The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian church to follow up on its good intentions (yet poor execution) in regard to the “Jerusalem Collection”. In order to persuade the Corinthians, Paul does not use the language of the marketplace – speaking of dollars, cents, etc. – but instead uses the language of grace, pointing to God’s extravagant grace revealed in Christ: “For you…
In the middle of one of the most encouraging and inspiring chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes of a three-fold groaning, a “symphony of sighs” experienced by the world, ourselves, and God. It is in this hopeful groaning in a suffering world that we find ourselves, and it is precisely here where God is at work. Opening Hymn: Morning Has…
After an extraordinarily long digression, Paul returns to his story about his panicked search for Titus, speaking openly of the unrest and worry that accompanied it. He then describes how overjoyed he is that the Corinthians had experienced “godly sorrow” rather than “worldly sorrow” and thus had been motivated to redemptive actions rather than wallow in their self-pity. Join us for our…
Jesus’s favorite method of teaching was telling stories — stories that have the possibility to disarm us, inspire us, and transform us if we are willing to “dig deep” into them. In today’s story, sometimes called “The Parable of the Four Soils,” sometimes called “The Parable of the Sower”, and sometimes called “The Parable of the Hundredfold Harvest”, we learn important truths…
After five chapters defending his apostolic legitimacy, Paul concludes by listing all the tragedies and triumphs of his ministry and pleading for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him – to return his love and commitment with their love and commitment. This is a beautiful passage with much to teach us about encouragement, integrity, love, and purity. Join us for…
In this message, we reflect upon one of Jesus’ most precious sayings, an invitation to the weak, weary, wounded, and burdened to “yoke up” with Jesus, so that he may both help in carrying the load as well as teach us how to learn the gentleness and humility to help others with their burdens. Opening Hymn: Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to…
In this section of Paul’s letter, he communicates his new way of seeing by faith – through the loving eyes of God – and how it impacts his view of himself, others, and the world, and also how it motivates his ministry. As “ambassadors for God” we are called to selflessly and faithfully communicate and live God’s message of reconciliation. By God’s…
What we do with our painful feelings, frustrations with circumstances, or disappointments with God? The people of Israel possessed a worship manual full of prayers and hymns – the book of Psalms – that guided them in embracing and expressing all of their feelings to God, both good and bad, despairing and hopeful, protesting and praising. The reason: It is impossible to…
In this story, believers behave badly and the collateral damage of their actions harms others. Yet, God remains committed to bless all – those within the Abrahamic covenant, and those outside of it. In this story, God blesses the outsider who is rejected by the believers, thus demonstrating God’s love for all. We may be recipients of God’s gracious covenant, but there…