Community Bible Church

One of the most beautiful names God attributes to Himself is Yahweh Shalom: The God of Peace. Most of us know the importance of peace and long for peace. But do we understand the full scope of the peace offered by God? We might be surprised to know that God's peace looks a lot different than what the world knows as peace.

Scripture calls us to praise God according to His name, and this week we look at Elohim Chayim for a powerful reminder that God is the Living God. How should this name of God lead us to praise Him and strengthen us for our own lives?

In 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, verses discuss one of the most highly debated aspects of the Christian life: Spiritual warfare. What is it? How do we engage in it? Wait, aren't Christians supposed to be about turning the other cheek? So, how does that affect the idea of war? In this passage, we learn that Christians should not seek out conflict, but cannot be unwilling to confront falsehood, and we unpack what that looks like.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 we find the concluding thoughts on the lessons for giving that began in chapter 8. In these verses we see God lay out how giving is ultimately an act of trust in Him and worship of Him. So when we consider our own approach to giving, do we trust God as all sufficient and do we view what we have as a way to praise Him?

In 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 we see Paul highlight an integral component of the Christian life: follow through. He lays out the blessings of this and also addresses at least one of the consequences of neglecting it. As we read and study this passage we must ask ourselves: do I fully realize what I have promised God, and am I actively making good on it?

2 Corinthians 8:16-24 may seem to be a simple personal address, but on closer examination we find multiple lessons and truths for the Church. Do we believe God's Word is truly authoritative and sufficient for all things, including church structure, and if we claim to believe it, do we act on it? When the Bible talks about the glory of God, what does that mean? Do we allow God's glory to drive us and determine our lives, both individually and as the gathered body of Christ?

As we come to 2 Corinthians chapter 8, we see Paul lay out several vital spiritual principles on the topic of giving that really gives us insight into why this is an impact aspect of the Christian life and what it means to be devoted to Christ. As we look at the reasons for His encouragement to the Corinthian church, let us consider our context and maybe some areas where we stumble and need to grow on this topic.

In 2 Corinthians 7 we find an interesting contrast between two types of grief, and the blessings of one compared to the disastrous consequences of the other. We also look at understanding what true repentance is; and for believers, we consider Paul's challenge about where godly grief, repentance, and salvation should lead us to.

In 2 Corinthians 6 we come across a passage that tends to be one people find difficult to talk about. As we examine this part of Scripture, we ask and answer several questions: should we take these verses about unequal yoking at face value? Are there Biblical principles here that apply to all of us, even if we're single or married to a fellow believer?

As we continue in our series through the book of 2 Corinthians, we get to this fascinating passage about Paul's endurance through much hardship for the sake of the Corinthians, and his desire for them to understand the Salvation that is made available in the Gospel, how though the Gospel itself is offensive, we are to not add more obstacles to hinder the Gospel.