The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Battle in the Spiritual Realm

Paula K. Graves

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October 29, 2026

Daniel had been fasting and seeking the Lord. He had no idea that a battle in the spiritual realm had been blocking God’s answer. God was using exile to turn His people back to Him. Daniel was a prophet for God and spoke His Words to the people. But there was an enemy that wanted to block Daniel. God sent an angel in a vision to explain what was happening.

Daniel 10:11 And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.

12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.[1]

Persistent Prayer

Daniel had been praying for three weeks (Daniel 10:2) without receiving an answer. Yet, his faithfulness in his distress led to divine angelic intervention. God acknowledged Daniel’s struggles through the angel’s message, reminding him that he was precious to God. This encourages us to stay consistent in prayer. Just as God heard Daniel’s prayer immediately, the story assures us that God sets His answers in motion from the moment we seek Him.

Jesus, as our advocate, joins in these battles. Romans 8:34 Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. [2] Our prayer lives are crucial to overcoming obstacles in our faith journey. We must not lose heart when it seems that God’s answers are delayed. We must also be aware that we may need to ask others to pray for and with us for the breakthrough.

Victory Over Spiritual Opposition

Daniel’s story shows us that there are times when an angel’s intervention is needed to deliver God’s message to us. Spiritual opposition is real, and unseen forces are at work obstructing our breakthroughs. The spirit prince of Persia had blocked the messenger angel from reaching Daniel. Obviously, the enemy did not want Daniel to receive God’s message. This would stop Daniel from encouraging the people in exile.

Daniel was in a spiritual battle that he couldn’t see with his earthly eyes. But his persistent prayer was a weapon in this conflict. We, too, want to adopt an active prayer life, knowing Jesus stands against these dark powers on our behalf. These kinds of battles should not surprise us. We are part of a sophisticated spiritual battle that demands our involvement and persistence. But we don’t fight alone. We can trust in God’s provision and protection in spiritual warfare.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Satan’s Fall

Tom Graves

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October 28, 2026

Satan’s fall is described in Isaiah 14:12-14, where he is called a shining star fallen from heaven. He desired to ascend above God and be like the Most High, saying he would rise to the highest heavens. [1] Isaiah’s prophecy begins as a judgment against the King of Babylon, but the Holy Spirit allows the prophet to see beyond the earthly throne to a deeper spiritual reality.

Behind Babylon’s arrogance stood the unseen influence of satan, the one Jesus called “the ruler of this world” in John 12:31. God’s work is supernatural because He not only judges visible kingdoms but also defeats the invisible powers that seek to oppose Him.

Satan was not content with the glory God had given him. Once one of the highest of God’s created angels, he allowed pride to fill his heart. Five times in Isaiah 14 he declared, “I will,” revealing a heart consumed with self-exaltation. His desire was not to become like God in holiness but to replace God in authority. He wanted worship that belonged only to the Creator.

Pride has always sparked rebellion, blinding us to God’s greatness and magnifying our importance. Whether among angels, kings, or ordinary people, pride leads to destruction. God’s kingdom is built on humble submission, not self-promotion.

The God Who Brings Down the Proud

Isaiah 14:15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. [2] What satan sought through rebellion, he ultimately lost through judgment. Isaiah declares that the one who tried to ascend would instead be cast down. The King of Babylon experienced humiliation, but behind his fall stood an even greater promise: satan himself would never succeed in thwarting the purposes of God.

Throughout Scripture, God announces this victory. In Luke 10:18, Jesus declared that He saw satan fall like lightning from heaven. At the cross, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities of darkness, as recorded in Colossians 2:15. Revelation assures believers that one day satan will be cast forever into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). God’s supernatural work is not merely preserving His people; it is triumphing over every force of evil.

This truth reminds us that no power opposing God can ultimately prevail. Nations rise and fall. Empires come and go. Spiritual forces wage war against God’s people. Yet the Lord remains enthroned above them all. His sovereignty is never threatened, and His victory is never in doubt.

Walking in Humble Confidence

Satan’s greatest weapon has always been imitation. He disguises himself as an angel of light, counterfeits truth, and tempts people with the same lie that led to his own downfall: “You can be like God.” (Genesis 3:5). Scripture encourages us to imitate God’s love and holiness, never to seek His throne.

The supernatural work of God transforms hearts marked by pride into lives marked by humility. Jesus, unlike satan, humbled Himself, became obedient to death on a cross, and was therefore exalted by the Father. The way up in God’s kingdom is always the way down in humble service.

