New City Church of Plant City Florida, April 24, 2022, Sunday Worship, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
"Ministry Is A Matter of The Heart" 2 Cor. 6:1-13
2 Corinthians what some call Paul's intimate letter to a church; it revels his heart and his passion. False teachers infiltrated the church and they gained an audience. They questioned Paul's calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul gave a defense of his ministry; false teachers were advocating that Christians should surrender to the law of Moses. Paul also wanted Corinthians to have a heart for the poor; and for Jewish and Genital Christians to realize their oneness in Christ. "Paul had been specifically called by Jesus to suffer for his name (Acts 9:15–16). He considered his many sufferings as a badge, or proof, of his authority as an apostle of Christ (Galatians 4:12–15; Philippians 1:29–30; 4:14–15; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 3:1–15; 2 Timothy 1:8, 11–12)." In responding to the attacks on his character and authority, Paul explains the nature of Christian ministry and openly shares about his ministry. This is an important letter for all who wish to be involved in any kind of Christian ministry, because it has much to teach us about how we should handle our ministries today. Like Paul, those involved in ministry should be blameless, sincere, confident, caring, open, and willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. 1.Paul explains his actions (1:1–2:11) 2.Paul defends his ministry (2:12–7:16) 3.Paul defends the collection (8:1–9:15) 4.Paul defends his authority (10:1–13:13) Dr. Maxie Miller Jr., Lead Pastor New City Church of Plant City
Locations & Times
New City Church of Plant City, 105 East Baker Street Plant City, 33563
204 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33563, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Welcome To Our YouVersion Worship
We are delighted to have you worship with our New City Church family. We are committed to reach you with a clear expression of the Word of God which will assist you with your spiritual growth and with the challenges you are encountering in your life daily. We believe the transformation of a culture occurs when God's Word becomes the catalyst for change in individuals, families, and culture. We are intentional to "seek the welfare of the City" (Jer. 29:4-11). There is place on our team for you.
http://newcitychurchplantcity.com/Sermon Outline Notes:
1). 2 Cor. 6:1-2; Grace is God's underserved favor. God has paved the way for people to be reconciled to him. Paul is urging the Corinthians to take God's grace seriously; to live up to the gospel's demands.
a) Paul evaluated his actions at all times because he knew he would have to stand before Jesus ( 2 Cor. 5:10).
b). Paul urges you and I to test ourselves to see if our faith in God is genuine (2 Cor. 13:5-6) and exhorts us to not sin (2 Cor. 13:2-3, 7). The Corinthians was urged to live up to their profession of faith (2 Cor. 5:14).
c) Today we are called to operate in light of God's grace if we are to maximize the salvation we have received
2). The Character of Ministry (2 Cor. 6:3-13). Paul could have boasted about his accomplishments, but he did not; rather he commended the mission and ministry God called him, to teach people of the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.
a. Paul knew that unbelievers and believers alike were watching his life. God had entrusted Paul with the message of truth; he, in turn, had to live up to God’s ways. That is why he was careful to be straightforward, honest, and upright (2 Cor. 1:12). Paul’s major concern is to commend the ministry God assigned him. He did not want to destroy his ministry to those God had assigned him. Ministry is filled with headship. I have been lied on, talk about, and misunderstood.
A. Paul lists his afflictions:
1. by great endurance (v. 4)
2. by afflictions (v. 4)
3. by hardships (v. 4)
4. by difficulties (v. 4)
5. by beatings (v. 5)
6. by imprisonments (v. 5)
7. by riots (v. 5)
8. by labors (v. 5)
9. by sleepless nights (v. 5)
10. by times of hunger (v. 5)
B. Paul lists his response to those afflictions:
1. by purity (v. 6)
2. by knowledge (v. 6)
3. by patience (v. 6)
4. by kindness (v. 6)
5. by the Holy Spirit (v.6)
6 by sincere love (v. 6)
7. by the word of truth (v. 7)
8. by the power of God (v. 7)
9. weapons of righteousness (v. 7)
10. through glory and dishonor (v. 8)
11. through slander and good report (v. 8)
C. Paradox's
12. regarded as deceivers, yet true (v. 8)
13. as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see - we live (v. 9)
14. as being disciplined, yet not killed (v. 9)
15. as grieving, yet always rejoicing (v. 10)
16. as poor, yet enriching many (v. 10)
17: as having nothing yet possessing everything (v. 10)
b. Appreciation: It is easy to forget the sacrifices others have made so we can know the Lord. Paul never spoke about his sufferings unless his words helped to protect the ministry (2 Cor 11:16). Do you take your church fellowship for granted? Or are you thankful to all of those around you in your church who have poured into you spiritually.
3) Ministry are matters of the Heart (2 Cor. 6:11-13): We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. Paul had revealed his true feelings for the Corinthian believers—he and his coworkers were not withholding [their] affection from them.
a. The Corinthians, however, were reacting coldly to Paul. They criticized his preaching (11:6; 1 Corinthians 2:1–4), his writing (1:13), and his demeanor among them (10:9–10). Although Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had founded the Corinthian church, the church was rejecting its founder (see 1:14).
b. Today Paul is our example for church leadership and for members. The leaders God call must have compassion for those God place under their care. Ministry is a matter of the heart. An open heart is a two-way street, leadership, and congregation must be receptive to an open heart. The church must be a place of love, protection, and spiritual growth; for this to occur all hearts must be open for God’s love to flow from one person to the other.
