“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.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- 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. - Jan 7, 2018Can’t We Just Get Along (1 Cor. 1:1-17)
Can’t We Just Get Along (1 Cor. 1:1-17)
Outside of Rome, the city of Corinth, located on an isthmus between mainland Greece and the Peloponnesus Peninsula was arguably one of the most important cities in the first century. It controlled a major trade route and as a result became a large city with a cosmopolitan population. It was the capital of the provincial government of the area so it was politically important. It was also a city that was known for its immorality and pluralistic culture. Often what happened in Corinth stayed in Corinth. Yet it was here that the Apostle Paul spent 18 months in ministry. It is to the church in this city that Paul writes to call them to a Christ centered oneness. There is much we can learn in this study as we begin 2018. - Dec 31, 2017A Standard for Evaluation (1 Peter 4:7-11)
A Standard for Evaluation (1 Peter 4:7-11)
As we stand at the threshold of a new year and at a time for transition for Pleasant Hill Community Church it is important to measure our effectiveness. Pastor Scott shows us the importance of faithfulness in serving our Lord. He also celebrates Ethan Reynolds as an example of faithfulness as our Youth Director for the past two years. - Dec 24, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Promise (Luke 1:53-55)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Promise (Luke 1:53-55)
Every brightly wrapped package is a promise. A promise of a need met. A promise of a want fulfilled. And yet for every promise kept all to many of us are fully aware of the pain of promises broken. As humans we make promises but cannot fully control the circumstances to fulfill every made promise. But God can. God did. God does. The birth of Jesus is a promise kept and all humanity benefits. - Dec 17, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Humility
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Humility
God knows us at the core of our being. He is fully aware of our deepest thoughts. And so he knows exactly what to allow into our lives to bring us to a point of being willing to serve Him and others. God is not impressed by human displays of power and wealth. He uses the humble to do great things for his kingdom. We see God’s power in humility as we examine the words of his humble servant Mary. - Dec 10, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Mercy (Luke 1:49-50)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Mercy (Luke 1:49-50)
It seems that this is a time of year when so many are shown mercy. Organizations that are based on compassion to others see an uptick in charitable giving. People talk about wanting to give back. But what happens in January? Where is the mercy then. If part of the heart of Christmas is mercy, it would seem God wants it to last far beyond one month of the year. - Dec 3, 2017Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Belief (Luke 1:46-48)
Discovering the Heart of Christmas: Belief (Luke 1:46-48)
What would cause a young girl to be willing to have her entire future turned upside down? In the case of Mary it all hinged on what she believed about God. She believed that God was fulfilling an ancient promise and allowing her to be part of the process. Her belief determined her actions and is reflected in her song.