November 2008

          I am thankful for many aspects of my life.  But for today, I am concentrating on my ministerial training.  It has been taught to me and then reinforced by experience that 2 Corinthians 3:6b is one of the most important verses in the Bible.  It is when Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (NIV).   Paul was warning about those rules that can’t or won’t be changed and those legalities that take precedence over human needs.  The “letter” meant written requirements that bind the soul and kill the spirit.

          It is sad that Scriptures can be used to beat people down, as well as lift people up!  Those who quote the Bible to condemn others are using the “letter” that kills.  Those who know all the “Thou shalt nots” are using the “letter” that kills.  Those who emphasize the verses that threaten and not the verses that reassure are using the “letter” that kills.

          I was taught that we are not to be ministers of the “letter” but of the “spirit.”  Paul said, “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” (2 Corinthians 3:6).

           Paul said the greatest eternal principal is – He has made us competent as ministers of a New Covenant.  “You show that you are a letter from Christ that he sent through us.  This letter was not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God.  It is not written on stone tablets.  It is written on human hearts: (2 Corinthians 3:3). 

          As part of the priesthood of all believers, may you always realize that you are guided by the Holy Spirit in your interactions with others in need.  You know the lessons of the Good Samaritan.  You know the lessons of not casting the first stone.  You know the lessons of the Prodigal Son and so many others.  These lessons are written in your heart.  You don’t have to quote Scriptures to help people in need, but put into practice those lessons of love that have been made a part of your inner most being. 

          May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Rev. Ed Arbogast, Jr.