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The Spirit’s primary ministry is to make the presence of God real to us—to enable us to see and behold the glory of God. When at work in our lives, the Spirit will also impact who we are becoming. The Spirit sets us free to behold the glory of Christ and become what we behold. (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

The church’s first aim is not to bring about social change, but to be a conduit of spiritual transformation—transformation that will do more than improve societal conditions; it will change a person’s eternal destiny. Transformational ministry is not humanly achieved, it is humbly received from God to be unleashed to the glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

Growing believers are God’s open letter to the world by which He authenticates the saving power of the gospel. We are living letters from Christ.

Roy Patterson, Community Relations Director at Moody Bible Institute, Moody Radio Host, and friend of Midwest Bible Church, joins us to share this timely message from God's Word. Life is hard, decisions are hard, doing the uncomfortable is hard. But we have a God who is in the boat with us.

*Disclaimer: The recording cut off before the 2nd point. You can refer to the notes down below starting at "2. Paul labored to preach the gospel of Christ"* As believers, we have received the Spirit of Christ, so that our love for others would be a divine aroma to God. Moreover, we have been redeemed by the love of Christ so that we would spread the aroma of Christ’s love in the world. Although we are no longer of this world when we are saved, we are sent into the world to make a difference for Christ. But to influence the world for Christ, we cannot smell like the world. The divine fragrance of Christ must be upon our lives. (2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

The good news of Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves. Our Christianity ought to be contagious. But for it to be contagious, great joy must characterize our lives as followers of Jesus. Living joyfully in Jesus is enhanced by humbly serving others in His name. 

Joy is the great promise of Christ’s Kingdom. But, joy isn’t passive. It must be active, and sometimes, we must often battle for our happiness in Christ. There are three practices that we must hold fast to both in maintaining and possibly reclaiming our joy: Celebrate, Cultivate, and Communicate.

Christian forgiveness does not minimize the pain caused by an offender, but instead receives God’s grace to deal with the hurt and turn away from the pursuit of personal vengeance or retribution. (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

As believers who have been restored, we are called to see people, not as they appear right now, but for what and who they can become in Christ. The heart of a restorer is transfixed on Jesus and their aim is to serve others for their joy from the outflow of their love relationship with Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:23-24, 2:1-4)

Since all of God’s promises are yes in Jesus, we must say yes to everything in His yes to us, so that we might live for His glory. (2 Corinthians 1:12-22)

God gives us more than we can handle so that we learn to trust Him to handle it. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

We are going learn a doctrine of suffering that can not only prepare us to share in the suffering of Christ, but to also share in the consolation of Christ—a consolation that will enable us to bring comfort to others who suffer in this fallen world. When we share in Christ’s sufferings, we will also share in His comfort, which will compel us to share His comfort with others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

*Disclaimer: There were technical difficulties, so the ending of this message is missing. Please refer to the notes starting at point 3, Release His Grace.* As we start a new series in 2 Corinthians titled, Aim for Restoration, let's take a look at Paul's greeting, which often includes grace. The main idea is this: God pours out His restorative grace so that we become more than reservoirs, but instruments through whom He can display His grace to others.

From the extraordinary friendship that David shared with Jonathan, we are going to learn five characteristics for being a true, faithful, and life-giving friend. A faithful friend meets our essential need for intimacy and helps us find our ultimate strength and satisfaction in God.

In 1 Samuel 17, the story of David and Goliath, David's victory over the seed of the Serpent was a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate victory over the Serpent.

In this sermon, we are going to examine the rivalry that took place for the throne of David. From this rivalry, we can glean some lessons about dealing with the rival within our own hearts. The reigning king defeats the rival king when the rightful king takes his place on the throne.

David, who was a man after God’s own heart, has much to teach us. He not only knew the blessings of waiting on the Lord, but he also knew the heartaches of not waiting on the Lord and getting ahead of God. When we are waiting on God, we are waiting with God and He makes the waiting worth it all. (Psalm 40:1-3)

Kingdom patrons give selfless and sacrificial support to each other so that they can be all they are called to be in Christ. They serve with committed lives, courageous loyalty, and costly love. (1 Chronicles 11:10)

When we know the restoring grace of God we become instruments of His restoring grace in the lives of others. To unfold this theme we are going to examine the source, signs, and solution of bitterness. (1 Samuel 30)

God uses His people to rescue others from spiritual ruin and destruction (1 Samuel 25)