1 Corinthians #23: Order From Disorder (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)

What should we do when we encounter scripture that makes us uncomfortable? Sometimes I’ve read scripture that leaves me squirming in my seat and unsure if I should continue reading or close the book for good. Maybe it’s when God sends a flood to destroy all of humanity except for one family, maybe it’s the violence we are confronted with in the Old Testament, or maybe it’s the verses that Paul writes about slavery and women. 

When this uncomfortable confrontation happens, and I believe it will happen for anyone who reads scripture, we are faced with a choice. Do we close the book for good? Do we pretend we didn’t read that part or pretend those verses are not in the Bible?

We can choose to walk towards God or away from God in our confusion. It seems that walking away would be an easier route. It certainly takes less work and it requires less trust.

Or, do we take the road less traveled? Do we choose to move towards God, even in our confusion? 

Personally, I have found God and scripture to be more than capable and strong enough to withstand my questions, doubts, and feelings of confusion. I have also found that when we begin to understand that God is big enough for our questions, something else begins to happen. The uncomfortable scriptures morph from a haunting of unknowns to a mysterious adventure waiting to unfold with God at our side. 

This week we will be reading 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, which are famous verses for this exact reason. Read them and you’ll know why immediately. We invite you to step towards the uncomfortable scriptures and join us this Sunday at 10:00AM as we study God’s word together.

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1 Corinthians #21: The Best Life of All (1 Corinthians 13)

According to an article on Insounder.org, love is the all-time most common theme of song lyrics, followed by life and death. Love is such an elusive concept for so many people, which is probably why it dominates our thoughts.

Of all the people in the world, I would think that followers of Jesus would have some pretty important insights into the nature and meaning of love. The Bible talks about love around 750 times, depending on the translation, about 300 of those mentions appear in the New Testament. That’s what I would consider to be an emphasis.

Strangely, that emphasis doesn’t seem to carry over into how the church has represented itself throughout history, and especially in our contemporary American culture. I often wonder about that. Why is it such a struggle to keep our eye on this massive target the Scriptures present?

This Sunday we will be reading one of Scriptures most famous, and certainly most beautiful poem about love. We’ll be reading 1 Cor 13, the famous love chapter.

This passage usually finds its way into wedding ceremonies, which is great…but not that’s really the context or point the author was trying to make. The context is one that spills over from ch11-12, how we attend to our services and abilities as the church. As you read v1-3, how much importance does Paul place on having love as a motive for what we do in service to Christ? Do you think Paul would agree that “the end justifies the means”?

V 4-7 Paul describes what love looks like in action. Where do feelings fit in with his descriptions? What sort of lesson can we take away from his picture of love?

Here’s something: we’ve said before that if we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. Try substituting the name Jesus for the word “love” in v4-7. Does it seem to fit? If so, what do we learn about God’s nature from this?

In v8-13 Paul points out the eternal nature of love. In the NLT v113  says that “three things will last forever” – I don’t think that’s a great translation. Most other translations word it: “three things abide” or “remain” – basically it means stay and wait with us. Faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love. When might faith or hope be completed? What would bring love to its conclusion? Does that give any insight as to why Paul said love is the greatest?

Of all the teachings in this series, I just think this one is the most vital for our day and age. I really hope you can join us this Sunday as we dig into Scripture together.

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1 Corinthians #20: The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)

When I was in high school my teacher brought in a local professional to motivate our class. The professional shared about working hard, going to college and building his own business. He encouraged us by saying that we could have the same future if we worked hard and stayed focused. Then, he finished his motivational speech in a way that I’ll never forget. He ended it by saying, “I know I said a lot, but you know we still need plumbers so everyone shouldn’t do what I did.”

I remember laughing when he said it and then realized he wasn’t joking. Was he worried that his pep talk was too good? Was he worried the entire class was going to graduate college and run successful businesses and then we would end up in a world without plumbers? I can’t say for sure what motivated him to haphazardly tell us that not everyone should follow his example, but I can say that as I’ve gotten older I realized that he’s not wrong.

There is no doubt that our society would fall apart if everyone had the same job, and that is one of the points that Paul will be making in 1 Corinthians 12 this Sunday. The same concept applies to our jobs and giftings within Christianity and the importance of embracing our diversity in such things.

As we review the gifts of the Holy Spirit this Sunday it’s important to consider the different experiences each of us have had in the past that we bring to church with us. I want to encourage everyone who is able, to set aside preconceived ideas or biases regarding the gifts of the spirit and start with a clean slate in studying the verses this week. We will be reading the whole chapter which is a lot of scripture, but it flows together nicely and will hopefully give us some insight as to how we live our lives.

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:00AM. Hope to see you there!

