As we begin our journey through 2 Corinthians, we are invited to reflect deeply on three foundational truths: who we are, who we belong to, and what we have been given. Paul’s introduction to this letter is not just a formality; it is a profound reminder of the identity, calling, and resources that define the Christian life and the church community. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, is now an apostle by the will of God, not by human appointment or affirmation. His authority and mission are rooted in a radical encounter with the risen Christ, which transformed his life and set him apart as a messenger of the gospel. This calling is not about personal status or recognition, but about faithfully representing Christ, even in the face of suffering and misunderstanding.

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In Ephesians 6:10-20, we are reminded that life as a follower of Jesus is not lived in peacetime, but amid a spiritual battle. The world we inhabit is marked by brokenness, temptation, and the schemes of the evil one, yet God has not left us defenceless. Instead, he graciously provides all we need to stand firm and live for him. Our strength is not in self-reliance or personal ability, but in the Lord and the power of his might. This is a daily invitation to surrender, to confess our dependence, and to rest in the resources God supplies.

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Recently, as part of our Colossians preaching series, John preached from Colossians 3, which focused on marriage, submission, and God's design. You can check out the sermon on our podcast channel or watch it via your YouTube channel https://youtu.be/OeCclT9y01Q.

We also invited people to send us questions as part of that sermon. John, Desley, and Shebu sat down to discuss those questions and issues surrounding Marriage, Submission, and God's design.

Extra resources:

1: https://families.org.au/

2: https://gospelinlife.com/series/marriage/ - Sermon series on marriage by Tim Keller

3:https://www.crossway.org/books/gospel-shaped-marriage-case/?srsltid=AfmBOoqLJxBduUVfArs1fzmz0hA9ChDFzXcwHnW7EUVMKcwq8ZaoFFXT - Gospel Shaped Marriage

4: https://timothykeller.com/books/the-meaning-of-marriage - The Meaning of Marriage Tim Keller

5: https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/biblical-counseling-books/build-a-stronger-marriage-the-path-to-oneness/?srsltid=AfmBOorA3J9bch07-VlO3Hf9kXVXbbelFVObTRyuKFySE9Wmzg6wmXvu - Build a Stronger marriage

Want to know more about CGCC? Just head to our website: https://www.cgcc.org.au/