First Free Rockford Sermons

Have you ever been placed in a role you felt unqualified for? Welcome to the Christian life — that is, until we remember that our job is simply to carry the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, and leave the results to him. Even in our human insecurity and brokenness, we can still do that — and it can change the world.

Have you ever felt betrayed? Trust, or broken trust, always leads to the question of integrity. As the Apostle Paul addresses a misunderstanding between himself and the church at Corinth, he gets to the heart of what trust really means for us all, and how it is central to living as a follower of Jesus.

This week we begin a series looking at 2 Corinthians – another letter from the Apostle Paul to this messed-up church with so much potential. We’ll look at how we can live as ambassadors for Christ in a broken, complex world. We start with a look at suffering—something guaranteed for us all, but often misunderstood.

When life’s plans get wrecked … when God seems silent … when we feel let down, where do we find peace? That’s the story of Christmas, which can ring new every year.

Generosity is certainly an act of obedience to God. But obedience isn’t always the strongest motivator. A generous heart is a joyful, peaceful heart—one that’s always seeking new opportunities to give back to God and to his work in our community and world.

At Christmas, we celebrate and welcome the love of God through the birth of his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s love is what led to Jesus becoming Emmanuel, God with us, while we were yet sinners—eventually leading to his death and resurrection. God’s love is good, and it is that same love God desires for his children to display to everyone. 

Hope is a good thing: for success, good health, better days ahead. But following Jesus takes hope to a far deeper level. It helps us live life from a kingdom perspective — anchoring us in an uncertain world and in the way we love others.

Advent means “coming.” In Hebrew, “coming” can mean to walk with someone. What would it mean for us this Christmas season to walk alongside someone who is experiencing hardship or loss? The joy of Christmas—the good news of Jesus—is for all people, and it is meant to be shared.