Podcasts about Corinth

"Life in the Midst of Death” An Introduction to 2 CorinthiansWhen we wrapped up season three (our deep dive into 1 Corinthians), Paul was in Ephesus responding to reports from Chloe's family about troubling things going on back in Corinth.  About the same time, Paul received a delegation from Corinth asking a series of questions about various matters which were disputed or required Paul's instruction.  The Corinthians were a divided church, struggling with many of the issues one would expect of a new church in a very pagan environment with all its temptations and distractions.Paul responded to these troubling reports in the letter we know as I Corinthians.  At the close of the letter, Paul indicated that he plans to come to Corinth as soon as he could and that in the meantime he would send them Timothy to help out.Fast forward six months or so.  Paul has sent Timothy to Corinth.  Paul has sent Titus to Corinth.  Paul has visited Corinth himself and it did not go well–an event now immortalized as the “painful visit.”  Things had gotten so bad that Paul even sent what is known as the “painful letter”– the contents of which have been lost to us, but which called for the Corinthians to take steps necessary to remedy its ills.  Although the Corinthians did what Paul had asked of them–they disciplined an individual who challenged Paul's authority in such a way as to do great harm to the whole church–the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians remained strained.  His critics tried to take advantage of the situation. Paul made his way from Ephesus to Macedonia and was preparing to head south to Corinth for yet another visit–one he hoped would not be as painful as his previous visit.  In the letter we now know as 2 Corinthians, Paul writes to defend both his apostolic office and his Gentile mission, and to discuss both his travel plans and the offering being collected for the church in Jerusalem.  But after composing much of the letter (chapters 1-9), Paul got additional news that false teachers and false apostles were causing havoc in the church, and so Paul adds four very pointed chapters (10-13) in which he rebukes the false teachers and those foolish enough to be taken in by them.  Yes, he will return to Corinth and yes, he retains both his apostolic office and authority despite his detractors in Corinth.  And no, he will not let his detractors undermine his mission to preach the gospel.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

Send us a textActs 19:1-7And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.Support the show

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners the portion of Paul's letter to the believers in Corinth concerning walking in the way God has assigned and called each one.Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 7:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:1-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; James 1:5; 1 Corithians 7:18-24; Matthew 7:7-8 Scripture translation used is the Legacy Standard Bible.  “Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.comFIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.LSB Single Column Biblehttps://amzn.to/4g9C47oESV MacArthur Study Biblehttps://amzn.to/3C1cpQwInk Joy Penshttps://amzn.to/3EaZ8oRMr. Pen HighLightershttps://amzn.to/3PE20x8Mr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  JOIN DR. JORI IN DEVOTIONAL JOURNALING IN 2025Check out this 9 min YouTube Video outlining her journaling strategy! Don't Forget to subscribe to the YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/lqe9TO7RSz4 BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Walking in the steps of Christ is the ultimate goal for everyone and to walk in the steps of the Apostle Paul Who followed Christ is a joy—spiritually and literally. Join Jeff as he shares such a journey.

In a world filled with quarrels and divisions, wouldn't it be refreshing to find a place of genuine community and love? Dr. Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 1:10, where Paul makes his passionate appeal for church unity. He breaks down Paul's four-part charge: submitting to Christ's authority, speaking with biblical vocabulary, ending divisive schisms, and being united in mind and judgment. This message challenges believers to embrace Christ's vision for His church—a community marked by genuine love for one another.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Lovis Corinth zählt neben Max Liebermann und Max Slevogt zu den großen deutschen Impressionisten. Sein Werk speist sich aus der Tradition und ist doch Avantgarde. Zeitgenossen galt er als "künstlerische Kraftnatur". Vor 100 Jahren ist er gestorben. Quirin, Anne www.deutschlandfunk.de, Kalenderblatt

Walking in the steps of Christ is the ultimate goal for everyone and to walk in the steps of the Apostle Paul Who followed Christ is a joy—spiritually and literally. Join Jeff as he shares such a journey. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1561/29

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Send us a textActs 18:1-6After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”Support the show

It's easy to focus on everything wrong with the church, but Paul chose a different approach when writing to the struggling Corinthians. In this episode, Dr. John Neufeld explores Paul's strategy of beginning with what's right about the church—emphasizing that believers are recipients of grace, enriched by Christ in speech and knowledge, and secured with an eternal destiny. This timeless reminder challenges us to see the church through Christ's eyes rather than through our disappointments.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

There were a lot of problems in the church in Corinth, and we've certainly noticed that in recent studies here on Abounding Grace. And today we'll observe an ignorance, or lack of understanding, concerning spiritual gifts. The same is true today in many believers. And so pastor Ed Taylor is going to help us come to an understanding of how the Holy Spirit works in and through our lives. Beginning today, we'll set out to gain a right understanding of Spiritual Gifts, with First Corinthians chapter twelve in view. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/302/29

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Churches today, like the Corinthian church, often struggle with the tension between engaging their culture and being transformed by it. In this compelling episode, Dr. John Neufeld takes listeners into Paul's letter to the Corinthians, a church that had gradually adopted the pagan culture around them rather than following Christ's way of life. The timeless message challenges today's church to distinguish itself from contemporary culture while remaining engaged with the world around us.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Send us a textWelcome: Hello and welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. Today, we continue our 40-day journey through 1 Corinthians—a letter for the modern church, if ever there was one.In this episode, we'll witness something astonishing: Paul gives thanks for a church in crisis. Before addressing the many failings of the Corinthian believers, Paul stops to thank God for His grace at work in them—and in doing so, models how we too should begin not with condemnation, but with praise and confidence in God's faithfulness.

