Let's get our study of God's Word. Today is a momentous occasion. We are finally going to complete the book of 1st Corinthians.

We're going to bring it to an end after, I don't know how long it's been.

And I don't know that you know how long it's been, but it's been two years, Mark says.

Really?

Yeah.

So that means that if 2 Corinthians, we probably won't finish it before the rapture, but that's okay.

Well, anyway.

If you would please, once you find your way to chapter 16 verses 17 through 24,

stand, and you can follow along as I read. The Apostle Paul is writing and by the Holy Spirit

verse 17 says, I was glad when Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived,

because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they, verse 18, refreshed my spirit

and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. The churches in the province of Asia send

you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church

that meets at their house. All the brothers and sisters, verse 20, here, send you

greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. This is actually still the culture and

the tradition today that in the Middle East, you kiss the person that you're greeting

on the cheek and then on the other cheek and sometimes

they do it several times and so this is still a custom to this day.

Verse 21, I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

If anyone, verse 22, does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed.

Come, Lord, the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you, my love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. Let's pray.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for your word. Thank you for this portion that is before us today here in your word.

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