But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Jesus said “They will hate you because they hated me first” (John 15:18) This idea of “prosperity gospel” that we Christians are going to live our “best life now” is not only not Biblical, but it’s absolutely blasphemous and disgusting. Did Jesus Christ live his best life now, when the world crucified him to a cross? Did the Apostles live their best life after they murdered every one of them, except John? Anyone with little Bible knowledge knows this is a lie straight from Satan

The Apostle Paul describes what life was like for the early Church, “We are troubled on every side, we are perplexed, we are persecuted, and cast down” Does that sound like the “American Gospel”? It’s absolutely nauseating to think someone could stand up on a stage, hold up a Bible, and proclaim prosperity in Jesus name. Where is the Fear of God? This is why James warned “not many of you should be teachers, because you will be held under a stricter judgment” (James 3:1)

Now going back to what Paul said, even though we are to expect persecution and suffering as Christians, “We are not distressed, we are not in despair, we are not forsaken, we are not destroyed” You might ask “How is that possible”? Because it depends of your perspective and your faith in Jesus Christ. If you have a temporary, worldly perspective, then your life is going to be miserable. However if you have an eternal perspective, understand Christ defeated sin and death forever, and God’s Kingdom is eternal

Not only that, Jesus promised to give us the greatest gift, the Holy Spirit, that is living inside of You! (Luke 11:13) You are not alone or forsaken, God is with us! You are the temple of the living God, the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead, this is all you need! Money or possessions will not save your soul as Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul” (Mark 8:36) 

Your best life now? What does Paul continue to say here “always bearing about in the body the dying of our Lord Jesus” As the body of Christ you will suffer the same as Christ! Many Christians don’t want to hear that but that is your calling! You were bought with a price, your life belongs to Jesus Christ! Amen!

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

Many people are asking these days “What is wrong with the world”? Well if they read their Bible, you would know exactly what is wrong with the world and people. For Born Again Christians, the state of this world and humanity should not be a surprise to you. Notice what Paul says here “Whose minds the god of this age has blinded”

Did you know Satan is called the god of this age or world? It’s no surprise the world is insane because it’s under the influence of the evil one (1 John 5:19) This is why as Christians we are not to conform to the ways of the world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) A Church that is conforming to the world, is a Church that worships the god of this world, Satan, think about that!

Yet how many “Churches” today do we see conforming to this world? Today we see rainbow flags hung at the majority of Churches, only a few years ago this would be considered an abomination. What happened? They are blinded by Satan! What happens when you shine the light on the darkness? What happens when you flip over a rock, the bugs scatter, this is what happens when you share the real gospel of Jesus Christ with the uncoverted world

As Paul says here “who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” Jesus said “The world will hate you because it hated me first” (John 15:18) Again can you put two and two together? Why does the world hate the real Jesus, they hate the real gospel, they hate the real Church? Because the god of this world is Satan

If your Church is more like the world then it is Christ, then you know who their real god is. Jesus said “Narrow is the gate of life and very few will find it” (Matthew 7:14) A mega Church is not a sign of a Born Again Church, attendance numbers are not the true sign of a healthy Church, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are. If Christ said very few will find salvation, then you wouldn’t expect packed arenas in air conditioned buildings, you would expect an Upper Room with an inner circle of disciples

What is our motto, Paul sums it up best here “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus The Lord, and we are servants for Jesus sake” We preach the true gospel because Jesus Christ is our Lord, we dont conform to the ways of this world because we are servants of Jesus Christ, who has already defeated the fake god of this worldy, Amen!

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 2 Corinthians 4:1-3

Now that we are Born Again in Jesus Christ, what do we do next? Do we just sit around and wait to be raptured? No , Jesus said “Go and preach the gospel to all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) Since you were called by Christ, you have a calling by Christ, Go and be the Church, Go and be the hands and feet of Christ, be the Light and Salt into this dark world (Matthew 5) You are filled with the Holy Spirit, the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead is living inside of You! (Romans 8:11)

Is this going to be easy? No way, remember what Jesus also said “They will hate you because they hated me first” (John 15:18) Remember you are in a spiritual war against the dark forces of evil, the darkness hates the light, Satan hates you and wants to destroy you. You have become an enemy to the world as a true disciple of Christ. That’s why you can’t conform to this world (Romans 12:2) because you are an enemy to this world

Lets see what the Apostle Paul says here “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not or don’t lose heart” Notice Paul is warning the Christians, don’t give up in your ministry, because it’s not going to be easy. The world hates you because the world is under control by Satan (1 John 5:19) If you preach a true gospel, expect heavy opposition from the dark forces of this world. But don’t lose heart, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) You are filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit, demons tremble at the name of Jesus Christ! (James 2:19)

And as a Born Again Christian, we must walk worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1) As Paul says here “We renounced the hidden things of dishonesty or shameful ways” We no longer live in the sin before we came to Christ, we are Born Again, we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) And importantly “ we don’t handle the Word of God deceitfully” If your truly Born Again, then you believe the Bible is the Word of God. We listen and obey the Bible, we don’t twist and distort to fit our agenda or lifestyle!

“But the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” Notice the keywords here “In the sight of God” Christ is watching your ministry! If your being deceitful , you might be able to fool people, but you can’t fool God, you will be under heavy judgment. Walk worthy of your calling, be led by the Holy Spirit, read and follow the Word of God

Finally Paul says “But if our gospel be hid or veiled, its hid to those who are perishing” The reality is most people are not going to accept the true gospel of Jesus Christ, but you must continue to be obedient and preach it, because there will be a remnant that will receive it. Don’t lose heart, many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14) Get Busy for our Lord and God Jesus Christ, Amen!

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!