Let This Be A Lesson To You
We all have examples in life. Some of our role models are very positive and the kind of people we want to emulate. But there are also people in our world of influence who are very negative and can lead us in a wrong direction. As Paul addresses the topic of freedom he is careful to make sure his readers understand and exercise their freedom with care and humility. We will see from some wrong examples that freedom is not the release from responsibility but is best exercised humbly within clear boundaries.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- May 6, 2018Let This Be A Lesson To You
Let This Be A Lesson To YouWe all have examples in life. Some of our role models are very positive and the kind of people we want to emulate. But there are also people in our world of influence who are very negative and can lead us in a wrong direction. As Paul addresses the topic of freedom he is careful to make sure his readers understand and exercise their freedom with care and humility. We will see from some wrong examples that freedom is not the release from responsibility but is best exercised humbly within clear boundaries.
- Apr 29, 2018“Freedom and Discipline” (1 Cor 9:19-27)
“Freedom and Discipline” (1 Cor 9:19-27)
If we are to exercise our freedom in Christ effectively, it will be from a standpoint of self-discipline. Many are familiar with this section because it is where Paul mentions his ability to connect with a variety of people at their level, that is freedom. However, he also uses an athletic analogy to talk about how he works to train himself to do nothing that would get in the way of the clear message of the gospel, that is discipline. We each need both in our lives. - Apr 22, 2018“Speaking of My Rights” (1 Cor 9:1-18)
“Speaking of My Rights” (1 Cor 9:1-18)
Ministering for the cause of Christ was not an easy task for the Apostle Paul. He put up with so many hardships and even false accusations. He also made some very clear and conscience choices that enabled him to freely teach about Christ and not feel beholden to anyone. Paul was willing to give up “rights” that were his by virtue of his position in order to freely preach the gospel. What “rights” could God be calling you and me to give up for his sake? - Apr 15, 2018“Are you going to eat that?” (1 Cor 8)
“Are you going to eat that?” (1 Cor 8)
What cultural practices are okay for a Christian and which one’s should we avoid? There are older members of our congregation who can remember when going to movies or any kind of dancing was considered sinful. For years retail establishments were not open on Sunday. What is right, what is wrong? How do we determine? In this chapter Paul sets up a larger conversation that the real issue is our sensitivity to others as they progress in their life with Jesus. - Apr 8, 2018“Wait…What?” (1 Cor 7:25-40)
“Wait…What?” (1 Cor 7:25-40)
Sometimes there are sections of the Bible that just seem confusing. This is one of those sections and it requires us to examine the overall context and cultural realities of the original readers. Paul has spoken about marriage and staying married and being content. Now he will talk about being single and it seems that he is saying it is best to stay single and not get married. What we will discover as we look at this section of his letter to the Corinthian church is that Paul’s message remains consistent. Single or married, we are to be first and foremost committed to serving God. - Apr 1, 2018He is Risen! Just at he said! (Matthew 28:1-15)
He is Risen! Just at he said! (Matthew 28:1-15)
Jesus Christ rose from the dead! We proclaim that amazing event with power and enthusiasm! This is the key to our faith the reality of our hope, the promise of the future. And yet, there have been many from the very beginning, who doubted and sought to disprove the resurrection. In this sermon Pastor Scott looks at resurrection from both sides as Matthew has presented it to us. - Mar 25, 2018Why are you crying Jesus? (Luke 19:41-44)
Why are you crying Jesus? (Luke 19:41-44)
In Luke’s gospel we have a detail about that celebratory ride into Jerusalem that should cause each of us to stop and think. As he looked out over the city Jesus wept. What would cause him to be sad on a day of joy and celebration? What was on Jesus’ mind that others missed? What can we learn? - Mar 18, 2018A Fresh View of My Circumstances (1 Cor 7:17-24)
A Fresh View of My Circumstances (1 Cor 7:17-24)
“If I just had a new job then…” “If I just could move away, then….” “If I just had better neighbors then…” “If my spouse would just understand me then…” One of the realities we need to be reminded of, is that a change of circumstances typically does not change who we are or what we really need in life. In this passage we find Paul shifting the focus from circumstances to heart realities. - Mar 11, 2018“Love and Marriage and stuff” (1 Cor 7:1-16)
“Love and Marriage and stuff” (1 Cor 7:1-16)
The Apostle Paul had received a letter asking him about many things that were troubling the church in Corinth. Trying to live for God in a city of ill-repute, with people from all backgrounds wanting to influence the believers was a difficult task. From Paul’s words in this chapter, we can glean some very clear principles as we seek to manage our lives and marriage relationships in God honoring ways, under sometimes trying circumstances. - Mar 4, 2018A Call to Purity (1 Cor. 6:12-20)
A Call to Purity (1 Cor. 6:12-20)
It is one thing to celebrate the fact that we are each created by God. That is truly an amazing reality. As creatures we were designed for a purpose and that is to bring glory to God as we build a culture that reflects who He truly is. As followers of Jesus we often use the metaphor of being the body of Christ. Paul’s challenge to his readers and to us, is to consider carefully how we are reflecting Jesus and the purity to which he calls all of us, in our daily lives. - Feb 25, 2018I’ll see you in court! (1 Cor. 6:1-11)
I’ll see you in court! (1 Cor. 6:1-11)
There are no two ways about it. The Corinthian church did some things that were messed up. This chapter may take the prize for being messed up. Paul’s corrective here is to separate from people who claim to follow Christ and yet blatantly live a life of sin. But to understand and engage our culture that does not yet know Christ. The Corinthian church seems to have mixed up this concept. Before I am too hard on the Corinthian church , I need to ask myself, “Where am I possibly living a double standard?” - Feb 18, 2018You Can’t Be Serious! (1 Cor. 5)
You Can’t Be Serious! (1 Cor. 5)
There are no two ways about it. The Corinthian church did some things that were messed up. This chapter may take the prize for being messed up. Paul’s corrective here is to separate from people who claim to follow Christ and yet blatantly live a life of sin. However, we should seek to understand and engage our culture that does not yet know Christ. The Corinthian church seems to have mixed up this concept. Before I am too hard on the Corinthian church , I need to ask myself, “Where am I possibly living a double standard?” - Feb 11, 2018Rearranging Priorities (1 Cor. 4:8-21)
Rearranging Priorities (1 Cor. 4:8-21)
Our actions and our attitudes reveal the truth about our priorities. Our priorities then guide all our decisions. The Corinthian church focused on their idea of celebrities and personalities. They placed a premium on personal pride. In our passage today we will see how putting Christ first, living in unity and following godly examples will go far in rearranging our priorities. - Feb 4, 2018God’s Measure of Success (1 Cor 4:1-7)
God’s Measure of Success (1 Cor 4:1-7)
What is your measure of success? How do you define success? The Corinthian church in 57 A.D. had in many ways adapted to ideals that exist in 2018. Success was measured by wealth and popularity. What we will discover in our passage today is that God’s measurement of success is quite simple. The fact is God makes it possible for anyone to be successful in His eyes. - Jan 28, 2018Just Grow Up (1 Cor. 3)
Just Grow Up (1 Cor. 3)
Cubs or Sox? Bears or Packers? Patriots or Eagles? In reality these questions are mere preferences. They should never be the issues over which we draw lines of divisions. In fact we would say that it is immature to draw such lines. And yet it happens. In our passage today we find that the overall cry from the Apostle Paul is for the Corinthian church to just grow up and make sure that Jesus is the center of all they do and all they hold dear.