It can be tricky to distinguish a real diamond from a fake one, and it requires intentional examination to do so. In much the same way, we don't always know if someone's faith is real just by looking at them from the outside. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 6–7, Pastor J.D. provides us with some diagnostic questions to ask ourselves in order to determine if our own faith is authentic. If we want to be true disciples of Jesus, we must do the hard work of honestly reflecting on things such as our repentance and our relationships, uncomfortable though it may be.

In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 3, Pastor Curtis helps us take a closer look at what it means that we are being transformed “from one degree of glory to another.” As we begin a new year, we should be encouraged to press in and seek God, knowing that as we do, he is slowly but surely transforming us.

One of the most intriguing elements of the Christmas story is that of the wise men, who see a mysterious star and set out on a journey that ultimately leads them to worship Jesus. In this week’s message from Matthew 2, Pastor J.D. gives us a snapshot of various responses to the birth of Jesus, all of which are still seen in different degrees today. Just as God used a sign to lead the wise men to the Savior, he continues to meet us where we are and draw us to himself. The only question is if we will respond to Jesus’ birth as the wise men did, with joy upon joy upon joy.

What drives your life? Whether money, or our children, or the approval of others, we all have something that drives us, even controls us. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 5, Pastor Bryan helps us see how allowing the love of Christ to control us changes everything. Living out the identity that Jesus gives us as believers means a new outlook on everything—ourselves, others, and even life and death itself.

The gospel is so beautiful and valuable, yet God chooses to place this great treasure in “jars of clay.” It's almost incomprehensible, really, but it's how God works. All throughout the Bible, we see examples of how he uses weak, broken vessels for his glory. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 4, Pastor J.D. shows us how even when we experience suffering, God often uses it for his good purposes, working in us and through us in powerful ways.

When we think about reading Luke 2, our thoughts naturally turn to the story of Jesus’ birth. But what follows is the account of a man named Simeon, a man who marveled at the sight of Jesus because he knew that at last, salvation had come. In this week’s message, Pastor John takes us through Simeon’s story, showing us what we all should marvel at: the wonder of Jesus.

We've all heard the voice of that inner critic, telling us that we're not enough, that we need to constantly prove ourselves. It's exhausting to try to live up to the pressure we place on ourselves, to try to carry a weight that the gospel has already lifted. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 2 and 3, Pastor Curtis explains how to let go of these weights and submit to the transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring. Ultimately, transformation doesn't come from trying harder, but from spending time beholding the glory of the Lord.

When we evaluate why many people aren't generous, it's probably not because they're selfish. More likely, they're battling either fear or pride (or maybe both). In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 9, Pastor J.D. shows us how these things can prevent us from being generous, as well as the remedy. By trusting and obeying God as it relates to our finances, we will experience the joy that results from seeing him use these resources to build his kingdom. And we will proclaim, as Paul did, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”