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There are many scriptures that speak of the resurrection. A few of these are: I Thessalonians 4:16, Job 19:26, Psalms 49:15, Psalms 71:20, Ecclesiastes 12:7, John 5:25, John 6:40, John 11:25, Acts 24:15, and II Corinthians 4:14. I cannot emphasize enough - Believers have an eternal home with Jesus, and unbelievers have an eternal home without Jesus.
II Corinthians 4
We start out in II Corinthians 11, and then look at how Satan beguiled Eve, and how he works in trying to deceive us today. it is a bit of a sobering message, but a very needful one for us today!
Review: Resist & Repent - James 4:7 = Two of the most important questions ever asked are answered in the first three chapters of Genesis: (1) How did we get here? 2) What went wrong? In my job; In my job; In my home; In my world Our struggle is not against flesh and blood - Ephesians 6:20-18; God's law demands justice be paid! The Cross; The Law - Romans 8:1-2God speaks in Genesis - Gen 1, 2, 3, 4 - God speaks in Bible - His mouth; His voice; His words God has already spoken to create; then to Adam and to Eve. He will today speak to the serpent. God speaks to Cain - to Noah, to Babel, to Abraham, to Moses Hebrews 1:1-2! God's final word was/is Jesus! No more words needed; No more prophecy given; I. The Consequences of the Curse To the serpent - vv. 14-15 Cursed above all - Eat dust from now on - God declares war - “enmity”; Ephesians 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8; II Corinthians 2:5-11 God reveals the Savior's birth God reveals a battle - God declares victory -
The Bible records many times that two or three witnesses must agree on a certain point before it is said to be true. Some of these are: Deuteronomy 17:6, 19;15, Matthew 18:16, 18:19-20, II Corinthians 13:1 and I Timothy 5;19. The Bible gives three undeniable proofs of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 1. The enemies of God. 2. The creation of God. 3. The people of God. 1. The enemies of God include Pilate, Matthew 27:65, Luke 23:4, Matthew 27:23-24. Pilate's wife: Matthew 27;19. Perhaps the most telling is when the soldiers witness the resurrection but were given much money and told to spread it around that the disciples stole the body. 2. The creation of God also testified silently, in Matthew 28:2, by a great earthquake and an angel from God sitting on the stone, which was moved from the burial opening. Matthew 27:45 declares there was darkness over the land from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM. Matthew 27:51 states the veil of the temple was divided from the top to the bottom. Psalms 19:3-4 tells us that the even though creation cannot speak, their witness goes out all over this world. 3. The witness of the people of God. Matthew 27:52-53 speaks of physically dead individuals raising from the dead and going into the city and appeared to many. Matthew 28:9-10 records that Jesus told women to tell his disciples of a future meeting in Galilee. Matthew 16:9 tells of the first person who saw him, Mary Magadelene. Luke 24:13-35 speaks of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. God has given many witnesses of his resurrection, more than we can mention. God wants you to know his resurrection is real.
The Bible records many times that two or three witnesses must agree on a certain point before it is said to be true. Some of these are: Deuteronomy 17:6, 19;15, Matthew 18:16, 18:19-20, II Corinthians 13:1 and I Timothy 5;19. The Bible gives three undeniable proofs of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 1. The enemies of God. 2. The creation of God. 3. The people of God. 1. The enemies of God include Pilate, Matthew 27:65, Luke 23:4, Matthew 27:23-24. Pilate's wife: Matthew 27;19. Perhaps the most telling is when the soldiers witness the resurrection but were given much money and told to spread it around that the disciples stole the body. 2. The creation of God also testified silently, in Matthew 28:2, by a great earthquake and an angel from God sitting on the stone, which was moved from the burial opening. Matthew 27:45 declares there was darkness over the land from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM. Matthew 27:51 states the veil of the temple was divided from the top to the bottom. Psalms 19:3-4 tells us that the even though creation cannot speak, their witness goes out all over this world. 3. The witness of the people of God. Matthew 27:52-53 speaks of physically dead individuals raising from the dead and going into the city and appeared to many. Matthew 28:9-10 records that Jesus told women to tell his disciples of a future meeting in Galilee. Matthew 16:9 tells of the first person who saw him, Mary Magadelene. Luke 24:13-35 speaks of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. God has given many witnesses of his resurrection, more than we can mention. God wants you to know his resurrection is real.