Reggie Little Outlaw Chuckwagon Race on FACEBOOK Welcome to HEARD IT ON THE SHARK with your show host Melinda Marsalis and show sponsor, Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. HEARD IT ON THE SHARK is a weekly interview show that airs every Tuesday at 11 am on the shark 102.3 FM radio station based in Ripley, MS and then is released as a podcast on all the major podcast platforms. You'll hear interviews with the movers and shakers in north Mississippi who are making things happen. Melinda talks with entrepreneurs, leaders of business, medicine, education, and the people behind all the amazing things happening in north Mississippi. When people ask you how did you know about that, you'll say, “I HEARD IT ON THE SHARK!” HEARD IT ON THE SHARK is brought to you by the Mississippi Hills National Heritage area. We want you to get out and discover the historic, cultural, natural, scenic and recreational treasures of the Mississippi Hills right in your backyard. And of course we want you to take the shark 102.3 FM along for the ride. Bounded by I-55 to the west and Highway 14 to the south, the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area, created by the United States Congress in 2009 represents a distinctive cultural landscape shaped by the dynamic intersection of Appalachian and Delta cultures, an intersection which has produced a powerful concentration of national cultural icons from the King of Rock'n'Roll Elvis Presley, First Lady of Country Music Tammy Wynette, blues legend Howlin' Wolf, Civil Rights icons Ida B. Wells-Barnett and James Meredith, America's favorite playwright Tennessee Williams, and Nobel-Laureate William Faulkner. The stories of the Mississippi Hills are many and powerful, from music and literature, to Native American and African American heritage, to the Civil War. The Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area supports the local institutions that preserve and share North Mississippi's rich history. Begin your discovery of the historic, cultural, natural, scenic, and recreational treasures of the Mississippi Hills by visiting the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area online at mississippihills.org. Musical Credit to: Garry Burnside - Guitar; Buddy Grisham - Guitar; Mike King - Drums/Percussion All content is copyright 2021 Sun Bear Studio Ripley MS LLC all rights reserved. No portion of this podcast may be rebroadcast or used for any other purpose without express written consent of Sun Bear Studio Ripley MS LLC

Ministry is often lonely and discouraging, and Paul's journey to Corinth was no exception. Yet God surrounded him with community—old friends, new companions, and faithful provision. When results seem scarce and resistance is strong, we find our greatest encouragement not in outcomes, but in faithfulness to our calling. Be reminded today: your responsibility is obedience, and God handles the rest.

He, along with his wife Priscilla, is mentioned in the book of Acts and in St Paul's Epistle to the Romans. He and his wife were Jews who moved to Corinth when the Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Italy. They were working as tentmakers in Corinth when they met and worked with St Paul, also a tentmaker by trade, who brought them to faith in Christ. From that time onward they worked diligently to spread the Gospel of Christ. The Prologue says that they died at the hands of pagans, the Great Horologion that the circumstances of their repose are unknown.

In a world marked by outrage, division, and chaos, what does it look like to represent Jesus and His Kingdom?In this message, Pastor Ed Stetzer explores the Apostle Paul's passionate words to the church in Corinth—a church caught in cultural confusion and compromise. Through 2 Corinthians 5, we're reminded that our identity in Christ radically reshapes how we see the world and how we live within it.

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

What do ancient Corinth and modern Canada have in common? More than you might think. In this opening message of a 4-week series on 1 Corinthians, Dr. John Neufeld explores the parallels between Paul's ministry in pagan Corinth and the challenges facing Canadian Christians today. As Dr. Neufeld unpacks the historical context of this busy Roman city, he shows how the Corinthian church's struggle to maintain Christian identity in a secular world speaks to believers navigating similar pressures in contemporary Canada.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Send us a textChristians suing one another? It happened in Corinth—and still happens today. But what if the gospel actually gives us a better way? This week's message explores a hard but liberating truth: you are not what you were.------In this message from 1 Corinthians 6:1–11, Pastor Paul Lawler addresses how believers should handle conflict—not with lawsuits or public accusations, but with the wisdom and reconciliation of Christ. Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for taking fellow Christians to secular courts over civil matters. Instead, he calls them to remember who they are and whose they are: saints who will one day reign with Christ and judge angels. The sermon outlines Jesus' biblical model for resolving conflict (Matthew 18), explores the difference between sin and crime, and dives into three Greek words for forgiveness that bring healing and freedom. Pastor Paul ends with a powerful reminder: no matter your past, you are not what you were. You've been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us a text Series: 1 Corinthians — A Letter for Our TimeWelcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. I'm Jeremy McCandless, and today we launch a brand new season as we begin our study through the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians—chapter by chapter, verse by verse.Corinth was a messy church in a broken world. Sound familiar? That's why this letter matters so much—because it speaks directly into the kind of cultural confusion and spiritual compromise we face today.Over the next approx 40 episodes, we'll explore what it means to live a cross-shaped life, how to pursue unity in a divided age, and why the resurrection changes everything.Let's begin this journey—together—to Corinth.

Explore Paul's message to the Corinthian church, urging humility, graciousness, and sacrificial living empowered by God's Spirit. This sermon from First Christian Church in Brazil, IN, delves into 1 Corinthians 4, challenging believers to live intentionally for God's mission.In this fifth installment of the UnFiltered sermon series from First Christian Church in Brazil, IN, we dive into 1 Corinthians 4, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church's struggles with pride, judgment, and complacency. Drawing from the sermon outline, Chris Gregg explores Paul's deep relational equity with the Corinthians, built over a year and a half of ministry in the vibrant, yet morally complex city of Corinth. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the need for God's Spirit to live graciously, intentionally, and sacrificially in a world prone to criticism and division.Key Topics DiscussedPaul's Mission in Corinth: Introduction to Paul's church-planting efforts in Corinth, a wealthy, sex-obsessed city, and God's encouragement to him in Acts 18:9-10 to persevere in sharing the Gospel.Relational Equity: The importance of building trust and proximity in relationships to share hard truths, as Paul did with the Corinthians, rooted in love (1 Corinthians 4:20).God's Empowering Spirit: How the Corinthian church forgot their need for God's power, becoming prideful and judgmental, and Paul's call to humility (1 Corinthians 4:5).Living Graciously: Practical steps to live graciously by embracing brokenness, trusting God's strength, and staying curious to avoid toxic narratives and gossip.Intentional and Sacrificial Living: Paul's sarcastic rebuke of the Corinthians' complacency (1 Corinthians 4:8) and the call to live sacrificially for the Great Commission, as exemplified by Paul's hardships (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).Conviction vs. Shame: Paul's fatherly admonition (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) to follow his example, distinguishing between shame from the enemy and Holy Spirit-led conviction.Additional NotesThis sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual complacency and embrace God's power to live out the Great Commission. Pastor references J.D. Greear's insight on deepening one's relationship with Jesus through helping others and encourages intentional living that sparks curiosity in others. The episode closes with a call to action: evaluate whether following Jesus is costing you anything, as inspired by Romans 12:1.Links and Contact InformationChurch Website: First Christian Church Brazil, INSermon Podcast: First Christian Church Sermons on Apple PodcastsSocial Media:Facebook: @fccbrazilInstagram: @fccbrazilContact: Email office@fccbrazil.org for questions or to connect with our ministry team.Further Reading: Explore more on 1 Corinthians with resources from The Gospel Coalition or BibleProject.

