Renaissance Church

Guest speaker Pastor Emily Cordon Drainville from Sanctuary Church shares how God is stirring renewal in the Church through prayer and bold witness. Drawing from Acts 4:23–31, she teaches that there is no revival without resistance—and that spiritual pressure reveals what's really inside us. The early church prayed not for safety but for boldness, and Emily encourages us to do the same—to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the renewal happening inside the Church fuels mission beyond its walls. After the message, the church gets in small circles to discuss these questions:  Describe what you imagine it felt like to be in the prayer room that was shaken.  How did being in this prayer meeting change their perspective about what was happening in their lives? Instead of asking God to keep them safe, they asked for boldness to keep sharing about Jesus. What could being “bold” for Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit  look like in your life? 

Philippians 1:12–30 What if the very things meant to silence faith actually make it stronger? In this message, Pastor Scott unpacks how Paul's imprisonment—and even the selfish motives of others—became unexpected catalysts for the spread of the gospel. Drawing from Paul's deep joy amid suffering, we're reminded that God can use opposition, hardship, and even death itself to move His purposes forward. This message invites us to see our own trials through the same lens of unstoppable joy.

Philippians 1:1-11 This message reflects on Paul's warm affection for the church in Philippi and uses his prayer as a model for how Renaissance Church should pray in this season of renewed corporate prayer. It emphasizes that prayer must be more than activity—it must align with God's will, flow from a right understanding of His character, and be supported by a righteous life. This is a call to the church to abound in a love grounded deeply in truth in order to be a radiant witness in the world that brings glory and praise to God.

How do you prepare to get ready for an influx of new believers as a result of prayer? This week, guest speaker Tim Zulker—executive director of New England Urban Church Planting and longtime mentor to leaders across Rhode Island—shared a message from Ephesians 4:1–16 about preparing for revival through unity and maturity in Christ. He reminded us that the gospel follows a specific pattern—what Christ has done first, and then how we respond. Following the pattern can we live lives worthy of our calling. A unified and growing church, marked by humility, gentleness, and love, is the best preparation for new believers God will bring. Tim urged us to reject cultural divisiveness, pursue reconciliation, and use our gifts to build up the body—because the local church is the most important thing happening on earth.

In this sermon on prayer and revival, Vicky Griffiths encourages us to rethink how we approach God. Drawing from Luke 11, the teaching emphasizes bold, persistent, and shamelessly audacious prayer—asking, seeking, and knocking until we see results. Jesus models a relationship with a loving Father, assuring us that God delights in giving good gifts, especially the ultimate gift: the Holy Spirit. Through stories—from the disciples learning to pray, to a personal family tale of tending tomato plants—the sermon highlights that persistence in prayer, fueled by love and faith, develops patience, humility, and trust. The message closes with a call to reflect, share, and pray together, putting persistence into action in our own spiritual journeys. Here are two discussion questions that the congregation answered in small groups after the sermon: Reflect on how you feel about prayer. 1. Is there something that's encouraged you recently? 2. Is there an area where you are feeling resistance?

In this message on Prayer and Revival, Pastor Scott reminds us that revival isn't just emotional hype but a move of God that awakens us to His presence and reshapes everyday life. Looking at examples like the Moravian prayer movement and Isaiah's vision of God's holiness, he shows how revival begins with repentance, brokenness, and a fresh awareness of God. Scott challenges us to ask, “What is my assignment?”—whether that's foster care, refugee ministry, local service or whatever—and to increase our prayer intensity because some strongholds only break through prayer and fasting. With unusual hunger for God rising in our region, the call is clear: contend in prayer, push back darkness, and build a lifestyle of prayer that fuels lasting transformation.

In part two of our Prayer and Revival series, we focus on how to keep the fire of prayer burning once God has lit it in our hearts. We look at the importance of abiding in God's love—rejecting condemnation and coming boldly to Him even when we feel weak or unworthy. We also talk about the need to persevere through struggle, since distractions, disappointments, and spiritual resistance often try to quench our prayer life. This message is a call to keep seeking God no matter what we feel, trusting Him to use every trial to deepen our fire and draw us closer to Him.

