Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 9Sample

What is special about the message in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5? The apostle Paul reminds us that if we trust in Jesus, we have a really strong hope. This hope is way bigger than any problems we face in our everyday lives. Paul shares that even when he went through really tough times, he saw them as short and not so heavy compared to the amazing happiness he'll have forever in heaven. This makes us think that our problems are only temporary, even when they seem big. The joy we'll have with God is much, much greater.

Here are two questions to think about:

1. Have you ever felt like your problems are too big to handle?

2. How might thinking about the bigger happiness in heaven help you face hard times?

Paul is sure of this because he knows this life isn't all there is. He's excited about having a special, perfect body in heaven that won't ever hurt or be sick. This excitement gives him the courage to keep telling people about Jesus. It's like a call for us to stay strong and keep telling others about Jesus too, no matter what hard things come our way. This chapter is mostly about fixing broken relationships. God fixed our relationship with Him through Jesus. This changes us deep down, making us like new people in Jesus. It's like a fresh start. We're not defined by the wrong things we did before. We're made new because of Jesus.

As we think about this, let's remember that we're part of something bigger than just ourselves. We're like messengers spreading the good news. This news is all about God's love and how we can be close to Him again because of Jesus. It's not just a small part of our lives – it's the big reason we're here. So let's share this amazing news with others, being excited and serious about it.

To conclude, 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 tells us to look past the hard stuff in our world and focus on the forever happiness in heaven. Let's keep holding on to this hope, even when we're having a tough time. And let's be brave because of the promise that we'll have wonderful new bodies and an important job to bring people closer to God. This truth should inspire us to live in a new way, showing how Jesus' love can change everything.