In this series we're going to study through the book of 1 Corinthians to deepen our spiritual maturity. All of us need to be more intentional with our spiritual growth. Paul, the author of this letter, will challenge us, just as he challenges the church at Corinth, to move into a deeper level of spiritual maturity.

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Concluding the Series on 1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 12:1-13 Christ's Power Made Perfect in Weakness Please turn to 2 Corinthians chapter 12. That is on page 1152 of your pew Bibles. We are on the home stretch in our 2 Corinthians study. We'll be wrapping up our series over the next 4 weeks. This morning, we'll cover chapter 12 verses 1-13. It has one of the most well-known verses in the book. And it's a great one. The Lord said to Paul “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” What a tremendous promise. As I read, listen for the context of that promise. Also listen for the unique experiences and gifts given to the apostles. Reading of 2 Corinthians 12:1-13. Prayer “To live is to suffer.” That well-known quote has been attributed to a couple of people in history. Again, “To live is to suffer.” Whoever said it has captured one of the common experiences of all mankind. To be sure, it doesn't capture all the things we share, but it does capture the fact that we live in a fallen world. And part of that fallenness, which we all experience, is suffering. We each endure pain and suffering. Some to a greater extent and others to a lesser one. Some of our suffering is physical, other suffering is emotional. Some of it has been inflicted upon us by others. Some of our suffering is due to the imperfections of our minds and bodies. To use the words of Romans 8, the whole creation has been groaning… and we groan inwardly. You may struggle with chronic illness or live with the results of an accident. Or endure the effects of a disease that you had, or perhaps you were born with a condition of some kind that affects you every day. Maybe you have or have had cancer, or endure debilitating headaches, or struggle with vertigo, or seizures or mental illness. Or maybe the burden you carry is the suffering that a loved one is enduring. All of it is hard. All of it weighs on us. We lose sleep. We shed tears of heartache. Like Paul, we plead for the Lord to relieve our pain and suffering. We cry out for help. We long to be comforted and we long to be whole. Out of all the verses in the entire Bible, I think 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 brings the greatest comfort and hope to our souls. It directs us to the source of our comfort and it reveals from where we can draw strength in weakness. And that is, in Christ. I hope and pray that you will leave here today with a renewed strength in God as you endure suffering and sickness. But before we get to those precious verses, verses 7-10, let's first figure out what this third heaven is and who experienced it, and then ponder Paul's thorn in the flesh. I think understanding those things will in fact increase your comfort from this Word. By the way, I did get an outline in the bulletin this week. It's there on page 4. We're first going to look at Paul's calling as an Apostle (you know, capital A, Apostle), including the things unique to his role, as well as the things we share with him. And then second, we'll apply God's grace in Christ in our own weaknesses. 1. Paul's unique calling and our shared struggle So, #1, Paul's unique calling and our shared struggle. Remember, the whole reason that Paul has entered into the foolishness of boasting is because of the so-called super-apostles. They're mentioned here, again. They had elevated themselves. They taught a false Gospel. And they undermined Paul and his teaching. All of it threatened the stability and future of the church in Corinth. Therefore, Paul needed to demonstrate his trustworthiness and the truth of the Gospel he proclaimed. So, Paul had to boast, but it pained him. It pained him because he knew that any and all of the ministry that has happened through him was not because of himself. No, it was all attributable to God. Paul had a special calling as an Apostle, but he knew he was unworthy of that role, yet God had called him to it. So, he's been boasting over these last 2 chapters only to counter the super apostles. And now, in chapter 12 verse 1, he continues to boast and says, “I will go on to visions and revelations.” And then look at verse 2. He begins, “I know a man” and then describes the revelations that this guy experienced. Who is that guy? Well, it's Paul himself. He basically says so in verse 7. “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations [you know, the thing he just described], a thorn was given me in the flesh” This is like saying today, “Asking for a friend.” Like “is it ok to wear the same pair of socks two days in a row? asking for a friend.” You say “asking for a friend” because you really don't want to admit you are the one asking. But everyone knows, it's really you. Paul referred to himself in the third person because he just can't bring himself to boast about the amazing revelations he's seen. This man, AKA, Paul, has been caught up into “third heaven.” What in the world is the third heaven?  Well, at that time, there was a well-known way to describe the different levels of the heavens. The first heaven was the realm of the clouds and the blue sky; if you will, our atmosphere. The second heaven was the realm of the sun, moon, and stars, what we call outer space. And the third heaven was the spiritual realm, what we just call heaven – in the presence of the Lord. Paul describes it in verse 3 as “paradise.” So, Paul, as an apostle had been given a revelation of heaven. It was so real to him, he didn't even know if he was in the body or out of the body. Had God physically taken him to heaven to see its wonders, or had God only brought his spirit to see and hear? Paul didn't know. But he did know… it was unspeakably amazing. Now, in the book of Revelation, we are given a glimpse into this kind of revelation. The apostle John was taken up into heaven and Jesus revealed to him many things. John was told to write down what he saw and heard. Paul, on the other hand was told not to. In some way, it was to assure him of the truth and of God's promises. I mean, think of all the suffering that Paul had to endure as an apostle. Think of all those things that we considered in chapter 11. The beatings, the shipwrecks, the dangers. Would not the visions revealed to Paul give him confidence in God. Would they not inspire and motivate him to persevere as an Apostle despite the suffering that he would endure? Of course they would. They would do all those things. But he couldn't boast about the revelations as himself. He could only boast about them in his God ordained role as a true apostle. Now, jump down to verse 12. It's very similar in this regard. He writes, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.” Same thing. In verse 12 Paul can't even name himself as the one who performed the signs. So, he uses a passive voice. But the Corinthians were there. They knew full well that it was Paul that performed the signs and wonders… which, by the way, were likely healings and miracles. Besides Paul, other apostles performed them. We have record of several in the book of Acts. Consider this. Out of all the arguments about Paul's true apostleship, these are the strongest - visions and revelations and signs and wonders. Yet in all of it, Paul minimized himself and exalted God. Now, we don't share in those special things. We're not apostles…  Those things were given to the apostles. But there is something we do share with them. We share in their weaknesses. All throughout 2 Corinthians, we've studied the emphasis on suffering. To be sure, Paul has demonstrated his unique roll as a suffering servant for Christ. But he's also expanded God's teaching to includes all believers. Chapter 1: remember, we share in the suffering of Christ and in his comfort. Chapter 4: we have the unbreakable treasure of the Gospel in our breakable jars of clay bodies. Chapter 5: we groan in the tent that is our earthly body, and we long to put on our heavenly body. And now in chapter 12. Christ's power is made perfect in weakness. And furthermore, just like Paul, we each have thorns in our flesh. We share those things. OK, you are probably wondering: what was Paul's thorn? As you can imagine, there have been dozens of proposals through the centuries. Some have suggested Paul's thorn was a physical ailment such as migraines, or a speech impediment, or an eye condition, or some kind of disfigurement. That's possible. Others have suggested it was more opposition to his work. That view sees the messenger of Satan as an individual or group opposed to Paul. They were  “thorns in his flesh” so to speak. That's also possible. Personally, I think it was more likely a physical condition given that he calls it a thorn in his “flesh.” But in the end, it doesn't matter. The Holy Spirit saw fit in his wisdom to not identify the thorn. We don't need to know. And in many ways, it is helpful for us not to know. In fact, look at verse 10. Notice that the types of suffering listed are broad.  “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” Those are basically all the kinds of suffering that we experience. All of it is a result of living in a fallen world. Our thorns in the flesh could be many things. Let me share one of my “thorns in the flesh.” 18 years ago, I was teaching a class. It was an intensive 5-day class in my field of work at the time. In the middle of the class on I think the second or third day, I lost my ability to say certain words. I would be in the middle of a sentence, and I couldn't say the next word. I had never experienced that before. It was a kind of stuttering. There were certain consonants that just wouldn't come out. I would get locked up. I had a hard time speaking. It was overwhelming. I was afraid and I didn't know what to do at first. At the time, I was only maybe 10 seminary classes away from finishing my degree. A career change was on my mind in the future. And I thought, if I can't talk clearly, I can't teach the Bible or preach. I prayed for healing and for the Lord to give me strength. Amy, of course, was a big encouragement. I was able to get some help. There are ceratin strategies to navigate those moments. It's mostly gone, but occasionally it comes back. Even today, I have to pause or take a breath before I can say certain words. And you probably don't notice it. Honestly, I don't remember if 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 came to mind in those difficult days. But certainly, its truths have become real to me. It was humbling, like Paul experienced with his thorn in the flesh. And it's been a constant reminder to rely on the Lord and his strength and his grace in my weakness. I know many of you have a different thorn, but we share the same strength and grace. Strength in Christ and grace in him. 2. God's grace in Christ and his power in our weakness Which brings us to main point number 2. God's grace in Christ and his power in our weakness. We'll spend the rest of our time applying these truths to our suffering and weakness. The first thing to note is that there are two causes here. Besides the thorn being in God's sovereign plan, Satan was also present to tempt Paul. Maybe the apostle Paul has Job in mind. We read from Job chapter 2 earlier. God allowed Satan to afflict Job. Satan thought that Job would curse God, but Job stood firm through that temptation. So did the apostle. I think every single one of us understands the temptation of weakness. God, where are you? Why have you not brought healing or restoration? Have you forgotten me? Have I done something to deserve this? Those are the questions we struggles through. And let me say, if there's nothing else you remember from 2 Corinthians, remember that God ministers to us in our suffering. He understands our suffering, he is with us in it, and he uses it for his purposes. One big thing that 2 Corinthians has taught us is to reorient our theology of suffering. We've learned that God uses suffering in our life for his purposes. And, throughout the book, we've been given hope and strength to endure. But what are those purposes? Well, to name a few… In chapter 1, we learned that affliction helps us to rely on God more. That's certainly true. Suffering should drive us to Christ. God also uses our affliction so that we can minister to others who similarly suffer. Remember, we are able to comfort others with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. In Chapter 4, God directed our attention in suffering to the eternal weight of glory. Our suffering points us to heaven and the amazing glory that we will experience. And here in chapter 12, God used Paul's thorn in two ways. (1) to keep him from being conceited -to humble him. Suffering certainly does that. And (2), to remind Paul of God's grace as he endured his suffering. Suffering helps us to lay hold of God's grace. That really encapsulates the first subpoint in point #2 - Knowing God's purposes in our weakness (12:7-8) God is at work in your suffering. Do you believe that? Do you believe that God is conforming you more and more to the image of his Son. It's true. Through suffering, God may be releasing your reliance on the world or the world's things. That's possible. He may be getting hold of your attention. Or maybe it's all of those things or something all together different. Whatever it is, know this: God is at work accomplishing his purposes in your suffering. Number 2, the second subpoint. If you are a believer in Christ, you have God's grace. You have God's undeserved mercy in Christ. And that grace, as verse 9 reminds us, IS sufficient for you in your weakness. It is sufficient because the power of Christ has come through weakness. Jesus suffered in this life. He endured the trials and pain and torture unto death. It was through those things, through that affliction and weakness, that God has brought salvation to the world. Isn't it amazing to consider how the weakness and suffering of our savior ultimately demonstrated his power? That is the power that verse 9 is talking about. In the cross of Christ is the power to save, and the power to sanctify, and the power to overcome sin and Satan. It is that power, the power of Christ which rests upon us, as verse 9 puts it. So, beloved in Christ, in your weaknesses and trials and suffering, remind yourself of that grace which he gives. It is eternally sufficient to sustain you. That brings us to the third sub-point listed there. Contentment. Paul says in verse 10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” None of us, by nature, are content with any of those things. We could go through that list and talk about how in each of those things we can become resentful. For example, take that last one – calamities. This last week has been so very hard with the flooding in Texas. Our hearts ache for the families who have lost loved ones, especially those little girls. Yes, we should be crying out to God, but our hearts should at the same time not become resentful. We can grieve and ask God why, but we can do that with a humble contentment in God's promises and what he is doing through that disaster. By the way, that word contentment, in the Greek, means to take pleasure in the implications of something. We can be content because we know that God's purposes are being fulfilled in those things. As Romans 8:28 says, we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes. It doesn't say all things are good. It says, all things work together for the good of those who love him. The difficult providence of suffering is not what we would choose for ourselves or others, but God uses it. He uses it to accomplish his purposes as he has in Paul. The question is whether we will allow our suffering to drive us away from Christ and cause us to become resentful or whether we will allow our suffering to drive us to Christ and be content in him through it. The last subpoint, #4. Embracing his strength in our weakness. Really the second half of verse 10 summarizes it all. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This is totally contrary to our sensibilities. Strength, according to the world, is being firm and leading with confidence. It's being self-reliant and influencing others through our position. Strength in the world is about achievements and successes. In other words, it's all the things that the super-apostles were about. But none of those things will help you in the trials and tribulations of life. Rather, strength comes through weakness. That's the paradox of the Gospel. We are strong through weakness when we humble ourselves and rely on Christ alone by faith. We are strong when we submit to him no matter the suffering we face. It doesn't mean we can't lament. Many of the Psalms are Psalms of lament. We are strong when we allow God to mold and shape us in our suffering. All that strength in weakness comes through Jesus Christ. Though he possessed the full glory of God as God, yet he set aside that glory and became weak. He took on the weakness of human flesh. He endured the sufferings and afflictions of this life. He bore our sin on the cross. But he was raised in power and exalted on high. You see, his grace IS sufficient because his power IS made perfect in weakness. And because he shares in our weakness, we share in his strength. That strength will sustain you through all the suffering in this life. The devil may tempt you. Your fear and pain may at times may be overwhelming, but in those moments, renew your faith in Christ. Look to him knowing that his purposes are being fulfilled in you, and know that nothing will separate you from him. Back to Romans 8 one more time. “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” May we grasp on to that great truth through whatever weakness and suffering we endure. Amen.