(This podcast was previously published on September 15, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... John 14:6 Jesus says: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME. Jesus, The Word, is the way to go to God. When God speaks to us, we believe the Word and we agree with what God has said and we are born again and given the Holy Spirit of God when we believe the Word given to us. And immediately God changes us into a new creature, not of ourselves nor of our own works, but by God will. II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(This podcast was previously published on September 12, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... These Old Testament examples teach us to follow God. They allow us to see the work of God on behalf of HIS children. And these examples show us God is always giving information in the problems of life to HIS children. I find these examples to be strengthening and faith building. The children of Israel had to fight in many battles, and so do we today. For to enter in to that land promised by God, we will have many who stand up against us, even people in our own church groups. But we will learn that the Word from God is all that matters. Proverbs 21:30-31 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. All that matters is, "Did God tell me to do this thing?"
Continuing with our new series “Cutting Thru The Noise”, today Pastor Chase teaches on “A Cross Centered Life”. In an age of shrinking attention spans, the CROSS still works on HEARTS when it is embodied in lives. When our WORDS and our WALK line up, people hear something different. What looks like foolish to the world is, for us, freedom, hope, and a holy calling to serve. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers eternal life; in the meantime, he trains us to live CROSS-SHAPED LIVES.Key Scriptures:I Corinthians 1:17-18,27-31, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 15:13,12:2, Hebrews 6:19, Romans 8:28, I Corinthians 2:2, I Corinthians 15:1-3, II Corinthians 5:21
Table of Contents: PRAYER TO NEUTRALIZE OCCULT RITUALS The Biblical Purpose of Suffering and Being Afflicted as a Christian—Bible Verses Catholic Representatives Say Aliens will become children of God & be baptized? What! Scott Johnson's Teaching: The Vatican is Easing Humanity Toward Alien Disclosure–Parts 1-3 May 25, 2008 Why you should never go to a psychic or medium– “The world we live in is full of demons–They’re everywhere” LeBron James Retirement Fear Sparks “Deal with the Devil” Rumors They are genociding all life on the planet—What does the Bible say? John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” II Corinthians 2:11: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” USA Junkyards Update Plus Homeless, First Nations People & Drug Addicts Being Disappeared PDF: Emergency Freedom Alerts 7-27-26 Click Here To Play The Part 1 Audio Source
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” (II Corinthians 2:14)
(This podcast was previously published on August 31, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... Genesis 27 (After the death of Sarah) 1-2 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. 3-4 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah (Abraham's wife after Sarah's death.) 5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. (Isaac was the child of the promise.) 6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country. Genesis 25:11 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi.
REVIEW: Genesis 2:18-25• Passages that apply well to marriage:• Ecclesiastes 4:11-12• Amos 3:3• I Corinthians 13:1-13• II Corinthians 6:14• Ephesians 4:32• Philippians 2:3-4I. The Force that is For Us:1. This Force has already been proven 2. The Force that does more - *God with us (not salvation) - Matthew 1:23 *God in us (sanctifying) - John 14:15-17 *God for us (securing) - Romans 8:35-393. The Force that Questions Us - We will discuss this deceiver later with his curse, but not now. He is not of the main characters then or now. That is why he rebelled in the first place. God and man are the main characters throughout history and into eternity.• Leave room for repentance • Give time for conviction • Peter in Acts 5• Good parenting ask questions II. The Force that is Against Us:1. Satan - serpent, tempter, deceiver, dragon, 2. Sin - separation, missed the mark, crossed the line (transgression)• RESIST (plan a) - James 4:7 & REPENT (plan b) - I John 1:5-1”1. I John 3:5 & 3:82. Revelation 20 - bound for 1,000 years yet still massive rebellion 3. Paul - II Corinthians 2 & 114. James - James 4:75. Peter - I Peter 5:86. Jesus - demons came out more. Why?
(This podcast was previously published on August 26, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... Pam Padgett is a member of the body of Christ, chosen by God and given the Holy Spirit by God. I wanted you to see how God speaks to Pam for this is a very good example for you to know that God speaks to all of those who are the elect of God, not just to HIS chosen ministers.
