Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

God has reconciled us to himself in Christ, through the marvellous interchange between the sinless redeemer and our sinful selves. Now that we are in Christ, we participate in the new creation, and controlled by his love, we share the good news with the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Paul knew pain, frustration, and the touch of death. What gave him hope was God's promise to raise him bodily from the dead. His eyes were fixed on the resurrection, but his feet were firmly planted on earth. His aim: to please Christ here and now, so he could stand before him on the day of judgment and hear the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 4:1-15.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Ministry is hard, as Paul knew very well. Why didn't he lose heart and drop out? Paul realized he bore the gospel in human frailty so that it's very clear that the power could only come from God. Our weakness is God's opportunity to display the glory of Christ's death and resurrection.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

God created human beings in his image, and our original purpose was to behold, participate in and reflect his glory. Now we're a race of fallen kings. But Christ has come to transform us into his own image, and to make us as God-like as it is possible for creatures to be.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:6.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Paul's weakness are the victory of God at work in his ministry, and the proof of that is the Spirit's transformation of the believers in Corinth. Instead of being discouraged by weakness and suffering, look for God to display his power there. Seek the transformation of the Spirit so that your life will glorify Jesus and be used to bringing people to him.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Christians have a sleepless enemy, tirelessly scheming for ways to divide and destroy us. The stakes around Christian unity could not be higher. That's why even though Paul had been deeply hurt by someone in Corinth, he urges the church to forgive him now that he's repented. After all, we all know the joy of God forgiving our terrible debt through Christ. That frees us to forgive and embrace those who've sinned against us.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 1:12-22.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Paul's opponents were accusing him of making promises he had no intention of keep. As he defends his own integrity, Paul turns to God's faithfulness to his promises through Christ. God speaks an unreserved Yes! over his children. We echo that back with a joyful "Amen!".

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11.

Series: Power in Weakness (2 Corinthians)

Paul begins his letter with a subject we'd all prefer to avoid: suffering. But he's not embarrassed, because Christian life and ministry is about walking the path of the cross with Christ. And as we do so, God gives profound comfort to our hearts—overflowing comfort that's meant to be shared with those who are suffering.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on Joshua 1:1-9.

Moses is dead, and now it's Joshua job to lead the discontented horde of Israelites across the Jordan to take possession of the Promised Land. "Be strong and courageous," God exhorts him, supplying the new leader with three strong motives for boldness. We need to hear God's own encouragement to us as we begin 2021, to take a firmer grip on his promises, to more diligently obey his Word, and to more earnestly seek his presence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bart Byl on Hebrews 13:8.

As we head into the uncertain future of another year, the author to the Hebrews reminds us of the one truth that will steady our hearts: "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever." The Christ who worship today is the same Christ of the Gospels and of Revelation. He endures the same in his grace, his love, his sympathy, his purpose, and his power. We have no idea what 2021 holds. But when all things are shaken, what a profound comfort to lift our eyes and see our Lord Jesus, the Rock of Ages, serene and unmoved above the storm.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.