Many Christians, especially those younger or totally new to the faith, wonder why their gifts and experience in the faith, don't exactly mirror the record of the early church in the book of Acts. Some wonder if they are missing something they need to find in order to receive the same gifts we see God gave to some Christians. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 gives us very reassuring and informative statements about the certainty of the Holy Spirit's presence in us and how his presence makes us certain for our future hope of resurrection. Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

A major theme of Paul's writing his second letter to the church at Corinth was concern for how his first letter would be received, and how the believers would respond to its contents. Within his writing to the Corinthians, Paul reminded them of how he and his companions had labored among the Corinthians and behaved towards them. In that description comes an important truth about something that should be a source of maintaining and strengthening our relationships, even in the midst of necessary rebuke over sinful mistakes. Consider these things in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Recent political events in Uganda and the United States have prompted many believers to share their questions and views about what they believe is right and wrong in the varying situations. These questions, statements, and events are the focus point of this study. How should believers view human government? Do Christians have any responsibility towards their government? What if a government is an evil government that contradicts God's commands? What do Christians do in such situations and where might their source of hope be even if residing beneath corrupt regimes? We consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

What is affliction meant to produce in a believer's life and how might it affect us in the opposite way when we fail to apply proper faith perspective on our circumstances? In this episode, we consider an example from the life of Paul that shows God uses trials in the Christian life to cause us to rely on him and increase our trust in him for the future.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 gives us several points about God's comfort in a believer's affliction. In this study, we expound on these points: The source of all true comfort, the extent of God's comfort, the purpose of God's comfort, mirroring Christ's affliction and comfort, and the conditional requirement for experiencing God's comfort. Be blessed in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Merry Christmas! In his opening statements of this letter, the Apostle Paul describes God as the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. What do those two words mean - mercy and comfort? Why do believers need mercy and comfort? What doe these things imply about the reality of affliction in the Christian life and the needs of a lost person for salvation? Consider these questions in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In V2 of chapter 1, Paul declares grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to the believers at Corinth. As we approach the Christmas season, those words ring out with the echo of the angels' announcement of the grace and peace bestowed upon men, and among men, through the birth of our Savior. Even so, many believers stumble and struggle with fear in their relationship with God, not laying hold of the true grace given to us through Christ, nor understanding the peace that grace procures for us. So then, what is the meaning of these words "grace and peace" and what implications do they have for Christians? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

The letter of 2 Corinthians opens with a pretty typical greeting from one of the Lord's apostles. However, in light of the context of the letter in Paul dealing with opposition in the church from men claiming to be apostles, what is the significance of him describing himself as an apostle "by the will of God?" What is the authority that the office of an apostle chosen by Christ carried? What does the motivation of these men and the description of their lives and ministry's teach us about true church leadership? Consider these things in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

This is an introductory study beginning a series on the letter of 2 Corinthians. While 1 Corinthians is quite easy to follow with its structure of Paul addressing issues in the church one-by one, the letter of 2 Corinthians is a bit less straightforward in seeing it as a whole. It includes much biographical data about Paul, and some surprising statements, such as when Paul lists himself as a "better servant of Christ than others" and also saying "he is talking like a madman." This lesson seeks to give us an understanding of the purpose and heart of this letter so we understand its contents more richly. Be blessed by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Article 14 brings the statement to a conclusion by focusing on the faulty motives underlying prosperity theology. The doctrines of prosperity theology are not derived from careful study of scripture, but rather a corrupt motivation for worldly things. What does the Bible tell Christians about desires for things of this world and desire for God? Can those desires coincide? What corruption has occurred in our desires through sin's presence in us? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.