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Life has a way of wearing us down. Our bodies grow weaker, our circumstances press harder, and discouragement seems just around the corner. But the Apostle Paul shows us a different way — a way of renewal, hope, and courage. In this episode, we’ll explore Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and discover how to shift our focus from the temporary struggles of today to the eternal glory of tomorrow.

We’ll see that every trial, every affliction, every moment of pressure isn’t wasted. Instead, it is producing for us “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” The key is where we set our gaze: not on what is seen and passing, but on what is unseen and eternal.

If you’ve ever felt fragile, weary, or on the edge of giving up, this message is for you. God has placed His treasure in clay jars like us, and though we may be cracked and chipped, His glory shines all the brighter through those cracks.

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Episode Notes:

Modern living, in many ways, can be like living in a pressure cooker.

And for those who follow Christ—especially if you are engaged in any kind of service or ministry—the pressures can multiply.

Alongside the common struggles of life, there is the added weight of opposition, misunderstanding, criticism, and at times even persecution.

If you’ve lived long enough in this world, you’ve likely found yourself asking, Why?

Why does God allow me to live under such pressure? Why does He let the heat rise until I feel I can hardly endure it?....

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In this episode, “How to Prevent Deceitfulness” (2 Corinthians 4:1–6), we look at Paul’s call to integrity in ministry and life. The gospel is not something to be hidden, twisted, or diluted—it is the clear light of Christ shining into the darkness. Paul warns against deceit, dishonesty, and manipulation, and calls us instead to live and speak in the open truth of God’s Word.

Join us as we explore how to guard against spiritual deception, why transparency matters, and how the glory of Christ illuminates the believer’s heart.

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Paul contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the eternal glory of the new. In Christ, the veil is lifted — we behold Him with unveiled faces and are transformed into His image from glory to glory. Join us as we explore the Spirit’s ministry of life and righteousness, and the bold freedom we have to proclaim Christ.

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Suppose for a moment you were on a church committee, tasked with finding a new pastor. What would you look for?

Most of us instinctively think of three things: ordination, maybe graduation from a Bible College, and a recommendation.

Ordination indicates that other ministers have examined a man and found him to be in line with their doctrine. Graduation from a university or Bible college suggests he has academic ability. And then there are letters of recommendation, which usually prove one thing above all: that the man has friends willing to write good things about him!

But do any of these really demonstrate the heart of a minister as described in the bible? Do they actually prove that that person has been called by the Holy Spirit and is trustworthy?

That’s the question the Corinthians were asking of Paul.

He was ordained by none other than the risen Christ Himself on the Damascus Road.

He studied under a Rabii called Gamaliel, one of Israel’s most respected scholars. And he had believers across many churches who would gladly have written him glowing letters of recommendation.

But when pressed, Paul didn’t actually point to any of those things. Instead, he pointed to something else entirely—something living, breathing, and far more compelling than a certificate or a commendation. He pointed to the people themselves.

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Episode Notes:

In this passage, Paul reflects on the tension every servant of Christ feels—burdened with deep concern for people, yet buoyed by God’s unfailing triumph in Christ. Ministry is not for the faint of heart. It brings anxiety, questions of sufficiency, and moments of discouragement. But it also brings joy, thanksgiving, and the privilege of marching in Christ’s victory.

In this episode, we look at what makes someone truly “sufficient” for ministry: not cleverness, money, or popularity, but godly sincerity and genuine love for Christ and His people. We’ll explore Paul’s contrast between false “peddlers” of the Word and faithful heralds of Christ, and we’ll discover how God’s triumph is shared by all who faithfully serve Him.

The call is simple but profound: give yourself away in service to Christ, and you will share in His victory.

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Episode Notes.

Title: Forgiveness of Offenders – 2 Corinthians 2:5–11

In today’s episode, we read of Paul’s urgent call to forgive those who have repented. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul shows that forgiveness isn’t just a personal choice — it is a spiritual battle. To withhold forgiveness is to give Satan a foothold; but to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm love is to disarm the enemy and reflect the heart of Christ.

We’ll see why forgiveness is central to Christian discipleship, how Satan exploits bitterness, and how we can walk in the freedom and joy of Christ’s victory.

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Today we consider what I think is a very important aspect of the Christian ministry life: The importance of integrity.

You see, when a messenger’s integrity is questioned, the message itself often comes under suspicion. I remember the first time I notice this happened was sobering.

The integrity of the messenger is deeply tied to the credibility of the message.

So, let me ask you: have you ever had your integrity questioned? Has someone ever doubted your character? Or perhaps you’ve wrestled with whether a leader you once trusted was truly living what they preached?

And one of the clearest examples comes from the life of the apostle Paul, in and around this church he planted in the city of Corinth.

Initially he spent about 18 months there to help it get established, but then he moved on. But after he left, serious problems arose among the believers. Paul then wrote a strong letter—what we know as 1 Corinthians—to confront those issues. At the end of that letter, he told them he planned to come back and visit.

But during this between time false teachers crept in. They began attacking Paul personally. They questioned how he handled discipline in the church. They pointed out that he had promised to visit, but hadn’t yet arrived. “See?” they said, “You can’t trust this man. He says one thing and does another. He doesn’t really care about you—he’s just in it for himself.”

Have you heard accusations like that before? Paul certainly had. And so, he wrote another letter—what we call 2 Corinthians—to defend both his ministry and his message.

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To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

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