2 Corinthians 1 1-7

Be strong in weakness.

Relationships matter, with people and with God.

Sharon takes us into the second letter to the church in Corinth and brings out the words of comfort and encouragement that are as relevant today as then.

The following 7 points flow from her sermon.

1. Leadership should be discerned as something that comes by the will of God, and thus should be respected as God given.
 
2. To call one another ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ is to own the bond we have in being united to Christ and one another.  We are family.
 
3. We are God’s church in Chadstone/Oakleigh: an important distinction, united together with all other Christians around the world, who serve Christ.  We need to show our care and unity.
 
4. Grace and peace are given by God so that we can be strong and encouraged in the ministry we offer, even in times of great difficulty.
 
5. When we suffer, God loves us and brings his comfort, if only we would see it through spiritual eyes.
 
6. Christ suffered for us, and we should not expect to be immune.  This is in part what it means to ‘take up our cross daily to follow him’.
 
7. Our experience of suffering brings with it an ability to comfort and support others in their adversity.  Nothing we experience is wasted by God.