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1 Corinthians #19: The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)

I heard a well-worn story of a little girl who didn’t want to go to kid’s church, but wanted to join her parents for the main service. It happened to be a Communion Sunday, and when they passed the tray of cracker bits and small cup of juice, her mother noticed she was visibly disappointed. When the service was over her mother asked her how she liked the main service, and the little girl said: “I’m going to go back to kid’s church next week. The snacks are better and you get way more juice!”

She’s not wrong, a nibble and a sip wouldn’t cut it…if snack time was what this ritual was all about. But, for those of us who’ve encountered the One who is behind this ritual, we know it’s far more than just a snack-break in church.

This Sunday we’ll be observing Communion (we put it off from last week because the text was more appropriate for it this week). We’ll be reading 1 Cor 11:17-34 in our study of Paul’s letter.

As you read Paul’s critique, you’ll notice he states his harshest criticisms over this matter. What stands out to you as Paul’s main complaint (you’ll find it spelled out in v22)? Do you notice that the practice Paul describes doesn’t really seem to match up with how we attend to this ceremony today? We’ll look into that a bit on Sunday.

When Paul says to examine ourselves before taking the bread and cup, what do you think he’s wanting us to determine? What do you think eating and drinking “unworthily” might be? If you’re not sure, v33-34 explain it pretty clearly. How might we be able to put Paul’s instructions into place in our own practice of observing the Lord’s Supper?

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we examine this passage together, and join each other at the Lord’s Table.

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1 Corinthians #18: Veiled Customs (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)

This Sunday we are going to be doing a deep dive into what is arguably the most puzzling sections of Scripture we find in the New Testament. We’ll be reading 1 Cor 11:2-16 in our continuing study of that book.

It’s Paul’s instructions for the Corinthians on how they are practicing their public worship service – but I’m telling you, it sounds really weird to us as 21st Century American Christians. I honestly don’t even know what to write here to lead you through the passage – but please do read it. As you read it, take note of how it makes you feel, if it makes you feel anything but confused.

If you’re interested in digging into the cultural history of the people Paul was writing to, you might consider Googling “Clothing in Ancient Rome” – and pay close attention to what you discover about what “citizens” and upper class people wear – because class distinction was an important part of the Roman societal makeup. Considering what upper class and married women citizens wore – think about what Paul is writing and ponder whether Paul was commanding a certain apparel or giving permission for it. Read it both ways in the text – as a command or as a permission, and consider how each reading affects Paul’s words.

As I said – this is a strange and complex bit of Scripture, and we’ll do our best to piece together history and culture to discover what Paul may have intended to communicate, and how we would apply it in our world today.

Hope you can join us Sunday at 10!

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1 Corinthians #17: Freedom That Honors God (1 Cor 10:23-11:1)

This Sunday we’ll be finishing up chapter 10 in our study of 1 Corinthians, reading ch 10:23-11:1.

Much of what Paul will be doing in this passage is a recap of what he’s been encouraging since chapter 8. It all centers around our freedom in Christ and how we manage that in the best way possible. Verse 24 provides the overall ethic that creates guardrails for our freedom. How might an intentional interest in serving others provide parameters for our Christian liberty?

Once again, Paul addresses food that might have been used in a pagan ritual, urging us to not ask questions about the origins of the hamburger we’re munching. I find that very freeing, don’t you? I’m someone who thinks that same principle can be applied to a lot of different elements of life – if we receive whatever it is from God (this, obviously, means things that are not in conflict with his character), we can forgo worrying about where it came from. In fact, v 31 sums that all up pretty nicely – do whatever we do for the glory of God. What does it mean to you to do something for the glory of God? Does that mean make it religious, or something else?

Paul also included a qualifier that I’m very stoked he included in v29 and 30. You should read it in the Message version – I love it! It just reminds us that caring for our fellow believer doesn’t mean we have to submit ourselves to every person’s intolerance. How do you understand the difference between being careful for someone’s conscience and resisting legalistic expectations? How can we better walk that balance beam?

I’m really looking forward to digging into this on Sunday – I hope you can join us!

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1 Corinthians #16: Freedom In Relationship (1 Corinthians 10:1-22)

I know we’re all waiting for this hurricane season to conclude…but God alone controls these things, so we’ll put it in His hands. In the meantime, we will be praying for those who suffered loss in the last hurricane, and let’s stay alert as to how we can assist.

This Sunday we’ll be continuing on in our study of 1 Corinthians, reading ch 10:1-22.

The overall theme of the last several chapters has been our freedom in Christ and what we do with it. We’ve been encouraged to see to it that our Christian liberties aren’t used in ways that harm each other, and now Paul draws the circle tighter, reminding us that we want to exercise our freedoms in ways that are safe for ourselves as well.

