Living a life oriented around the fear of God and the love of Christ means being driven by a desire to please Him, rather than seeking to impress others. This involves prioritizing God's glory and the church above personal reputation, and being transformed by the death of Christ to live for Him and His pleasure. [... more]

God's character and purpose are the grounds for exhortation in ministry, not personal opinions or preferences. Christians are called to stir one another up to love and good deeds, and to help each other follow Jesus, even in the face of brokenness and sin. [... more]

Christians must walk alongside fellow believers in a God-ward direction, but what does that look like? Pastor Rich answers these questions from 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:6, highlighting the dangers of sin, gossip, and self-destructive behavior, and the importance of loving warnings to guide one another towards Christ. [... more]

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of genuine authority in ministry, which includes sacrificial love, progressive sanctification, and strong exhortation to help followers of Christ overcome brokenness and move Godward. [... more]

Rich Powell explores the concept of sincere love in ministry, emphasizing its importance in authenticating apostolic authority and achieving God's purpose. He examines the examples of Paul's ministry and the early Christian church, highlighting the role of patient perseverance, a Godward relationship, and sacrificial love in genuine ministry. [... more]

Godly sorrow is a recognition of the destructive nature of sin, leading to repentance and a passionate desire to pursue God and glorify Him. It's the opposite of worldly sorrow, which only moans about consequences and leads to further despair. Godly sorrow produces comfort, joy, and godly outcomes, such as restoration and growth in faith. [... more]

A woman's journey from atheism to Christianity is highlighted as an example of the 'aroma of life' that can draw others to faith. The importance of sincerity and living for the audience of one is emphasized, contrasting with the peddling of God's word for personal gain or popularity. [... more]

A life lived for the audience of one can be a powerful aroma of Christ, drawing others to God. A former atheist's conversion story and the testimonies of others illustrate the transformative power of faith. [... more]

The concept of living a Godward life is explored, where individuals surrender to God's transformative work, proclaiming Him worthy of worship. This can be an aroma of death to those who reject it, but an aroma of life to those who accept it, drawing people to God through various means, including desperation, dissatisfaction, and distraction. [... more]

The aroma of a Godward life lived for the audience of one can be perceived in two different ways, either as a fragrance or an odor. The natural man is reminded of God and responds in one of two ways, either repenting or resisting. Jesus Christ is the great polarizer, and his presence cannot be ignored. Materialism and the rejection of intelligent design can lead to a worldview that eliminates any possible divine influence. [... more]

Christ's picture of sacrificial love is contrasted with disordered love, and Pastor Rich explores the foundation of love, the pattern of love, and the beauty of love in Ephesians 5, highlighting the importance of imitating God and sacrificially investing in others for their Godward movement. [... more]

A healthy church walking in grace is characterized by a clear and common grasp of the gospel of grace in Christ, unity, and a culture of understanding who they are and what they are about. Christians are equipped and lavished with the grace of God to employ the outflow of their faith to invest in others for their Godward movement. [... more]

God's grace is not just for personal salvation, but also for walking with others in a Godward direction. Christians are called to be ministers, serving Christ and living in the preeminence of Christ. A clear and common grasp of the gospel of grace in Christ is essential for a healthy church, and for allowing the Holy Spirit to grow His church. [... more]

God's grace is not just for personal salvation, but also for living a life that's dependent on his power and strength. Christians are called to walk in grace, investing in others for their God-ward movement and employing the outflow of their faith to serve others. [... more]

Rich Powell's study on Ephesians 4, 1-6, emphasizes the importance of unity in the Spirit, bearing with one another, and patience and humility in the face of diversity and imperfection within the body of Christ. [... more]