Podcast
What does Paul have in mind when he tells the Corinthians not to be 'unequally yoked with unbelievers'? The point, it turns out, is that Paul is worried about the way the Corinthians are living out the Gospel. He raises a serious challenge: choose between the original Gospel he gave them, and come away from their new teachers and their false gospel.
In the last talk, Paul spoke of our lives as "treasures in clay jars." In this section he moves on to talk about "tipping the treasure out," as we engage in the great Ministry of Reconciliation which is the meta-narrative of the entire Bible.
Paul's defence of his apostolic mission and the unending glory of Christ - showing us to put our trust in what is eternal, not what is passing away.
We are called to be a people of forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus and to spread the aroma of Christ to the world.
Above all, 2 Corinthians is about reconciliation. Not only between Paul and the Corinthians, after they have fallen out, but between God and human beings. Ultimately, God's heart is for reconciliation with the whole world - and that includes you!
The conversations of the risen Lord with his followers after Easter contain some startling insights into the life of a mature disciple.
It's easy to be wise after the event. Even though we know Jesus' victory is completed by his death and resurrection, we still live our lives not knowing what life holds for us.
In this final instalment of Exodus Espresso, a series looking at different "flavours" of the people of God, we look at how the people of God are stirred to action through their passion to do God's will.
God doesn't just command us into Sabbath, he invites us into his rest.
Bezalel is a name few know, but his story teaches us a great deal about the work of the Holy Spirit.
