Trying Not to Muddy the Waters

             Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, New King James Version)

The apostle Paul was one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament. Besides many other books of the Bible, he wrote the Book of Romans, which I wrote about last week. (And I’m sure that all of you read the 28^th chapter as I had asked you to.)

All of these books were letters which he wrote to different churches of the time, to give them advice and encouragement. But just how many of these did he write?

Traditionally, it was thought that Paul wrote the first thirteen letters of the New Testament, starting with Romans. Over the years, scholars have disputed some of them; I don’t know why. I feel that they were all the inspired words of God, so how important is it to know which human being penned them. But for non-believers or those who are on the fence about the Holy Bible, it might give them ammunition to dispute all of Christianity. I’m not going to go there. I know what I believe. I’d like you to believe the same, but I’m not going to argue with anyone.

Okay, sorry for the ramble. Moving on.

I’m not going to spend the next thirteen weeks going into each of these letters, aka books. I will leave that to you. Instead, here are a few good verses from some of those books, nuggets to hang onto, maybe even memorize.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, New King James Version)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, New International Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8, New King James Version) 

(Oh, those books most attributed to John are: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus,  and Philemon)