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.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- 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. - Jan 21, 2018Spiritual Eyes to See Spiritual Realities (1 Cor 2)
Spiritual Eyes to See Spiritual Realities (1 Cor 2)
Sometimes we are united by common experiences and circumstances. As he called the Corinthian church to unity, Paul reminded them that when the Spirit of God indwells us, because of our faith in Jesus, then there are some things we grasp that are not fully understood by those who have not yet trusted Jesus. This is should not cause us to be arrogant, but it should draw us together in community. - Jan 14, 2018Keeping It Simple (1 Cor 1:18-31)
Keeping It Simple (1 Cor 1:18-31)
Are you on a journey that leads to the message of the cross? Or are you on a journey that is determined by your own standards? The Apostle Paul reminds his readers and us that the core message of the cross, is the first and only message in being right with God. All other attempts to reach God will come up empty.