1). 2 Cor. 6:1-2; Grace is God's underserved favor. God has paved the way for people to be reconciled to him. Paul is urging the Corinthians to take God's grace seriously; to live up to the gospel's demands.
a) Paul evaluated his actions at all times because he knew he would have to stand before Jesus ( 2 Cor. 5:10).
b). Paul urges you and I to test ourselves to see if our faith in God is genuine (2 Cor. 13:5-6) and exhorts us to not sin (2 Cor. 13:2-3, 7). The Corinthians was urged to live up to their profession of faith (2 Cor. 5:14).
c) Today we are called to operate in light of God's grace if we are to maximize the salvation we have received
2). The Character of Ministry (2 Cor. 6:3-13). Paul could have boasted about his accomplishments, but he did not; rather he commended the mission and ministry God called him, to teach people of the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.
a. Paul knew that unbelievers and believers alike were watching his life. God had entrusted Paul with the message of truth; he, in turn, had to live up to God’s ways. That is why he was careful to be straightforward, honest, and upright (2 Cor. 1:12). Paul’s major concern is to commend the ministry God assigned him. He did not want to destroy his ministry to those God had assigned him. Ministry is filled with headship. I have been lied on, talk about, and misunderstood.
A. Paul lists his afflictions:
1. by great endurance (v. 4)
2. by afflictions (v. 4)
3. by hardships (v. 4)
4. by difficulties (v. 4)
5. by beatings (v. 5)
6. by imprisonments (v. 5)
7. by riots (v. 5)
8. by labors (v. 5)
9. by sleepless nights (v. 5)
10. by times of hunger (v. 5)
B. Paul lists his response to those afflictions:
1. by purity (v. 6)
2. by knowledge (v. 6)
3. by patience (v. 6)
4. by kindness (v. 6)
5. by the Holy Spirit (v.6)
6 by sincere love (v. 6)
7. by the word of truth (v. 7)
8. by the power of God (v. 7)
9. weapons of righteousness (v. 7)
10. through glory and dishonor (v. 8)
11. through slander and good report (v. 8)
C. Paradox's
12. regarded as deceivers, yet true (v. 8)
13. as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see - we live (v. 9)
14. as being disciplined, yet not killed (v. 9)
15. as grieving, yet always rejoicing (v. 10)
16. as poor, yet enriching many (v. 10)
17: as having nothing yet possessing everything (v. 10)
b. Appreciation: It is easy to forget the sacrifices others have made so we can know the Lord. Paul never spoke about his sufferings unless his words helped to protect the ministry (2 Cor 11:16). Do you take your church fellowship for granted? Or are you thankful to all of those around you in your church who have poured into you spiritually.
3) Ministry are matters of the Heart (2 Cor. 6:11-13): We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. Paul had revealed his true feelings for the Corinthian believers—he and his coworkers were not withholding [their] affection from them.
a. The Corinthians, however, were reacting coldly to Paul. They criticized his preaching (11:6; 1 Corinthians 2:1–4), his writing (1:13), and his demeanor among them (10:9–10). Although Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had founded the Corinthian church, the church was rejecting its founder (see 1:14).
b. Today Paul is our example for church leadership and for members. The leaders God call must have compassion for those God place under their care. Ministry is a matter of the heart. An open heart is a two-way street, leadership, and congregation must be receptive to an open heart. The church must be a place of love, protection, and spiritual growth; for this to occur all hearts must be open for God’s love to flow from one person to the other.
How to Know Jesus Personally
SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST: A MATTER OF FAITH
F. A. I. T. H. Forsaking All I Trust Him - An Invitation To Ask Jesus Into Your Life as Savior & Lord
God's Plan
What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of F A I T H.
F - We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
A - Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.
I - It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
T - To turn means to repent. We can repent -- or turn -- from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
H - Heaven is eternal life. Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3)."
So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don't need fancy words--only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sins, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:
1) Follow Christ's example in baptism.
2) Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
3) In your church, get involved in Bible Study, Fellowship,
Sunday School or Small Group.
4) Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.
SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST: A MATTER OF FAITH
F. A. I. T. H. Forsaking All I Trust Him - An Invitation To Ask Jesus Into Your Life as Savior & Lord
God's Plan
What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of F A I T H.
F - We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
A - Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.
I - It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
T - To turn means to repent. We can repent -- or turn -- from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
H - Heaven is eternal life. Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3)."
So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don't need fancy words--only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sins, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:
1) Follow Christ's example in baptism.
2) Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
3) In your church, get involved in Bible Study, Fellowship,
Sunday School or Small Group.
4) Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.
We’d love to hear from you -- Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ. Please let us know how we can serve you.
newcitychurchofplantcity@gmail.com
newcitychurchofplantcity@gmail.com
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There is no need that prayer cannot meet and no problem that prayer cannot solve. God is concerned and cares about the whole person, turn to Him our spiritual growth starts on our knees with our heart upward toward our Heavenly Father. Let us pray
Dr. Maxie Miller Jr., Senior Pastor
http://www.newcitychurchplantcity.com/prayer-request-2Dr. Maxie Miller Jr., Senior Pastor
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