the Word of God. On Sunday mornings, we're going through 2 Corinthians now, having completed

1st Corinthians, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And today we begin a new chapter,

chapter 3, and our text will be verses 1 through 6. I'll ask you to stand once you find

your way there if you're able, and you can follow along as I read.

The Apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit is writing to the church in Corinth and he says,

verse 1, are we beginning to commend ourselves again?

Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation

to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, verse 2, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not

with ink, but with the spirit of the living God. Not on tablets of stone, but on tablets

of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that verse 5, we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our

competence comes from God.

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit.

For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Let's pray, if you would, join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, would you at this time, by your Holy Spirit get our attention and keep our attention, our undivided attention upon you and you alone and that which you desire to minister to us today.

Lord, we want to posture ourselves before you this morning, willing to present ourselves

as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto you. So Lord, do with us as you please. Have thine own way, Lord.

Thou art the potter and we merely the clay in your hands.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

You can be seated, thank you.

Today's teaching is going to be part one of a series I've titled,

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