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Are You Joyfully Awaiting the Great Reunion Called the Rapture?

April 23, 2022 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Certainly, we look around us at the brokenness that fills the world with so much sorrow, pain, and turmoil from every side. Yet, what we may not realize it has been that truth since the days of Christ. Paul often reminded the early Christians, that this is not our final destiny. Furthermore, there will be a day when Christ returns to take us home. This was part of the gospel message of hope he proclaimed to the world. So, all the early Christians with great anticipation were joyfully awaiting the Great Reunion called the rapture? The were always thinking today might be the day.

Indeed the Thessalonian church wanted to know whether those who died would miss out on the miraculous reunion as they were so galvanized to work each day spreading the gospel while awaiting his return. Look at what was reported of them to Paul and he wrote this.

1 Thessalonians 1(AMP) The Great Reunion

⁸For the word of the Lord has resounded from you and has echoed [like thunder], not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place [the news of] your [great] faith in God has spread, so that we never need to say anything about it. ⁹For they themselves report about us, telling what kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰and to [look forward and confidently] wait for [the coming of] His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who [personally] rescues us from the coming wrath [and draws us to Himself, granting us all the privileges and rewards of a new life with Him].

So, they expectantly, joyfully awaited the great reunion. Yet, they wondered about their family, friends and others who had already died. Would they be a part of the great reunion when Christ returns? After all, the strength to continue working for Him, spreading the gospel, standing firm for Jesus Christ, in a hostile word that wants Him gone comes from the strength of knowing Him. And from knowing He will return. We know that He has won the victory. Whatever we face in this world, we know it is a blink of the eye compared to eternity. That fortifies us. If only we can keep focus on this truth, we would be joyfully awaiting the great reunion, the rapture.

But until that day we are to keep working for Jesus. Imagine the reunion party? For me, seeing Jesus is my greatest desire of all. Just to rest in His arms, His presence. I can imagine He can give us each a hug individually all at the same time.

Joyfully Awaiting the Great Reunion Called the Rapture

When they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ⁹And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

¹⁰And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. Acts 1:6-11 ESV

We are not to just stand still staring into heaven; but we are to remember He is returning. It is that which Paul wishes to address as he writes to the church in Thessalonica. Remember they most likely had never seen Jesus, even when He walked the earth—he was in Nazareth, Samaria, and Judea. For us, it is similar only even farther away from the time He walked on the earth. We too need to be reminded so as not to be dismayed.

1 Thessalonians 4:

¹³But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

We are not hopeless as others in the world.

¹⁴For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

At the time of the rapture, Jesus will bring all our loved ones with Him. They are with Him, although their bodies are still here. So that the reunion is complete, they will come with Him.

¹⁵For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,^[^d^] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

¹⁶For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

They will then be joined with their bodies, though their soul/spirit have been in heaven with Jesus.

Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5: 6-8

How exciting is that! The Great Reunion

¹⁷Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸Therefore encourage one another with these words.

How would your life today be if you are joyfully awaiting the reunion called the rapture? Would you be running from place to place to tell the truth and to lead others to Christ? Let us be the light reaching into the darkness. We must be the truth dispelling all the lies. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Who will you tell today the Good news of the Gospel.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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How do I Learn to Do More Because of Love for Jesus Christ?

Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus! How?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

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New English Translation (NET)

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How do I Learn to Do More Because of Love for Jesus Christ?

April 3, 2022 Effie Barba Leave a comment

I remember in the sixth grade, I wanted so badly to be liked. That was the one year, I sat aside by formerly studious behaviors. Sometimes, because we could some of us would go to the bathroom where we would giggle, laugh, and even play games of jacks. It was so easy to goof off for a little while. Everyone seemed to like me, at least for a little while. I had worked hard to lose some weight. My speech impediment pretty much gone. Then, it happened. For the first time, I did not go to the scholastic meet in math. Based off one test, I got left behind. No blue ribbon that year. I was devastated. Humiliated and angry with myself, I knew I could do more. Worse, how often in life, do I realize suddenly I could do more because of love for Jesus Christ, but I didn’t.

In Jesus Christ, empowered by His Holy Spirit, I could do more. I could be better, because of love for Jesus Christ. Then why do I get so distracted. What is it within me that draws me away from the mighty power of the Holy Spirit that indwells me? Pettiness, pride, and selfishness pull at me. Bidding me to listen to my feelings. Sins of my past rise steadily, reminding me of how much of a failure I am. Even though I know I have been forgiven, Satan loves to throw his darts deep into my heart and mind. Telling me I will never be enough. Yet, here it is Paul telling this young church in Thessalonica, his desire is that they do more. You have done wonderful things. But you can do more, and even better.