When you try to combine the church with the culture, the result is chaos — and the book of 1 Corinthians is proof of that. In this letter, Paul tenderly addresses the church that he planted in Corinth and dives headfirst into its unbridled dysfunction. Through the lens of the gospel, he cuts through the noise and painstakingly tackles their confusion on topics such as division, sexuality, Christian freedom, gender roles, corporate worship, and the resurrection — all of which are relevant pressure points in the modern church today. In a culture that attempts to blur the lines between the worldly and the godly, we too need to remember our calling to be countercultural.

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

Paul continues his lengthy conclusion in Romans 16:1–16 by naming many of the people with whom he ministered and asks for greetings to be sent to them. Of note is Phoebe, whom Paul describes as a servant of the church in Cenchrea, the sister city of Corinth and the location that many think Paul wrote the letter of Romans from. Two other co-workers are noted, Priscilla and Aquila, who were fellow tent-makers and companions of Paul in Corinth.

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

William Starke Rosecrans was a brilliant Civil War general, inventor, and politician. Known for victories at Iuka, Corinth, and Stones River, he outmaneuvered Confederate forces in Tennessee before suffering a major defeat at Chickamauga. Clashing with Ulysses S. Grant and others, his military career ended in controversy. After the war, he served in politics and was elected to Congress from California. Discover the rise, fall, and legacy of this complex Union leader.Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@bangdangnetwork

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Corinthians 1 The apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, addressing their divisions and calling them to unity in the gospel. Paul reminds them of their calling to be sanctified in Christ and to live as saints, relying on the grace and strength of God. He emphasizes that Christ is the source of wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, urging them to focus on the cross rather than human wisdom or eloquence. Paul laments their divisions, as some align themselves with specific leaders instead of Christ. He stresses that the message of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but it is the power of God to those being saved. Paul encourages the church to boast only in the Lord, whose wisdom surpasses all understanding. Despite the various issues that need addressing within the church, this letter begins with optimism and reassurances regarding salvation through Jesus. As fellow believers, we should approach our shortcomings with hope and confidence in our King. If we all honor and appreciate Jesus, we can navigate disagreements by uniting with Him and His teachings. We can avoid division if we move toward Jesus. Christians must remember that “the word of the cross” and “Christ crucified” is our salvation. We have all chosen God's wisdom over this world's foolishness. While quarrels and sins may need addressing and changes may be necessary among us, we will support each other as fellow children of God, boasting in Jesus and not in ourselves.  Unifying Father, help us embrace Your spirit of oneness in Your Son. Grant us the faith to recognize how Your grace revitalizes and empowers us. We pray that Your people concentrate more on what unites us than what Satan plots to divide us. Foster humility in each of us to prevent division and partisanship. We boast in Christ alone. This world disparages the simple, saving gospel of Jesus Christ, but God's wisdom surpasses the world in every way. Who will demonstrate to the world that God's way is best? May it be us, united in love and courageous in faith.  Thought Questions: -       Why is division so alluring for some? What leads people to align themselves with differing teachers? And what is the remedy for this? -       Why is “the word of the cross” foolishness to so many in the world? Why have you decided “Christ crucified” is worth your entire life of service? -       How has God put the world to shame with His accomplishments in Christ? What does Christ offer and provide that the world never can?

"Paul, writing from Ephesus, where he stayed for more than two years... [to] the Christian church at Corinth, which was then the largest town in Greece... It would have been full of a cosmopolitan crowd, and even in those days a byword for immorality." From the introduction. 

What's in a nameor rather, a list of names? You might be surprised. At the end of Romans, Paul sends greetings from some of his friends in Corinth. And from a handful of names like Gaius and Tertius, Dr. James Boice discovers a lot about everyday life in the early church: their relationships, their work, their mission, and more. Join us this week for The Bible Study Hour. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

In this series we're going to study through the book of 1 Corinthians to deepen our spiritual maturity. All of us need to be more intentional with our spiritual growth. Paul, the author of this letter, will challenge us, just as he challenges the church at Corinth, to move into a deeper level of spiritual maturity.