As we face a world still influenced by the powers of darkness, we need not fear. Satan is powerful, but he is not sovereign. Christ has secured His defeat, and one day he will be thrown into the lake of fire. Therefore, let us reject pride, cling to our victorious Savior, and worship the One who alone is worthy of all glory. To learn more about satan’s fall, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1] Summary of Isaiah 14:12-14

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 14:15). Tyndale House Publishers.

Angels Protect Us

Tom Graves

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October 27, 2026

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God does not leave our protection to chance. Psalm 91:11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. [1] The angels do not act independently or according to their own will. They are servants of the Most High, carrying out His commands with perfect obedience.

This is part of God’s supernatural work. While we often cannot see what is happening in the spiritual realm, God is actively at work through His heavenly messengers. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. [2] They are God’s servants, dispatched to accomplish His purposes on behalf of His children.

Notice that the promise begins with God. Our confidence is not in angels themselves but in the sovereign Lord who commands them. The same God who created heaven and earth also directs His unseen army to watch over those who belong to Him. Every assignment comes from His throne, and every act of protection reflects His loving care.

Protected as We Walk with God

The Psalm says that angels are sent “to protect you wherever you go.”[3] This does not mean believers can live carelessly or deliberately place themselves in danger expecting miraculous rescue. The promise belongs to those who are walking in God’s will. As we follow Christ in obedience, we can rest in the assurance that God is watching over us in ways we may never fully understand. Sometimes He protects us from dangers we never even know existed. At other times, He allows suffering for His greater purposes, yet even then His angels remain near, strengthening and comforting His people.

Throughout Scripture we see this supernatural protection. Angels led Lot from Sodom, surrounded Elisha with heavenly armies, shut the mouths of lions for Daniel, delivered Peter from prison, and encouraged Paul during a violent storm at sea. The same God who watched over them continues to care for His people today.

Our Confidence Is in God’s Supernatural Care

The image of angels bearing God’s children in their hands paints a beautiful picture of tender care. Like a loving parent lifting a small child over rough ground, God often protects us from dangers we never realize were there. His supernatural care extends to every season of life.

Yet our greatest confidence is not merely that angels protect us from physical harm, but that God is leading us safely toward His eternal kingdom. Through Christ, satan’s power has been defeated, and every force of darkness is ultimately under God’s authority. Whether God delivers us from danger, walks with us through suffering, or welcomes us home into His presence, His protection never fails. You may never meet an angel in this life, but you can trust God that they are working in your life.

To learn more about how angels protect us, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Angels Worshipping God

Tom Graves

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October 26, 2026

Isaiah’s vision opens with a breathtaking scene of angels worshipping God. Here, the Lord is seated upon His throne, high and exalted, while mighty seraphim surround Him in constant worship. These heavenly beings are remarkable. The name seraphim means “fiery burning ones,” and they radiate God’s glory, yet even they cannot gaze directly upon His holiness.[1] They cover their faces with two wings, recognizing that God’s glory surpasses even angelic understanding. With two more, they cover their feet in humility before their Creator, and with the remaining two, they fly eagerly in service.

The angels teach us an important lesson. Before they serve, they worship. Four of their six wings are devoted to reverence, while they only use two for action. In a world that celebrates busyness, God reminds us that worship always precedes work. Our greatest need is not to become busy for God but to become more amazed by God. Like the seraphim, we discover our proper place only when we stand in awe of His holiness.

The Song That Never Ends

The heavenly choir cries, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!” [2] Isaiah 6:3. They do not tire of this song because they never exhaust the greatness of the One they praise. In Hebrew, repetition expresses intensity. Saying God is “holy” once is true. Saying “holy, holy” magnifies the truth. But saying “holy, holy, holy” declares His holiness in the highest possible degree.

God’s holiness means He is completely set apart. He is unlike anything in creation because He is the Creator. Holiness is not merely one of God’s attributes; it colors every aspect of His character. The angels also proclaim that, “The whole earth is filled with his glory!” [3] Isaiah may not have fully seen it yet, but heaven certainly did. We often miss God’s fingerprints because we become distracted by the noise of life. Yet His glory shines through creation, redemption, answered prayer, and above all, through Jesus Christ.

Joining Heaven’s Worship

Isaiah tells us that the seraphim’s voices shook the doorposts and filled the temple with smoke. Their worship was neither casual nor routine. Heaven trembled with joyful praise because they knew the majesty of the One before whom they stood.

What is remarkable is that these exalted beings have one primary purpose: to worship God continually. If the highest creatures in heaven find their greatest joy in praising the Lord, then worship is surely humanity’s highest calling.