(This podcast was previously published on August 21, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... Noah was a righteous man, so when God destroyed this present earth by waters covering the earth, God made a way to save the life of Noah and His generations. God later raised up another righteous man: Abram, renamed Abraham by God. Genesis 12 (God speaks to Abram) 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; Keeping the Word spoken by God before us is the only thing that matters. As we do that, we follow God. In the coming Podcasts and writings, we will focus on what God said.
(This podcast was previously published on August 20, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... Genesis 9 1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made HE man.
Podcast / Livestream DescriptionWhat does generosity reveal about your heart?In this message, Pastor David explores one of Jesus' most surprising teachings on money through the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12. While the world measures generosity by the size of the gift, Jesus measures it by the heart behind it.Through powerful stories of unexpected generosity, practical wisdom on money, and biblical teaching on tithing and stewardship, you'll discover that generosity isn't an amount, it's an attitude.Whether you're taking your first step in giving, learning to trust God with your finances, or wondering how your resources can make an eternal difference, this message will challenge you to see your money through the lens of God's kingdom.Because when we invest in eternity, the echo of our generosity outlives us.// SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 12:41-44, Acts 17:24-25, II Corinthians 9:12-14, Proverbs 3:9-10, Leviticus 27:30, Matthew 6:21More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook
Pastor Garvon Golden delivered this Father's Day message to Christ Church of Rapid City, SD on June 21, 2026. II Corinthians 6:14-18.
"The Bible is clear about marrying in the faith. The apostle Paul spoke in II Corinthians 6 about being not being unequally yoked with an unbelieve. Join Jon & Debbie Pinelli as they share their own life experiences and insights with regards to this important subject." For further study, read "Meaning of Equally or Unequally Yoked" and the COGWA Study Paper titled "Marrying Within the Faith."
Exodus 34: 29 - 35, II Corinthians 3: 7 - 18
I. The God of Creation-Same God II. The Lord God of Creation: 1. ELOHIM (1:1) - The powerful One; The transcendent One (separated from creation - II Corinthians 4:16-18, eternal) 2. YAHWEH (2:4) - The personal, relational, covenant-maker 3. EL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek; “Your highness” 4. EL ROI (16:13) - “The God who sees me” used by Hagar 5. EL SHADDAI (17:1) - “God Almighty” used when est a covenant w/ Abraham 6. EL OLAM (21:33) - “The Everlasting God” used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. 7. YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - “The God who Provides” used by Abraham when offering IsaacIII. God distinguishes (separates)separation brings structure •Day 1 - Separates light from darkness (Ex. 10; 13) •Day 2 - Separates the water above from the water below •Day 3 - Separates the land from the sea •Day 4 - Separates day from night, “for signs & seasons” •Day 5 - God fills the waters; God fills the skies; then God fills the land on Day 6! •Day 6 - Fills the earth; Finishes by making mankind; Eve is made last; See 3:20 Summary in chapter 1 then Specifics on humankind in chapter 2! •Day 7 - (1) Establishes the Sabbath; (2) Sets in place how humans would live out their work week; Exodus 20:8-11; 3 distinct blessings - 1:22; 1:28; 2:3; God gets more personal. He gets intimate. He provides a boost to the humans He made! This is another level of God's interest in us - His goodness to us IV. Four Different ways Scripture applies to humanity: 1. God blesses us - Psalm 1; Matthew 5:1-12 2. We bless God - Psalm 103 3. Some give false blessing - Psalm 62:4 4. Some refuse to bless - Psalm 109:17, 28
Continuing with our series “Shema”, today Pastor Chase teaches that Shema means hearing and that word hearing means doing. We will learn today the first part of the how behind loving god. We are called to have an ‘Undivided Heart', in a world that tries so hard to divide it.Key Scriptures:Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Psalms 86:11, 26:2-8, 141:3-4, 62:5, 28:7, 119:9-16, 51:10, Ezekiel 36:26, James 4:1, Proverbs 11:6, 4:23, John 3:30, Jeremiah 17:5-10, 29:13, Hebrews 10:22-27, 3:7-15, Ephesians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24, Romans 2:5, 12:2, Mathew 13:15, 22:37-38, Philippians 4:13, II Corinthians 13:5