Corinth was a city of wealth, power, and moral decay—an unlikely place for a thriving church. In this episode, we explore how Paul planted the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and why he stayed longer than expected. You'll learn about his partnership with Priscilla and Aquila, the cultural challenges he faced, and the strategic vision behind his ministry.

What happens when your motives are put under a microscope and people assume the worst? That's where Paul finds himself in this passage. Some in Corinth are questioning Paul's honesty and even his faithfulness to Christ; was it all because he changed his travel plans? Paul responds with open-hearted honesty, explaining the real reason for his decisions, even sharing the tears and anguish behind them. Explore what Christian integrity and pastoral care look like when trust is fragile and feelings are raw.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within? On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Paul begins this letter to the Christians of Corinth by blessing God, calling Him the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. Despite his praise of God, Paul's journey has not been easy. He writes after enduring intense suffering, likely in Asia, where he says he was burdened beyond strength and felt certain he was going to die. This experience, Paul demonstrates, taught him to stop relying on himself and to trust fully in the God who raises the dead. As he writes again to the Corinthians (perhaps for the third or fourth time), Paul doesn't hide his affliction. He shares it so that the comfort he received from Christ might be passed on to others.   The Rev. Dennis McFadden, assistant pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 1.   What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within?   On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul's most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The Bible study given at Calvary Chapel Corvallis on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

We've considered at length the contrasts illustrated in Proverbs 9 by way of a dinner invitation to Lady Wisdom's house vs. the meal served at the Woman Folly's place.  The first is a promise of provision unto eternal life, the second is a gateway to Sheol disguised as a party. Which table will you gather around for dinner? Choose carefully because this situation represents where you turn for provision, the company you keep, the ritual worship you practice, the covenant relationships you countenance, and the foretaste of eternity. The Apostle Paul picks up on this theme addressing issues and diagnosing the spiritual condition of the church in Corinth. He calls them to the repentance, fear, and faithfulness worthy of the table of the Lord.  This text couldn't be more relevant for our assembly today as we have gathered in this place to take communion and share a meal together

