Paul implores the church at Corinth to rise above their divisions and arrogance and accept his role as their spiritual father. Their immoral behavior requires correction and in this chapter, he prepares them in the hope that they will receive his gentle correction. As we observe what unfolds, Darrell exhorts us all to bring our own lives to the light of God’s Word and to grow as faithful stewards.
Divisions: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 and chapter 3
The American church is subject to the same kind of distractions and divisions we see among the Corinthians. Paul’s letter to them categorizes these problems as those you see in spiritual babes and exhorts them to see how far from Christ their divisions are taking them.
The Gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16
Paul writes to the church at Corinth to address his concern over the divisions in the church and the need to value a wisdom that reveals the heart of God. He intervenes in his letter to keep this church from losing its way.
Risk: Saying Yes
Life in Christ is filled with a call to trust God and take risks when He leads. On this journey, we sometimes say, “Yes,” while other times we take detours. Regardless, Jesus waits for us, filled with love and compassion.
Risk: the Road to Obedience
In this message, Monira reminds us that we often avoid risk because we associate it with loss. Jesus tells us that persecution is a certainty, and His call to us is to have faith, step into risk and obey.
Living a Life of Risk
It’s easy to be stuck in the comfort of the past or the fears of the past. Both of these keep us from hearing God when He is calling us to step into something new and take a risk. Daniel exhorts us to hear the challenge of Isaiah 43:18-19. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Our Best
In this message, Darrell suggests that we walk through Matthew 5,6, and 7 to consider what our life is built on. Ultimately, we live out our best when we are planted firmly on the Rock and trust Jesus.
Humble King: Living in Humility, Living in Christ
Humility is rarely esteemed in our culture, and is frequently viewed more as a humiliating attribute. On the other hand, Jesus modeled for us true humility, and as a follower of Christ, this is what we are called to.
The Humble King: The Advent of Love
Daniel reminds us that it takes humility to accept God’s love and to walk it out. Love is the final focus of our advent season, and through it we experience the culmination of all the other weeks of advent. Let’s celebrate what God has done in our fellowship by using His amazing love to bring the unlikely together.
Humble King: Advent of Joy
Monira reminds us in this message that there is sometimes a tension between joy and sorrow during the Christmas season. She exhorts us not to let the “little things of life” steal our joy. As we practice letting these things go and focus on our relationship with Jesus, we will discover in a life of praise, a joy untouched by circumstances.
Humble King: Advent of Peace
In this message, Jacob reminds us that we all need PEACE in our lives and that our Savior came bringing a gospel of peace. The call to those who follow Him is to be instruments of His peace.
Humble King: Advent of Hope
Advent tells us that hope lives, a real lasting hope and expectation. In the midst of a cruel Roman empire, hope came. Today, the community of Christ is the conduit of hope in Christ alone. Hope lives!
Introduction: The Humble King
Philippians 2 exhorts us to purse humility and focus on the needs of others. This same humility was embodied in the person of Jesus, who was given a name above every name by the Father. The revealing of Jesus to the world was done in a unique way. In contrast to the arrogant climate of His day, Jesus took the world’s stage as a Humble King.
Testimony of Jenny Wood
Saying Yes to Jesus
Saying yes to Jesus often means saying no to ourselves. But, in saying yes, we find who we were meant to be, those who are called to live an extraordinary life.
Worship Through Music
It is in worship that we reverence and honor God. Daniel’s message clarifies for us the role of music in leading us to a heart of worship. He exhorts us with the question, “Am I living a lifestyle of sincere worship?” In that context, he reminds us to use all that God has given us, as well as music, to bring Him glory and surrender to Him with a heart of worship.
Outward Focused: Hospitality
Hospitality is an expression of generosity that describes who we are because of the work of Jesus in our lives. In this context may it be said of us that the spirit of hospitality characterizes the way we touch lives with the gospel. In this spirit may we be as in Acts 4:32 "of one heart and one soul."
Outward Focused: Missions
God has extended an invitation to Go and engage people, far and wide, with Him. Monira challenges us to take a look at the issues that keep us from stepping out and being Kingdom focused. Taking our eyes off of ourselves, let’s step into these mission opportunities and accept God’s amazing invitation to partner with Him and change lives for eternity.
Outward Focused
In this message, Darrell reflects on what it means to be “outward focused.” Whether at a church outreach, a family gathering, work, the gym or the ball park, to be outward focused should be a lifestyle, not just an event. Jesus calls us to serve and love others as he has served and loved us.
Let the Little Children Come
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them….” In this message Casey reminds us that Jesus esteemed the simple trust of these little ones and that we must be the kind of church community that vigorously protects them and points them to Jesus.