Christian freedom is often used as an excuse to break cultural taboos, but what if your freedom were meant for more than meeting your personal desires? In this passage, Paul applies a simple principle: your Christian freedom was meant to be used primarily for your brother's good, not just your own.
In our world, knowledge feels like something we have in unlimited access. Apart from Christ, knowledge can only lead to pride. But Paul shows the people of Corinth where true knowledge comes from and that it does not destroy but rather, builds up.
In this passage, Paul presents an intensely practical view of marriage, showing us that marriage, while good, is not the only - or even best - option for every Christian. Yet there is more in this passage than a discourse on marriage. By addressing such an important decision, we are encouraged to think clearly about every "yes" and "I do" in our lives, considering what brings the most glory to God, not simply what makes us happier here and now.
Gideon was called a man of valor while hiding from his enemies in a winepress. Not heroic by any standard. But, in just 3 chapters found in the book of Judges, God teaches a weak man how to trust in his Omnipotent Heavenly Father.
What is your calling? This question plagues many, but perhaps the answer easier to find than we often think. Your calling is not just your job or the individual actions you take - it's the collision of your salvation and your circumstances.
It's commonly accepted that serving is something we should do in church, but why should we serve, and how should we serve? In Romans 12, Paul uses our salvation as the launching pad for application, showing us that serving is worship, not mere necessity.
Much like todays society, Paul faced a culture than disregarded the beauty in God's plan toward marriage and singleness. However, Jesus is revealed to those in Corinth to be the only faithful groom. And it is His life that not only purchases but perfects His unfaithful bride.
The Trinity is on full display during the coronation of King Jesus. It is no surprise His baptism is recorded in all four gospels. Especially, when we see how imperative it is to our salvation.
Paul once again speaks to the Corinthians about Christ, who has died for their sake so that they may live more abundantly. Yet they are wandering in their sins, while claiming to be apart of a greater kingdom.
The majesty of the church is not found in its people, but in its Savior by whom the people were purchased. Paul explains this in chapter 6 as he implores to change the way the Corinthians see one another.
Despite the tragic story of Cain & Abel, Christ is shown brightly as the One whose blood speaks a better word.
Last week, we established that church discipline isn't meant for vengeance, but is for the good of the individual being warned to repent and believe. This week, we consider how church discipline works for the good of the church and the world around it. Ultimately, the message is clear and simple: Repent and believe in Jesus, then follow him in newness of life.
God calls his church to perform church discipline and even excommunicate those who cease to walk with Christ for their good. In this first part of our miniseries on church discipline, we look at how it is good for the individual being disciplined, and see that while walking through this process should never be happy for anyone involved, when done rightly, it is always for the good of all.
God provides many means for us to learn how to live as new creatures in Christ. First and foremost is his Word, but he also often provides people whose examples we can follow. Sometimes it just takes us looking for them. These spiritual parents not only give us examples, but correct and admonish in love. If there are spiritual parents in your life, lean on them. If you can be a spiritual parent to others, step up. Most of all, follow Jesus so that others see him in you!
One of the oldest stories to exist is not void of the gospel. From creation to the fall, and ultimately redemption: Jesus is on display as not just Creator but Savior.
As Christians we are called to continually be shaped by the Word of God. The church of Corinth felt they had arrived and did not need to grow any longer. This week we unpack what it means to always be reforming.
As Paul continues to combat the divisiveness in the church of Corinth, we are reminded of our position in Christ, encouraged to make good use of all God has given us, and reminded that everything is a gift from God.
It's tempting to use human wisdom to build the church, but God's ways are not ours. In this sermon, we consider the materials with which we build our lives, our families and the church. Are you building with temporary things, or are you building something that will stand on the day of judgment?
The story of Paul and Silas in prison is a story about faith. They truly took Jesus at his word, and risked everything for the sake of the gospel. Through their selfless actions, a man and his household were saved, and a church was started. And those selfless actions were based on their complete trust in Jesus. Through their example, we are encouraged to rest in Christ and live a life of love, not for ourselves, but for God and our neighbor.
This week in our text, Paul rebukes the church of Corinth and challenges us in our own spiritual maturity. He expresses that the meat is what they need but the milk is all they can handle.
This week we see the great value and necessity of the infallible Word of God. Paul reminds the church of Corinth that they cannot possess wisdom themselves. They must rely on the mystery that was given to them, that being Christ.
In this special Easter service, we consider the plain gospel and how it gives us hope for the life to come. If you are in Christ, then you can rest assured that he will raise you up on the last day.
The story of Daniel and the lions' den is so familiar that it's easy to overlook its importance for us today. But with careful examination, we find that Daniel's faith, God's faithfulness, and the good news of Jesus Christ all work together to speak a loud, clear message: hold fast to hope - God will deliver his people.
Do you have what it takes to save yourself? Paul challenges the church of Corinth to examine their qualifications and see their desperate need for Jesus.
What is wisdom? Paul instructs the church of Corinth to seek wisdom not from this world, but from Him. This wisdom is then proclaimed through preaching Christ to all who will hear.
Have you ever felt like you needed a sign from God? Jesus tells us to look to the sign of Jonah as our hope. Just as Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days, so was the son of Man in the heart of the earth.
The Apostle Paul begins his letter to Corinth with thanksgiving toward God. He then reminds them of the same reality we need reminding of today; Jesus is the only one that sustains.
What could we possibly find in the greeting of 1 Corinthians? More than you might imagine. In this sermon, we plumb the depths of Paul's greeting to the Corinthians to understand where he is going with the rest of the letter, consider the implications of our dependency on Christ, and be reminded that we are one in Christ.
