William Dyrness has observed that in many respects American identity is established in material terms.  We define ourselves by our relation to our material environment, perhaps more than our relation to other people (or even to God).

...The point Dyrness makes is that this cultural backdrop has permeated our preaching of the gospel.  In his words:

Communicating the gospel in America will invariably reflect these emphases.  On the one hand, it will tend to affirm the quest for achievement.  It might emphasize that God loves us and seeks to help us realize our potential or our gifts (He "has a wonderful plan for our life").  On the other hand, it will encourage a practical no-nonsense kind of faith, a "faith that works"… it will in general affirm the goodness and value of the person and the created order.  As a rule, Christians in America will feel the need of affirmation rather than of deliverance.

The question must be raised whether this adaptation to our culture is not a syncretism that compromises the gospel itself.  Is God the great "supporter of my goals," the assistant assigned to help me realize my potential?  ...Sloppy thinking about this crucial area of our lives as Christians will open the door for an invasion of American self-serving materialism and self-congratulating moralism. – NIV Application Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

Today's message highlights how we should understand BOASTING.  Paul's boasting of the Corinthians (9:1-5) is inseparably tied to his confidence in GOD's GRACE performing its necessary work among them.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Paul is talking about sanctifying grace.  Sanctifying grace is the result of saving grace — it’s what what makes a Christian different.

We have identified two “GRACE IMPULSES”:

IMPULSE #1  --  Moves believers to overflow in spite of hard/severe circumstances (vv 1-2).

IMPULSE #2  --  Moves believers to excel, even sacrificially (vv 7-9).

Shaun Lewis, Director of Civil Servant Servant Ministries, fill is this week whil Cliff is on vacation.

Dr. Paul Kissling (from Lincoln Christian Seminary) fills in while Cliff is on vacation this week.