Zeal Stoker

When we love—especially with godly (no-strings-attached kind of) love—we run the risk of not being loved back; of being misunderstood. The apostle Paul loved the church at Corinth enough to tell them the truth—to confront them on an issue he could not ignore. He ran the risk of disturbing the peace, hurting their feelings by pointing it out and calling them to address it. He leaned forward in love, which meant being truthful. Some today equate “tolerance” with the love & grace of God, but are sadly mistaken. This episode (2 Cor 2-1-11) examines how to deal with overt, unrepentant sin in the church; with forgiveness and restoration in mind, NOT shooting our wounded or writing them off.

What happens when we’ve promised to do something, but, for good reason, we’ve changed our minds or altered our plans? It may appear to some we are fickle, and without explanation it might as well be true. However Paul (2 Cor. 1:12-2:2) shares why he changed his plans to visit (or rather, not to visit) the Corinthians at the time he promised, yet managed to have a good conscience. This episode discusses the importance of having a good testimony, a clean conscience, and good timing when it comes to reconnecting with those we might have been at odds with.

(2 Cor 1:1-11) The first in a series of sermons through the apostle Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth. In this episode, Paul wants his audience to know that God in Christ has (and is) what we need in our suffering; that God does indeed give us more than we can handle, but also provides the strength and comfort we need to both, triumph in our own trials and comfort others in theirs.

How is it that, “God works all things together for good”? And what did the apostle Paul mean by “good”? As always, context is king! Feelings come and go; God’s promises remain true yesterday, today, and forever.

Sometimes we are called (or ordered) to get up and go! This might provoke us to ask ourselves “Did I accomplish everything God called me to do?” It’s easy to just plug along and forget we are on a mission. We may forget our God and Savior Jesus Christ has saved us for a purpose…right now, wherever we may find ourselves, and wherever He may send us. Are you going places?

We are all motivated or compelled by something. Every person has an agenda. That said, what is God’s motivation? His agenda? Those who know Him, know He’s interested…invested in reconciling sinful mankind to Himself through Jesus Christ. But why? To put it simply—He is good! Through and through, He is good. His motive, inclination, mercies and grace are rooted in His goodness. I hope you will be inspired to remember how good He has been to you and yours.

When it comes to God in Christ, the cross and resurrection, if you know, you know! If you know Jesus, and he knows you, you want to live for him out of gratitude for what he’s done on the cross. If you don’t know Jesus, it’s all going to seem weird and maybe even foolish or stupid to you. This podcast addresses the fact that salvation has appeared to all mankind, but not all are saved.

Our world (and the church for that matter) is full of characters—interesting people of all kinds! Establishing the local church in 1st century world, and specially on the little island of Crete, came with many challenges. And while many of the Cretans (especially the religious types) were described by Paul as “liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons”, the apostle Paul had better things in mind for Titus and the church there, saying, “But as for you…” (Titus 2:1-10)

For many of us, “independence” simply carries the idea of “being on our own.” For the founding fathers of the United States and the people of the first 13 Colonies, true independence would not come without deliverance from Britain’s king and government—this meant war. They began fighting for their freedom in April 1775 and would do so until September 3, 1783. Even so, while human rights come from one Creator God, true freedom and independence cannot be experienced apart from deliverance from sin and death offered in Christ Jesus. Independence Day (celebrated by Americans on July 4th) is the result of deliverance—this came at a cost, which we ought never to forget.

Speaking truth may be misunderstood as “name-calling.” Some profess to know God, but their actions, words, beliefs & values say otherwise. When it comes to preserving the truth, and specifically addressing those propagating lies, it will take courage. In this episode Paul instructs Titus in appointing those qualified to preach truth and confront lies infiltrating the church at Crete.