Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 as part of our sermon series, "A Cross-Shaped Life."

The Scripture is not included in the podcast this week, so here it is:

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Plan a visit to FPC Douglasville where you will find Bible-focused worship, preaching, and teaching, and a great community for adults, teens, and children! www.fpcdouglasville.org/planavisit .

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 as a part of our sermon series, "A Cross-Shaped Life."

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging aspects of Christian living, yet it's essential for spiritual health and authentic faith. Christian discipline should focus on restoration rather than punishment, following Jesus' example of pursuing reconciliation even with difficult people. Unforgiveness creates two prisons: one for those holding grudges and another for those living in shame. When we harbor resentment, we voluntarily lock ourselves in a prison of anger and bitterness, while those who have wronged us remain trapped until someone offers forgiveness. The key to freedom lies in remembering how much we ourselves have been forgiven by God.

Plan a visit to FPC Douglasville where you will find Bible-focused worship, preaching, and teaching, and a great community for adults, teens, and children! www.fpcdouglasville.org/planavisit

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 in our sermon series, "A Cross-Shaped Life."

Paul faced character attacks from opponents in Corinth who called him unreliable rather than engaging his theological message. His response reveals four principles for handling conflict: expect people to be messy since human nature is flawed, examine your own motives to ensure you're living with integrity, address difficult issues with love rather than avoiding them, and genuinely apologize when you've made mistakes. These principles help us navigate relationships in a way that reflects the gospel's power to love people through their messiness.