In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus challenged his disciples to prepare for a change in their ministry. Previously, they were well received by many as they proclaimed the message of Christ and his kingdom. But the King was about to be crucified. Those who despised him would despise his followers, as well. This change in their circumstances…
The sermon text (2 Corinthians 12:11-21) for this Lord’s Day serves as an “epilogue” to Paul’s “fool’s speech” (chapters 11-12). He summarizes the main point of the lengthy speech just concluded (11-13), declares his devotion to them (14-16a), insists on the integrity of his ministry among them, corrects their misconception of his “defense,” and begins…
With biting sarcasm, Paul calls out his opponents in Corinth for their self-promotion. In contrast, Paul’s desire for commendation from Christ alone shaped his philosophy of ministry in ways that we will explore this Lord’s Day
This sermon text introduces the final section of the extended discussion of Paul’s ministry that began in 2 Corinthians 2:14. These introductory verses make an appeal for mutual affection. Paul had demonstrated his dedication to the gospel ministry and his devoted love for the Corinthians. It was time for them to show similar love for…
The sermon passage for this Lord’s Day describes Paul’s full commitment to serve his Lord (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). Military metaphors often shaped the apostle’s description of Christian service. This passage is no exception. It is reminiscent of the admonition Paul gave Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3-4: Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ…
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Paul explains what it looks like when the love of Christ “controls” us and, thus, we live only for him (cf. 5:14-15). Paul’s worldview had undergone a radical transformation so that he no longer viewed Christ—or anything else—from a worldly outlook. Being united with Christ changed everything.…
Oh, how we long to see Jesus. Oh, the joy that will be ours just to be in his presence–joy when he silences our critics, joy when he sets the record straight. And yet, will we not like the seraphim and instinctively cover our face and tremble in the presence of such awesome greatness?
The age of celebrity: Truth takes a backseat to results. The church grotesquely mutates from a serving community into a gathering of spectators. And even for those churches unwilling to follow the showmen and turn a blind eye to the heretical, there is still a price to be paid in all of this.
Whatever you understand your purpose to be, that will determine the methods you choose to achieve it and the standards you employ to evaluate it. And if your understanding of your purpose is wrong, then likely your methods and metrics for evaluation will be wrong as well.