Through Jesus Christ, believers have been invited into that heavenly chorus. Although we cannot yet stand in God’s throne room as Isaiah did, we worship the same holy God with grateful hearts, redeemed by grace. Unlike the angels, we know the wonder of salvation through the cross. We have every reason to sing with passion and humility. Each time God’s people gather in worship, we rehearse for eternity. We join our voices with countless angels who never cease to declare God’s holiness.

To learn more about angels worshipping God, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/seraphim.html

[2,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

What are Angels?

Tom Graves

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October 25, 2026

Hebrews 1:14 answers an important question: What are angels? The writer declares, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” [1] Angels are not independent beings with their own agenda, nor are they objects of worship. They are God’s servants, created by God to accomplish His will.

Throughout Scripture, angels deliver messages, provide protection, strengthen God’s people, and carry out His commands. Their ministry always points beyond themselves to the Lord, as we see in Luke 2:19. There, the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, is going to have a baby boy.

In Hebrews, the author contrasts Jesus with the angels. Jesus Christ sits at the Father’s right hand in sovereign authority, while the angels stand ready to serve Him. Christ reigns as King; angels minister as His servants. This reminds us that our faith is centered on Jesus, not on the extraordinary works of angels. They faithfully carry out His purposes because He alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.

Angels Serve Those Who Belong to Christ

One of the most comforting truths in this passage is that God sends His angels to care for those who are heirs of salvation. Although angels are greater than humanity in strength and glory, God has graciously appointed them to serve His redeemed people. What a remarkable picture of God’s love! The Lord not only saves us through Christ but also provides unseen care through His heavenly servants.

There are many moments in life when we feel isolated, overwhelmed, or forgotten. Perhaps you feel that way now. We may wonder whether anyone notices our struggles. Hebrews reminds us that God’s care extends far beyond what our eyes can see, as angels watch over us.

Trust the King Who Commands the Angels

The ministry of angels should never become our primary focus. Instead, it should deepen our confidence in the One who commands them, Jesus Christ. The Son shines with God’s glory, mirrors His character, and maintains everything through His command. After cleansing us from sins, he sat at God’s right hand in heaven. This demonstrates that the Son is greater than the angels, with a name surpassing theirs.[2] He rules over heaven and earth, and every angel gladly obeys His voice. The same Savior who reigns in heaven also reigns over our lives.

When you face uncertainty today, remember that the Lord has countless ways of caring for you. Sometimes He works through people, sometimes through circumstances, and sometimes through His unseen angels. Whether His help is visible or invisible, it always comes from His loving hand. You are precious to God because you belong to Christ. The King who reigns over all creation has not forgotten you. As the angels faithfully serve their King, may we also gladly serve Him with joyful hearts, trusting that His sovereign care surrounds us every day.

What are angels? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Heb 1:14). (1984). Zondervan.

[2] Summary of Hebrews 1:3-4

Share in Unity

Tom Graves

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October 24, 2026

Share in unity because Christ calls His people to bear one another’s burdens with generous hearts. Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians was not merely about collecting an offering; it was about building a community where love was shown through practical generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.[1] God’s design is that those who have more at a given time willingly share with those who have less, creating a healthy balance within the body of Christ.

Paul pointed to Israel’s wilderness experience, when God provided manna. 2 Corinthians 8:15 As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.”[2] God’s provision was sufficient for all. Likewise, He entrusts resources to His people not merely for personal comfort but so they can become opportunities of His grace. When we generously share what God has given us, we reflect His loving and equitable care for His children.

Wise Generosity Reflects God’s Heart

Paul viewed the believers’ poverty in Jerusalem as an opportunity for the Gentile churches to demonstrate the unity of the Gospel. Their generosity would strengthen the bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians, proving that they were one family in Christ. Yet Paul also emphasized wisdom. He did not ask the Corinthians to give so much that they themselves, or those who depended on them, would suffer unnecessary hardship.

Christian generosity is sacrificial, but it is also responsible. God calls us to give until it costs us something, but not in a way that neglects our God-given responsibility to care for our families and relatives.

True generosity flows from trust rather than guilt. It recognizes that everything belongs to God and that He can supply every need. As we faithfully steward our resources, we learn that God’s grace is sufficient for both giver and receiver. We are not to measure generosity by reckless giving but by faithful, loving stewardship that honors God and blesses others.

