Series: Second Corinthians
We’ve begun a multi-month sermon series on Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. In his opening remarks Paul introduces the dual themes of suffering for Christ and receiving God’s comfort in our suffering. Both themes are relevant to Christ-followers in all places and times.
Tough Love
by Mike Bergen | November 12, 2023Paul now wraps up a letter of love and agony to his spiritual children. His heart is that of a loving parent who cannot overlook destructive sin. His example is helpful for all of us in our relationships with each other.
Not What Is Yours but You
by Daniel Vanderhorst | November 5, 2023God intends for his people to grow and flourish under the good authority of leaders who, like the apostle Paul, genuinely seek to build them up in Christ.
Boasting About Weakness
by Mike Bergen | October 29, 2023The principle of God working in and through weakness was so important in Paul’s life that he repeated it three times in this passage. It’s also important for you and me to understand and apply today!
Crazy Credentials
by Johnny Vanderhorst | October 22, 2023Paul continues his urgent defense of his authentic apostleship, to guard the Corinthians from the corrupting influence of counterfeit teachers.
Sincere and Pure Devotion
by Blaine Freidline | October 15, 2023Satan unceasingly uses deceit to subtly draw you away from “a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
Boast in Christ
by David Cato | October 8, 2023"We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence. 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." -- 2 Corinthians 10:15-18
Excited to Give
by Johnny Vanderhorst | October 1, 2023In his closing appeal on the subject, Paul pours fuel on the fire of motivation for generous giving.
Giving as an Act of Grace
by Daniel Vanderhorst | September 24, 2023Giving generously offers proof of the love we have from God, and so we aim to celebrate this and other evidences of God’s grace in our fellow saints.
The Joy of Giving
by Mike Bergen | September 17, 2023As we study Paul’s advice to the Corinthians in this passage, we learn about the joy of giving as a powerful form of worship.
Comforted Through Godly Sorrow
by Johnny Vanderhorst | September 10, 2023Godly sorrow leads to a sharp turn from sin and fresh joy in God.
True Relationship
by David Cato | September 3, 2023"What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'" -- 2 Corinthians 6:16
The Face of Christ
by Mike Bergen | August 27, 2023Paul was convinced that getting to know Christ better is the most satisfying and fulfilling thing any and every person can experience. He wanted to help people know how this can happen in their lives, so he wrote this letter to share his personal experience and give instruction.
Controlled by Love
by Johnny Vanderhorst | August 20, 2023In this passage, Paul more clearly reveals the logical explanation for his incomprehensible way of life. The same inspired influence is available for our lives today.
Indescribable Glory
by Blaine Freidline | August 13, 2023Though our earthly lives include the deepest trials, we do not lose heart; for as we trust in the ultimate good plans of God, through these trials we will experience indescribable glory with Christ forever. God’s grace accomplishes this—in gratitude we seek to please Him, and we are accountable for how we receive it.
The Ideal, the Climactic, the Ultimate
by Johnny Vanderhorst | August 6, 2023"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6
Where or Who Are You Looking At?
by Mike Bergen | July 30, 2023Paul compares the law given through Moses to the personal work of God’s Spirit in us. This passage will help you have more appreciation for the awesome work of God’s Spirit in you and it will help you understand how you can experience more of the transforming work of God’s Spirit.
In Christ’s Triumphal Procession
by Blaine Freidline | July 23, 2023“It is as God leads His servants as prisoners of war in a victory parade that God spreads the knowledge of Christ everywhere through them.”
The Wounding & Healing of Love
by Johnny Vanderhorst | July 16, 2023Love is willing to wound and to heal for the sake of others’ good.
Following God with a Clear Conscience
by Mike Bergen | July 9, 2023Today, you can learn from Paul’s example of following God’s leading and keeping a clear conscience. You will see how foundational our relationship with Christ is for living according to our consciences—especially when other people think differently than we do!
The God of All Comfort
by Johnny Vanderhorst | July 2, 2023In the opening remarks of the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, he introduces the dual themes of suffering for Christ and receiving God’s comfort in our suffering. Both themes are relevant to Christ-followers in all places and times.