Citadel Square Sermons

Proving that "success" looks far different than we might expect for an apostle's ministry, Paul "boasts" of his credentials. Remarkably sarcastic, Paul gives examples of what it costs him to be an apostle, which demonstrates, ultimately, that a true gospel ministry is for the weak, not the strong. 

Paul's sincere motivations result in principled sacrifice on the Corinthian's behalf. Fearing that they're falling for the same temptation Eve did, Paul recounts the sacrifices he's made for them. It's his sacrifice and love that prove his motivations are pure. Paul fights to eliminate all opportunity for criticism and all opportunity for comparison with the false apostles who masquerade as God's...

How does Paul deal with criticism while confident in his calling as an apostle? Showing that he understands our desire for recognition and validation, Paul refuses to compare himself to others. Trusting in the certainty of his calling and God-given influence, Paul roots his confident boasting in what God alone has graciously done through him.

We're at war. No matter if we want to admit it, we want to avoid it, or we understand what's at stake, every Christian is in the midst of a spiritual battle. Facing the critics of his ministry in Corinth, Paul shifts his tone from spiritual father to spiritual soldier and shows us that the war we fight is with divine weapons on the battleground of our minds.

In one of the greatest promise passages of the New Testament, Paul shows that God will meet us in our willing cheerful generosity. His promises guarantee to supply all our needs, to provide for his people, and to increase the glory of God. With all of these promises, why wouldn't you give?

There's nothing that causes us to question motives like when money gets involved. Ulterior motives, questionable financial practices, and under-the-table dealings can compromise the character of those who handle financial matters. Paul shows us how he protects his ministry and his integrity regarding money.

Continuing to reflect on the grace of Jesus in relationship to our giving, Paul begins with something we often forget. Giving is good for you. In a world dedicated to personal individual accumulation, Paul upends our self-focus by taking us back to God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness. In short, everyone always has enough for everyone.

Paul begins the next major section of his letter by discussing how giving works in the church. What should our priorities be? What motivates righteous giving? How should we think about stewarding what God has put into our hands? With broad sweeping strokes and the example of other churches to emulate, Paul roots giving in the grace of the gospel. 

How do we repent well? What should the result of godly repentance produce in us? Returning to the beginning of the letter, Paul shares his concerns over the outcome of the severe letter he wrote. This time, however, he is relieved at the news of their obedience. Paul demonstrates a model of hope-filled faith that a certain God is at work in the lives of the Corinthians. 

The testimony of Paul's life has shown us his heart. With a flurry of rhetorical questions, Paul illustrates how little the church has in common with false teachers. Rather than take their departure from right doctrine personally, Paul encourages them. Exhorting spiritual purity as a result of their position, Paul urges the Corinthians to pursue lives of holiness and reverence.

In this passage, Paul is going to untangle some beliefs that the Corinthians have about Christian ministry and show them the unfiltered truth about what it looks like to follow Christ and do the work of reconciliation. We will see that the work of reconciliation is costly on many levels yet entirely worth it.

With an eye on judgment day, Paul returns to the pressing nature of his ministry to the Corinthians. With his heart laid bare to his motives, Paul shows the sweeping impact of the gospel. The reality of forgiven sins and the love of Christ has changed how he sees himself, how he sees others, and how he guides his ministry mission: Reconciling people to God.

As Paul continues to share the power of the resurrection and our future eternity in glory, he turns to consider the contrast between our earthly and heavenly homes. How should we live in light of our impending death? While we groan with the knowledge that this earth is not our home, God assures our hearts with precious promises. The certainty of our future eternity with God, the pledge of the Spir...

This week, we’ll see how Paul is able to endure and not lose heart in the face of adversity. He testifies that God’s power is displayed in his weakness, knowing that he will be resurrected and that God will be glorified. In light of eternity, it is all worth it.

This week, we'll see how Paul returns to the theme of his calling as a minister of the new covenant. He shows us how the new covenant, rooted in the mercy of God, shapes his convictions and unites the preaching of Christ with the very first words of God.

We will see a fascinating comparison between the Old Covenant ministry of Moses and the New Covenant ministry of Paul. We will also explore how the coming of Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit brings hope, freedom, boldness, and transformation to our lives. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we will be conformed into His image!

While Paul awaits the coming of Titus with news of the Corinthian response to Paul's painful letter, we get another glimpse into his heart. Gospel opportunities are at odds with his worried heart. Yet Paul finds great joy in the knowledge that God's triumphant purposes are never foiled as the aroma of the gospel message spreads in surprising ways.

While Paul awaits the coming of Titus with news of the Corinthian response to Paul's painful letter, we get another glimpse into his heart. Gospel opportunities are at odds with his worried heart. Yet Paul finds great joy in the knowledge that God's triumphant purposes are never foiled as the aroma of the gospel message spreads in surprising ways.

As we continue to see Paul pour out his heart for the Corinthians, Paul shares his intent behind why he wrote such a painful letter. Through his instruction, we see how a church should deal with opposition to the apostle's instruction and guards itself against the schemes of satan to deceive and divide. 

Paul hasn't done what he said he would do—promising to visit the Corinthian church. This has given an occasion for people in the church to claim Paul's unfaithful and unreliable. Paul addresses both his reputation and the reliability of the promises God makes to us in Christ, proving that though plans change, God is always reliable.

As Paul continues to share his experience walking with God we learn something about his weakness. Suffering and difficulty not only reveal something about God and his mercy but us and our strength. Paul shows the Corinthian church another aspect of God's preserving power when we face suffering, and how we can come to the aid of those who suffer for the cause of Christ in our day.

Suffering. No one asks for it, and no one likes it. In the opening verses of 2 Corinthians, Paul shows us that when we suffer and experience the hardships that come with life as a Christian, we can be sure to experience two significant realities. First, God comforts and cares for us, and second, God has a purpose for our pain.

"The end of the matter has been heard." With these words, Solomon closes his meditation on life under the sun. His counsel, spanning both Old and New Testament realities, provides the blueprint for building a life of strength, wisdom, and dignity as we look to our future. In short, "...build your house on the rock."

Through Solomon's searching, examining, and evaluation, we have learned what it means to live well. In the final chapter of this book, Solomon turns his eye to what it means to die well. How do we live with the end in mind? Our Creator strengthens and guides our final years through knowledge before

In one of the most personal moments of Jesus's post-resurrection appearances, we consider the restoration of Peter. Peter, a man humbled and embarrassed, finds hope, a future, and comfort in a conversation with Jesus, who knows all of Peter's story and chooses to restore him for a life of useful ministry