Living as One Caring Community

The church flourishes when believers bear one another’s burdens. Seasons of abundance and seasons of need come to everyone. Today we may be in a position to help; tomorrow we may be the ones receiving help. Paul envisioned a community where generosity created balance, ensuring that no member was forgotten and that no one carried life’s burdens alone.

When we trust God’s provision, it frees us from fear and selfishness. We can open our hands with confidence, knowing that the God who faithfully supplied manna in the wilderness still provides exactly what His people need. He gives neither too much nor too little, but enough to accomplish His purposes through us.

As we faithfully distribute the resources God has entrusted to us, we experience the fullness of His provision and grace. We become living testimonies that, under God’s watchful care, every member of His family matters. When we share in unity, it is more than financial giving; it is a lifestyle of love, compassion, wisdom, and mutual care that reveals Christ’s heart to the world. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Give With Willing Hearts

Tom Graves

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October 23, 2026

When we give with willing hearts, it reveals a life transformed by the love of Christ. The Christian life is not just good intentions but faithful action. Paul commended the Corinthians for eagerly desiring to help fellow believers in need. Yet he challenged them to complete what they had begun and also sent Titus to encourage them.

God delights in willing hearts that follow through with obedient hands. 2 Corinthians 8:11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.[1] Many believers sincerely desire to serve, encourage, and give. However, life’s distractions, fears, or uncertainties can delay our response.

Paul reminds us that willingness should lead to action. A generous heart is demonstrated not only by what it hopes to do someday but by what it does today. When we act on our willingness, we become hands of God’s grace. Every act of generosity, whether large or small, reflects Christ’s love for others.

God Looks at the Heart, Not the Amount

God never asks us to give what we do not possess. He simply asks us to offer what He has already placed in our hands. 2 Corinthians 8:12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.[2] This truth frees us from comparison. We may not have abundant financial resources, extraordinary talents, or unlimited time. Yet every believer has something to offer.

God measures generosity differently from the world. Like the widow who gave her two small coins, our gifts become precious when offered in faith and love. While people often focus on quantity, God treasures cheerful obedience and sacrificial love. A willing heart transforms ordinary gifts into extraordinary worship. When we trust God with what we have, He uses our offerings in ways we could never imagine.

Giving Reflects God’s Grace

Our willingness to give mirrors the generosity of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave Himself for our salvation. Every act of giving, whether of our finances, time, abilities, encouragement, or compassion—becomes a testimony to God’s grace at work within us.

Generosity is not about pressure or obligation. It flows naturally from hearts that have experienced God’s abundant love. As we recognize how richly He has blessed us, we become eager to bless others.

God does not seek reluctant givers or perfect circumstances. He seeks willing hearts that trust Him enough to obey. When we give according to what we have, He receives our gifts with delight and multiplies their impact for His glory.Top of Form

Today, ask yourself: What has God placed in my hands? It may be a listening ear, a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or resources to meet someone’s need. Whatever it is, give with willing hearts and with joy. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus’ Generous Example

Tom Graves

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October 22, 2026

Jesus’ generous example of coming to earth to rescue humanity offers a powerful meditation on what it truly means to give. His self-giving love reminds us that genuine generosity always flows from a willing heart. Paul makes clear that you cannot force generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.[1]

It is interesting to note that instead of issuing a command, Paul pointed believers to love as the true motivation for giving. Genuine generosity flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace, not from obligation or guilt. When God transforms us, love fills our hearts; open hands naturally follow.

Jesus never measured His love by the minimum requirement. He continually gave His time, compassion, forgiveness, and ultimately His life. His example reminds us that generosity is far more than financial giving; it is a lifestyle of putting others before ourselves. Every act of kindness, every encouraging word, and every sacrifice made in love reflects the heart of Christ.

Christ Became Poor for Our Sake

Paul presents the greatest example of generosity in all of history. 2 Corinthians 8:9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. [2] Jesus willingly left heaven to enter our broken world. He embraced humility, hardship, rejection, and the cross so that we could receive forgiveness, eternal life, and the riches of God’s grace.

This “poverty” was not merely material. Jesus emptied Himself of heavenly privilege, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient even to death. His sacrifice was voluntary and motivated entirely by love. By sacrificing His life for us, Jesus made all who believe in Him wealthy. Christians are saved through His selfless act and are also welcomed into God’s family, granting them a glorious, everlasting inheritance in heaven.

When we meditate on what Jesus has done for us, generosity becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant duty. We give because we have first received far more than we could ever repay.

