2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

Having read so many words of encouragement from Paul in the areas of trust, faith and hope, I almost find this verse inconsistent speech for Paul. Almost.

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul’s honest confession of despair was personal and real within himself, his own ability. At the same time he found a way to endure these things which went above his own personal consideration.

Paul endured because of his great love for God’s elect, knowing that no matter what happened, his love would endure, thru death if need be.

I believe that I have that much faith. I believe I have that must trust. I believe I have that much hope.

But do I have that much love? I don’t know. I have not yet been tested to that degree. Some of us have but in most of those cases the end result has been loss of life.

You can believe whatever you want but love demands more than belief. Love takes action.

1 John 3:16 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Another 3:16

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

I have been reading The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel of late and I have been struggling with the premise of the book itself. I was not sure why because it is a searching book about attitudes and evidence about my favorite subject, Jesus Christ. I have not finished the book as yet, but I have observed something that has not yet been said, they are looking for a dead Christ.

Everything so far and I grant you I am only half way thru the book is like an archeological dig. They are digging into evidence as a case study, in the same way you might reexamine the evidence of a convicted and executed man from the past. It is written as if there is no one who can testify about Christ today, because He is dead.

Jesus Christ is not dead. If He were then I could not have a close personal relationship with Him today. I would hope they get around to that point before the book ends but it does lead to some interesting issues and attitudes about one’s personal exercise in Christianity.

Has Christ revealed Himself to you personally?

To be fair with you, Christ revealed Himself to me so long ago that I have forgotten how it feels to not know Him. I never ponder those thoughts. I am still searching the heights, depths, breadth, and width of Christ. I honestly never considered looking without faith, thru eyes of unbelief or doubt.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Having seen that it is so hard to look away. Am I wrong?