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Archive for December, 2010

Paul’s Epitaph

December 31, 2010 Leave a comment

In 4:6-8, Paul writes his famous epitaph:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Categories: 2 timothy, paul

Itching Ears

December 30, 2010 Leave a comment

In today’s world, with 24/7 access to nearly infinite amounts of information and commentary, it has become very easy to avoid dissenting points of view.

Compare this state of affairs to 4:1-4.

Categories: 2 timothy, paul

Last Days

December 29, 2010 Leave a comment

Read 3:1-5 and imagine a time that isn’t like the “last days.”

Can you?

Categories: 2 timothy

I’m Confused

December 28, 2010 Leave a comment

I don’t understand what Paul means in 2:11-13:

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
   we will also live with him; 
if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us; 
if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

The last five lines sound contradictory and don’t make sense to me.

What do you think?

Categories: 2 timothy

The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life by Joan Chittister

December 27, 2010 Leave a comment

Brilliant!  Inspiring!

Joan Chittister is a spiritual giant and a gifted communicator.

If you are interested in learning more about how the annual celebrations of the liturgical calendar can help you grow in your faith and live in a more Christlike way, then get a copy of this book.

It receives my highest recommendation.

I am so grateful that the publisher of this book provided me with a free copy for my unbiased review.

Categories: book review, BookSneeze

Suffering

December 27, 2010 Leave a comment

In 2:3, Paul writes, “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

We are not called to pursue suffering for its own sake, but only in service to the higher purpose of serving Christ.

Who can you suffer with today?

Categories: 2 timothy, paul, suffering, Timothy

Family Faith

December 26, 2010 Leave a comment

We are reminded, in 1:5, of the power of a family’s faith in the development of a child’s relationship with God.  Do you have a Eunice?

Categories: 2 timothy, Faith, paul, Timothy

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2010 Leave a comment

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David” (2 Timothy 2:8a).

Categories: 2 timothy, david, paul Tags:

Grace Revealed

December 24, 2010 Leave a comment

In 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Paul writes that although grace was available through Jesus before the beginning of time, it wasn’t revealed until after Christmas day.

Categories: 2 timothy, grace, paul Tags:

Outline of 2 Timothy 4

December 23, 2010 Leave a comment
  1. Preach truthfully, even when false teachers win the popularity contest of public opinion
  2. Come to me quickly, becuause even most of my friends have deserted me
  3. Final good-byes
Categories: 2 timothy, outline, paul, Timothy