Is that not true of each of us?

I Thessalonians 4: (ESV)

Finally, then, brothers,^[^a^] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. ²For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³For this is the will of God, your sanctification:^[^b^] that you abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴that each one of you know how to control his own body^[^c^] in holiness and honor, ⁵not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

⁷For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. ⁸Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

⁹Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, ¹¹and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, ¹²so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Urge and Exhort You to do More- Why?

Because of love for Jesus. My granddaughter asked me this week if it was my mother who taught me about Jesus, and I said Yes. Mom first told me about Jesus. I listened to sermons and then one day, I fell in love with Jesus. She turned her head and said, “I am not certain that I have fallen in love with Jesus yet.” I thought a lot about that. Perhaps I have not ever loved Him to the fullness or the degree that I should either. How quickly I get drawn aside to other things or my own desires. How quickly I can be influenced to making the wrong decisions or even decisions for the wrong reasons.

Throughout scripture we are urged to be perfected in Christ.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to ^[^a^]perfection, Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

But how do we learn to Do More because of Love for Jesus Christ?

Remember He is always the one who will do the work of perfecting you (Heb 12:1-2)
Trust in the Holy Spirit who indwells you (John 14:16, Romans 8:11)
Repent Quickly when you first hear the voice calling you to confess (1John 1:9)
Study His word (2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12)
Pray (I Thessalonians 5:16-17)
Remember all that He has done for you (Psalm16:8)
Surround yourself with shows, music and people who exhort you to keep your eyes on Jesus. (Psalm 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:33)
Avoid willful sin. It can place you in a position where you watch play out with great suffering the results of your sin, like David did. Or it can cost you your witness. One day when you stand before the Lord with nothing in your hands to give Him: what a sad day. As you realize all you have been given, and you squandered it all on selfish desires. I am speaking here to Christians and hope you bring you more precisely on that subject. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
Remember His Grace will complete the work in you. (Hebrews 10: 16-24)

Concluding Thought

How amazing is the Grace of God to allow me, after all I have done, to have another chance to learn to be more like Him! That He will allow me to do more by surrendering all that I am into His hands to do with as He will. Let me focus on Him and Him only. Only then will I be step by step transformed into His image.

Our only hope to do more for God’s glory results from a transformed new heart. We must lay aside our selfish desire because we see the absolute beauty of Jesus Christ. His glory transforms our heart as we fall in love with Him who first loved us.

How can I do more for God’s Glory? I must have a transformed heart–transformed by the love of Jesus Christ for us, compelling me to love Him

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus! How?

DISCLOSURES

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New English Translation (NET)

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Skipping Stones to Glory

March 26, 2022 Effie Barba Leave a comment

In this world, we may face many trials, sorrows. There are times when it would seem the world around us is spinning out of control. Yet tear and every joy along this journey are but skipping stones to glory.


Skipping Stones to Your Glory

Storms surround my life today
Sorrows urging me to pray
With gentle voice, I hear You say
Trust in me I’ll guide your way

A pilgrim in this foreign land
Where is the hope in which I stand?
You paid the price- that just demand
And hold me firm within Your hand

 
Chorus:
So, Precious Lord let my eyes see 
That you have won my victory 
Whatever sorrows facing me 
Are skipping stones to Your Glory 


Fix my eyes on Christ my Savior King 
And then, oh then my heart will sing 
Of Your wondrous Joy in everything 
No matter what this life may bring



The sorrows of life, their ebb and tide
That force me on my knees abide
And rips away my selfish pride
That in thy Grace my tears subside


The trials that would tear apart
This fragile, broken, lonely heart
Except thy love can ne’er depart
Each day, Your Grace-my fresh new start





Chorus:
So, Precious Lord let my eyes see 
That you have won my victory 
Whatever sorrows facing me 
Are skipping stones to Your Glory 
 
Fix my eyes on Christ my Savior King 
And then, oh then my heart will sing 
Of Your Wondrous Joy in everything 
No matter what this life may bring

Romans 8:19-25

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit. Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope. What a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Skipping Stones to Glory

We know that God in His Mighty love is transforming us into the image of His son. Glory by glory, we are changed until we one day when we will spend eternity in His presence. Only then will we understand fully His perfect will for each of us that are in Christ Jesus. We will realize then how each sorrow or trial we faced on this earth were merely skipping stones to Glory–His Glory revealed in us. Therefore, my question to you is Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? That is the most important question you will ever be asked to answer.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Previous Poems

Lord, Give Me Courage To Run, Courage to Stand

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Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus! How?