This sermon launches a three-week series on Prayer and Revival, calling the church to pursue a deeper, Spirit-filled life. Scott explains that revival is not hype or a planned event but an extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit that awakens people to God, brings repentance, and fills believers with fresh zeal. He gives three appeals: Believe – be awakened to God's eagerness to pour out His Spirit and refuse to settle for spiritual mediocrity; Weep – see the Church and world from God's perspective, allowing holy sorrow to fuel prayer; and Consecrate – deal ruthlessly with sin and remove distractions that crowd out devotion. Without prayerful consecration, we remain spiritually dry and ineffective. The message calls the church to reorient life around the pursuit of God, making prayer, fasting, and devotion top priorities, preparing for a fresh move of the Spirit in this generation.

2 Samuel 23 In this sermon, we explore what it means to “fight the good fight of faith,” not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil, pursuing the fullness of God in our lives. Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:8-12, we see how David's mighty men exemplified tenacity, perseverance, and loyalty—even in private, unseen moments—and how these qualities are essential for spiritual growth and impact. The message challenges us to remain steadfast in trials, resist distraction, and unite as a community, trusting that God empowers us to overcome and bring revival, influence our generation, and take hold of the abundant promises of His kingdom.

In this message from Ezekiel 24, we're reminded of the weighty call of the prophets and the surpassing greatness of God's glory. Ezekiel's ministry was marked by extraordinary suffering—his very life became a series of signs pointing God's people back to Him. The most striking moment came when God told Ezekiel that his wife, “the delight of [his] eyes,” would be taken from him, and that he was not to grieve in the usual way. This became a vivid picture for Israel, showing that just as Ezekiel lost what was most precious, the people too would lose the temple—the “delight of their eyes”—because they had loved the gifts of God more than God Himself. Mark Skillin's sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we treasure God above all else, or do we allow His good gifts to eclipse our worship of Him?

Looking at Hebrews 10:19–25, guest speaker Nick Fatato reminds us that because of Jesus' sacrifice, we have full access to God's presence—not by anything we've done, but by His blood. This truth calls us to live with intention: to draw near to God, hold firmly to our hope in Christ, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, stay rooted in the church community, and offer daily encouragement to others. In a world that often pulls us toward selfishness or despair, the resurrection makes us “prisoners of hope,” confident that every trial is temporary and our eternity with Christ is secure. Nick Fatato serves as superintendent of the Assemblies of God ministry network in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and works globally with Live Dead—a missionary movement focused on planting churches among unreached people groups in challenging and often dangerous regions. He and his wife, Gina, have also been long-time mentors to Pastor Scott and Tiffany.

2 Samuel 16 In this week's message, Pastor Scott walks us through the painful moment in 2 Samuel 16 when David, broken and weeping, is cursed and attacked by Shimei. Though falsely accused and humiliated, David refuses to retaliate, modeling meekness and trust in God's sovereignty. Instead of lashing out in anger or defending his reputation, David accepts that even unjust suffering can be used by God for redemptive purposes. Pastor Scott challenges us to consider our own “Shimei moments” — those times when we're hurt, misunderstood, or slandered — and to respond not with bitterness, but with forgiveness, humility, and dependence on the Lord. Meekness is not weakness; it is power surrendered in trust to God. Like David, we too can find refreshment in God's presence, even when wounded. As Colossians reminds us, we are called to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave us.

Pastor Scott's message illustrates the radical kindness of God through the story of David and Mephibosheth. Though Mephibosheth was a disabled descendant of Saul—the very king who had persecuted David—David sought him out to show “the kindness of God” for the sake of Jonathan, David's covenant friend. Mephibosheth, living in obscurity and shame in Lo-debar, was completely unworthy and incapable of earning favor, yet David restores his family's land and seats him permanently at the royal table, treating him like a son. This act of grace mirrors the gospel: we too were broken, spiritually crippled, far from God, and without hope—yet God, in Christ, sought us, forgave us, adopted us, and seated us at His table. Just as Mephibosheth received undeserved favor, we are called to receive the kindness of God and live in the joy and intimacy of His household. The message concluded with a time of response and prayer, inviting everyone to receive God's lavish grace.

This sermon from Mark Skillin explores the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, drawing from Matthew 4. Just after His baptism and the declaration of His identity as God's beloved Son, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil. The sermon connects Jesus' testing with Israel's wilderness journey and with our own seasons of struggle. Where Israel failed, Jesus is faithful. And where we are tempted to satisfy ourselves, demand signs from God, or take shortcuts to glory, Jesus shows us a better way—one of humility, trust, and obedience. Most importantly, we are reminded that Jesus didn't just model how to resist temptation; He overcame it for us. In Christ, we are not alone in the wilderness. He is the faithful Son who succeeded where we fall short—and now offers us His strength, His Word, and His Spirit to endure every trial.

