In today's study, we consider the implications of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 10:8 regarding the purpose of God raising up pastors to lead his church. There have been several recent scandals among Western church leaders that highlight the importance of believers understanding the limits and purpose of a pastor's authority. We will examine this and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In today's lesson, we ask questions about our tendencies in passing wrongful judgment on other believers, as well as examining criteria God commends for us to be able to discern the identity of false teachers. What does it show about me when I can easily criticize and note everything that's wrong with another Christian? How do I learn to go from viewing people with wrong judgment to accurate judgment? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In our current day, there's much discussion about and weight given to the topic of "mental health." What makes a person "mentally healthy" or "unhealthy?" Is it not the truths that control their thinking? What does the Bible tell us is a Christian's power to destroy every lofty opinion and argument, and to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ? Find out in today's episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

God's word teaches us that the primary ethic in all Christian duty and practice is love. The world uses and defines love in self-focused ways, but what is God's definition of love and how does instruct us about the root of generous giving to God? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

Recently in Uganda, a former member of parliament who failed to win reelection took back an ambulance which she had donated to her district. When people complained about this rescinding of her "gift," the politician defended herself saying, "why should I give something to people who didn't vote for me?" This type of "giving to get" is very common in our culture and is very much part of people's giving to God, but what does the Bible say about gifts that are acceptable to God? Which gifts are pleasing to him? That's the focus of today's episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In Uganda, most people are used to leaders being dishonest with management of resources. Church leaders have been among the most guilty when it comes to embezzlement and misuse of funds they oversee. This leads to assumptions and speculation that any administration of money must be somehow corrupt, even when corruption isn't there. In 2 Corinthians 8, we are given a very important example from how Paul and his fellow servants managed and oversaw the collection of a gift for needy saints in Jerusalem. That example is the focus of today's study. We hope you will be blessed by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

We've probably each had a time where we wanted to help someone or give to God's work but were unable to because the moment found us unprepared financially. We may not realize it, but one of the reasons we might miss an opportunity to give is simply because we've failed to making giving a regular spiritual discipline. What should Christians do to make sure they fulfill a desire to give? And how do make sure we are "ready" to give? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

What does it take to be a regular and faithful giver? Many times, our hesitation to give comes from a fear that we what we give will make it impossible to meet our own needs, or wants. In today's study, we examine another principle 2 Corinthians 8-9 give us on become generous givers. That principle is that sacrificial giving can only be accomplished through our trust that God will supply all our future needs. We hoped you are blessed and challenged by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In the midst of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians to give generously towards the collection they were taking for needy believers, Paul references Christ's own example of impoverishing himself to make us rich. This statement is often used as a standalone statement by prosperity teachers to prove that the purpose of the gospel is to make believers materially wealthy. In this study, we'll see what the true context of this statement is and why it's an important example for Christians to remember in learning how to be generous and willing givers of what God has given to us. We hope you are blessed and challenged by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

What factors determine generous giving in a Christian's life? Many times, people think the most important factor in being a generous giver is prosperity. After all, how can I give what I don't have? In today's text, we'll see an example of a group of believers described as being in "extreme poverty," and yet "overflowing with generosity." How can poverty and generosity go together? We'll consider that question and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.