Study Desk

Here's the problem, one fellow wants to sing a song. Another says he has a truth to reveal. Still another guy starts talking in a language only one other person can understand and he interprets it. The point to worshiping with others is so everyone benefits. When everyone benefits, then everyone grows in faith.

So it don't really matter who gave you the good news. All the cowboys spread the same good news and this is what is important.

And if he didn't come back, then everything we've told you is a farce . . . and so is your faith.

And if Jesus is still dead, then so is our faith. If Jesus is still dead, then we are still guilty of our sins and will pay for them in full.

When Jesus has conquered everything, he is going to turn around and hand everything over to God so that God will be the one and only ruler.

Let me make this clear, cowboys. Our physical bodies can't inherit the kingdom of God. These bodies have to die so that we can have bodies that can last forever.

So this body that is so full of death and disease will be swapped out for one of power and immortality. This will fulfill what was written in the Good Book. "Death has been swallowed in victory. Death, where is your victory?

So, cowboys, sit tall in the saddle. Don't ever quit riding for the brand because your work down here makes a difference.

I wish I could come now, but then I wouldn't be able to stay long as I've got other things to do. I want to get them out of the way so I can stay with y'all longer if God says it's okay.

Don't let me hear of anyone turning him away or shunning him in any way. Help him out with anything he needs so he may return to me in peace and safety. Don't delay in this. I'm waiting on him and the others who are riding with him.

He gives us comfort for ourselves, but also so we can comfort others when they get hung up in the stirrup of life.

If times are hard on us, it means you're being saved and comforted. If God comforts us, it is so we can pass it along to you. That way, you know you aren't alone when you go through the mesquite and suffer as we do.

Listen cowboys and cowgirls, let me tell you a little about the wreck that happened in Asia. It was so rank at times that we just wanted to die.

When y'all pray for us, it helps us! Then we will be able to tell others of how God so graciously saved us and answered your prayers.

Jesus never seesawed with his yes's and no's. Jesus is the one Silas, Timothy, and I talked to you so much about. Jesus is the "yes" in God's greatest promise.

So, I decided not to come just to be the bearer of bad news.

If you'll forgive him, so will I. And if I'm willing to forgive someone, I do so with the authority of Jesus himself.

But I was restless because my pard, Titus, hadn't showed up yet. So I saddled up and headed for Macedonia to find him.

Does is seem like we are tooting our own horns so that y'all will believe we are who we say we are? Do we really need some letter of introduction or endorsement concerning the things we've done?

What I mean is, the old agreement was a code of condemnation that judged people guilty of sin and brought death. Even so, it was filled with God's glory. So surely this new agreement, a code of confirmation that forgives people of sin and brings life, has even more glory from God.