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the grace of God

2 Corinthians 8:1&2
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

This last week we studied living the Christian life; from Paul, Peter, the unknown author of Hebrews, and James, the brother of Jesus. Through our study we want to become seasoned professionals who can faced danger after danger and withstand it all. We want to learn to endure any attack from the Devil. We must develop the conscious strength of patients and trust in God that is able to say; "THY will be done." And, MEAN it.

Today we turn to the Second letter to the Corinthians from the Apostle Paul. Paul is continuing to plant churches and hearing that the church at Corinth is struggling, and he writes to try to help this body of believers to stay together. We get to read over their shoulder and learn from there mistakes. 

This section of the letter Paul begins by comparing the Corinthians to the churches of Macedonia; Philippi, Thessalonica, Beræa, and other places in that province. "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;" These churches are VERY good at giving to the ministry of God.

"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." The Macedonians had a great joy arising from the hopes and promises of The Gospel. This was demonstrated in the abundant giving they did to the church. Their country was plagued by wars, the Roman taxation was fierce and they faced severe economic challenges. Still they found a way to cheerfully contribute to the aid of others. Something every Christian needs to do.

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