2 Corinthians 3:12-18 The veil was lifted in the sacrifice of Jesus. He is the only truth that matters.

 John 8:32

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Precept by precept we are being transformed in the unity of Holy Spirit into the character of His Son, Jesus. Our hope is in Him alone to do what is impossible for us on our own. He reveals the deep things of God. The wisdom of God changes us and we are never the same. It is revealed in the freedom that is given by God to those who believe in the sacrifice of Jesus. In the measure that we allow our teacher into our lives is the measure that we can receive guidance. Although here we only see in part one day we will see the whole upon His return. True freedom only comes from above. Jesus is the only truth that matter. Carla

2  Corinthians 3:12-18

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—13 •unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil •is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when •one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (NKJV)

Paul used boldness of speech, a phrase that means “freedom of speech” or “frankness.” Instead of being fearful or reluctant, Paul was frank and courageous.

The veil on the face of Moses reminded Paul of another veil. As Moses’ veil concealed the fading glory of his ministry, so there is a veil on the hearts of people concealing the fading away of the old covenant.

Whenever Moses turned to the Lord, he took off the veil (Exodus 34:34). Likewise, we find freedom in Christ by looking to Him. The Holy Spirit is God Himself, like the Father and like the Son. The Spirit gives us freedom from sin, death, and the condemnation of the law (verses 7–12).

All believers behold the glory of the Lord in the Scripture and are transformed into the image of God. Christ is the image of God. It is an ever-growing glory. As believers behold the glory of God in the Word of God, the Spirit of God transforms them into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This is a description of the gradual process of sanctification. The NKJV Study Bible

Paul bases the boldness of his apostolic ministry in the permanence of the new covenant (2 Corinthians  3:11) and the hope it provides in the resurrection of Jesus (4:13–18).

To place a veil over his face refers to Exodus 34:33–35. The veil covered the radiance of the glory, but it also concealed its fading quality. The transitory nature of the glory corresponds to the transitory nature of the old covenant.

Minds were hardened represents God’s judgment. He hardens the minds and hearts of those who suppress His truth and revelation (Exododus 32:9; 33:3; 34:9; Romans 1:28).

Many Israelites rejected God’s word in the law and the prophets (Isaiah 6:9–10; Jeremiah 5:21–24; Romans 11:7–8, 25). Paul encountered opposition from Jews who denied the gospel message as the fulfillment of the old covenant. He concluded that their hearts were hardened (Acts 28:26–27; Romans 15:21). Jews typically heard the Law read every week in the local synagogue (Luke 4:16–17; Acts 13:27; 15:21; 17:2–3). 

Moses is read aloud refers to the law that God gave to Moses (Exodus 24:12).  A veil Moses covered his face because of the radiance of God’s glory (Exodus 34:33–34). This veil represents the Jews’ hardened hearts and their inability to grasp the gospel message and refusal to obey God. As one turns to the Lord is in reference to conversion and the reception of the Spirit.

The veil is removed signifies that nothing stands between believers and God. Through Christ, God has reconciled the world to Himself, bringing freedom and forgiveness (2 Corinthians 5:18–21).

Paul may be identifying Christ with the Spirit—particularly in terms of their roles—while also distinguishing between them. Jesus and the Spirit are elsewhere identified with each other (Romans 8:9; Philippians 1:19; 1 Peter 1:10–11). It also is possible that 2 Corinthians 3:17 clarifies verse 16, where “the Lord” refers to God the Father. In this case, Paul’s point is that the Lord of the Old Testament narrative mentioned in verse 16 (Exodus 34:34) is the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:3, 6, 8). Either way, the Spirit’s role in lifting the veil is central to Paul’s message. 

The ministry of the Spirit (verse 8) brings freedom from the power of sin and death—those things that the law could not free people from. Unveiled face represents freedom and confidence to enjoy God’s presence.

The same image refers to the image of Christ that believers bear (Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:26–27). Faithlife Study Bible

2 Corinthians 4:4–6

whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake…

Exodus 34:29–35

Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him…

Romans 11:23

And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

I know this for certain: it doesn't take much to nurse resentment or regret. There are times when whatever we are doing seems not enough (no doubt a miasma of guilt or shame and the vagaries of public opinion).
Over the years I have heard, “I’m just a volunteer (or just a member, or catechist, or teacher, or aid, or worker, or helper, or employee, or friend, or mother or father or fill in the blank).”
To each I say, No.
You see, “just a” creates a label and tells us what we are not. And when we label, we dismiss. (Regardless of the label. Dorothy Day once scoffed, “Don’t call me a saint. I don’t want to be dismissed so easily.”)

