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.

Rev. James Harper kicks off a new sermons series through the book of 2 Corinthians: "The Cross Shaped Life."

Paul's letter to the Corinthians reveals powerful truths about finding hope during life's darkest moments. Writing from his own experience of despair in Asia Minor, Paul offers three key insights: suffering is inevitable in a broken world, God promises comfort to those who seek Him, and our pain can become a source of healing for others. Rather than promising an escape from hardship, Christianity offers something unique - a God who enters into our suffering through Christ. Paul encourages believers to find comfort through prayer and Scripture, particularly the Psalms, and to use their experiences of adversity to minister to others facing similar struggles.

Rev. Scott York preaches on Zechariah 3:1-10 as a part of our sermon series, "Prophets Foretold."

Heaven's standard isn't being good enough - it requires perfect holiness. We all fall short, standing before God like Joshua in filthy garments while Satan accuses us. But God promises a divine solution through the Messiah. Jesus took our sin upon himself at the cross and clothed us in his perfect righteousness. We don't need to clean ourselves up first; we come to God as we are and let him transform us. True faith means complete surrender, trusting Jesus as Lord over every area of life.

The scripture for today's reflection is Matthew 7:7-11.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Isaiah 9:1-7 as part of our Advent sermon series, "Prophets Foretold."

Christmas reveals the zeal of the Lord - God's passionate, consuming love that drove Him to send Jesus into the world. Unlike our culture's apathy and indifference, God burns with amazing love for His people. Isaiah's prophecy shows how this divine zeal brought light to darkness, gave us a child who is both fully God and fully human, and established permanent salvation. The antidote to Christmas apathy isn't found in perfect gatherings or gifts, but in praise. When we focus on God's zealous love and give Him the honor He deserves, it generates genuine joy and fulfillment that Christmas was always meant to bring.

The scripture for today's reflection is Psalm 139:7-12.