. There is no forgiveness of sins without the blood of Jesus Christ, there is no salvation without the blood of Jesus Christ, there is no ransom without the blood of Jesus Christ, The Law will reveal your sin, but can never save you from your sins, only the Lamb of God can save your soul!

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:10-11

The Apostle Paul references Mose’s face when he went up to Mt Sinai , and just by him being in the presence of God his face shined, that he needed to cover himself with a veil to be in the presence of the Israelites. Think about this, in the New Covenant , the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, your body is the Temple of God, the New Covenant is a ministry of glory!

Notice Pauls language here, “For if that which is done away was glorious” The Old Covenant is “done away”, it was fulfilled by Christ at the cross, the Apostle confirms this. “Much more that which remains is glorious” The New Covenant of Christ is glorious because it brings life while The Law brings death!

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit is the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, we are Born Again and reconciled back to our Heavenly Father, Amen!

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.  2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Again Paul is teaching us the differences between the Old (Mosaic) Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ. For those Christians who believe we are still in the Mosaic Covenant, the Apostle Paul as an ex Pharisee is showing you the differences. In Christ you are now a Minister of the New Covenant by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

In the Old (Mosaic) Covenant only those born in the line of Aaron, The Leviticul Priest line, could be priests. Everyone who was in the Mosaic Covenant couldnt be a priest, it’s important to understand this. In fact, if you tried entering The Temple, the Holy of Holies, and were not a priest, God will strike you down instantly! Why? Because sinful people could not stand in the presence of a Holy God. This is why the Temple had a courtyard, it separated those who were sanctified and those who were unclean in their sins

Fast forward to the New Covenant, it’s no coincidence when Jesus Christ said “It Is Finished” on the cross, the veil was torn, a great earthquake shook the land of Jerusalem, and eventually the Temple would be destroyed and never rebuilt again. The Old Covenant was fulfilled by Christ at the cross! Everything from the Mosaic Covenant was a shadow of Christ to come! The Sacrifices, The Priest line , The Temple, are all fulfilled by Christ, there were shadows pointing to The Lord, The Messiah, the Son of God

As a Born Again Christian, you have been raised to a new life, a new creature, you are filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit, therefore as Paul tells us “He (Christ) has made/enabled/qualified Us as Ministers of the New Covenant” Think about that!

Many Christians will just say they are nobody, they are just a member of a Church, NO! If you are Born Again in Christ, You are a Minister of Christ! What does a Minister do? They have a Ministry for Christ! We all have ministries, we are all preachers of the New Covenant, Go and preach the gospel to everyone, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

When we compare the New Covenant in Christ with the Old Covenant with Moses, there is a big difference. You might ask what are the differences? Well here the Apostle Paul, who was a Pharisee, is going to walk us through the differences with the Covenants, which were prophesied by the prophets of the Old Testament

As the prophet Jeremiah said “ I (God) will put the law on their minds and write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33) As the prophet Ezekiel said “ I (God) will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) This is why Jesus said “You must be Born Again to see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) In the New Covenant the Law of Christ is written on our hearts and the Holy Spirit lives inside of us!

As the Apostle Paul says “The letter of Christ, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God” This is why you need to be Born Again, regenerated, because then you have the Law written in your heart, without the Holy Spirit, your just another Israelite wandering in the wilderness full of disobedience and left to your demise.

Not in tablets of stone but on tablets of the human heart! So what are the tablets of stone being referenced here? Of course it’s the Ten Commandments, the Law of God, in the New Covenant the Law is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle John said “The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ! (John 1:17) 

There are many today who are trying to Keep themselves under The Law, trying to earn their own salvation,  As the Apostle Paul said “For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the Law of Sin and Death” (Romans 8:2) The Law brings forth death, this is why there is only salvation through Jesus Christ alone. 

If you are Born Again, The Law of God is written on your heart, the Holy Spirit is living inside of you! We have been given a new heart , a new mind, and we are a new creature though Jesus Christ, Amen!

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:17

Today we are looking at one scripture, but this statement by Paul is so important we can’t just skip over it. Paul starts by saying “For We Are Not As Many” , now it’s very obvious even since the beginning of Christianity , there were already many wolves and false prophets selling a false gospel to make money, as Paul says there are many

This is a huge issue in Christianity today, as I believe the overwhelming majority of Christianity is filled with false teachers and unfortunately false converts. Christianity has become a Billion dollar business, all you have to do is turn on your TV to TBN and see these mega Pastors begging for money, while living in mansions and flying private jets. It’s absolutely disgusting that these wolves would trample on the blood of Christ to make money, and in the process deceive many on the broad road to Hell

Jesus warned this would happen, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in Sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15) Many of these wolves appear to be “real Christians” they say all the right things, they even use the name of Jesus, what did Jesus say “Many will say to Me, Lord Lord, Have we not prophesied in your Name, cast out demons in your Name, done many wonders in your name” (Matthew 7: 22)  But notice Jesus response to them “Depart from me, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23)

Notice Paul says “They corrupt the Word of God” , these false prophets and false teachers will use the name of Jesus and twist scripture to fulfill their agenda, make money and a name for themselves. John the Baptist said “He (Christ) must increase, I (John) must decrease” ( John 3:30) John didn’t start a new ministry, name it after himself, build a huge building, living a luxurious life. No, John’s ministry was all about Jesus, he even died for Christ without anything left in his name

