Bulletins - Richvale Community Church

A few years ago, our kids told us about a new restaurant which we had to try called.. Raising Cane’s…
What is interesting about Raising Canes.. is that their whole menu is just chicken tenders and fries and toast.
When the founder, Todd Graves, was in college he actually pitched the idea to His professor who said it would never work… He got an F... citing that he could never compete with kfc and Chick-fil-A..
Well he was wrong..
Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing chains in the country. We recently had one built here in Chico…
—“Raising Cane’s literally means to stir things up, and Todd sure did.
The early church were branded, not by a logos or a labels they designed, but by their connection to Christ. People called them followers of the Way… and it was their faith that shook things up…
That identity was so powerful that it became a threat—both to Rome and to Judaism—and persecution followed. When believers gathered, they would often draw a simple fish, the ichthys, as a quiet mark of recognition: “We belong to Jesus.”
Today, identity.. is a big topic—whether it’s for a business or for ourselves as individuals.
Most of us have even taken some kind of personality test, like Myers-Briggs, trying to figure out who we are and how we relate to the world.
Identity is often discovered by looking inward—examining our values, our temperament, and our experiences to find out who we really are.
We spend a lot of time trying to define ourselves from the inside out.
But as Christians, it’s the opposite. Our identity is not discovered by looking inward, but by looking outward—toward Christ and toward mission..
Our True identity begins with our relationship with Jesus and , moves toward others, and extends into God’s mission in the world.
Just like the early believers, our mission flows directly out of our identity in Him.
Who we are in Christ determines what we do for Christ
Today we’re finishing up this sermon series “Who Am I?”
Our text this morning is from 2 Corinthians 5—a passage where Paul shows us that knowing who we are in Christ is essential to our mission in the world.
Let’s go behind the text.. Paul’s letters don’t come to us in a vacuum.
His relationship with the Corinthian church was complicated.
This was a young church, full of energy and growth, but also full of struggles.
From the very beginning, some teachers in Corinth resisted Paul’s leadership.
They questioned Paul’s authority, doubted his sincerity, and tried to undermine his ministry.
As a response…Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to confront these issues and sent coworkers like Timothy and Titus to encourage the church—but tensions lingered.
Then Paul decides to visited Corinth himself, we know the visit did go well — because..
Afterward, he wrote what he called his “severe” or “tearful” letter, carried by Titus. That letter (known as the lost letter) came out of deep pain but also deep love.
Later, in Macedonia, Titus brought Paul good news: most of the church had turned back to him, though a small group still resisted.
Out of that situation, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians—a letter both defending his ministry and opening up his heart and sharing real feelings..
— So
In 2 Corinthians—we see Pauls human side - we find him struggling —- yet faithful.
One of the key words Paul uses in his letters over and over and over again is the word “know.”
It shows up nearly fifty times, and the reason is that ..
Paul doesn’t just want us to feel or guess about our faith—he wants us to know certain truths so that we can live with clarity, purpose, and confidence in Christ.
And in our text 2 Corinthians 5, Paul highlights three essential truths we must know if we are to understand who we are in Christ and what we are called to do,..
First…
1. We Know Our Hope
There an old bumper sticker that said: "Since I gave up hope, I feel much better."
Some of us might relate to that way of thinking. It might feel easier to give up on hope rather than risk disappointment.
In the ancient world, most thinkers did not regard hope as a virtue; they saw it as a temporary illusion—mere wishful thinking.
And to be honest, not much has changed in 2000 years . Even today, the word hope often carries doubt. We say things like, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.”
Even when we expect something good, we qualify it with, “I hope so.”
But in the Bible, hope is very different. Biblical hope is not mere desire—
Hope is an expectation—
In Hebrew, hope means
“to wait, to expect,”
“to be full of confidence, to trust.”
In the New Testament, hope is tied to faith —they go hand in hand.
Hebrews 11:1 ESV
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Biblical hope is not passive wishing. It is confident expectation grounded in God’s promises.
As you read on through the chapter … you learn that all the actions of the heroes of faith… were made possible because they had this faith based on hope in God. They lived and died in Faith..
Hebrews 11:13 ESV
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Some promises were apprehended and others were no t realized..but
Their lives illustrate that hope is rooted in the unshakable promises of God—.
Paul begins 2 Corinthians 5 by anchoring our identity to the hope we have in Christ
—that, regardless of what happens, we are not without hope
we are anchored to hope!
Let’s read our text:
2 Corinthians 5:1–8 ESV
1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Before we look t his metaphor of the tent.. notice that
Paul uses inclusive language in this text.
Instead of saying “I” or even “you,” he says “we.”
He writes..
“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God” (5:1).
“We groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling” (5:2).
“We are always of good courage” (5:6).
This isn’t just Paul talking about himself—it’s Paul gathering us in, reminding us that these truths belong to all of us who are in Christ.
Paul uses the image of a tent to describe our earthly bodies. Tents are temporary, fragile, and easily torn down by storms or wind.
Paul says that in this earthly tent we experience groaning and weariness—we get bruised , and scared along the way.
