Understanding Repentance | 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Repentance is one of the words in our Christian faith that has been very misunderstood. As a result, it has been discarded and seen contrary to grace. But repentance is something that we all need and will lead us out of death from sin to experience life in Christ. Which is why the Apostle Paul is willing to meddle in the personal lives of the Corinthians.
Agape Love Power For Everyday Life | Philippians 1:9-11
We are preoccupied often with three things, clarity on right decisions, control over the results, and corporately being known. If we’re honest with ourselves, we think about these three often and worry about them. But Paul prays a prayer for the Philippian church and us that addresses those three things. It is a prayer that reveals the power of God’s love in everyday life.
God's Power and Our Weakness | 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God doesn't need you to be a strong Christian. Sounds counterintuitive, yet Paul teaches that our weakness allows us to lean into His grace, which is His power to face the difficult circumstances in life.
When God Says No | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
God asks that we turn to Him in prayer for healing, help, and restoration. But what happens when we turn to Him in earnest faith, but His answer is no. How do we face the pain and struggle that He doesn't take away? Paul's thorn in the flesh gives us important insight to the hope filled truth that God has a purpose, especially in our pain.
Boasting in our Weakness | 2 Corinthians 11:30-33
The world cheers for strength, for excellence, for those with power and special abilities. But God chooses the weak, who are committed to trust Him, because that's where His power shows up best.
When I Was Convicted by the Holy Spirit
What does it mean to be convicted by the Holy Spirit? We will explore how God encourages us to grow through conviction and that conviction is our opportunity to trust Him. Peter Watt from Crossways to Life joins us to share from his own journey the good that comes from hearing, trusting, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit.
The Fool's Speech | 2 Corinthians 11:16-30
We are often guilty of the comparing ourselves with others and feeling that we come up short. Yet it is foolish to do that, because it means putting ourselves under the standard (which is another way of saying the Law) which only guarantees that we experience death and condemnation. Yet, the Apostle Paul decides to lower himself into this foolishness to show that the false apostles who are placing the church in Corinth under law, are unworthy of their toleration.
Beware of False Apostles, Teachers, and Prophets | 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
In multiple letters and by multiple people, including Jesus, we are warned to watch out for false apostles, teachers, and prophets. For they are servants of Satan meant to confuse, devour, and bind up the children of God. But how do we identify these wolves in sheep clothing, and how can we protect ourselves?
The Meek and Misunderstood Messiah | Matthew 27:37-44
Often our reminders of the crucifixion narrative highlight Jesus’ physical pain. However he also endured a psychological burden of abuse that with close watch we can see that was significantly brutal. Pastor Robin looks at Matthew 27, and helps us see how Jesus’ true power was on display in the face of mockery, manipulation, and mistreatment. But not just power to show off - but power to save...
The Portrait of My Father | Learning to See God More Clearly
The impact of a father is difficult to overstate, whether positive or negative (or usually a combination of both.)
My need for a Perfect Father started the day I was born; this is a need no earthly father could ever meet.
If we allow Him, God will Father us with tenderness, disentangling the lies the bind us, and bringing us new peace, freedom, and joy.