Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Good Morning, Everyone! :hibye: Daily Scriptural Text for Saturday, February 17, 2007:

19 "Though I [Paul] am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."--1 Corinthians 9: (19-21 and) 22, New International Version.

Complimentary Scriptures:

21 "I [Paul] have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."--Acts 20:21, ibid.

12 "I [Paul] thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."--1 Timothy 1:12, ibid.

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel."--Acts 9:15, ibid.

23 "Now I [Paul] do all this because of the gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits."--1 Corinthians 9:23, Holman Christian Standard Bible.

My comment: Well, this morning, our suggested Scriptures for consideration are pretty much all about the apostle Paul and his tireless efforts on behalf of "the good news," aren't they? And, what is the central message we derive from these Scriptures?

Paul was willing to meet people wherever they were. Not just in a physical sense. But, wherever they were, religiously; whatever their ethnic and/or cultural background may have been; whatever their habits, practices and lifestyles may have been; whatever their awareness and perceptions of God, the Creator, may have been (or, may have been lacking). (See Acts 17:16-34, especially verses 22-24, and 27.) The message Paul was inspired and strengthened to carry was a message of God embracing all mankind. I just love the Scripture found at 1 Timothy 1:15 so much that I have incorporated in into my "Signature," for years now, on the various DB's with which I have been affiliated. Here it is, big and bold:

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" — and I am the worst of them.--ibid.

I do not think that Paul was simply being gracious or gratuitous in saying this. No, I believe it reflected his authentic feelings. Can you imagine waking up every morning with the mental image permanently etched into your consciousness of yourself standing over Stephen and watching approvingly as he was stoned to death?!? There are things in my own past that make me similarly shudder in ignominious shame. Like Paul, I feel that anything I may ever "give back" for the sake of the good news could not even begin to repair the damage previously done. Oh, but wait a minute. I almost forgot. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Sinners just like Paul; and, just like me. You, too? Christ Jesus atoned for all the things you and I could never begin to atone for, on our own, no matter how much we may wish we could.

How can we call it anything but, ... Amazing Grace ... which has saved "wretch"(es) like all of us?

I would also like to discuss the phrase, ... "by all possible means I might save some," ... but I wish to leave that for another day, while inviting you to share your thoughts about that or anything else, this morning.

Have A Synergistic Saturday, Everybody! :friends:
When It Comes To Salvation, The "News" Really Is All "GOOD"! :clap:

Much LOVE to ALL! :love: isomam

Thanks Iso, for your comments.  I love that scripture in Timothy too,...I shudder to think of my past stupidity, and wonder at the grace of God upon such a sinner.

I love this part of the scripture above.  What greater love could Paul show, next to death, than the selfless attitude he displayed for his fellow man.  He was willing to reach people, however possible, on any level, to introduce them to the Christ.  I think it is a wonderful example of how our ministry should take place.  No as self rightous people, trying to show others they way to salvation, but to aim for the heart by means of things that others can identify with.  Using things that are already treasured in their hearts, and showing them, the thing that they truely treasure is the Christ.

What a privilage that would be!  Makes you want to go to the nearest public square!

Love Lynn

Kudos! Amazing Grace! love it

Hi, dear sis BR! The text is posted for yesterday. It just slipped under the Thursday text thread, which seems to have been a bit popular. Anyway, not too late to check it out, if you like.