To be honest, life in this fragile body can take a toll.
Yet Paul adds something amazing, even glorious: “so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:4).
Paul went through many hardships and challenges in his life…
Beatings
Floggings
Stoning
Imprisonments
Shipwrecks
Hunger and thirst
Betrayal and abandonment
Opposition
Despite all his disappointments and difficulties, He tells us something greater was at work…
God was preparing him for something far bigger and far grander than anything this world can offer —
While death was at work so was life… and ultimately Death is swallowed by life..
The reason is the guarantee of the H.S. Living inside of us..
This was a revolutionary idea.
The ancient Greeks often spoke of the body as a prison or tomb, something to be escaped.
Ascetics taught the body was evil and had to be punished.
But Paul declares something radically different— it’s a dwelling place for Gods spirit..
1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
In other words our bodies are not worthless; they are being renewed, redeemed, and destined for glory…
— one day we will have a New body…heavenly body…
But the question is how do we live I’m this body…is transforming death two life?
— Paul deals with the “in-between”—between the temporal and the eternal, between the tent and the building?
Paul answers this in verse 6 he says:
2 Corinthians 5:6–8 ESV
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Paul says, “we are always of good courage.”
Why would he have courage?
Because Either way —God be glorifed through our lives..wthe r in death of life..
If you look back to chapter 4, Paul opens up about his own struggles…
He compares ministry to a clay jar—an ordinary, everyday vessel used for washing feet or carrying water.
On the outside, it seems fragile, unremarkable, easily broken.
But inside that jar is a treasure—the power and presence of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7–9 ESV
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
That’s the paradox:
even though we are fragile, we are not finished.
We walk by faith, and yes, there will be things that press and squeeze us—
sometimes to the breaking point. But these jars, though pressed, shaken, and cracked, are not destroyed.
Why? Because God has placed inside us something priceless: His Spirit, His gospel, His power.
This is what give a is Hope..
Samuel Johnson said..
Whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage.
Samuel Johnson
So when Paul speaks of courage, it is not blind optimism. It is confident knowledge. Even in weakness, even in suffering, we can live boldly because God’s power and hope dwell within us.
T/s Paul points us to three essential truths we must know …
First
1. We are to Know Our Hope
2. We Know Our Calling
What is a calling? A calling speaks of God’s invitation for us to participate in Ministry —
Ministry can be summed up as simply dispensing grace…
Ministry — is sharing the grace that we have received..
It’s not just for pastors, missionaries, or “professional Christians.” Every single believer has a calling.
Our calling is multifaceted..
First, we are called to Christ Himself. Paul says in Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 ESV
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Our identity flows first from being chosen, loved, and adopted into Christ.
Second, we are called to God’s mission. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:1
Ephesians 4:1 ESV
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
This calling speak of mission and purpose..— something we do…
Some callings are general—we’re all called to love God,
love others,
and share the gospel. (basics)
But some callings are specific—
Some are given unique gifts to meet specific opportunity’s and responsibilities…
no two gifts are the same.…
Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 12:1–11, that the Spirit distributes spiritual gifts as He chooses, placing each of us where we can serve best.
Nobody is left out.. 1 Peter 4.10
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
That means our calling is not an accident—it’s part of God’s design.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what that gift is…. R. Scott Pace..
As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, he will reveal his specific calling for our lives.
R. Scott Pace; David Wheeler
We just have to take the next step with a Jesus..
In our text
Paul made it his goal to live each day in such a way that his actions would bring delight to God.
2 Corinthians 5:9–10 ESV
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Paul gives us practical instructions in how to live out our callings..
a. Calling is Rooted in pleasing God.
Paul’s primary purpose in life was simple: to live in such a way that please God..
We often complicate calling. We ask,
What is God’s will?
What should I do next?
What is success in God’s eyes?
But Paul reduces it to one powerful question:
“Will this please God?”
That question becomes a lens through which everything else comes into focus—our decisions, our work, our relationships, even our struggles…
When we do this we realize that pleasing God is living for others..
b. Calling is rooted in Building Up Others
Paul speaks candidly about the judgment to come: one day we will all stand before God to give account for our lives—both the good and the evil done in our bodies. (these are facts) Bema judgement of rewards…but it’s not selfish..it’s out…
Out of reverence for God, that we reach out to others to come to Christ
2 Corinthians 5:11–13 ESV
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
Ministry is others focused.. . In those days, philosophers and teachers would travel from city to city, armed with letters of reference, gathering audiences—and often padding their own reputation and income.
Paul says, “That’s not what we’re doing.” look at VRs 12 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
His motive is to serve others..
Paul’s heart is clear: whether misunderstood or praised, whether accused of being “crazy” or admired as wise,
his ministry is aimed at two things—God’s glory and the good of others.
Westminster Catechism.. t the purpose of man to bring glory to God and enjoy him for ever
Lastly…
c. Calling is rooted in Christ’s Love