This message from Pastor Scott challenges listeners to reflect on a core spiritual question: Is God pleased with my life? Using the story of David transporting the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6), he highlights how sincere intentions and emotional worship are not enough if they're disconnected from obedience. When Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it and is struck dead, it reveals the seriousness of disregarding God's clear commands. David initially responds with anger and fear but, after time in reflection, repents and brings the Ark to Jerusalem in the proper way. The result is joyful worship rooted in reverence. The sermon challenges believers to examine their lives, align with God's Word in every area, and depend daily on His grace, emphasizing that obedience—empowered by the Spirit—is the true pathway to God's pleasure and blessing.

This sermon unpacks the powerful account of David and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. Abigail courageously intervenes in David's path of rage and revenge after an insult from the foolish Nabal. Drawing from his own testimony, Pastor Scott likens Abigail's intervention to a spiritual roadblock—much like the people who stepped into his life to rescue him from destruction. The message challenges listeners to recognize when others are on destructive paths and to be willing, like Abigail, to boldly and lovingly intervene. Her humility, wisdom, and bravery not only save lives but also redirect David back toward God's purposes. We're reminded that while not every intervention succeeds, some do—and they are worth it.

1 Samuel 3 Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths explores the story of young Samuel and how he learned to hear God's voice—a journey that invites all of us, no matter our age, to do the same. Through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of others, God still speaks today. We discuss how to tune in to His voice amidst the noise, the importance of obedience and positioning our hearts to listen, and the encouragement that hearing God isn't reserved for prophets—it's a promise for everyone filled with His Spirit.

Pastor Scott unpacks the story of David and Goliath as more than a boy-versus-giant tale—it's a blueprint for faith under pressure, showing how David endured his brothers' contempt, Saul's doubts, and Goliath's mockery by relying on God's Spirit and the lessons learned in secret battles with lions and bears. We'll explore how that same Spirit equips us to face our own “giants” (and the enemy behind them), not with our strength but in the name of the Lord, and why walking in obedience and alignment with Christ renders the devil powerless.

Joel and Adrienne Charest have come alongside local churches in Mozambique for many years. Joel visited with Renaissance Church and highlighted their work in evangelistic soccer outreaches, children's ministry, water well building, and church planting, despite frequent terrorist attacks and persecution. In this message Joel recounts stories on suffering and miracles, encouraging us to step out in faith when God calls us to act, not because it's easy, but because it's where His power is made perfect. When we step into uncertainty, He shows up — and what we offer, He multiplies.

This sermon delves into the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22, emphasizing Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promises even when asked to sacrifice his son. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and James 2, the message shows that Abraham's faith was not blind but reasoned and deeply rooted in God's character—trusting that God could raise the dead if necessary. It also reveals how this story foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, with Isaac as a type of Christ and the ram as a symbol of substitution. Ultimately, Mark Skillin in this sermon challenges listeners to live out the Christian faith that not only believes but acts, trusting God's goodness even when His ways are mysterious.

In this episode, we explore the story of God rejecting Saul and choosing David as the next king of Israel, found in 1 Samuel 16. We walk through Samuel's fear, God's surprising instruction, and the powerful moment when David, the overlooked youngest son tending sheep, is chosen and anointed. The key message centers on how God does not look at outward appearances but sees the heart. We reflect on how this applies to us—reminding listeners that God values faithfulness in hidden places and uses those with a surrendered heart for significant Kingdom purposes, even if they feel overlooked or unqualified.

This final part of the Spirit series explores how to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit—not just as a one-time event, but as a daily reality. Drawing from Scripture and practical illustrations, we look at how sin and distraction can block the Spirit's flow, why a lukewarm heart is so dangerous, and how true spiritual power is marked by love. Pastor Scott covers three practices to help us be continuously filled by the Holy Spirit: aligning your life with God's will, waiting on Him with expectancy, and giving away to others the love and power we receive from the Holy Spirit. This message is a call to go beyond spiritual routine and become a life set ablaze by the presence of God.

In this sermon, we dive into the vital work of the Holy Spirit—regenerating our lives, transforming our hearts, enabling deep prayer, and giving us boldness and assurance of salvation. The Spirit pours out God's love in our hearts (Romans 5). The Spirit empowers us to live out Christlike love, endure suffering with joy, and understand spiritual truths. We don't need to try to manufacture these qualities on our own; in fact, these things are impossible to do without the Holy Spirit. A key to the Christian life is learning how to yield to the Spirit's work in our lives.