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 - Boasting as a Fool Please remain standing. Our sermon text this morning is 2 Corinthians 11:16-33. Please turn there. It is on page 1152. In this passage, the apostle Paul comes back to the theme of boasting. He introduced it in chapter 10. Remember, our boasting should be in the Lord and his work, not ourselves and our work. That was in contrast to the super apostles, who boasted in themselves. That is why, at the beginning of chapter 11, Paul had the most pointed critique of them yet. They taught a different Gospel and were actually messengers of Satan. That brings us to our text this morning. As you will hear, Paul hates their boasting. But to counter the super apostles, he first sarcastically boasts in his credentials and then surprisingly he boasts in something very different. Listen for those things as I read. Reading of 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Prayer On the world stage, there is no shortage of bragging and arrogance. I'm talking mainly about world leaders. I think there's been an increase over the last couple of decades. We certainly saw it back in the late1990s with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Vladimir Putin in Russia has certainly displayed a confident arrogance in his 25 years of power. And no matter your political opinions, I think everyone here would agree: our current president is quite the self-promoter, and I'm being kind. Now, don't be distracted by that comment. Stay with me. Let me say that none of this is new. If we go back to the first century in the Roman Empire, boasting was at a similar high. In fact, I read in a commentary this week that Ceasar Augustus, one of the great Roman Emperors, raised the bar of self-promotion. Near the end of his life, Augustus wrote a short treatise about himself. Listen to the title - “The Deeds of the Divine Augustus.” It was released in the year of his death, AD 14. In it, Augustus highlighted all of his successes – his military accomplishments, his public works, his diplomacy, and his reforms in the empire. You can find it online. In it, you will read over and over. “I did this, I did that.” I triumphed over such and such nations. I built the senate house and the capital building. Four times, I helped the senatorial treasury with my own money. I restored peace to the sea from pirates. I gave shows of gladiators under my name. I extended the borders of the empire… etc. etc. This kind of self-absorbed boasting permeated the culture of the Roman Empire. And to give a little historical context, it was published about 60 years after Corinth was re-settled as a Roman city; 20 years before Jesus' crucifixion, and about 40 years before Paul wrote 2 Corinthians. So, it is no surprise that the false apostles in Corinth praised themselves. That is what you did if you were to be known and honored. We've seen it over and over, these “super apostles” did not live by the Spirit with a humble and contrite heart. No, rather they lived by the world's standards and beliefs and lifestyle. And part of that was to elevate themselves and their own self-defined credentials. As we just read, the apostle Paul hated it. In verses 16 to 21 he calls it all foolishness. In fact, look at verse 19. He writes to the church, “for you gladly bear with fools.” So, not only was their boasting foolish, but the false apostles themselves were fools. That word fool or foolish, if you remember from our Proverbs study, can be understood either as passively ignorant, you know, not really knowing any better… or being foolish can be understood in a more active way, someone being unwise with a senseless arrogance. That second understanding best fits the context. Paul even sarcastically calls the Corinthians “wise.” You see that in the second half of 19. “For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!” It wasn't wisdom at all, but rather foolishness. So, that was part of the problem in Corinth. The arrogant boasting of the culture had come to the church through the super-apostles. So, what does Paul do? Well, for a brief moment, he enters into their boasting. It is like he is saying, since you are foolishly boasting, let me show you what this foolish boasting is like. He doesn't want to toot his own horn, but he feels like he has to in order answer the super apostles. That why he says in verse 16, “…let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.” He goes on in 17, “What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.” Can you sense it? Paul can't stand boasting. Nonetheless, he is compelled to do it. The false apostles were enslaving the Corinthians with their lies and deceit. To use some of the other words in verse 20. They were “devouring” them and “taking advantage” of them. The false apostles had “air” of superiority. In all of it, they were in essence “striking [the church] in the face.” But really, they had nothing on Paul. Paul's fleshly credentials were greater than theirs. He says in verse 22, “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.” He could have gone on with his worldly credentials. In other places in Scripture he mentions that he is from the tribe of Benjamin. He was among the few. Furthermore, he had been an esteemed Pharisee. But he says in his letter to the Philippians chapter 3 that he “counts it all loss for the sake of Christ.” There is something far greater, and that is his identity in Christ. “Corinthian church, you have bought into this ungodly boasting. It is all foolishness. And even if you go by the super apostles foolish criteria, they still do not measure up.” Any and all boasting in human strength and ability is self-centered and not Christ-centered. It is foolishness because (1) it does not recognize God and his Glory and his gifts, (2) it does not recognize our sin and our unworthiness apart from Christ, and (3) boasting in human strength does not acknowledge that all good gifts come from him alone. Now, we covered some of that a couple of weeks ago. But we learn something very interesting here in the middle of chapter 11. We learn, there is something that we can boast about in our lives. We can boast in our weakness. Jump down to verse 30. “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” Verses 23 to really the middle of chapter 12 are specifically about that. Boasting in weakness. Now, boasting in our weakness does not mean glorifying failure or seeking pity. It is not drawing attention to ourselves as a victim. Nor is it seeking our identity in suffering. The apostle Paul is not doing any of that, here.   So then, what is boasting in weakness? It is giving glory to God who sustains us in our weakness. And it is recognizing that the Lord has gone before us in our suffering. Just as he endured the weakness of the flesh and affliction from the world, so too, in him, God will sustain and use us in our weakness. I just want to make that clear. As we look at this, there are two things that the apostle focuses on. First, here in chapter 11 he focuses on the affliction that he received as a result of his ministry. You know, all the things that he suffered as an apostle. Second, when we get to the beginning of chapter 12, he focuses on the weakness of the flesh. Paul will write about his thorn in the flesh. We'll get to that next week. But today, let's consider this unbelievable list of Paul's suffering and God's protection. Go back up to verse 23. Paul begins, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one” Now, put yourself in the shoes of the Corinthians. What do you think they expected Paul to say, next? Perhaps they expected him to give a Caesar Augustus type list: I, Paul, planted 13 churches; I saw the risen Lord, himself, on the road to Damascus; I raised Eutychus from the dead; I cast out demons in Jesus name; I healed the sick; I confounded the Greek philosophers in Athens. Etc. etc. But he doesn't do that. No, instead, he rattles off a most surprising list. All the things that he suffered (so far!) as an apostle. And it is overwhelming. God sustained him over and over and over to bring the Gospel all throughout the northern Mediterranean. Only a portion of this list is included in the book of Acts. Acts is the history of the early church. ·      Paul was imprisoned multiple times. In Phillipi, which we read about earlier, he was beaten and then imprisoned with his feet in stocks. ·      He mentions, here, multiple beating with rods. In Lystra he was stoned outside the city and left for dead. ·      The most severe thing on this list is the forty lashes minus 1. It was a Jewish punishment for breaking the law. The guilty party would be severely whipped. Each lash would score the skin of the recipient. It would create what was called a stripe. A bloodied line across the back that would eventually scar. 39 lashes was one short of 40. More than 40 would have broken the Jewish law, so 39 was just in case someone didn't miscount. Paul bore on his body the marks of his sacrifice for the Gospel. ·      He mentions being shipwrecked three times. However, the most famous shipwreck had not even happened yet. That one is recorded in Acts 27. That would be a couple of years later. ·      He furthermore endured multiple dangers. He endured danger from the elements… from cold and heat. Sometimes he went without food. But also, he experienced danger from others. Danger not just from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles and from robbers. Notice at the end of verse 26 he includes danger from false brothers. He uses the word “brothers” because there were men in the church who threatened him. They were wolves in sheep's clothing, just like the false apostles in Corinth. This kind of persecution happens all over the world today. We have so many freedoms in our country, that it's hard to imagine the suffering that our brothers and sister in Christ experience throughout the world. Some of you know or have met Pastor Zaki. He pastors the Orthodox Presbyterian Church over on Chamblee Tucker. It's just down the road from here. He is a dear brother and a friend. Zaki is from Eretria. He's been in the US for about 15 years. A couple of years ago, at a conference here in the area, he spoke about persecution. As part of that, Pastor Zaki shared a little about the persecution that he endured. In 2002, the government of Eritrea shut down many of the churches. Some believers were imprisoned, especially pastors, and the church had to go underground. Well, Zaki was arrested. He was not even allowed to tell his family, when it happened. He was brought to the prison. They put him in a metal shipping container. There was just one small vent in it so he could breathe. Literally, nothing else was in it. Zaki described how he, at first, struggled to rejoice. He remembered the words of Jesus, blessed are those who are persecuted for my name sake. And he remembered the words of the apostle Peter that we're to rejoice in suffering. He thought, “had I led my people astray telling them that they should rejoice even if they suffered persecution for their faith.” Those first few hours weighed heavily on him, and he prayed. Then it happened. The Holy Spirit opened his heart, and he began rejoicing in the Lord. Something even more amazing happened that first night. About midnight, he said, he began hearing other believers all throughout the prison singing. They were suffering, but they were rejoicing. And he joined in their joyful praise. Brother Zaki was release but arrested 4 more time over the next 9 years. As I understand it, he was beaten. At one point he almost died, but the Lord preserved him. In 2011, he was able to flee to the United States. He moved to Greenville to study. And then the Lord then brought him here to the Tucker area to pastor. The kind of suffering and affliction that Paul endured is experienced by many today who love and serve Christ. And I want you to notice, it's not just external suffering that Paul endured. Look at verse 28. “Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” Paul loved the Corinthians. Really, he loved every single church that he participated in planting. He prayed for them. He communicated with them. He longed to see them be faithful and true. And it all weighed on his soul. And look what he says in verse 29. He asks, “who is weak, and I am not weak?” In other words, when someone in one of his churches suffered, Paul suffered alongside of them. His heart suffered. The next question in verse 29 is even stronger, “Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” In other words, when a fellow believer in Christ was led into sin by one of these false brothers, Paul was indignant. He had a righteous anger at these false apostles for all the ways in which the church was being led astray. That internal turmoil was part of the suffering that he endured. Ok, now, jump down to verses 32 and 33. Paul mentions one final experience. Many, many years earlier, when he was in Damascus, in order to escape persecution, he had to be lowered in a basket out of a window. By the way, if someone tried to lower me in a basket, I think it wold probably go very poorly. I wouldn't even fit in a basket. But Paul escaped. Now, when you hear this last trial, doesn't it feel like an addendum to his list? But let me ask, do you remember the significance of Damascus? Paul was on the road to Damascus when the Lord blinded him and called him to faith. Damascus was the very city that he first stayed in as a believer in Jesus. Do you see what Paul is saying? His suffering as an apostle began at the very beginning of his ministry. All the suffering that he has endured is not new. It goes back to the very beginning of labors for Christ. Despite what the false apostles were saying, his suffering did not disqualify him as an apostle. No, rather, it testified to his true apostleship. Do you see now why Paul could boast in this affliction and weakness? It showed and demonstrated that God had called him to suffer and God sustained him through it all. This was not the theology of the super apostles. Part of their false prosperity Gospel, which we've considered multiple times in weeks past, was to reject sickness and suffering as part of the Christian life. Like many counterfeit pastors today, they taught that suffering was not part of God's purpose and will for your life. They rejected Paul because he suffered. But God is saying through Paul that suffering is part and parcel of the Christian life. He's been saying that all throughout 2 Corinthians. Remember, in our affliction, we share in the affliction of Christ, so that we may share in his comfort. And also, these light momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. And so, we can boast in our weakness. It's a humble boasting. Yes, that's a little paradoxical, but I think you know what I mean. It's a humble boasting that gives glory to God. Isn't that the upside-down world of the Gospel? Strength comes through weakness. Exaltation comes through humility. Life comes through death. Go back up to verse 23. We've already considered it. Paul asks, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one.” Did you notice that it is the only question where Paul raises the bar. He doesn't say, “so am I” like how he answers the other questions. Rather he says, “I am better.” Literally translated, it would say I am a degree beyond. His service to Christ is far better because of his suffering, not despite it. That question and Paul's answer prefaces the entire list of his suffering. To put it another way, Paul suffered in this life, we suffer in this life, just as our Savior suffered in this life. Jesus endured many trials in this life. False accusations; rejection from his people; temptations from Satan; Jesus disciples abandoned him at his hour of need; he was spit on and mocked and whipped…  not with regular whips, like 40 lashes minus one, but wips with metal or bone fragments in it, which tore into his skin. Isaiah wrote in his prophecy that our Savior was oppressed and afflicted, yet did not open his mouth. “he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Other translations say, “with his stripes we are healed.” Paul boasted in his suffering because his Savior suffered and died for him. Jesus suffered and died so that in eternity his people would be freed from suffering and affliction. In other words, Jesus did not suffer and die so that we would not suffer in this life. No. Rather, Jesus suffered and died to forgive and redeem us, and in heaven we will be freed from our suffering forever. And that gives us great hope in our suffering in this life. And we can therefore boast in it. If we must, as Paul says. So, to recap – Paul's boasting in his earthly credentials, was simply to put the super apostles in their place. All boasting in human strength and wisdom is foolishness and it dishonors God. If we must boast about ourselves, we should boast in our weakness. For Paul, his suffering was a testimony of his true ministry as an apostle. And when we boast in our suffering we ought testify to Christ's suffering for our salvation. Truly, in all of history, there was only one man who could rightfully boast in his accomplishments. It was not Caesar Augustus. It was not any world leader today or in the past. No. The only one who could rightfully boast was and is our Lord. As God the son, Jesus is the king of kings; the agent through which God created the heavens and the earth; He is the very word of God; and redeemer of God's people. Yet, on earth, he boasted not of those things. Instead, he humbled himself. He did not respond when mocked, he suffered and died, but was raised. As we sang earlier, “I will not boast in anything; No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection” So, let us boast in him… and when we suffer, let us boast because we suffer in him. Amen

