Worthy Brief - 5/2/2019
Friend, fight to win!
1 Cor 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Writing to the Corinthian Church, Paul illustrates his exhortation using the metaphors of running a race and fighting a boxing match. Victory is achieved by bringing your body into submission to the will of God.
Their idolatrous culture promoted in the Corinthians an intense passion to win. In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. She fought on the side of the Olympian gods, triumphing over the mighty Titans and thus became a powerful symbol of victory.
Her divine her powers were not limited to warfare. She was also solicited by Greek athletes who sought victory in competitive sports. A major manufacturer of athletic shoes took note of this and named their company after the goddess. The Romans gave Nike the Latin name "Victoria" from which we get our English word - "victory".
The apostle Paul, with characteristic cultural awareness, addresses the Corinthians in a language they well understand. He is seeking to harness their passion for victory and transform it for spiritual purposes seeking to motivate them with eternal rewards which the Lord has promised to those who serve Him well.
Friend, in Yeshua (Jesus) we have real Divine power which the ancient pagans could not have dreamed of. It is a power to win where it really counts...with and for our wonderful Lord! We too, need to discipline our bodies, bringing them under submission, and run the race of faith without looking back - we can be victorious. We will obtain an eternal crown, which will never fade!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Arad, Israel
Editor's Note: Check out our new Facebook page for answering readers questions about news, politics, religion, Israel, and ministry.
Pompeo: ‘Military force is available’ to oust Maduro ‘if that’s what it takes’
President Trump is willing to use 'military force' to oust Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared Tuesday evening.
Iranian Foreign Minister Set to Meet with North Korean Leaders 'Soon'
Iran’s foreign minister Mohammed Javad Zarif is planning to meet with North Korean leaders 'soon,' according to the Islamic Republic's state-run IRNA television.
China, U.S. start latest trade talks after 'nice' working dinner
China and the United States began their latest talks in Beijing on Wednesday aimed at ending a bitter trade war, after U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he had a 'nice' working dinner the night before with China Vice Premier Liu He.
Global military spending at new post-Cold War high, fueled by US, China
Global military expenditure reached its highest level last year since the end of the Cold War, fueled by increased spending in the United States and China, the world's two biggest economies, a leading defence think-tank said on Monday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF deploys Iron Domes ahead of Eurovision, Independence Day
The Israeli military deployed Iron Dome missile defense batteries throughout the country on Tuesday, following a rocket attack from Gaza the previous night and ahead of what is expected to be a sensitive next few weeks.
US, Israel Unite to Remember The Holocaust This Week
The United States is joining Jews in Israel and around the world in honoring the victims of the Holocaust this week.
Inside the United States
Dems, Trump pull $2T surprise on infrastructure
Democratic leaders and President Trump pulled a surprise on Tuesday, by reaching a deal to pursue a $2 trillion infrastructure package despite rising tensions over congressional probes into the White House that have sparked a debate over impeachment.
White House wants $8.6B for 300 miles of border fence in 2020 budget
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said Tuesday the White House will submit to Congress this week its 2020 budget request for $8.6 billion to build an additional 300 miles of border fence, though it’s not clear how much would be replacement barrier and how much would be new.
Anti-Semitic assaults in US doubled in 2018, ADL reports
Violent attacks against the Jewish community in the United States doubled last year, while overall attacks that also include vandalism and harassment remained near record-high levels, the Anti-Defamation League reported Tuesday.
Alabama House overwhelmingly approves abortion ban
The Alabama House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to outlaw almost all abortions in the state as conservatives took aim at the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks restrictions to medication abortions
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a 2014 measure to block access to medication-induced abortion is unconstitutional.
Christian News
Annual 90-hour 'Bible Reading Marathon' at U.S. Capitol, prelude to National Day of Prayer
The annual 'Bible Reading Marathon' is on the steps of the U.S. Capitol this week. Scripture will be read aloud, uninterrupted, for just under four days straight.