This sermon launches a three-part series on the Holy Spirit by addressing why we need to be filled with Him. Pastor Scott highlights the confusion and extremes often associated with the Spirit—some churches downplay His role, while others overemphasize emotional or dramatic manifestations. Yet the Holy Spirit is not merely a force or influence, but God Himself—the third person of the Trinity. Scripture shows that the Spirit teaches, comforts, convicts, empowers, and enables believers to live the Christian life. Without the Spirit, such a life is not merely difficult but impossible. This message corrects common misunderstandings and calls the church to actively seek the Spirit, recognizing Him as essential to living a life that truly honors God.

Luke 24: 1 - 35 What if Jesus is closer than you think—even when you feel most abandoned? On Easter Sunday, we looked at two disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus, and how the risen Jesus met them in their confusion, not their certainty. As he walked with them and opened the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn with fresh hope. This message invites you to see how God often shows up in the questions, not just the answers.

This sermon, based on Luke 19:28–48, explores the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Just days before His crucifixion, Jesus enters the city on a donkey in fulfillment of prophecy, declaring Himself King, but not the kind of political or military leader many expected. Instead, He embodies peace and humility. The crowd's celebration contrasts with Jesus' deep sorrow as He weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that the people do not recognize the peace He offers or the significance of His coming. Jesus then drives out the shop vendors in the temple, asserting His authority. This passage gives us a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of Jesus' character, calling listeners to see Jesus for who He truly is and to respond with authentic worship.

Luke 14: 1 - 24 Jesus is invited to dine at the house of a leader of Pharisees, only to disrupt the evening. It was the Sabbath, and a man with dropsy approaches Jesus for healing—something the religious leaders around the table would've considered forbidden work. Jesus heals the man anyway, stunning the dinner guests. He then addresses the guests with two banquet parables designed to expose their pride and self-righteousness.  This message compels each listener to reflect personally: have you truly humbled yourself before God? Do you presume you're secure in God's kingdom, or do you recognize your deep spiritual need and your dependence on His grace?

Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who became very rich from exploiting people's finances. One day Jesus passed through Jericho, and Zaccheus did everything he could to see Jesus, even climbing a tree because he was too short to see him in the crowds. Then Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus planned to come to his house, and while the crowd is shocked Jesus would go to the house of a “sinner,” Zacchaeus responds with saying he will give half of everything he owns to the poor. Church leader Vicky Griffiths helps us in this message to understand the significance of this interaction. It seems like Zacchaeus is seeking Jesus, but really Jesus is seeking him. This message is also part of Family Sunday and is designed for grade school kids to listen in, too.

While Jesus is teaching in the temple, religious leaders drag a woman into the space who had committed adultery. The leaders' aim is not justice; rather they use her to provoke Jesus to say something that would get him in trouble. But what Jesus says puts the religious leaders in their place, and he protects the woman, offers her mercy, and calls her to live a new life: “Go, and from now on sin no more.” Today when we read this story from John 8:1 - 11, maybe we see ourselves in the story as the religious leaders, but many of us can relate to the Woman. Each one of us has sinned against God's ways, and each one of us needs God's forgiveness. This message is for anyone who is struggling with guilt or shame and needs to drink in the mercy of Jesus that ushers people into a new life.

Genesis 15 The covenant God makes with Abraham in Genesis 15 sets up the entire Bible narrative for human redemption. God promises that Abraham's descendants will be countless and that his offspring will bless all the nations forever. Even though Abraham is old in age and has no children, he responds with belief, and Abraham's faith equates to righteousness in God's eyes. Church leader Mark Skillin unpacks why belief matters to God so much. Mark also points out the ways Jesus will, 2000 years later, fulfill promises made in this covenant, and where we are today, eagerly waiting for the the rest of God's promises to be fulfilled. Listen in for a deeper understanding of our faith in God and God's faithfulness to us.

Genesis 11: 1 - 9 When God saw people build a tower and he confused their languages and scattered them over the earth, it wasn't because building cities are bad or making a name for ourselves is dishonorable; rather, God cares about the motives behind our actions and for us to obey His will. In that moment, humans were not filling the earth as God commanded, so God scattered them Himself. Studying the tower of Babel narrative, Pastor Scott shares what it means to follow the will of God.

