First – We were meant to worship. This is our core call with all that we are and have – to worship the God of Gods. To worship the One who created all that exists and is sovereign over everything. If we do not feel this call we have missed God. God is the only necessary and free being that exists – we are contingent and dependent. Read the rest of this entry »

Paul, in the first seven chapters of 2 Corinthians, is attempting to do many things. He is attempting to help the readers understand his position as an apostle, his authority in bringing God‘s truth to them, and his heart in his ministry to them. He does not want them listening to false teachers. He is ALSO teaching them by his example. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week I told you we were going to spend the next three weeks looking back and looking forward to the year ahead of us. Last Sunday we saw that Paul’s example involved serving Jesus, serving the fellowship, and serving those who don’t yet know Jesus as Savior. We also saw that the Holy Spirit had landed on him and given him no choice in the matter – he had to pursue the mission even though he knew pain would follow. And how did he feel about it? God had so worked in Paul’s heart that he considered his service for Jesus all that mattered. Read the rest of this entry »

Today I want to learn from Paul as he spoke to the elders of the church at Ephesus. I’d like us to “zero in” on what Paul did (his mission), why he did it, and how he thought about what he was doing. My goal here is that we learn from Paul’s example – as individuals, as a church board, and as a group. So, in Acts 20 there are a few verses that are VERY important. Luke inserted these verses into the flow of Acts because they hold a great deal of value. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s very important to know why Christians serve (or should serve) those in need. Some believe we are insincere when we help others because, in the end, we hope to introduce Jesus and not simply give physical help. Read the rest of this entry »