NEWS, ARTICLES, DEVOTIONS AND MORE FROM BttB...

No one enjoys physical suffering--it hardly even needs to be said. But it remains a fact that suffering is, or will be, part of many of our lives. It was true for Paul as well. But God helped Paul find a purpose and a way to grow through his suffering. And in his letter to the Corinthians, he shares that Good News that is sure to be a comfort to you as well.

The more we walk with Christ, the more distinct our lives become. And so it's all the more problematic when we team up with other believers. But what does this mean on a practical level? As we continue our series we'll consider what partnership with unbelievers actually means and learn how to be an ambassador without compromising our beliefs.

The Christian life is not lived in isolation. As Paul reminds his readers in his letter to the Corinthians, as people watch us, they make judgments about the God we serve. We are called to live as ambassadors of Christ, urging others to be reconciled with Christ. Find out more about how to live this life in today's message.

What happens after we die? Do we lie unconscious in the grave till Christ returns at some point in the future? Or do we immediately go to be in the presence of Jesus? Many people believe in one or the other, but in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul clearly points to the latter option. Find out more about this as we continue our study.

The Great Commission would be a lot easier to carry out if people always believed the Good News. But, there are other forces at work in the world conspiring to keep people in the darkness. As Paul continues his letter, he'll talk about the trials he has faced and give us encouragement to never give up.

Experience is one of the greatest teachers there is, especially when it can lead us to be sympathetic to others going through situations we're familiar with. This is Paul's focus as he begins his second letter to the Corinthians. As we begin our look at this epistle, we'll also see how our love for each other should be what motivates disciple in the church when it is needed.

Christianity is built on the miracle of Christ's resurrection. But miracles don't just happen every day. That's why Paul takes time in his letter to the Corinthians to establish the presence of many eyewitnesses to that historic event. After that, Paul concludes his letter reminding us of the need to support the ministries that matter to us.

Just like an orchestra can create beautiful music when all musicians work together under the guidance of the conductor, so Christians have their greatest impact when working together under the leading of God. Paul talks more about love and how to use our gifts in service of the body of Christ rather than ourselves.

we discuss where these gifts come from, we'll also learn how they are to be used. Paul will show us that we are all part of one body, working together for the benefit of the whole body of Christ.

The celebration of Communion is an important part of the Christian service. And one that has been practiced from the very beginning. But what is it about? Paul takes some time in his letter to the Corinthians to explain the importance of this special ritual.

How should the believer live? In Pauls' day, as in our own, plenty of Christians don't give much thought to this question. They live however they want. But Paul had a better way. Join us as we continue to study 1 Corinthians and learn Paul's motivation for honoring God through his lifestyle.

Our works will never save us, but that doesn't mean they aren't important. As Paul continues his letter to the Corinthians he addresses those who wanted to continue living in sin and immorality. Join us as we dive into why it's important that the Christian life looks different.

The places where Paul preached were never far from his mind. And we see that clearly in his many epistles, or letters, preserved for us in the Bible. As we begin our look at his first letter to the church in Corinth we'll see his greeting to these fellow believers before he turns his attention to more weighty matters.

Paul ends his letter to the Romans with a series of greetings to be passed on to the people he knew and cared about there in Rome. From his words and exhortations we'll understand more of Paul's heart and be reminded again of the great grace shown to us by Jesus. Are you sharing this grace with anyone else?

As big as the Bible is, it simply cannot offer guidance on every situation we as believers might face. So, how do we know how to act when it comes to matters not mentioned in the Bible? As Paul neared the end of his letter to the Romans, he gives some advice on how to behave within the community of believers.

"What now?" That's a question many answer after coming to know Christ. Is salvation only about the afterlife? Not at all! As Paul continues his letter he describes the life of the Christian, lived in gratitude for the sacrifice God has made. We'll learn a little about our responsibility to earthly authorities and to other believers as well.

"Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners." One of the surprising aspects of salvation is that it required a sacrifice. But why did Jesus have to die? Find out more about the severity of sin and the great love of God.

Since Jesus is such a critical factor in our salvation, how were the heroes of the faith from the Old Testament saved? Paul talks about some of these people and the faith they exhibited in God. From their example we'll learn how to put our faith in God and trust in Him for salvation.

Before you can talk about the good news, you need to know the bad news. That's what Paul does in these opening chapters of Romans. We'll find that everyone stands justly condemned before God for violating His laws and His holiness. But of course, this is not the end of the story, and before we end this message, we'll learn a bit about God's grace.

Paul's letter to the Romans is one of the most doctrinally significant Books of the Bible. In this letter, Paul explains in great detail the Gospel message and makes it clear that salvation is not through human effort, but by the grace of God alone. As we study Paul's opening statements, we'll be reminded of the great power of God's Word.

Paul's final journey was in chains to the city of Rome. But it wasn't an easy journey. We'll learn about the shipwreck Paul endured and then learn about his final days under house arrest preaching and teaching the good news to anyone who would hear.

Though preaching the Gospel often got him in trouble, this gave Paul the opportunity to preach to many of the powerful people in that age. In this message we'll listen in as Paul shares his story with kings and governors. And we'll consider the opportunity we all have to choose to follow Jesus.

As many people as received Paul and his message of Good News, there were many who opposed his message. But rather than be discouraged, Paul welcomed the opportunities to share, and reshare the story of his dramatic encounter with God. As we hear his testimony, we'll be reminded that God's grace is for all people without exception.

When Paul travelled to distant cities on his missionary journeys, he preached the Gospel openly and in the synagogues. And when he was thrown in jail, he preached the Gospel to his jailors and fellow inmates. Today we'll see how a divine earthquake created an opportunity to preach the Good News and save a man's life.