Genesis 4 Cain, filled with anger against his brother Abel, murders him. God doles out both justice and mercy onto Cain in response t0 sin. This passage outlines the mess that humans have made in giving in to sin, as it festers, grows, and drives us into restless wandering. This passage also shows God's character, in light of human evil. RenKids teacher Reid Megathlin shares teaching points prepared by Scott Axtmann about the Genesis narrative of Cain and Abel.

Luke 5: 17 - 26 It's the 1st century AD. The people of God hold high expectations for a Messianic King to arrive at any moment. Prophecies foresaw this to happen around that time. Then Jesus enters the synagogue, and a new reality bursts upon the scene: “The Kingdom of God is near!” he preaches. And people react. Some reject, some doubt, and some drop everything to follow this Jesus. A few men even break through the roof of a crowded place to lower down a paralyzed man right to him. Here, Jesus sees their faith and forgives their sins. Then, he instructs the paralytic to walk, and the man picks up his mat and walks home. Who but the Messiah could heal AND forgive sins? This message from Mark Skillin will give you a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God, of the beauty of faith embodied, and why Jesus is the Messianic King who is worthy to rule the world.

Good stories often introduce the most important characters at the beginning of the narrative. The opening chapters of Genesis set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, casting who God is and how humans came to be. Listen in as Pastor Scott walks through the layers of Genesis 1 - 3.

2 Kings 4: 1 - 7 Told in 2 Kings, a widow is about to lose her sons to slavery if her debt is not paid, but through a miracle God multiples one jar of oil into many jars of oil, in order for her to sell them and pay off the debt. Teaching leader Vicky Griffiths shares how we can see God's power and presence increase through small things. Imagine what we can see God do when we trust Him.

John 12: 1 - 8 The Stories of God series highlights countless narratives in the Bible. This message looks at the account of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume one evening at dinner. One of the disciples rebukes her unusual offering, but Jesus advocates for her. Just as Jesus responded to Mary's motives, Jesus notices and delights in the things we do for Him today.

Matthew 9:35 - 10:1 In this message, guest speaker Emily Cordon Drainville, a pastoral resident from Sanctuary Church in Providence, preaches about Jesus' compassion for lost people. While it seems that people in Providence do not appear “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36), many are walking with deep hurt inside and are searching for answers. In recent months, Emily has witnessed an openness to Jesus like never before from her peers locally and from testimonies around the world. In summary, the harvest is plentiful! There is a great need for people to go bring the light of Jesus into their communities here in New England, and Jesus is empowering you through His Spirit to join Him in the healing work. This message is meant to encourage anyone who needs needs a fresh wind of Jesus' compassion for people in our spheres.

2 Corinthians 13: 11 To conclude this series on 2 Corinthians, Pastor Scott unpacks what it means to live a life that aims for restoration and living in peace with one another. “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

2 Corinthians 12: 1 - 10 Why doesn't God always deliver us from hardship, even when we cry out to Him? What if we tried everything we could to remove intense suffering, yet nothing seems to change? While there is some mystery, we do know that God permits troubles in our lives to form us into the image of Jesus. He cares more about our character than our comfort. Pride, unaddressed, would destroy us. Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 refers to being given “a thorn in [his] flesh” so as to keep him humble, learning how to “boast all the more gladly about [his]weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on [him.]” The hope for this message is to consider responding to hardship as an embrace of the way God wants to shape us.

2 Corinthians 10 The problem of people being deceived by teaching is more relevant now than ever. A flood of information comes at us through social media, TV, and YouTube, and so much of it is biblically messed up. Many Christians fall for the persuasions, falling away from the true gospel. In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul defends the validity of his gospel preaching and calls out the false teaching going on in the Corinthian community. Given that this issue persists through every generation, Pastor Scott ends this message with practical tips for how to stay grounded in the truth of the gospel in the midst of deceitful teaching.

2 Corinthians 9: 5 - 8 The stress of dealing with money in our time—it's real. Sometimes we operate out of a shame state or a scarcity mentality when it comes to managing time or money. But contact with Jesus can heal this worry within us. He takes us from an exacting compulsory life to a spacious life of grace. In this message Chris Waugh shares life stories to help listeners imagine where God may be calling us to expand our capacity to be generous. 

