Wednesday in the Word

“Do not be unequally yoked” is not a blanket ban on contact with unbelievers; it is a warning about binding yourself in partnerships that tug your heart away from Christ or deceiving nonbelievers.

Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain, exposing the gap between outward claims and reconciliation.

Paul explains why outward appearance doesn’t define true ministry, what it means to be a new creation, an ambassador for Christ, and part of God’s ministry of reconciliation.

In 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, Paul continues his defense of his ministry by explaining how his confidence in the resurrection shapes his message, motivates his courage, and defines his integrity.

2 Corinthians explained: Why Paul doesn’t lose heart in ministry, how weakness reveals God’s power and the gospel brings eternal hope.

Explore why Paul's ministry is more glorious than Moses’. Learn how the Spirit transforms hearts and unveils the glory of the gospel.

What's new about the New Covenant? The new covenant doesn’t just offer help. It creates new people. 2 Corinthians 3:1–6 explained.

Explore why Paul refused to change either himself or the gospel to win more converts and what that means for us today.

When Paul didn’t return to Corinth as expected, some accused him of being unreliable. His response shows us how faith navigates conflict, disappointment, and the hard work of loving others well.

When Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians, he doesn’t start with doctrine. He starts with suffering, comfort, and prayer. This passage gives us a glimpse into the personal cost of gospel ministry and the beauty of how God uses suffering to encourage others. Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was complicated. These opening verses set the tone for a letter that’s both tender and urgent. In this week’s episode, we explore: Why Paul refers to himself as “we” and why it matters The complicated backstory behind Paul’s letter How Paul sees his suffering as part of his ministry to others What true encouragement looks like—and where it comes from Why Paul asks for prayer, and what that reveals about Christian community How God meets us in affliction not to remove the pain, but to strengthen our hope By listening, you’ll gain a richer understanding of 2 Corinthians and the heart behind Paul’s words. You’ll see how his story models gospel-shaped leadership—and how our own trials can become a source of comfort to others. Suffering, Comfort & Prayer: What Paul Teaches About Ministry (2 Corinthians 1:1-11) To understand 2 Corinthians, we need three key pieces of context: Paul often uses “we” to refer to himself. Sometimes he means “we apostles,” but often he means “I, Paul.” It’s important to understand who he’s referring to in each passage. Paul wrote a now-lost letter between 1 and 2 Corinthians. This current letter responds to how the Corinthians reacted to that missing letter. Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth was troubled. Some respected him, but others rejected his apostleship and questioned his sincerity. See: How Many Letters did Paul write Corinth? Paul’s Greeting: A Chosen Apostle Paul opens by calling himself an “apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” That’s not just a formality. It’s a gentle but firm reminder to a church that doubted him: God chose Paul to speak for Christ. That calling didn’t come through popularity or persuasion—it came through divine appointment. Paul opens the letter by reminding the Corinthians that he is an apostle by the will of God—not by personal ambition. This introduction is significant because some in Corinth doubt his authority. Paul wants to clarify from the outset that his role is divinely appointed. Paul’s position is like that of an ambassador sent by a president to restore order in a disorganized branch. The local team claims to respect the president but rejects the ambassador’s authority. Paul’s defense is not about personal pride. It’s about preserving the authority of the message and the One who sent him. Suffering, Comfort & Prayer Paul praises God as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). But Paul isn’t just making a general theological point. He’s describing his own life. God has encouraged him in the midst of real affliction, and that encouragement wasn’t just for Paul—it was for the Corinthians too. God encourages us in our affliction, not always by removing it. Paul’s sufferings are part of his ministry; he endures them for the sake of the Corinthian believers. Encouragement becomes something we pass along. Paul is encouraged by God so that he can encourage others. Paul’s hardships in Asia were so severe that he “despaired of life itself.” But that forced him to rely fully on “the God who raises the dead.” Paul invites the Corinthians to join him in prayer—not to increase God’s willingness to act, but to share in the gratitude when God delivers. Sufferings Paul describes intense suffering in Asia—so severe that he “despaired of life itself.” This experience taught him to rely on “God who raises the dead.” He shares this story to deepen his connection with the Corinthians and to invite them to join him in prayer and gratitude. Comfort Encouragement is the process by which gospel truths become rea...