It is the love of God propels Our calling…
2 Corinthians 5:14–15 ESV
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
It is Christ’s love compels us.
The word compels, means “to hold together,” or “to grip tightly.”
it is written in the sense of constraint,
The love of Christ leaves us no choice except to live our lives for Him.
Love that compels is
Is love in action .
Christ’s love is not passive—it moves, drives, and shapes our behavior.
In his commentary John Barry says that.
True love doesn’t let things stand where they are; true love compels relationships to move forward. Another way to put this: “real love is not afraid to bleed.”
John D. Barry
Love that compels is Universal
Christ died for all.
God’s love does not discriminate based on status, intelligence, or merit. (This is universal love, not universal salvation.)
John 3.16 God so loved the Whole world… (extent of love..
love that compels is Redemptive.
Our identity in Christ is no longer about self-preservation, self-promotion, or seeking the world’s approval—it is about living for Him.
His death and resurrection redefine our purpose.
When we grasp this, our calling becomes clear: we are compelled by the love of Christ to use the gifts He has entrusted to us in service to His mission.
T/s In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul points us to three essential truths we must know if we are to understand who we are in Christ and what we are called to:
1. We Know Our Hope
2. We Know Our Calling
3. We Know Our Mission
Did you hear about Cracker Barrel Drama?
This week, Cracker Barrel decided to change their logo.
They removed the iconic image of “Uncle Herschel” leaning on the barrel, thinking a modern look would appeal to younger customers.
They tested it in New York, preparing to roll it out nationwide.
But people noticed—and they spoke up. Customers said, “This isn’t Cracker Barrel! We grew up to love and know.”
The company quickly realized that the logo wasn’t just a picture—it represented the brand’s identity and values.
Within hours, they restored the image to the original logo…
WHAT this shows us… is that identity and actions are closely related to mission.
Mission flows from Our Identity….
as Christians they so much more at stake than a chain restaurant
Our identity in Christ shapes our mission. When we know who we are in Him, our purpose and actions naturally flow from that identity.
Because of Christ, we see others differently, and our mission becomes clear. Paul writes in
2 Corinthians 5:16–17 ESV
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Paul says, “From now on…” In other words, there is a before Christ and an after Christ. Once we are in Christ, everything changes—especially our perspective.
We no longer evaluate others by worldly standards—status, appearance, or accomplishments.
Instead, we learn to see people as God sees them.
We see unbelievers not as enemies, but as people in need of a Savior.
We see fellow believers not as rivals or projects, but as new creations in Christ.
That word “new” doesn’t mean recently made, like a new car off the lot.
It means new in kind, new in quality—something that never existed before.
Through Christ, God has regenerated us, made us new, reconciled us to Himself.
When we have this perspective — We begin to see Our mission more clearly
We see everything is from God.. Paul says..
2 Corinthians 5:18–19 ESV
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation
Reconciliation is not our achievement; it’s His work.
Christopher Wright says.
The mission of God’s people is not a matter of how great we are at doing things for God, but a matter of how patient and persistent God is in doing things through us.
Christopher J. H. Wright
But here’s where calling and ministry intersect
God reconciled us to Himself through Christ.
Then He entrusted us with the ministry and the message of reconciliation.
That’s both our calling and our mission.
It intersect with God being the reconciler..
Conclusion..
Paul sums it up in verse 20:
Paul says we are —ambassadors for Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Whether we like it or not… we represent Christianity today…
People are not going judge the church by the apostle Paul or the first disciples… its you and I ..
An ambassador doesn’t live for themselves. .. They represent their homeland while living in a foreign land. In the same way, we represent heaven on earth.
An ambassador speaks of identity..we are Flash Ambassadors of Christ We are citizens of heaven sent to represent the King.
We are reconciled people who now carry the message of reconciliation.
Our identity in Christ cannot be separated from our mission in Christ. .
We are Christ’s ambassadors.
Through us, God is making His appeal to the world: Be reconciled to God.
Closing Reflection: Take a moment today to ask yourself:
Where is my hope anchored?
Am I living for Christ, or for myself?
Knowing our hope, our calling, and our mission changes everything.
It gives courage in trials, purpose in decisions, and clarity in relationships.
Lift your eyes. Live outward. Be Christ’s ambassador in a world that desperately needs His love.
- - Hebrews 11:1AMP
- - Hebrews 11:13AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:1–8AMP
- - 1 Corinthians 6:19AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:6–8AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 4:7–9AMP
- - Ephesians 1:4AMP
- - Ephesians 4:1AMP
- - 1 Peter 4:10AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:9–10AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:11–13AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:14–15AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:16–17AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:18–19AMP
- - 2 Corinthians 5:20AMP

1. We Know Our Hope

2. We Know Our Calling

a. Calling is Rooted in pleasing God.

b. Calling is rooted in Building Up Others

c. Calling is rooted in Christ’s Love

3. We Know Our Mission

Hebrews 11:1AMP

Hebrews 11:13AMP

2 Corinthians 5:1–8AMP

1 Corinthians 6:19AMP

2 Corinthians 5:6–8AMP

2 Corinthians 4:7–9AMP

Ephesians 1:4AMP

Ephesians 4:1AMP

1 Peter 4:10AMP

2 Corinthians 5:9–10AMP

2 Corinthians 5:11–13AMP

2 Corinthians 5:14–15AMP

2 Corinthians 5:16–17AMP

2 Corinthians 5:18–19AMP

2 Corinthians 5:20AMP