Study session scripture: Romans 8:15-25For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.Study session topics:Children of God (vv. 15-17) Here Paul fully lays out how profound our new standing with God is Paul briefly touched on it in 5:1-5 -Peace with God--we are no longer God's enemies This grace in which we stand--we have a new standing before God We are not merely slaves or servants of God (though we are those things as well) "Adoption"--this word choice is important Only Paul uses this word in the New Testament, and it doesn't appear in the Old Testament at all How close to God are we as sons? The Holy Spirit allows us to call Him "Abba! Father!"--the same term of address Christ used in Mark 14:36 -Paul says the Holy Spirit bears witness with us that we are children of God--how does the Spirit bear witness? Evidence of the Spirit's presence within us--the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) The Spirit produces in us a willingness to suffer for Christ Persecution--we will be mistreated by the world for our allegiance to God (Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-20) Purification--God will give us difficult circumstances to further sanctify us (Hebrews 12:7-11) As part of the full rights of sonship that adoption entails, Paul declares us to be heirs of God with Christ What does it mean to be an heir of God? Our final future state--glorified in heaven Our present circumstances--God lavishes His love and blessings on us In both cases, the true inheritance is God HimselfHope of future glory Paul transitions to this topic by declaring that our suffering in this life is insignificant compared to the indescribable glory we will one day experience -Paul restates this idea in II Corinthians 4:16-17 Paul is speaking from experience Paul broadens the principle of suffering giving way to glory and applies it to all of creation, specifically non-rational creation The picture Paul paints of the cosmos is distinct from the way an atheist would describe it--Paul talks about a universe that has a purpose, has lost that purpose, and looks forward to the restoration of that purpose The imagery and words Paul uses point to the fall in Genesis 3 and the frustration of the teacher in Ecclesiastes At the same time, creation desires to be set free of the fall and be made new, as God promised He would (Isaiah 11:6-9) At the end of the passage , Paul again narrows his focus to his audience to address the dissonance we feel and our hope for its resolution The "first fruits of the Spirit" does not refer to the fruit of the Spirit, but rather the first portion of the Christian's inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) -Earlier Paul treats our adoption as something that has already occurred--here he speaks of it as something yet to happen We have become part of God's family, but we do not yet have full rights and inheritance because we are not yet who we ought to be Paul finishes this point by reminding us that these glorious things are still to come, and we anticipate them in hope that "does not put us to shame" (5:5) Study session audio: S4 E21: Romans 8:15-25
Message from Jay Mosser on May 10, 2026
II Corinthians 8 - Randy DeMoville - Sunday Evening, April 26, 2026 by First Baptist Church of Hammond
Beginnings/ Origins/ FoundationsPsalm 11:3I. The Creator & The Cosmos God is a Powerful Creator God is a Relational Creator God is a Benevolent Creator God is a Judicial Creator God is a Gracious Creator II. The Creator & Culture Time - Force - Action - Space - Matter - Psalm 119:99III. The Creator & Communion Psalm 51:10; 100:1-5; 118:24; 139:13-14Proverbs 8:22-31Job 5:8-10; chapters 38-41Isaiah 40:12-31Jeremiah 18 - Potter & clayActs 17:24; Romans 1:18-23; II Corinthians 5:17Hebrews 1:1-2; 11:3 II Peter 3:10-13Revelation 5:1-14
Final exhortations- Concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul announced he would be returning to visit them, and expressed his genuine love for the church there. Paul also challenged those who were critical of him to make sure to examine themselves.
Visions and revelations- There were some voices in the church during Paul's time (and even now) that boasted about having revelations from God. What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? Through persistent prayer, Paul learned that God's grace was enough to sustain him.
Credentials of an apostle- What kind of fool would willingly choose a life of suffering? That's what many who were critical of Paul's ministry said about him. Paul did not use his apostleship as a platform to boast in himself, only to glorify God.
Godly jealousy- Like a loving parent, Paul was concerned about false teachings that were creeping into the Corinthian church. Deceptive doctrines can be very subtle and even appealing, many times containing some hints of truth.
Warning against comparisons- One problem plaguing some people in the church at Corinth was the temptation of comparisons. We should not be measuring the health of our relationship with God based on what other people are doing. Christ alone should be our standard.
Weapons of our warfare- There is a spiritual war going on between good and evil. How do you fight against an invisible enemy who knows your weaknesses? Through prayer and the word of God. These are the weapons of our warfare.
Sowing and reaping- There is a difference between tithing and giving. Paul says the main principle for giving is very simple: "God loves a cheerful giver." God wants us to give of our time, money, and resources out of the goodness of our hearts.
