Disappointment and Despair in the life of hymn writer and poet William Cowper.

Jesus speaks to our pain. A letter from Jesus to the church in Smyrna.

What does a maturing Christian think about himself, the Christian life, and the Gospel? I. View of self: a sense of frustration not perfection.II. View of the Christian life: responsible activity not passivity.III. View of the Gospel: preservation enables perseverance.About the first four plus minutes capture a pastoral prayer and a prayer for a mission trip group from Covenant Church in Fayetteville. Just skip ahead if you prefer to hear only the sermon.

How does the cross of Christ resource Christians to fight the battle against our own sins?

Where do we turn when all the trials come? To God's promises, process and provisions. All of which point our faith to Christ and the cross.

What does the apostle Paul mean when he says that he is the chief of sinners? Why don't we believe this about ourselves? What difference might it make in our relationships if we do believe this?

What does it mean that God justifies the ungodly? What benefits do we receive from God because of this justification? How do these benefits shape us?