So, how then do we make a difference?
Here’s the deal: Your work (labor) is your turf of responsibility. Which is only part of our DNA. Because no matter where we labor or toil, our calling is to spill the light.
And the good news? For this we don’t have to pass a test, or qualify, we have only to be willing.
Jesus made it simple, "Let your light shine."
Not, when you get your act together.
Not, when you feel noble.
Not, when you find a specific vocation.
Not, after you've chased all the gloom away.
Just let it shine. Because the light is already there. Inside of you. Now.
What we do—how we “choose”—and who we are, touches lives, plain and simple.
This matters more than ever, in a divisive world, a world on edge, a world where a kind word or gesture makes all the difference. We need a reset on making a difference. Sabbath Moments

1 John 2:18-19 Pride and greed will pass away but the love of God is eternal.

Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

The sins of the world are encapsulated in pride and greed. Those who harm others are not abiding in Christ. Those who abide in Jesus will show the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. We are not to judge those who are outside of the Body but those who claim Jesus but their actions show otherwise. God will not be mocked. We do not fight against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness  that runs rampant in the world. Carla

1 John 2:18-19

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, •the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (NKJV)

John views the rise of those who deny the truth of Christ from within the Christian community as an indication of the beginning of the end of all things. 

Antichrists is a combination of two Greek words: anti, meaning “instead of” or “against,” and christos, meaning “anointed one.” Antichrists most likely means those who seek to take the place of Christ. 

The many antichrists are the false teachers John opposed in this letter (verses 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). They are reminiscent of the false christs Jesus told the disciples about (Matthew 24:24). They are forerunners of the future Antichrist, also known as the beast in the Book of Revelation (Revelations 13:1–18), who will exalt himself above God (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15).

When the false teachers went out from among the believers, they revealed that they did not belong to the Christian community; they were never true believers. 

In the opening verses of this book, John made a distinction between we and you (1:1, 3). We, the apostles, were the eyewitnesses of Christ, you were the readers. That same distinction is probably maintained here (verse 20). Thus when John says these false teachers were not of us, he means they did not agree with the teaching of the apostles. These antichrists had departed from the apostolic churches, and their attitudes and actions were not of the apostolic persuasion. If they had been in harmony with the apostles, they would have remained in fellowship with them (1:1–3). The NKJV Study Bible

The last hour refers to the time preceding Jesus’ second coming. John may have inherited this language about the false-messiah from Jesus’ discussion of the end times. Jesus had noted that those who falsely claim authority—as anointed (messianic) leaders—would come (Mark 13:21–22; Matthew 24:4–5, 24).

The singular term “antichrist” (as opposed to “antichrists”) might refer to the evil figures described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10 and Revelations 13:1–10. It also could refer to the general movement of people falsely representing Jesus (1 John 2:22; 4:3).

Many antichrists refers to those who have withdrawn from the community John is addressing. He identifies them in this way because they spread false teaching about Jesus. By extension, the term could refer to anyone who is opposed to Jesus. This would fit with John’s larger dichotomous viewpoint that people are either in the light (of Jesus) or in the darkness (against Jesus). Although the antichrists emerged from the Christian community, they do not represent the viewpoints of the Church or Jesus.

For John, the origin of a viewpoint (or someone’s ministry) does not validate it. Rather, people must remain within Christ—within the church community and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus’ teaching in John 14:6, John views the world through the lens of whether people are of Christ or not. He considers minor heresies to be extremely dangerous since they inevitably result in major heresies.

John indicates that these secessionists—antichrists—are not authentic believers in Jesus.

John’s correctives seem to indicate that his opponents were teaching hatred, accommodating the values of society. They were also actively misleading others (verse 25). Faithlife Study Bible

1 John 4:3–4

and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 

2 John 7

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 

Matthew 24:5

For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 

A magazine ad sponsored by the Humane Society, looking for homes for homeless pets. A photo of a puppy and kitten—looking up at you from the page—catches your eye and your heart. But it's the affirmation on the top of the ad that sticks, “It's who owns them that makes them important.”

In this culture where economic value too easily seems to best intrinsic value, we are owned by narratives that diminish us.

And here’s the deal: we have forgotten our DNA.
It makes a difference in how we choose, and in how—or in what ways—we contribute.

“What has been lost is the true beholding of the light from the inner eyes,” John Scotus Eriugena wrote. “Grace is given to heal that inner sight, to open our eyes again to the goodness that is deep within us, for God is within us. The grace of Christ restores us to our original simplicity.”

William Sloane Coffin elaborates, “Of God's love we can say two things: it is poured out universally for everyone from the Pope to the loneliest wino on the planet and secondly, God’s love doesn’t seek value, it creates value. It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value. Our value is a gift, not an achievement.”

