Picturepocket's Blog

Tag: culture

  • 2 Corinthians 12: R-E-S-P-E-C-T

    Feeling like he’s not being respected, Paul shares a vision with his readers in hopes that they will listen to what he has to say. He says that a man, himself we assume, was caught up either in- or out-of-body visit to the third heaven where they experienced paradise and other unexplainable events. The what?…

  • 2 Corinthians 11: Résumé of Risk 

    In this chapter, Paul complains about the kind of preachers the Corinthians are listening to. He compares himself to a matchmaker, bringing them as pure bride to Christ. Now, he accuses them of stepping out from their pure devotion. He says that other teachers are bringing a different Jesus, a different gospel and a different…

  • 2 Corinthians 10: War of the Words

    Paul wants the Corinthian church to listen to him. He acknowledges his tension between boldness and humility. He says he is gentle and meek in person, but strong and confident in his letters so he doesn’t overwhelm them. He says the source of their struggles isn’t physical, but spiritual.  Believers have access to divine power…

  • 2 Corinthians 9: Family Style 

    In this chapter, Paul continues trying to convince the Corinthians to give to the ministry. He is raising support for believers in impoverished communities. He starts out saying that he has already bragged to the Macedonians about their generosity, and wants make sure they actually give something so he doesn’t look like a fool. He…

  • 2 Corinthians 8: The Joy of Giving

    Paul continues by addressing his audience as brothers and sisters. When I was a kid, the old pentecostal churches used to refer to each other in this manner. “And now Sister Sarah is going to play us a special on the piano.” It’s a warm way to greet our church friends.  Paul reminds the Corinthians…

  • Foreign War and Family Lore

    Two weeks ago, Tim and I used the special computer down at the Brookwood Library that is dedicated to ancestry to search our family tree. Having a common last name like Adams makes it pretty challenging to search up at Tim’s family tree because there are literally hundreds of Adams, Adamses?, dotting the East Coast.…

  • Do Justice

    When you hear a statistic like one in three women and girls has been sexually assaulted, it may seem impossibly high, but includes real people, the women and girls you interact with in a daily basis. Throughout my lifetime of getting to know others, I can personally attest to the veracity of number. Obviously I…

  • 2 Corinthians 6: Soft Skills

    Paul is continuing in Chapter 6 his appeal to the Corinthians on behalf God to take the gift of Christ seriously. He quotes Isaiah about God’s faithfulness to hear and respond to his people’s call to him. He calls it the Day of Salvation.  Paul lists all the obstacles that they have overcome with weapons…

  • A Mighty Whine

    Today is the first day I have not had a cough in three weeks, maybe four. Being medium sick is such a drag, especially when you are a Mom. It was a head cold I got hit with on a Friday that ran the most of February. By week two, it settled into my lungs…

  • 2 Corinthians 4: Jars of Clay

    Paul begins his fourth chapter reassuring the believers of his dedication to the truth and renouncing deceitful or underhanded ways. I wonder with whom he is comparing himself. Were there other leaders at the time spewing half-truths and lies? We certainly have those now, so what follows should be relatable. He says he refuses to…