March 25, 2022 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Paul exhorts the Christians in Thessalonica to “establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” I Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV). Although, if you look closely, Paul lays out the steps that God uses to establish your heart blameless. This may be through overwhelming hardship and suffering. However, it is God who does the work of finalizing the perfecting of each Christian’s heart. What is our part in this work? Well, for all who know Christ as Savior and Lord, we may yield to His working, or we may like a rebellious child struggle to do it our own way. Then like the prodigal son, we will one day come to the very end of our self. Most often, we are transformed step by step as outlined in II Corinthians 3:18.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord (albeit at times through a glass dimly),^[^e^] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another (from glory to glory).^[^f^] For this comes from the (working of the) Lord who is the Spirit.

Regardless of the amount of work that it takes, we will be fully transformed one day.

²⁸And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[^h^] for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8

Establish Your Heart Blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus

Jesus is coming again. Of this we can be certain as we have discussed over many weeks through the study of Daniel. Paul also lays this out. The entirety of the Bible proclaims this truth, just as it proclaimed His first coming to die on the cross and take the penalty of our sin upon His shoulder. He will return to rapture all those who accepted His gift of salvation with repentant humbled hearts, who acknowledge Him as the way the truth and the life.

We are declared righteous from the moment we are saved. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.

This is true. Yet, the work of perfecting us in love, so that our outward actions reflect our inward change is a work that is continuously being performed “so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

So, do not think your salvation secures your place in heaven and you can live as you want down here. Won’t happen. If you truly accepted Jesus Christ in your heart as Savior, He will establish and transform you, whatever it takes.

#1 Accepting the Word of God as from Him

I Thessalonians 2¹³And we also thank God constantly^[^d^] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men^[^e^] but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

So, step one is recognizing that the Bible, the Gospel Message is God’s words and not the words of men. God may use men to help to reveal His word to you; however, it is His words. The Holy Spirit is He who can make the blind see and gives the wisdom to understand. This one must recognize to grow spiritually. That also means the word cannot be compromised by one’s “feeling” or desire to change any part of it. It is eternally true and has the power to transform.

⁷The law of the Lord is perfect,^[^c^]
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules^[^d^] of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether. Psalm 19

As these verses point out, the Word of God has the power to revive the soul, make the simple minded wise, bring joy to the heart, enlighten one to purity, cleanse the soul, because they are absolute in truth and righteousness.

#2: The Role of Suffering To Establish Your Heart Blameless

Throughout scripture, suffering has been a part of cleansing. Not only does it awaken us to the depths of evil and sin; but it turns our eyes to focus on He who is righteous. It cleanses our heart.

I Thessalonians 2: For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,^[^f^] ¹⁵who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind ¹⁶by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!^[^g^]

God has patiently waited. One day, all the cups of sin will have been filled. Never can He be accused of not giving everyone a chance to turn to Him. God permits sin to run its full course, so that neither Satan nor humans may say, He gave them no chance. As we see the depth of evil capable of the human heart, we realize we are in desperate need of a Savior. We cannot do it on our own. I could not see fully His righteousness until I saw the truth of what evil is in my own heart when I choose me first. As much evil as we see surrounding us, imagine if He took away His steadying hand of Grace for even a moment.

#3 The Reward of Witnessing

There was nothing sweeter nor more strengthening to Paul than to see the fruit of his labor. It made the suffering worthwhile just to see their faith. He put it this way.

I Thessalonians 2: ¹⁹For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? ²⁰For you are our glory and joy.

He had learned, there is no suffering too great for the salvation of one soul. Had this not been what Jesus demonstrated for all of us to see? Therein, God allows you to see the fruit of your labor at times to help establish your heart blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ⁷for this reason, brothers,^[^b^] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. ⁹For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God

God will Perfect You in Love and establish your Heart Blameless

I Thessalonians 3: ¹² may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, ¹³so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Whatever suffering, pains and sorrows you may be facing; look up your Savior draws nigh. This world is rapidly groaning with labor pains just as Jesus said it would in the end. Never forget, through it all He is working all things together for your God. Yet, a little while and He will return. All this life is but a moment in time compared to an eternity with Him. Imagine that! Me blameless. It is truly hard to imagine, but He has promised it so.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

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How to Really Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a Hostile World

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New English Translation (NET)

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How to Really Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a Hostile World

March 19, 2022 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Sometimes we look around us and think, “Surely God can not use me?” I am not so eloquent of speech. My knowledge is too little. I could never make a difference. Besides the world is so hostile. Sadness, pain, and suffering overwhelms us. So how does one really speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a hostile world. Ah but you see, even if we are surrounded by sorrow, God is the only truth we can rely on. It is a joyous gospel boldly proclaimed; because it is the only true hope we have. Particularly in a broken and hostile world, we need something that we can cling to, trust in when everything else is failing around us. As we watch the world spinning headlong into relativism with “truth” being farmed out to whomever spins the best tale, more than ever we need a rock foundation of truth to cling to.

