Confidence! In What?  

     We turn again to Saul, called Paul, the Pharisee determined to arrest followers of the Way, himself apprehended by the Lord above. 

     He visited early believers and wrote to churches - sometimes from prison - to strengthen them.

     To those in Philippi, "We ... put no confidence in the flesh, though I myself have reasons for such confidence: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless." 

     "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord ... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..." 

     To the Ephesians, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil (events, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. not explainable by natural or scientific laws) in the heavenly realms." 

     To the Hebrews, "The Son is superior to angels. Jesus (was) made like his brothers, greater than Moses, great high priest, our intercessor. High priest of a new covenant - the blood of Christ. His sacrifice once for all."

     To those in Galatia, "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." 

     "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. You are all one in Christ Jesus." 

     To the Colossians, "There is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is in all." 

Note: The Lord chose an intelligent, type-A personality, the most passionate Jew on earth to preach reconciliation for all. Paul was a bridge connecting Judaism with the world, all under a new covenant.   

Next week: Incredible miracles over the horizon