The Open Word (Audio)

Before the apostle Paul encountered Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he was an expert on the law. As an expert, he emphasized to the Corinthian church that the law brings death; therefore, our faith justified by Jesus not our actions. Pastor David explains that the law in the Old Testament revealed how desperately we need God, but those religious rules were powerless to do what the Spirit of God does in a person. Don’t be fooled! It’s not your own ability that can keep you close God.

Today Pastor David explains how the Apostle Paul was often frustrated with the Corinthian church because of their behavior, and then, he felt that he needed to defend himself before them! So, Paul didn’t go Corinth, preach, and then everything turned out perfect. The church was a work in progress by the Spirit of God and Paul’s leadership. We also are in progress today because God does not give up on us, and God loves us too much to allow us to stay as we are.

The scriptures is full of people that only God could have called into ministry. Biblical heroes of the faith would have often been unqualified to be in ministry for many reasons. If that’s the case, Pastor David challenges us to consider that it is God in us and God’s call that qualifies us for ministry. Whatever we have done in the past, God can change us and use us. It is the power of God within you that matters most, and scripture shows how God used people way beyond their natural ability!

Pastor David teaches about the many issues that Paul addressed, but how does this help a Christian? What do we benefit from studying Apostle Paul’s leadership of the Corinthian church? It helps because Paul is an example of Christ’s love for all people. Paul loved the church and he called them to God’s standard even when it brought conflict or required tough leadership. God loves us through our mistakes and loves us too much to leave us to the destruction of sin.

Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and taught by the truth of God how to live. Pastor David sees the church as a group changed by God to be a shining example to this world. Too many times the culture can shape the church instead of the church pushing forward with the standard of God. Believers do not need to be self-righteous; rather, obeying the truth of God is a way of demonstrating the transformation, forgiveness, and healing that God desires for all people!

Pastor David believes that the church’s purpose is to be God’s vessel on this earth, which makes believers an example of His love to this world. The Corinthian church struggled to model God’s plan though, and there were behaviors that were unacceptable in their church. This was a tragedy because sin is always destructive to each person and the body of Christ, and God has called the church to be a demonstration of His power changing their lives for the better.

God alone is the One in whom you can place your full trust. Pastor David assures us that although so much in life is changing and uncertain, God is steadfast and strong. Paul’s defense to those who criticized him was that it was God in him that fueled his ministry. Therefore when we are weak or endure trials in life, those are moments we can understand how God is with us. Assurance comes from God because of His great love which we can be experienced now in a relationship with God.

What if being shipwrecked or imprisoned was a threat when going on a mission trip? Would we still go if we really felt God was calling us? Believe it or not, this is just some of what Paul faced as he served God. Today Pastor David lays before us what Paul endured and how he approached those who criticized his ministry. Paul saw all the he endured as proof that God was with him, and he was eager not to brag but to share how God had been faithful.

Pastor David teaches about the strength of Paul’s endurance for ministry. When reading 2 Corinthians, it becomes clear that Paul still needed to defend himself, and Paul had an impressive resume when it came to ministry. Through the strength of God in him, Paul endured incredibly difficult circumstances for the sake of the gospel. As you wonder whether you can make it, the story of Paul’s life can be an example because God brought him through impossible situations just as God can with you!

Today Pastor David uncovers a misplaced longing in people’s lives. Often, people hope to avoid any trouble, and even Christians may hope for comfort so that they can avoid challenges. The problem with this is that God never promised to remove trials from our lives; rather, God is the God of all comfort who is present in every circumstance. Just as Jesus suffered in this life so you also will suffer in this life, but God demonstrated power over trials, even death, in the resurrection of Jesus!