In this episode we elaborate on some of the points made in the series, -The Divine 'YES- in Christ.- Here we confront the ignorance of Christ that thrives under the dark cloak of religious tradition.

This is part part two of a study of how God's faithfulness is fully revealed in the Person and work of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Having learned the covenantal framework of the gospel, we now examine more the eschatological -now and not yet- framework of the new covenant of the Spirit and its ministry in producing the image of Christ in the believer.

In this part one of a two-part study, we discover that the ministry of the new covenant of the Spirit is synonymous with the ministry of the gospel. This is important to you for this critical reason- Only the ministry of the new covenant of the Spirit will facilitate the forming of the image of Christ in you. Only the narrative of Christ and the new covenant which he consecrated in his own blood will produce Christlike character in you. And this is an imperative before God.

The difference between a true minister of the new covenant of the Spirit, as was Paul, and a false apostle, as was his opponents, is that for Paul the message of the cross had been fully integrated into his character, while the false apostles remained morally decadent, unregenerate servants of Satan. In this episode, we examine how to move from a partially integrated character to becoming fully integrated with the message of the cross.

The Christian life and ministry is about moving from sinful self-reliance and toward a greater God-reliance. And God uses adversity and sufferings for Christ to produce in us this greater reliance upon himself. So suffering and comfort not only authenticates our faith it also moves into a greater reliance upon God as our deliverer and hope. This is not a popular message, but it is the path to greater comfort and hope as we walk in Jesus' footsteps.

The great joy of the Christian life is realized in ever-increasing conformity to Christ. And this includes sharing in his sufferings and death, for the world has never stopped hating Jesus. But God promises abundant comfort for those who suffer for imaging his Son character into the world. The danger is that we may react to suffering by compromising our faith by accepting another gospel and a different view of Jesus which the world will accept, and thus avoid suffering. The end of that road is eternal destruction. Don't go there. Instead, rest in the God of all comfort.

We continue here in our examination of what Paul called the Super-Apostles, that is, those who opposed Paul throughout his ministry. These men criticized Paul as weak in stature and speech, preaching a gospel that encouraged sin, and pointed to his imprisonment as Paul's just punishment. But Paul says his sufferings prove he is truly Christ's apostle, that his weaknesses place Christ's power on display, and so we ought follow his example.

It is very likely that you are under the influence what Paul called those -who peddle the word of God for profit.- In this series, we work to help you identify if you are being exploited and robbed of the great purpose of God in your life--being conformed to Christ.

-Count it all joy-- Really-- It sounds good, And maybe some Christians can do this when stressed by life, but is this admonition intended for all believers-- Yes, and here's how to get there.

Do you experience genuine Christian joy- If, not let me offer you this short exhortation as to how, when, and where this joy begins. You can know true Christian rejoicing.