2 Corinthians 8 The practice of generosity is a huge part of our spiritual formation and even combatting spiritual warfare, as giving is the antithesis to a culture that hoards money and fears of not having enough. Reading about the church in 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Scott shares what it looks like to be wise with money while giving much in light of what we have. The posture of giving can be an act of worship, of grace, and can shape us into the people God is calling us to be.

2 Corinthians 7:8 - 13 What does it look like to have a healthy process of repentance and growth in your church community? It involves church leaders addressing sin instead of ignoring the problem, to respond to discipline with “godly sorrow,” and to commit to loving people instead of ostracizing them, hanging in there for the whole process of salvation. Mark Skillin unpacks several nuances to this type of dilemma as referred in 2 Corinthians 7, including what it means to find salvation when one is already a Christian.

2 Corinthians 7:2 - 16 2 Corinthians 7 gives a snapshot into the life of the apostles, such as Paul and Titus, who endured suffering through their travels and gospel teaching, yet their love for the local church and hearing about the Corinthians' growth in repentance magnified their joy that could not overshadowed by troubles. Mark Skillin goes through the backstory of this passage and from it gleans wisdom about suffering, joy in the Lord, and why learning from the apostles is important.

2 Corinthians 6: 14 - 7:1 God calls us to be fully in communion with Him. As Christ followers we can't have one foot in the world, one foot with God. Yet throughout the centuries, determining what it means to be separate from the world and fully aligned with God has been challenging for the Church, and sometimes this separation has gone to the extreme. Pastor Scott sorts through what it means in chapter 6 v. 14 to not be “equally yoked” with nonbelievers, what to do with rules upon rules in legalistic circles, how to interact with our culture, and how to address internal shame in the process of pursuing holy communion.

2 Corinthians 6:1 - 13 Is there any part of your life that you're holding back from God, and why is that? God continues to dole out grace, yet believers can neglect to tap into His treasures. Pastor Scott challenges listeners to “open wide” their hearts to God, in the context of Paul displaying His wholeheartedness to Christ and the Corinthian church through sorrow and joy.

2 Corinthians 5: 16 - 21 As Christians, we are “new creation[s].” Jesus has given us a new identity. The challenge is to keep walking the path of reconciliation in the redeemed identity. Pastor Scott unpacks the complex themes in 2 Corinthians 5: 16 - 21 about being reconciled to God, what it means to take sin seriously and walk toward righteousness, especially in a contemporary culture that's normalized lukewarm faith.

2 Corinthians 5: 9 - 15 What motivates us to do the things we do? In Corinthians 5, Paul highlights that his motivation for doing good, sharing the gospel, and working for God's kingdom is that he will be rewarded by Christ after death. There is an underrated theme of divine reciprocity in the Bible. What Christians do with their lives to honor God is accounted for by God and will reap a reward. This is in the context of paradoxes. Because Christ died for our sins, we must die to ourselves; Christians no longer live for themselves but for Christ's motives, and living for Christ alone is rewarded. Listen to one of our elders Mark Skilllin as he unpacks these multi-faceted themes in 2 Corinthians 5: 9 - 15.

2 Corinthians 5: 1 - 10 Who we are in our bodies is a reflection of who we are in our souls. On the day of judgment, the way we conducted ourselves in our real bodies will give an account for the way we stewarded our spiritual vitality. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor 5:10). Speaker Chris Waugh analyzes three idols in our culture today that are related to the body, and he offers their spiritual antidotes. These idols are: the body as an object of worship, the body as a form of personal identity, and the body as a means of sacrifice. Listen in on these topics related to pornography, body image, health habits, and trauma, and how Jesus has a redemptive say to these important issues.

2 Corinthians 3: 12 - 18 We know that the fullness of Christ is meant to dwell within his believers, and yet we all sin, even after coming back to Christ. Through this struggle between sin and freedom, what is required of us to further pursue the fullness of Christian life? In this message, Council leader Vicky Griffiths clues us in on practical applications for transformation, the ways in which beholding the glory of God and embracing His Spirit will change us from one degree of glory to another.

2 Corinthians 3: 7 - 16 There's a strange tendency as Christians to not realize what we have in Christ and to not take full advantage of all that is available to us. We settle for less than what God has for us. This malnourished approach to the Christian life has become the norm in this western corner of the world. Passages like 2 Corinthians 3: 7 - 16 spur believers to refocus on what we truly have with Christ within us! He is true satisfaction. Everything else pales in comparison. But we must chase it, hunger for it, surrender fully to God's life to embrace the fullness of Christ within us.