Magazine /

June 27, 2006

Volume 123, Issue #13

Lectionary

Pressed into service: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Why does Paul resort to both shame and pride to raise money for the Jerusalem church?

Power source: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

The closest I get to the kind of religious experience the apostle Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 12 is the occasional Sunday when the music and the congregation merge in worship that is unrestrained praise. I especially enjoy communion, since the Eucharist itself is designed to anticipate heaven. With our sins confessed and forgiven, peace made and prayers prayed, we experience an unusual unity with God and with each other. It’s a taste of paradise.

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