Gospel Grace Church Sermon Audio

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Constitution Update #1

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 - Have you ever felt worn down or beat up in your attempt to follow Jesus? Have you ever tried to minister his word only to be rejected or mocked for talking about a crucified Lord? Paul knew what that was like and in 2 Corinthians 4, he defends both his ministry and his message. He refused to practice underhanded schemes or twist the scriptures for personal gain. Instead, he proclaimed the plain truth in the sight of God. Now, ministry like that may be ignored or opposed, but Paul’s confidence was in the Creator who makes new creations. Instead of weakness and suffering being disqualifying features, Paul claimed that genuine gospel ministry is marked by power in weakness and life in death. In the end, the apostle encourages all of us not to lose heart because our great God can use momentary affliction to produce for us an eternal weight of glory. So may we continue following in the steps of our Lord proclaiming his name to all who will hear.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In this session we will talk about the why, when, and how of 3 services in 2026. It’s not just about adding more people or another service. It’s about the pursuit of unity, continued evangelism, and meaningful membership.

2 Corinthians 3:1-18 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In 2Cor. 3 Paul finishes the defense of his ministerial status and explains the New Covenant work of the Spirit. He explains to the Corinthians that he is a genuine minister, with a more glorious message, that is creating a transformed community. Paul wants the church to accept him and embrace the surpassing glory of the New Covenant. And it’s because he knows that those who turn to the Lord will be transformed into his image. So, may God change each of us as we gaze into the light of the gospel in the face of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:28-29 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - Behind the title of this series is an assumption: Gospel Grace is at a crossroads. More and more people are gathering in worship and growing in community. There is an exciting buzz of momentum around what God is doing here, and there are few places across our ministry where we aren’t having to adjust and make room. The question is: what is next? As we chart a way forward, we want to clarify and emphasize not just what we are going to do, but how we are going to do it.

2 Corinthians 2:12-12:17 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In 2 Corinthians 2:12-17, Paul goes to great lengths to discuss authentic gospel ministry. He has been on trial, so to speak, by the Corinthians because of his change of travel plans and cancellation of his second visit to them. They accused him of being fickle and maybe even dishonest. They suggested that he couldn’t be trusted and perhaps even lacked apostolic authority. In his attempt to affirm his love and explain why he changed his plans, Paul believes it’s necessary to define and defend true gospel ministry. As we study this text together, may the Lord help us embrace genuine gospel ministry. May we participate in and partner with those who give their lives to it.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In this class, we will discuss the importance of meaningful membership. We will look at implicit arguments pointing to the need for a committed relationship to Christ’s body. And then with a knowable church membership, we will discuss critical aspects of Shepherding care.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul had just finished explaining his change of travel plans. He had initially intended to visit the church of Corinth, go up and see some friends in Macedonia, and then return to Corinth for a second visit. Well, the first stop went so poorly that Paul canceled his return ticket and went straight back to Ephesus. Paul had been publicly humiliated, openly rejected, and utterly shamed in front of the congregation while they stood silently by, doing nothing. It was a terrible visit, so Paul wrote a letter and instructed them to discipline the offending brother. His actions were inexcusable and his refusal to repent was poisonous to the church. Well, the Corinthians did end up excommunicating the man from the assembly. And in turn he sorrowfully repented of his sin. But now the church needed to restore this man. So, Paul continues 2 Corinthians 2 with instructions on church discipline, and it’s intended goal. This is an important text, becaus

Psalm 119:65-72 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - Psalm 119 is the longest song in the entire Bible; it has more verses than the entire book of Philippians, Ephesians or Galatians! This Psalm is a well-known acrostic poem, broken into 22 distinct segments (one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet) with each segment being eight verses long and each verse in Hebrew starting with that associated letter. This Psalm is skillfully crafted and arranged to make it memorable as a teaching aide in communicating it’s two dominant themes – (1) the call to delight in God’s good word (2) in the middle of real-life struggles. In our time together tomorrow, we will look at one of these eight-verse segments, from verses 65-72, taking special note of the good from God and the good describing God in these verses.

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Paul has had a difficult relationship with the church of Corinth. There have been numerous ups and downs. And the conflicts have sapped his emotional energy. He’s made multiple trips to visit the congregation. He’s written numerous letters to deal with problems. But it seems like it’s one thing after another. So what should a believer do when they’re struggling through a relationship dilemma? Well, Paul teaches us that we need to make theologically-informed decisions in the fog of conflict, and let Jesus lead the way. May the Lord guide us through his word as we seek to follow him.