What we long for shapes who we are and what we live for. More than a head full of knowledge, a heart full of longing for God’s glory shapes who we are and what we give our lives to.  (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)

Without spiritual endurance to overcome the push back of this world, not only will we fail to progress, but we will regress. We will grow weary of doing good and lose heart. We will end up reflecting the culture more than we do Christ. Spiritual endurance is developed by taking in the word of God daily, exercising our gifts in community, and keeping our eyes fixed on the glory to come. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)

Adopting man made models for ministry may allow us to experience worldly success, but the cruciform model of ministry allows the living Christ to manifest His glorious power through us. Resurrection power flows through the cruciform minister to manifest the saving and sanctifying life of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

Even amidst rebellion and resistance, the Good News has the power to refresh us, to help us live a righteous life, and to reflect the light of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

The Spirit’s primary ministry is to make the presence of God real to us—to enable us to see and behold the glory of God. When at work in our lives, the Spirit will also impact who we are becoming. The Spirit sets us free to behold the glory of Christ and become what we behold. (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

The church’s first aim is not to bring about social change, but to be a conduit of spiritual transformation—transformation that will do more than improve societal conditions; it will change a person’s eternal destiny. Transformational ministry is not humanly achieved, it is humbly received from God to be unleashed to the glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

Growing believers are God’s open letter to the world by which He authenticates the saving power of the gospel. We are living letters from Christ.

Roy Patterson, Community Relations Director at Moody Bible Institute, Moody Radio Host, and friend of Midwest Bible Church, joins us to share this timely message from God's Word. Life is hard, decisions are hard, doing the uncomfortable is hard. But we have a God who is in the boat with us.

*Disclaimer: The recording cut off before the 2nd point. You can refer to the notes down below starting at "2. Paul labored to preach the gospel of Christ"*

As believers, we have received the Spirit of Christ, so that our love for others would be a divine aroma to God. Moreover, we have been redeemed by the love of Christ so that we would spread the aroma of Christ’s love in the world. Although we are no longer of this world when we are saved, we are sent into the world to make a difference for Christ. But to influence the world for Christ, we cannot smell like the world. The divine fragrance of Christ must be upon our lives. (2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

The good news of Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves. Our Christianity ought to be contagious. But for it to be contagious, great joy must characterize our lives as followers of Jesus. Living joyfully in Jesus is enhanced by humbly serving others in His name.