2 Corinthians 2 - Are You Willing to Forgive?
Paul and the Corinthians are experiencing tension in their relationship. Some do not respect Paul and prefer others like Peter or Apollos. Some have started following what Paul sarcastically refers to as the “super apostles.” Some seemed to be upset that Paul was writing a letter rather than coming to visit. Paul explains that he chose not to visit them at that time to avoid causing more pain like during the last visit which did not go well. Instead, he wrote them a letter to express his concerns. He urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort a person who had caused distress in the community, so that they do not become overwhelmed by sorrow. Perhaps he is referring to the man who was sleeping with his step mom who he mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5. It sounds like the man realized the error of his ways. Paul emphasizes that forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to maintaining unity and love among believers. The apostle also talks about his ministry and the joy he experiences in spreading the teachings of Christ. He reveals how he finds comfort and encouragement in the faith and commitment of fellow believers. Paul concludes by encouraging the Corinthians to forgive, love, and support each other, so that they can live in harmony and reflect the love of Jesus to the world. Some will follow Jesus because of how they live their life and how they share their faith. Some will reject Jesus and reject them. We cannot control how others respond to us. We need to be true to what God calls us to do. We can only control what we do and how we respond to others. #newtestament #corinthians #outreach #bless #mission #jesus #faith #spirituality #christianity #evangelism #discipleship #diversity #earlychurch
Featured Offer
In a world more divided than ever, the 60 page e-book Not Like Me: Reconciliation, Poverty, and Politics offers a powerful, Christ-centered guide to creating authentic communities across barriers of immigration, race, class, and ideology.
Past Episodes
Featured Offer
In a world more divided than ever, the 60 page e-book Not Like Me: Reconciliation, Poverty, and Politics offers a powerful, Christ-centered guide to creating authentic communities across barriers of immigration, race, class, and ideology.
About Through the New Testament for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples
Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples is a great resource for those who are exploring faith, those who are new to faith, those who are wanting to grow, or those wanting to help others you love find faith. Each devotional pulls out the key parts to know and addresses the parts which may be confusing or need more context.
About Dr. Eric Bryant
Eric has been with Gateway Church in Austin since 2011. Currently he serves as the Campus Pastor for Gateway South Austin with Senior Pastor Carlos Ortiz, Jr.. Gateway’s founding pastor is John Burke and is known for their mottos: “no perfect people allowed” and “come as you are.”
From 1998-2010, Eric served as part of the leadership team with Erwin McManus at Mosaic in Los Angeles, a church known for its creativity and diversity. The four years prior to that he helped plant a church in Seattle, WA.
Eric is the author of Not Like Me: Loving, Serving, and Influencing Our Divided World and Fruitful: Becoming Who God Created You To Be. He was a contributing author with Rick Yamamoto for Uprising Experience: A Personal Guide for a Revolution of the Soul by Erwin McManus.
Eric has taught courses at Bethel Seminary and coaches pastors. He is also the founder of Innovative Church Leaders which helps pastors experience and bring renewal.
Eric lives with his wife, Deborah, in South Austin, TX near their young adult children – son Caleb, daughter Trevi, and son-in-law Adrien.
Contact Through the New Testament for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples with Dr. Eric Bryant
https://ericbryant.org/
3600 Denbar Court
Austin, TX 78739
512-574-8689