Giving in the church- God can use finances to further His work through the body of Christ. How should Christians think through the topic of giving at church?
Continuing our series “Got Joy?”, today Pastor Chase teaches how Paul challenges us to having Peace in our JOY. From starting off with Peace in the eternal where he calls us to follow his example. He then challenges us to STAND Firm in Unity and in the Peace of God's Presence. Which in turn will help us Rejoice by bringing Peace to our Heart and to our Mind. Are you ready for Peace & Joy? Key Scriptures:Philippians 3:17-21,4:1-9, I Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2, Mark 10:43-45, II Corinthians 3:18, Titus 2:1, Mark 7:20-23, Colossians 3:2,5-9,12-17
Wisdom concerning giving- Some people in the church wrongly encourage giving as a form of investment. We aren't supposed to give and expect something back in return. Paul pointed to Jesus, and the church at Macedonia, as examples of what a giving heart that pleases God looks like.
Godly sorrow- Did Paul regret writing his first letter to the Corinthians? Like a surgeon, Paul knew his words would painfully cut into the hearts of his brethren at Corinth. The news of their repentance brought Paul great joy.
Let us cleanse ourselves- Some of the Corinthians were letting worldliness creep into their lives. They were making excuses for unhealthy fellowship with unbelievers. Paul called them to repentance and cleansing from their idolatry.
Serving with Christ- What can the servant of God expect to experience? It is certainly not a glamorous calling. In fact, you can expect to face hardship in your service to God. Serving Christ means separation from the world, but not isolation.
The word of reconciliation- Christians are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to Him. The word of reconciliation is the truth that only Jesus Christ can offer man forgiveness and peace with God.
Motivated by God's love- Some of the Corinthians were critical of Paul and thought he was crazy to be content living a life of trials. It was not a glamorous calling. Paul's mindset in ministry was motivated by his love for Christ.
By faith, not by sight- The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that one day we will be "absent from the body," and "present with the Lord." That's why we are called to walk by faith, remembering where our home really is.
Renewed day by day- The greatest capacity of man is to contain the glory of God. That's good news for believers because the outward man is decaying. Although we have a glorious future, our inward man needs to be renewed daily to endure the momentary affliction of this life.
We have this ministry- The good news of the gospel is that anyone can have a living, breathing relationship with God. We are called to present this glorious truth to the world in humility and simplicity. Are you praying for your friends and family who are spiritually blind?
A letter from Christ- It was apparent that many of the Corinthians' lives had changed. But not because they were following the letter of the law. For "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Some unbelievers will read your life before they ever read the Bible. What will they notice?
Encounters with Jesus, Part 2 | March 22, 2026One encounter with Jesus can change the direction of your entire life.John 4:3-13 (NLT) So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar. Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”“But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”√ JESUS MOVES TOWARD THE BROKEN.John 4:4 (NLT) He had to go through Samaria...√ JESUS MEETS US IN THE PLACE OF OUR DEEPEST PAIN.John 4:15-18 (NIV) The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”“I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”√ JESUS REDEEMS OUR PAIN AND GIVES IT PURPOSE.John 4:28-30 (NIV) Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.FACE TO FACE WITH GRACEI. GIVE JESUS THE PLACE IN YOUR LIFE THAT STILL HURTS.Psalm 34:18 (NLT) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.II. RECEIVE HIS TRUTH AS AN ACT OF GRACE.Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.III. LET GOD TURN YOUR PAIN INTO PURPOSE. II Corinthians 1:4 (TLB) What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.
The fragrance of Christ- We need to be aware of the schemes of Satan. If we do not accept those who are truly repentant, we might be giving space for the enemy to move in. Paul exhorted the church at Corinth to show love to a brother who had failed and repented of his sin.
Setting the record straight- Paul was accused by some of being unreliable and untrustworthy because he did not make it to Corinth to visit the church. How do we respond with grace to people who are critical of us, or make assumptions about our intentions?
Living by God's grace- Paul recounted a trying time while in Asia that was so discouraging he "despaired even of life." Sound familiar? Ever feel so overwhelmed you just want to throw in the towel? It's only through the grace of God that we can find deliverance from our suffering.
Second to the Corinthians- Many believers in the church at Corinth heeded the exhortations and corrections in Paul's first letter. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is full of encouragement, in addition to some defense of his own reputation and ministry.