3.3.2012

Good Grief

THE CROSSING
2 Corinthians 12

“Good Grief”

Watch this weekend’s sermon here.
Study along with the sermon notes, which can be downloaded from here.

Comfort, health, lack of hardships, and church membership are only a few things that can create a false sense security in salvation. In reality, it is grief that grounds, grinds, and refines character. One’s response to grief truly reflects his or her spiritual condition. We are coming close to ending The Crossing series with the quickly approaching end of the second letter to the Corinthians and a sermon on understanding the importance of understanding grief cannot escape the series. Perhaps more importantly, though, is God’s grace for our grief. I pray that God speaks to you through this sermon on how God makes good grief a possibility.

2.26.2012

A Glimpse of Glory


THE CROSSING

“A Glimpse of Glory”

2 Corinthians 12

Click here to watch the video

Click here for the discussion questions

Paul, at the bottom of the barrel, facing all the difficulties of life, is given this vision of heaven mentioned here in 2 Corinthians 12. It’s a shame that pastors do not speak enough on the subject of heaven. Why aren’t we hearing more about heaven from the pulpit? Paul’s intention in this chapter is to emphasize the ultimate destination of heaven as well as that death is for real and death is forever. The perception of heaven is not open to private interpretation and everything that we see about heaven needs to be confirmed in scripture. Heaven and death need to be talked about while being truly understood by every believer in Jesus Christ. Pray that we are excited about heaven and more excited about our true home in heaven for which we are eternally thankful!


THE CROSSING

“The Yardstick of Hardships”

2 Corinthians 11

Click here to watch the video

Click here for the discussion questions

In this passage, Paul teaches us how to get through hardships by using his experiences. The idea of the yardstick represents a measurement of growth, a means of discipline, or an indicator of progress taking place in the life of the believer. I am hoping that our core values from last time stuck and are being carried into this next year as we enter this ring together in a pummeling fight against hardships. Ultimately, the question is– without belittling any situation– am I interpreting hardships as a curse or as a cause?