When you try to combine the church with the culture, the result is chaos — and the book of 1 Corinthians is proof of that. In this letter, Paul tenderly addresses the church that he planted in Corinth and dives headfirst into its unbridled dysfunction. Through the lens of the gospel, he cuts through the noise and painstakingly tackles their confusion on topics such as division, sexuality, Christian freedom, gender roles, corporate worship, and the resurrection — all of which are relevant pressure points in the modern church today. In a culture that attempts to blur the lines between the worldly and the godly, we too need to remember our calling to be countercultural.

Pastor Derek leads us through our next-to-last week in 1 Corinthians, looking at the biblical principles we can learn about giving from Paul's instructions to the church in Corinth.

You know, everybody needs encouragement and help at times. As I read 2 Corinthians 7, I realized even the great Apostle Paul had difficult times when he needed other people. He said in verse 5: For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within (2 Corinthians 7:5). Doesn't that describe the way you feel at times? Conflicts without, fears within? But this is the spiritual giant, Paul, and it surprises us to realize he would have these same feelings. We really need to remember that positions of prominence do not isolate anyone from being human. Paul was tired and fearful. He needed help. Where did his help come from? He goes on to say, but God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6). He needed a friend at his side to comfort him, and so Titus came along. We could say to Paul, "But wasn't it enough to have the Lord there?” And Paul would respond, "The Lord was there in the person of Titus. He comforted me by sending Titus." That's how the Body of Christ should function. God wants to use us in each other's lives as messengers of comfort and encouragement, to pick up each other at those weary and frightened moments of our lives. God has given us each other for that purpose. Paul goes on to say he was comforted by the good report Titus brought to him of the concern for his welfare by his friends in Corinth. Paul needed to know they cared, they hadn't forgotten him, they still loved him. How often do we miss these opportunities to be God's comfort in the lives of others? How often do we need to be by a friend's side when they're experiencing dark days? Or send a message to them—by email or snail mail or on the phone—just to say, I care. Hallmark Cards has coined the phrase, "When you care enough to send the very best.” When we as Christians care enough about each other, we can send our very best, which is the comfort of God pouring through us to those who need it. Is there someone in your life today who needs a Titus? Ask God to show you and allow him to use you as his agent of comfort and encouragement.