Paul is teaching a wavering local church how to recognise authentic gospel ministry. Through him, the Bible urges Christians like us to recognise the authentic gospel minister and then to get to work ministering the authentic gospel. We are going to see here in 2 Corinthians that God can use people like us to bring his live-winning salvation to dead sinners.

Christians are in danger of veering off-course as they stare down into the mirror of their own wisdom. Studying this letter should re-focus us. Here at the start of 2 Corinthians, Paul explains what his experiences of suffering taught him and the reasons for his changed plans. We can learn a lot from his perspective.

In writing 2 Corinthians, Paul provides us with a brilliant defence of authentic gospel ministry. This letter resonates with life in Dublin, where Christians are constantly bombarded with calls to switch allegiance from Christ and his apostle. This introduction poses two questions as we study 2 Corinthians:

1. What is authentic gospel ministry?

2. How have I experienced a pull towards other ministries and a push away from the authentic gospel ministry of Christ and his Apostle, Paul?

What is the mission of Jesus all about? Matthew's gospel shows us that Christian must have an outward-looking urgency to declare God’s rescue instead of an inward-pointing goal to socialise and enjoy fellowship.

Paul tells a story about us and our predicament. And then the amazing, gracious way God intervenes to save us. But how will you respond?

You might describe this Psalm as "An Anthem of Breakthrough Joy" because we hear someone describing the overwhelming joy he feels because he is no longer estranged from God. And so, he can sing. With God, everyone has a choice that this part of the Bible brings us to consider: stubborn silence or humble repentance.

Here’s a personal testimony, Psalm 23. One that lyrically describes someone’s deep trust and strong confidence in God’s goodness, both now and into the future.

"If God exists, why doesn't He make Himself known?"

"Why doesn't He reveal Himself more clearly?"

“If he has revealed himself, why doesn't He do it again and again and make it obvious so that we can actually know Him and who He is?"

Psalm 19 answers questions like these.

How can I be unshaken, even when trouble comes? The Bible plays a song in which the singer has an unwavering confidence.

There are only two ways. And as each way is described here in Psalm 1, there is a very sobering call to choose the way of the righteous. Yet this isn't simply a call to be good and do better. Listen and find out why.