Living Like Jesus Today

Following Christ means reflecting His generous heart in our daily lives. Whether we share our finances, time, abilities, or compassion, every gift offered in love points others to Jesus. Our generosity becomes a visible testimony that God’s grace is at work within us.

The world often teaches us to hold tightly to what we have. Jesus teaches us that we find true riches in giving, serving, and trusting God to provide. As we imitate His example, God’s plan for our lives unfolds in ways we never imagined, shaping us into generous, fulfilled believers.

Today, ask God to reveal one practical way to reflect the generous heart of Jesus. Perhaps it is helping someone in need, encouraging a discouraged friend, forgiving an offense, or giving sacrificially to God’s work. As we remember the immeasurable gift Christ gave us, may we become joyful, generous people who display His grace to the world. Let us all follow Jesus’ generous example. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Excel in Giving

Tom Graves

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October 21, 2026

It is a gift from God to excel in giving and is the Lord’s desire for every believer. As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he told them about the wonderful work God had been doing in the churches in Macedonia. Although these churches were not rich, they gave generously, beyond what they could afford.

Paul wrote that they were so generous they begged to share in the gifts for the church in Jerusalem. Paul appeared most impressed not by the amount of money given but by their readiness to dedicate themselves and their possessions to the Lord.

As Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth, it seems they needed encouragement to continue their giving. For a believer and the church as a whole, it is easy to become worn down and to forget how important our gifts are to others. 2 Corinthians 8:6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.[1]

The Need for Encouragement

There are times in life when we lose our way and our momentum, and we need others’ intervention. This is why I believe Paul sent Titus to the church in Corinth. Paul could have just sent a letter, but sometimes we need Jesus with skin on. In this case, that person was Titus, who would come to the church in Corinth to encourage them to finish the ministry of giving.

There is something about the ministry of presence that communicates more than just words. A believer such as Titus would have been an encourager, a teacher, and a prayer warrior, bringing renewed enthusiasm for the Gospel and a sense of the need to help others. As Titus visited the church in Corinth, it reminds us of the importance of relationships. Not only was he an encourager to the church, but he was also building important relationships within it.

Remember What You Are Doing Well

A good teacher helps a student struggling in one subject remember the areas where they are doing well. Just as students can become discouraged, so can churches. By building on the areas they are doing well, Paul told them they could become like that in the area of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. [2] Paul saw the potential in what they could become.

The Lord also knows the potential, and it often takes His intervention to realize it. Where would any of us be today if Jesus had not intervened for us on the cross? As we reflect on what Jesus has done, it stirs us to give generously of our time, talent, and treasure. Where can you excel in giving? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Finish What You Start

Paula K. Graves

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October 20, 2026

Paul wrote to tell the Corinthians to finish what you start. It seems the offering for Jerusalem had begun a year earlier. We can glean details from Paul’s first letter. 1 Corinthians 16: Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.[1]

During the year in between the letters, there had been some problems. False teachers had come in and probably siphoned off some funds. Paul had sent Titus with a letter of correction that has been lost in history. This tension in relations between the church of Corinth and Paul may have slowed the collection of funds. As a result, Paul plans to send Titus, a young man he has mentored, to encourage the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 8: 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving… 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving.[2]

Half-Finished

It sounds like the Corinthian church enthusiastically started the collection. Then typical life problems got in the way. Now Paul seems to be appealing to their competitive spirit. They had started first. They had been eager for the project then, but their passion had dwindled. By telling them what the churches in Macedonia (northern Greece) were doing, Paul encouraged them to complete what they had started.

They were to rekindle their enthusiasm. Paul’s pep talk is similar to a coach’s half-time talk in the locker room. They knew Jesus had been God incarnate or God Himself come down to earth. In Jesus, God had taken on human flesh and lived and died as a human. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection brought us our salvation. It wasn’t easy, but Jesus completed the project.

Now the Corinthians were to express their beliefs not in abstract theory but in real-life action. They were to be practical and finish the collection so they could share the love of Christ through a monetary gift to needy believers in Jerusalem.

The Christian Faith Journey

As new believers, we often begin our faith journey with great enthusiasm. We want to use our time, talent, and treasure to help build God’s Kingdom. But often life interferes. Our enemy, satan, will use even good things to distract us from our faith walk. We skip worship to go to a ballgame. We would rather use our talents to build our kingdom instead of God’s Kingdom. We reduce our giving because experts are predicting an economic downturn.

We can lose our way just like the Corinthian church did. God still says through Scripture to finish what you start. Fortunately, our God allows restarts and will help us along our faith journey. Philippians 1: 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. [3] To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03faithful-10-18-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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