Skip to main content

The Latest Teaching from St Pauls & St Barnabas | Living Letters of Grace (2 Corinthians 3:1-6)

Living Letters of Grace: A Reflection on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Living Letters of Grace: A Reflection on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

In a recent sermon, we explored the profound message of 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, where Paul eloquently describes believers as "living letters of grace." This metaphorical imagery speaks to how our lives, transformed and guided by the Spirit, embody the message of the Gospel, not written on stone but on human hearts. This passage challenges us to reflect on our role as visible manifestations of God's grace in the world.

"Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." - 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Paul addresses the criticisms and doubts about his apostleship by pointing to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of his ministry's authenticity. Their transformed lives stand as a testament to the power of the Gospel. This serves as a reminder that our competence and confidence come not from ourselves but from God, who has made us ministers of a new covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The sermon also touches on the concept of miracles in our faith journey, emphasizing that the greatest miracle is the transformation of our lives through Christ's grace. This transformation makes us living testimonies to God's work in the world. As we navigate our daily lives, the way we live, speak, and interact with others can reveal the grace of God to those around us.

We are encouraged to consider how our lives might read as letters from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. This perspective invites us into a deeper engagement with our faith, urging us to live in a way that genuinely reflects God's love and grace to the world.

For a more in-depth exploration of this theme and to hear the sermon in full, you can listen to the podcast below:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Looking Ahead for the Week beginning 10th March 2024

As we enter the reflective season of Lent, St. Paul's and St. Barnabas are buzzing with activities that cater to our congregation's spiritual growth and community spirit. Let's explore this week's schedule and the upcoming Holy Week preparations, inviting everyone to participate in these meaningful occasions. This Week's Fellowship and Worship Opportunities Monday with the Vestry Our week begins with the Vestry meeting on Monday, 9th March, at 7:30 PM. The Vestry members gather to deliberate on matters that shape our church's life and service We invite all those involved in these duties to be present and for everyone to pray for them! Wednesday's Lenten Devotions Midweek brings us together for Wednesday's Lenten evening of prayer and scripture. At 6:30 PM, we'll have our Lent Prayer session, a quiet space to reflect and seek peace amid our week. As we progress through the evening, we invite you to delve deeper into the Word with our Bible Study and I
Post a Comment
Read more

Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us in the Winter Coat Proje

Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us in the Winter Coat Project Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us in the Winter Coat Project Imagine a cold winter's night in Belfast. Rain pours relentlessly, the wind howls, and the chill in the air cuts deep. It's a scene all too familiar for many in our community, where the unforgiving weather can be a daunting challenge. In these moments, a warm coat can be the difference between a difficult struggle and a glimmer of hope. It's a shield against the elements, a source of comfort, and a tangible expression of care from one human being to another. It's a reminder that, in our darkest hours, there are those who stand beside us, ready to offer warmth and support. The Winter Coat Project: Extending a Hand of Warmth In the spirit of compassion and community, we are delighted to announce the launch of the Winter Coat Project. This initiative holds great significance for us and aligns wit
Post a Comment
Read more

Service of Introduction and Licensing in St Paul and St Barnabas For New Ministry Lead Andrew!

  The Rev Andrew Irwin was introduced as Curate of the Parish of St Paul and St Barnabas, Belfast, on Wednesday June 8 by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison. At the same service, Bishop George also Licensed the Rev Brian Lacey as Priest-in-Charge of the parish. Preacher at the service was the Ven Roderic West, rector of the Parish of Seapatrick, Banbridge, Diocese of Down and Dromore, where Andrew was curate prior to his appointment to St Paul and St Barnabas. A sizeable number of Andrew’s friends from Seapatrick Parish travelled to St Paul’s in York Street for the service. Andrew, 32, is a native of Portadown, Co Armagh, and grew up in the Parish of Knocknamuckley. He studied Computer Science at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2012. He worked in software development and digital communications before starting to train for the ministry in 2015 at the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. Andrew was deacon intern in Waringstown and Donacloney, Diocese of
Post a Comment
Read more