Paul knew this. He also knew that if the newly found church in Thessalonica could stand strong against the tumultuous winds of the right and the left, they would need to be reminded of the truth. Reminding them of how it came to them, was a starting point. After all, the people trying to discredit the gospel began with discrediting Paul, himself as well as Jesus Christ. So, over the course of the first 12 verses of 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds them of the time he was with them.

John Piper explains this very well when he wrote:

So what Paul is really doing is defending them and the reality of their faith. That’s the second reason why he talks so much about his ministry. He says in verse 1, “You know that our coming to you was not in vain,” and then for ten verses he talks about the authenticity of his own ministry. So what he is saying is, “Our ministry to you was not without effect. You were changed. … turned from idols. You were willing to suffer for Christ with joy. So don’t throw away your confidence when your opponents slander my ministry and my life, remember the way it really was when I was there. I was not flattering and covetous. (Also) was bold in God and risked my life to preach the gospel to you. I worked night and day. (And) I loved you like a nurse and like a father.

It was Paul’s boldness in evangelizing that kept his life from being in vain. And it will be our boldness that keeps our lives from being bland and tasteless and empty and weak and insignificant in the end.[1]

Additionally, Paul clearly outlines 5 characteristics to guide each of us. Therefore, we can also really speak the joyous gospel boldly in a hostile world. Even if at times, we are speaking it with tears pouring down our faces. Hoping that the suffering may end soon; but knowing that it will one day because of the joyous Gospel of Christ. He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again victorious that we might one day stand before Him in glorified bodies. Tht day we long for; yet, for today we must continue speaking the joyous gospel boldly to a broken hostile world in need of Him.

Steps to speaking the joyous gospel boldly

I Thessalonians 2: ¹For you yourselves know, brothers,^[^a^] that our coming to you was not in vain.

You yourself know. This is a phrase used repeatedly through these verses. Remember, You know this yourself. You witnessed it. See the transformation within your own heart and spirit. That is proof itself the joyous gospel is true. Because it changed you.

²But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

What had happened in Philippi?

Paul had suffered in Philippi. He had been publicly dragged into the market of the city and charged with sedition because he cast the demon out of a girl. And then he spent the night in jail. Now in Thessalonica the mob was even more enraged and Paul barely escaped by night to Berea. That was the setting for his ministry. And in that setting he spoke the gospel courageously because he had boldness in his God.[2]

Not only had he been mistreated in Philippi, but from day one he was mistreated in Thessalonica and spoken ill of.

1 Thessalonians 2:

³For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

We do not have any impure motives. No desire to deceive. Nor are we speaking from erroneous belief systems. There is nothing they wish to gain for themselves by preaching the joyous gospel boldly. Indeed it may be at a great cost; but one they were will to pay so others might know Christ.

Speaking the joyous Gospel Boldly as servants to God.

⁴but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

⁵For we never came with words of flattery,^[^b^] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. ⁶Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

They did not try to coax with flattering words. They did this for God alone.

⁷But we were gentle^[^c^] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

They spoke with gentleness of heart due to their love for lost and their excitement over these babes in Christ—so they talk and fed them with kindness and gentleness

⁹For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Paul worked making tents, supplying for his own needs. He did not want to ever be accused that he took advantage of anyone. And certainly he did not want anyone to say he preached the joyous gospel boldly to make money from it.

Speaking the Joyous Gospel Boldly by Action and Deed

¹⁰You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

¹¹For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹²we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

How Did Paul Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly to a Hostile world.

His life was given up to God

Ephesians 1: ⁴But^[^c^] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ

He counted his life as being hidden God

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ who is your^[^a^] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Because he totally trusted God

we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

He hoped in God

¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15

The Glory of God was infinitely more attractive to Paul than any earthly comfort:

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8: 18

God was so real, powerful, wise and so utterly committed to doing all for Paul’s good. Knowing this truth, Paul knew nothing could separate him from the love of God—not death or life or angels or principalities or things present or things to come or powers or height or depth or anything else in all creation.

And so, all his boldness was in God, and not in himself

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.