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Elements City Church
Foundational Faith - Weak is Strong
As Paul concludes this 2nd letter to the Corinthians he's going to give us an invitation to live from a new framework. Weak is the new strong. It's in our weaknesses where God's strength can begin to show up and show through. God whispers to Paul in his ache that His grace is sufficient. God still whispers this profound truth to us today. It's His grace - His present tense presence pouring in the power for the battles that we face and the moments of challenge that we each encounter. God's grace is sufficient - enough.
Locations & Times
Elements City Church
1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
Sunday 4:00 PM
Welcome to Elements City Church
We're excited you've chosen to join us in worship for The Holy Roar at Four! Whether you're on-site or online, we are praying that this time will be an encouragement to you! If you're new and want to get connected, we'd love to hep you do so. Click the link below to fill out our Connection Card.
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If you have a prayer request you'd like our Elders and Prayer Team to pray for, click the link below to share it with us.
https://elementscitychurch.snappages.site/prayer-requestPaul’s going to emphasize a final reality as he continues his defense of his ministry, his calling and qualifications — this final theme is that WEAK IS the new STRONG!
That a life lived IN God…that in our weaknesses actually allow room for God’s greater strength to shine through!
That a life lived IN God…that in our weaknesses actually allow room for God’s greater strength to shine through!
In the moments of Paul's greatest exaltation (v.2-4) you and I also see the moment of his greatest humiliation. (v.7)
That's verse 7. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of this surpassingly great revelation, there was given unto me a thorn in my flesh, the messenger of Satan to torment me.”
The word thorn doesn't do it justice. When I think of a thorn I think of the stickers on mesquite trees or cactus. But really the word means more like a tent peg. Paul says, I've got this wooden tent peg in my flesh, and it's twisting and causing me tremendous pain.
What in the world was the thorn?
-We don't know. Many speculations (deformity, epilepsy, severe eye problems, stuttering...) but we don't really know.
That's verse 7. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of this surpassingly great revelation, there was given unto me a thorn in my flesh, the messenger of Satan to torment me.”
The word thorn doesn't do it justice. When I think of a thorn I think of the stickers on mesquite trees or cactus. But really the word means more like a tent peg. Paul says, I've got this wooden tent peg in my flesh, and it's twisting and causing me tremendous pain.
What in the world was the thorn?
-We don't know. Many speculations (deformity, epilepsy, severe eye problems, stuttering...) but we don't really know.
We know nothing about Paul's trouble except that behind the scenes, just like the rest of us, Paul had to handle a situation that he prayed to escape and could not avoid, evade or shrug off…
In one way or other he had to settle down and live with it.
the lesson God taught him: Weak is the new Strong
In one way or other he had to settle down and live with it.
the lesson God taught him: Weak is the new Strong
QUOTE:
"Please be kind to everyone you meet because everybody you meet is fighting a battle."
-Alexander Maclaren
"Please be kind to everyone you meet because everybody you meet is fighting a battle."
-Alexander Maclaren
We can admit the reality of our (pain points) without making it our whole identity.
Your identity is NOT your battle — that might be your challenge (but not identity)
Our identity is what’s been given you by Christ. His grace defines us - above everything else.
Your identity is NOT your battle — that might be your challenge (but not identity)
Our identity is what’s been given you by Christ. His grace defines us - above everything else.
Paul prayed.
God answered.
But not the answer Paul expected.
**Sometimes God’s “NO” is for our protection, not our rejection.
God answered.
But not the answer Paul expected.
**Sometimes God’s “NO” is for our protection, not our rejection.
God whispers: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
-God’s grace is not past-tense or future-tense—it IS present-tense.
-God’s grace is not partial—it is sufficient.
-God’s grace is not past-tense or future-tense—it IS present-tense.
-God’s grace is not partial—it is sufficient.
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
“My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Not someday.
Right now.
In your weakness, Jesus offers strength.
In your brokenness, Jesus offers grace.
In your thorns, Jesus offers Himself.
“My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Not someday.
Right now.
In your weakness, Jesus offers strength.
In your brokenness, Jesus offers grace.
In your thorns, Jesus offers Himself.
Thank you for partnering with us
Thank you for giving your tithes and offerings to Elements City Church. They enable us to be the church, and they help us to fuel the mission and vision. Our capacity to function on a daily basis is a direct result of your support, and we are so grateful for it! You can give online at the link below, through the website or through the Elements City Church app.
http://elementscitychurch.org/giveAren't you glad you came to church tonight?!?
Thanks for coming to The Holy Roar at 4!
We kick off our Christmas series NEXT Sunday at 4pm. JOIN US!
Keep up to date with all that's going on through the Events tab of the Elements City Church app.
Coming up:
-Christmas season is upon us - Christmas series begins December 7th
-December 14th - Cookies and Cocoa in the Courtyard following service
-December 21st - Walk Winterhaven with your Egroup or a small group of friends following service.
-CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 3pm this Dec 24th. Invite a friend or extended family to join you as we lean into the reason for the season.
Thanks for coming to The Holy Roar at 4!
We kick off our Christmas series NEXT Sunday at 4pm. JOIN US!
Keep up to date with all that's going on through the Events tab of the Elements City Church app.
Coming up:
-Christmas season is upon us - Christmas series begins December 7th
-December 14th - Cookies and Cocoa in the Courtyard following service
-December 21st - Walk Winterhaven with your Egroup or a small group of friends following service.
-CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 3pm this Dec 24th. Invite a friend or extended family to join you as we lean into the reason for the season.