Corinth was a city of wealth, power, and moral decay—an unlikely place for a thriving church. In this episode, we explore how Paul planted the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and why he stayed longer than expected. You’ll learn about his partnership with Priscilla and Aquila, the cultural challenges he faced, and the strategic vision behind his ministry.

Wednesday in the Word Season 26 kicks off July 9 with a series on 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts.

In this episode, Krisan and David John Marotta present a biblical perspective on money, arguing that it all belongs to God and that we are called to be stewards, not owners. Drawing from Scripture and their extensive experience in financial management, they blend theological insights with practical advice to guide listeners in using money wisely for God’s purposes. They challenge the reluctance to discuss money openly and emphasize intentionally aligning financial decisions with faith. In this week’s episode, we explore: The biblical principle of stewardship, showing how everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. How to use financial resources to fulfill the responsibilities and calling God gives us. The importance of work to meet those responsibilities, with practical encouragement for starting your career. Common pitfalls like overspending or over-giving, and how to avoid them through balanced planning. Practical strategies for spending, earning, and saving/investing, including budgeting tips and the power of compound interest. The virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in handling money contrasted with the sins of pride, greed, and fear. Listeners will gain a clear framework for integrating faith and finances, moving beyond taboo to purposeful stewardship. You’ll walk away with actionable steps—like setting up a budget that reflects your values or starting a Roth IRA—alongside a renewed understanding of how generosity and gratitude can transform your relationship with money. Whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned professional, this episode offers wisdom to navigate wealth with confidence and align your financial life with God’s calling. Krisan and David John Marotta gave this seminar to University of Virginia college students at the Center for Christian Study on February 6, 2018. The original title was Wealth Wisdom: A Biblical Perspective on Stewarding Money. Seminar Handout A Biblical Perspective on Money Key Points Money belongs to God. We are His stewards. God claims ownership of all wealth, as Deuteronomy 8:17-18 reminds us: “It is He who gives you the power to get wealth.” We act as stewards, managing God’s property like a servant reflects a master’s wishes, not as owners drawing lines between “mine” and “His.” Temptation creeps in after college when we earn money and think, “I worked for this—it’s mine,” forgetting God provides the ability and opportunity. Stewards choose between faithful management and embezzlement—using money for God’s goals or selfishly taking it for ourselves. God gives us money to fulfill His calling God entrusts us with money to support the path He sets, such as providing for basic needs, a spouse, children, or elderly parents. Money serves a purpose beyond happiness or comfort—it equips us to fulfill our God-given duties. We receive varying amounts, big or small, but each portion aligns with the responsibilities God assigns us. Work is a biblical mandate Paul urges Christians in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 to “work with your hands” to live quietly, behave properly, and avoid dependency. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul declares, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,” addressing idleness in the church. We should take any job God provides, even if it’s not ideal, and do it for His glory while trusting Him to open new doors. Avoid financial pitfalls Spending 100% of take-home pay neglects future needs like retirement or emergencies and limits generosity to others. Giving everything beyond basic expenses sounds noble but proves foolish. God expects us to prepare for known and unknown future responsibilities. Abundance brings greater responsibility, not just luxury; we must balance saving and giving to steward well. Learn to spending, earning, and save wisely Budget lifestyle at 65% of take-home pay, allocating 15% to retirement,

John 20:30-31 captures the themes of John's Gospel. The final episode in this series explores John’s purpose and major themes, tying them to Passion Week and the book’s closing chapters.

The Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) records Jesus' final teaching to his disciples. Jesus explains 5 key themes to prepare his disciples for the future.

Jesus’ ministry shifts toward the cross. Mary’s devotion and the triumphal entry highlight his worthiness, while Judas and the crowd expose the complexity of belief.

Jesus’s raising of Lazarus proves his authority over death, offering us confidence in his promise of eternal life and setting the stage for the cross.

When Jesus pointed to his works as proof of words, he made the famous claim "I and the Father are one." He is at least claiming to be the Messiah. How much more he's claiming is debated.

Jesus describes himself as both “the door” to salvation, and “the good shepherd,” who willingly gives his life for his flock.

In John 9, Jesus heals on the Sabbath again, provoking the Jewish leadership. John highlights a variety of responses to this miracle, contrasting spiritual and physical blindness. The blind man now sees, but more importantly he has faith.