I have begun another adventure. No, I’m not doing the Race Across America (a bike ride from coast to coast). And no, I’m not leaving the church to take on a new ministry.  And definitely no I’m not going mountain climbing. As good as all those sound (to a younger guy).

Mine is a reading/studying venture. As I finished One Perfect Life by John MacArthur, I knew I had just read the complete (recorded) life of Jesus. I so thoroughly enjoyed that I decided to continue that task by reading One Faithful Life (OFL) by Pastor John on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul.  Chuck Swindoll wrote: “A primary purpose of the Word of God is to help us know the will of God.” (July 21 devotion in Good Morning, Lord…Can we Talk?).  With that thought in mind, why did Paul write his epistles? OFL does a great job of summarizing why. I’ll shrink it some more.

• I Cor- defend against various corruptions which were under the guise of human wisdom and carnal chaos.
• 2 Cor- defending his authority as an apostle and the purity of the gospel.
• Gal- against false teachers who taught we must adhere to OT ceremonial law.
• Eph- salvation is entirely God’s work with no human merit.
• Phil- joy undiminished by “dogs,” “mutilators of the flesh” refuted in Galatians.
• Col- defense vs high-falootin’ philosophy and man’s traditions.
• 1 & 2 Thess- commendation to the church for embracing the Gospel.
• 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus- careful safeguard the truth
• Philemon- exemplify the spirit of Christ.

“Gospel truth permeates everything Paul ever wrote.” (OPL- p. xix) I look forward to this new venture.  New eye-opening.  New awareness. New “eyes” to see God’s truth.  And I plan to share some of it along the way.

“Father,  open my eyes to Your Word. Give me fresh eyes as I read to see new vistas before me. Clarify Your truth in my heart.”