First Free Rockford Sermons

To whom do we grant authority in our lives, and why? What effect does this have on our faith, and on our ability to engage with those around us who need Jesus? Paul calls on the Corinthians—and us—to evaluate our close relationships in this light.

We all want to please other people. Sometimes this desire is good, but sometimes it can stand in the way of loving people as Jesus does—and telling them the truth. As our love for Jesus and our grasp of his gospel increases, so does our real, Christlike love for others.

Ever feel like giving up? Like all that time and energy devoted to ministry just isn’t worth it? This sermon is especially for you. When we start to lose heart, Paul reminds us that Jesus’ light can shine brightly even through our messy, broken lives.

Have you ever been placed in a role you felt unqualified for? Welcome to the Christian life — that is, until we remember that our job is simply to carry the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, and leave the results to him. Even in our human insecurity and brokenness, we can still do that — and it can change the world.

Have you ever felt betrayed? Trust, or broken trust, always leads to the question of integrity. As the Apostle Paul addresses a misunderstanding between himself and the church at Corinth, he gets to the heart of what trust really means for us all, and how it is central to living as a follower of Jesus.

This week we begin a series looking at 2 Corinthians – another letter from the Apostle Paul to this messed-up church with so much potential. We’ll look at how we can live as ambassadors for Christ in a broken, complex world. We start with a look at suffering—something guaranteed for us all, but often misunderstood.

When life’s plans get wrecked … when God seems silent … when we feel let down, where do we find peace? That’s the story of Christmas, which can ring new every year.