In this part four of a short series on 2 Corinthians, we find Paul once again defending his ministry and mission. In commenting on what he's been through and how he's responded to challenges, Paul shows us the marks of a true apostle. Join Pastor Chris as he continues a look at the second letter to the church in Corinth.…

Where do we go when we die? Are we going to get new bodies? Who do we live for in the meantime? Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is full of very practical theology. It's also full of a lot of plain, personal talk from Paul. In making his case for the ministry and mission that Christ gave him, he's taking on what must have been serious charge…

We're in the middle of a little series on Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth. There are plenty of places in this very personal letter where Paul is primarily defending his ministry against Corinthians detractors. But there are also plenty of places where that plain, practical language breaks out into beautiful theology-- even foundationa…

Pastor Chris began a series looking at the second of Paul's letters to the church at Corinth. Along the way, he shared some treasured excerpts from letters he had received many years ago from his parents, and also shared a curious passage about a mythical archaeological dig. What might any of those things have to do with Paul's correspondence with …

The familiar story of Jesus’ nighttime conversation with the Pharisaic leader, Nicodemus, centers on the “birth from above,” a birth that allows us both to see and enter the Kingdom of God. Audible whispers of the One True God as Triune echo throughout the conversational exchange. Although the Church’s teaching on the Trinity is so deeply rooted in…

How do you respond to discomfort, discouragement, and disinformation in your life? Where do you turn to for comfort, encouragement, and guidance? On this Pentecost Sunday, we explored the roles and responsibilities of the Holy Spirit as outlined by Jesus. We also looked at four foundational disciplines that enable us to experience the Holy Spirit's…

Cyprian of Carthage once wrote, "No one can have God for his Father who does not have the Church for his mother." Ever think of the church as being our mother? And here's another question we pondered on this Mother's Day (that was also Ascension Sunday): To whom did Jesus leave the gift of the Holy Spirit? Join Pastor Chris as he talks about the wa…

A popular worship song contains the line, "the Father turns His face away." Did God turn away from or abandon Jesus on the cross? The scope of what happened on Mount Calvary is such a deep mystery. Yet, Jesus Himself showed us on the cross through His words and actions an especially astonishing truth about what was taking place. Join us as we consi…

Sheep and shepherds make frequent appearances in Scripture. Jesus called Himself a "Good Shepherd." So, who were the "bad shepherds"? Join Pastor Chris for a fresh look at Psalm 23 and at least one surprising thing about shepherds.The picture associated with this podcast is an historic photo of a sheep cave and shepherd from Bethlehem. Date unknown…

What are we Christians supposed to do in a world full of cynicism that seems to be falling apart? And what about the unfair successes of the ungodly all around us? The psalmist has some very simple, practical, and even profound advice for the godly in times like these.Join Pastor Chris and learn about an addition or two to your evening prayer and d…