2 Corinthians 8-9

(Reading chapter 9)

• What is this service/ministry of the Lord’s people? (8:4, 9:1, 9:12ff)
• And how is generosity a ‘grace’? (8:1-2, 8:7, 9:14)
• The amazing effect of genuine grace-shaped generosity (9:12-15)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Unevenly Yoked?

2 Corinthians 6-7

(Reading 6:11-7:4)

 

The apostle is making a heartfelt appeal… for ‘holiness’  

 

 

It’s a confident appeal …based on past ‘repentance’

 

What about us? Are we perfecting holiness … out of reverence for God?

 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

God’s Glory Through Weak Messengers

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

 

Our Weakness is God’s Strategy (7-12)

 

God will raise us from death! (13-15)

 

God’s glory is our good (16-18)  

 

 

(Preacher: Aaron Ting)

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2

A Christian Perspective

We know we have a permanent home

(meanwhile we groan in longing while we live by faith)

We know what it is to fear the Lord 

(and we try to persuade others)

We don’t regard anyone from a worldly point of view 

(and we know that now is the time to turn back to God)

The Heart of Gospel Ministry

2 Corinthians 3:1-4:6

Looking for signs of ‘successful’ ministry?

“are we beginning to commend ourselves to you again?” 

2 Corinthians 3:1 – 5:12

 

 

Christ’s ministry changes hearts…                    (3:1-6)

 

 

 

This ministry is more lasting and more glorious even than Moses’ ministry                                                   (3:7-11)

 

 

 

So we have reason to be bold…                        (3:12-18)

 

 

… and not lose heart                                      (4:1-6)

 

 

 (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Do you smell like a follower of Jesus?

2 Corinthians 2:1-3:6

 

Conflict in Corinth, turmoil in Troas & mind-games in Macedonia…   but the Gospel procession continues!!!  

 

Unlike ‘many’, Paul’s confidence and competence to continue – come through Christ 

 

We can learn, from the apostle, how to behave –

• with each other: compassionate correction of complicated Christians
• and in the world: the smelly task of speaking with sincerity

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe) 

God’s Character & God’s Gospel

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4

 

Despite criticism, opposition and any challenge…

God’s grace should shape our motives and actions

 

God’s faithfulness gives assurance – which others should see through us

 

God’s character and God’s Gospel must shape us and the way we proclaim Jesus

 

 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Growing in Christ, when it’s messy!

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

“The Corinthian Diaries” – not particularly comfortable for anyone really!

But God is a God of comfort & deliverance

A very real example…

Growing together in Christ, through pain, opposition.. and mess!

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

God will set the record straight

Joel 3

 

 

God will vindicate His identity as the one true God

 

 

 

 

God will vindicate His people because they are His

 

 

 

 

The enemies of God’s people will face justice 

 

 

(Preacher: Thom Herbert)

God will restore His blessings to His people

Joel 2:18-32

 

1.  Restoration of blessings

 

2.  Restoration of relationship

 

3.  Relationship restored through pouring out of God’s Spirit

(Preacher: Thom Herbert)