jars of clay

We live in a world that promotes strength, intelligence, money,
power, and fame as pathways to purpose. But what if we’ve got it wrong? The Apostle Paul had them all and found a better way through Jesus. In 2 Corinthians, he explains how we can find that better way through humility, weakness, generosity, and sacrifice.

What Doesn't Kill You...Still Hurts A Lot [Part 1]

Pastor Chris Voigt

October 6, 2024

No matter how well prepared or well-planned you are, unanticipated inconveniences, struggles, problems, or even tragedies, bring pain and suffering into our lives. We'd much a life of ease, but that's not usually how it works. And there's a reason.

Join us as we begin a new series on the book of 2 Corinthians. We've titled it, Jars of Clay - His Strength :: Our Weakness. As we open up this letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, we'll find some answers to the question of "why does God allow suffering?".

Integritas [Part 2]

Pastor Chris Voigt

October 13, 2024

Now that the storm has passed, Floridians wait... for power to be restored and for water to recede. It will take weeks, months, perhaps even longer to assess the true cost of the damages and to rebuild what has been destroyed. Part of the assessment process will be to evaluate the integrity of the structures - roads, bridges, buildings, and the like - that were impacted by the storm.

To have integrity means to be whole, unbroken, consistent. It's important to know that the roadway is safe, that the foundation is stable, that the walls won't collapse. Integrity matters.

This week as we continue in our study of 2 Corinthians, we find the apostle Paul weathering a bit of a storm. His integrity is being questioned. But in the process he models for us what it looks like to be a person who is consistent, reliable, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person, the same in public that he is in private... a person of integrity.

What's That Smell? [Part 3]

Pastor Michelle Snook

October 20, 2024

What's your favorite smell? Most people would agree that there are certain things that smell good... freshly baked cookies, clean laundry, and bacon on my plate. And there are other things that definitely do NOT smell good... diesel exhaust, skunk spray, and the bedrooms of teenage boys.

But there are also things that smell good to some people and awful to others... things like cilantro or gasoline and whatever it is that gives Home Depot and Lowe's their distinctive 'hardware store' scent.

Scientists who research such things say that it's most likely that the scents we like or dislike are learned behaviors. The sense of smell is strongly linked to our memories. So maybe the reason I love the smell of gas is because it reminds me of family road trips when I was a kid.

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, points out that those who follow Christ have a distinctive scent - we bear the fragrance of Christ. To some it is warm and inviting, but to others it can be offensive. What makes the difference?

Join us this Sunday as we continue in our 2 Corinthians series: Jars of Clay - His Strength :: Our Weakness.

Not That Kind of Pot: Treasure in Jars of Clay [Part 4]

Pastor Chris Voigt

October 27, 2024

We are often tempted to view ourselves through the lens of what is wrong, broken, or inadequate. When life presses us, we naturally focus on our limitations—our human fragility. But Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3 and 4 turn that thinking on its head. He speaks to a reality that is as radical as it is liberating: God’s glory is most powerfully revealed not in our strength but in our weakness. This week, we will explore what it means to live in the reality of God’s new covenant, how that transforms us, and how our frailty allows God’s light to shine more brightly.

Breaking Down the Tent [Part 5]

Pastor Jon Sprouse

November 3, 2024

Actions speak louder than words. We've all heard that before. And we would probably all agree... in theory. But it's a lot easier to talk the talk, than it is to walk the walk. As we continue in our study of 2 Corinthians this week, we find the Apostle Paul emphasizing the importance of using what we've been given - our fragile, earthly bodies - to share the hope of Jesus with others. Not just our words, but our lives, in everything we do, think, and yes... say. Who we are is just as important, if not more so, than the words we speak.

Living With Purpose in a Broken World [Part 6]

Pastor Chris Voigt

November 10, 2024

Freedom... it's a concept that we cherish in our country. But not everyone thinks about freedom the same way. Some think of freedom in terms of what they are released FROM; things like obligations or limitations. Others look at freedom in light of they are released FOR - a purpose, calling or passion. As followers of Jesus, we are both... free from sin and death and freed for a purpose! In our study of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians this week, the Apostle Paul encourages them and us to understand and step into the calling that we have been freed FOR.

The Gift That Keeps Giving [Part 7]

Pastor Michelle Snook

November 17, 2024

It's giving season again. The holidays are on the horizon and your email inbox and regular mailbox are most likely stuffed with catalogs, advertisements, and special offers for all the newest, hottest, most-wanted Christmas gizmos and gadgets of the year.

What's the best gift you've ever received? I love to give gifts that are significant or meaningful to the recipient. And if the enjoyment of said gift lasts for a long time... well, that's the best.

As we come to our study of 2 Corinthians this week, we'll find that Paul has a lot to say about giving. Does following Jesus impact your giving? Should it? We'll unpack what God's Word has to say about that question this week!

In My Defense [Part 8]

Pastor Chris Voigt

November 24, 2024

Have you ever had someone unfairly criticize you? Or maybe misrepresent you? Maybe even flat out lie about you? How did you react? Did you sling some accusations of your own? Let it go? Ignore it? Or just boldly declare that it doesn't matter what anybody else says or thinks? Except the truth is, it does.

It matters because as followers of Jesus, we don't just represent ourselves, we represent something and someone much bigger. We stand for something that matters for eternity. And how we represent Him - Jesus - matters a lot!

As we come to our study of 2 Corinthians this week, we find Paul speaking truth to power, so to speak. He's been criticized, his motives and authority have been questioned, and he's not just going to let it go. But the way he responds probably isn't what you'd expect.

Before and After [Part 9]

Pastor Chris Voigt

December 1, 2024

We are wrapping up our study of 2 Corinthians this Sunday. As we come to the end of Paul's letter, we find him boldly declaring what an authentic following-Jesus-way-of-life looks like and challenging his readers to evaluate whether the truth of the gospel has transformed their lives, or if they're still stuck in old patterns of sin. It was an urgent plea for them to grow up in their faith!

Is the truth of the gospel transforming your life? Are you different today because of steps of obedience to Jesus you've taken this past year? Or, are you, like some of the Corinthians, stuck in old habits and patterns, unsure of how to break free or even, if you really want to?