Even under normal circumstances, achieving unity is hard. But when culture is polarized, it seems impossible. The first-century Corinthian Church was discordant; comprised of Jewish and Gentile believers – some slaves, others free – and from a wide stratum of social classes.
Paul knew the Church can only stand strong if believers are united. Therefore, he begins this letter with a couple of key ways that the Gospel of Jesus connects everyone. Along the way, Paul reveals God’s chosen tool to pry us from our self-reliance.
Our Suffering and God’s Comfort
January 9, 2022 • Jon Morales • 2 Corinthians 1:1–11
More from
Together: We Will Not Be Shaken
Superior in Every Way
February 20, 2022 • Jon Morales • 2 Corinthians 3:7–18
“You have to try this. It will change your life!” Has anyone ever said that to you? It usually means your friend discovered something far superior to what he or she had known before. Maybe Ms. Frozen Pizza was introduced to wood-fired pizza. Or Mr. Carnival Ride Guy went to Cedar Point for the first time. The experience is night and day. Likewise, the Christian life can seem mundane, even oppressive to some, with lots of perceived “do's and don'ts” and so many “shoulds.” But a true experience of the Gospel changes everything!
True Gospel People
February 13, 2022 • Jon Morales • 2 Corinthians 2:12—3:6
Though cultural issues are often complex, it is all too easy to become polarized, seeing only two sides. Sometimes the side with which we most identify can seem like the correct side... even the only side. When this happens our theology and our passion can grow entwined, leaving the clarity of the gospel a causality to our convictions. But Jesus speaks to all sides! This week we’ll see how a picture Paul paints in his letter to Corinthians helps us to refocus on being true gospel people.
Conflict and Three Tests
February 6, 2022 • Jon Morales • 2 Corinthians 2:5–11
Throughout the course of life, someone is going to wrong you. Or, you’re going to wrong them. And then it’s on! Being together has its challenges. Though the daily news is filled with stories of strife between nations and neighbors, the gospel calls Christ-followers to handle relational conflict differently, and better. How much better depends on how deeply the gospel has changed us.