This we know: it is from a grounded self, that the gift of light spills to the world around us. Yes, even, and especially, in an uncertain and anxious world. This world.
I was raised in a religious tradition that mandated conversion, which punched my ticket for the afterlife. I was frequently asked what I would do if I died today. I was never once asked what I would do if I lived.
But what if conversion is about living this life, today, with my whole heart?

I can choose to be a listening ear.
I can choose to give empathy.
A calm demeanor.
A shout out to a friend.
Words of consolation.

We’ve lost the empowerment that comes from knowing that what is at our core (compassion, generosity, kind-heartedness, our capacity for connection) is greater than whatever change confronts or challenges us.
In other words, we have forgotten our best selves.
We have forgotten that we were made for this, one soul helping another.
And yes, we get to choose the kind of world we want to live in. Excerpt from “Sabbath Moments”

John 15:12-17 Love is an action word!

 Romans 5:7–8

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

We will know Christ followers by the fruit that is evident in their lives. Two commandments fulfill all of the teachings of God and were manifested in Jesus. These two cover a multitude of the sins of mankind. This is the will of God that we love Him above all and love our neighbors as our ourselves. By being doers not just hearers we fulfill His will  in our lives. The love of God offers salvation to the world through Jesus, all God-all man. (John 3:16-17). Just believe in the Son of God, Jesus, who gave His life in exchange for ours. Love is an action word! Carla

John 15:12-17

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, •than to lay down one’s life •for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. (NKJV)

To abide, a believer must obey (verse 10). To obey, a believer must love other believers (13:34, 35). In rashness and with confidence in the flesh, Peter had offered to lay down his life for Jesus. In actuality, he was not ready to die for Jesus; he was not even ready to live for Him (18:17, 18, 25–27). The supreme example of love is Jesus’ humility in sacrificial service (13:15).

Jesus is our model for love (verse 13). Intimacy with Him is the motive for loving as He loves. If believers obey His command to love, they enjoy the intimacy of His friendship. Note that friendship, unlike sonship, is not a once-for-all gift, but develops as the result of obeying Jesus’ command to love.

Until this point, Jesus had called His disciples servants (12:26; 13:13–16). A servant does what he is told and sees what his master does, but does not necessarily know the meaning or purpose of it. A friend knows what is happening because friends develop deep fellowship by communicating with one another. Jesus had initiated the relationship with His disciples (1 John 4:10). It started with selection, moved to servanthood, and grew to friendship. Having chosen the disciples, Jesus commissioned them to bring forth permanent fruit through prayer. The NKJV Study Bible

The way that Jesus’ disciples reciprocate the friendship He showed them is by doing what He asked of them (verse 10). Disciples were completely subservient to their teachers. Jesus is referencing the subject matter at hand, not everything He knows. He means that He has told His disciples everything regarding salvation and what it means to follow God and obey His will. There is no secret way to receive salvation; it simply involves accepting Jesus as Savior. 

I chose you. Jesus means His disciples, whom He selected. They have been called to the vocation of doing God’s will by loving other people and telling them about Christ’s ability to save them from their sins. They are commissioned for this task.

To bear fruit Involves keeping Jesus’ commands (verses 8, 10) and being guided by His Spirit in the process of doing so (14:26). Not only must the disciples follow Jesus, but their works should align with His purposes (14:11). Faithlife Study Bible

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 

Matthew 12:50

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Luke 12:4

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 

John 8:26

I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”

A farmer walks along the furrowed row, stopping every three feet, to place a potato start into the soil. His young son keeps pace, on the opposite side of the furrow, weighted with a burlap sack of starts, wholehearted in assisting his father. He places starts into the soil; unhurried, deliberate and methodical. There are times when he picks the start from out of the ground, in order to turn it, so that the eye of the potato may be placed at the exact angle.
The neighbor, who has been watching over the fence, decides to offer his opinion. “I see you're planting potatoes,” he tells the farmer, “But I'll tell you this; it's going to take you a good long while at your pace. Let me tell you like it is; you'd get it done a whole lot faster if you'd plant this field by yourself.”
“Well,” replies the farmer, “that may be true, but I'm raising more than just potatoes.”

We do make a difference in our world.
And the choices we make do matter.

So, I wonder, how do we find the courage to choose what really matters?

We have forgotten that we were made for this, one soul helping another.

Remembering that yes, we do get to choose the kind of world we want to live in.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love." Coretta Scott King reminded us. No one of us is on this journey alone. And life without community (without “company”) is unsatisfying and anxious, leaving an emptiness no purchase or accomplishment can fill.
We are on this journey together.

Let us take these affirmations from Leo Buscaglia into our week…
“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have a potential to turn a life around.
It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt.” 

Sabbath Moments