Paul goes on to say “But as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak before God in Christ” The word sincerity can also mean clearness and purity, with a clean conscience we preach the gospel of Christ. Now you might ask, how do we know who is fake and real? Go back to Jesus teaching in Matthew 7 “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16) The Apostle Paul gave his life (literally ) for Christ, beheaded at Rome, it puzzles me how anyone can call Paul a false teacher

Look at the false teachers of today, what fruit are they producing? Are they willing to give their life for Christ to promote the gospel and Kingdom? Most of them are in air conditioned buildings, having a steak dinner, in a 3 piece suit, you can clearly know them by their fruit

We don’t peddle the Word of God for profit or money, we share the gospel because it’s our higher calling by our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?  2 Corinthians 2:12-16

It’s interesting when we see the shadows from the Old Testament show up here in the New Testament. Whenever the Israelites offered God sacrifices or offerings , the aroma was pleasing to God, (Numbers 15:3) why? It’s because God is pleased with our heart towards him, to worship God in Spirit and Truth!

The Apostle Paul says here “For we are unto God a Sweet savour or aroma of Christ” Think about that, everything you do, ever act of worship or service to The Lord , is pleasing to God. As the Apostle Paul said “Present your bodies as a Living Sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) Live your life for Christ, in everything you do, be sanctified and led by the Holy Spirit, as His temple!

Not only are we a pleasing aroma to God but also to the Church, when you are around Born Again believers, doesn’t it just please your soul and re energize you? This is part of the Church , to fellowship with one another , to share our spiritual gifts with one another, to comfort one another. However the false convert gives off a worldy stench, as Jesus said they make him want to vomit them out of his mouth” (Revelation 3:16)

While we the Church are a pleasing aroma to God and others, we are the aroma of death to the world. Why? Because the real gospel exposes sin and its penalty, the real Jesus requires repentance and baptism of the Holy Spirit, the real Church is Born Again and follow the Word of God has their authority!

The world hates the real Jesus Christ of the Bible, the world hates the real gospel that is not watered down and sugar coated, the world hates the remnant of the real body of Christ! The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing! (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Continue to love and serve The Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul, you are a pleasing aroma to God, for the world you are the aroma of death, as Jesus said “they will hate you, because they have hated me first!” (John 15:18) Amen!

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 2 Corinthians 2:1-8

The Church, the body of Christ, is a family not an organization. Like all real families, there are going to be conflicts and problems, the question is how will the Church respond to these problems? Many Christians have this unrealistic idea that there is a “perfect Church” , the perfect Church will never exist because the Church is the people, and people are not perfect.

With that said, the Apostle Paul is grieved and sorrowful over a member of the Church of Corinth, their conduct or behavior , but as Paul says here “that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you” Many people view discipline as hateful, but as the Bible says “God loves those he disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6) Church discipline is for the love of the Church, and we as Christians should appreciate when someone points out something we are doing wrong, even though our flesh really hates it. Paul had great love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, however he love them enough to discipline them also

Notice the spiritual maturity of Paul then, he instructs the members to “forgive and comfort him” Once the member was disciplined , he was then forgiven. We can learn alot from this model Paul is demonstrating here, while we should discipline those in the Church , we should also be willing to forgive them also. Church discipline has become a foreign concept in today’s Church, as most leaders in the Church today don’t shepherd anyone, but as Paul warned “a little leaven (sin) leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:6) When we allow sin to run rampant in the Church, it eventually corrupts the entire Church body, which is what we see mostly today

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11

Notice Pauls warning, Satan will take advantage of these situations to bring more division within the body of Christ, we see this everyday! This is why we need to repent and forgive one another as mature brothers and sisters in Christ. As the Apostle Paul closes here “If there is anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the person of Christ”!

We forgive because Christ has forgiven us first, Amen!

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:15-20

When we put our faith and trust in the world, we will always be let down. But when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we will never be forsaken because God is faithful. The world is fallen with fallen people, many people will make promises they never intend to keep, or make statements that are simply not true. Don’t be surprised when the world fails you, but God will never fail

We as Christians are not to live as the world, but to live as Christ. As Jesus said “Let your Yes be a Yes, and your No be a No”(Matthew 5:37)  We as Christians need to be honorable and truthful, not just making false promises as the world does. Be careful about the words you speak, if you are not sure , then be honest. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you want people to see Christ in you, then you must act like Christ

As the Apostle Paul was making his rounds to different Churches, I’m sure at times there was confusion whether he was coming or not , or whether Paul was going to keep his promises. But as Paul said “But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay” We don’t ever have to wonder if God is going to keep his promises, because God can’t lie (Titus 1:2) Every promise by God is a guarantee, its a done deal, we have victory through Jesus Christ!

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in Him was always Yes! Amen! When you look at all other religions , they are all created and featured upon a flawed and sinful human. Christianity is true because Jesus Christ is the sinless Lamb of God. Nobody in the world has ever been able to find fault in Christ or accuse him of a crime, because Jesus is the true living God in the flesh, the Son of God

As Paul says “For ALL of God are in Him (Christ) are Yes! And In Him (Christ) Amen! In Christ we have a guarantee of salvation, eternal life, and victory, there is no question of whether it is a done deal, it is already finished at the cross!  Our God is faithful and we have blessed assurance in Jesus Christ, Amen!