In the passage, Paul points to Israel’s history to make his point. When they were led into freedom by Moses, they didn’t manage that freedom well. It’s reminiscent of his warning back in chapter 6: “I’m allowed to do anything…but not everything is ________.” Israel fell into idolatry, sexual immorality and complaining – similar things that Paul warned the Corinthians that they were dangerously flirting with. In what ways can we be careful with our Christian freedom so as not to harm ourselves?

There’s a pretty famous passage in our text this week, where Paul says “He will not allow the temptation [we face] to be more than [we] can stand.” – which is often transliterated as “God won’t give you more than you can handle”…which is exactly not what Paul is saying. We’ll unpack that and try to gain a bit more clarity by untangling that verse on Sunday.

Paul finishes the section by contrasting the Lord’s Table (what we refer to as the Communion Ceremony) with the table of demons. He’s talking about a partnering fellowship – reminding us that we can’t go two different directions at the same time. In our time and culture, we aren’t usually tempted to go participate in pagan sacrifices – but what are some ways in which we could find ourselves invested and partnering with forces that are at odds with God’s intent for life in this world? That will be some challenging stuff to ponder.

Hope you can join us this Sunday as we dig into God’s word together!

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1 Corinthians #15: Uncompromising Passion (1 Corinthians 9:19-27)

This Sunday we are going to continue our study in the book of 1 Corinthians (Chapter 9:19-27) and we will be reading some fairly famous verses that Paul wrote. The verses start with a statement from Paul where he juxtaposes his freedom, (“with no master”), and his slavery (“to all people”). Those are clearly opposite statements and it leaves us pondering how both can be true.

He goes on to say that when he was with the Jews, he lived like a Jewish person. When he was with the Gentiles, he lived like a gentile person. Some people could perceive this as Paul being fake or disingenuous, but the fact that he proudly shares his choices tells us that this was all for a purpose. Why doesn’t Paul walk into those spaces with the rights and freedoms he possesses to show people how Christianity should look? Isn’t he one of our prime examples of how to live Christianity out?

It’s important to remember that when Paul went to preach about Jesus at the synagogues he was not met with open arms. He knew the risk, he knew the challenges, he knew the outward changes he had to make to be heard, and he knew the feeling of being beaten and bruised by those he once called family. He knew all those things and not only did he continue to share, he looked at the people he was writing to and asked them to do the same.

So where does this leave us in the polarized world that we live in today? In what ways can we exercise our freedom by choosing to be a slave to the people around us? How does this work in our effort to maintain healthy boundaries and remain honest about who we are at our deepest levels?

There is a lot to ponder in these verses and we invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM as we study and break down these verses together.

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1 Corinthians #14: A Greater Love (1 Corinthians 9:1-18)

I am equal parts grateful that Hurricane Helene did not damage our area and heartbroken for the people who are now suffering the aftermath of this terrible storm. We certainly want to be praying for those east of us, and keep our eyes, ears, hearts and hands ready to assist as we are able.

This Sunday we’ll be continuing on in our study of 1 Corinthians, reading chapter 9:1-18.

It seems like it’s almost a monthly occurrence, to hear of some celebrated pastor being removed from his position or stepping down due to inappropriate behavior. It could be discouraging. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of the lifestyle many of them live and wonder if maybe that’s part of the problem – living in opulence that silos them from a more common reality. I don’t know. It’s God’s job to figure that out and address it, not mine.

I can’t help but notice the stark difference between what Paul writes in the passage we’ll be reading and how so many famous preachers live. What should we make of that contrast? What was Paul’s motive for preaching and ministering? Maybe that’s a way we can determine the fruit of any given ministry?

The reason Paul brought the subject up flows directly from chapter 8, where Paul encouraged believers to see to it that their Christian liberties and rights were subordinate to their love for their fellow believers. He’s using himself as an example of what it looks like to lay one’s rights aside for the better good of others. If Paul could set aside his right to sustenance, can we surrender our rights for others over lesser things?

This, as this whole book has been, will be a challenging study to dig into. Hope you can join us!

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1 Corinthians #13: Love and Liberty (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

This Sunday we’ll finally be moving past what were arguably the most uncomfortable passages to publicly talk about…so that’s a relief. That being said, the principles that were being set forth in the previous chapters will still be carried over into our text this Sunday.

We’ll be reading 1 Cor 8:1-13 in our study of that book.

Paul shifts the topic to another question the Corinthians had obviously asked him, concerning eating the leftover meats from animals that had been used in pagan sacrifices. Some clearly took issue with that practice while others did not.

Paul sets up a tension between “knowledge” and “loving God”. Why do you suppose he did that? How do you understand the distinction between those two ideas? What is it that actually strengthens the church?

In v 4-8 Paul gives specific scenarios which describe how the principles of grace could be put into action. The issues in the text are not things we would encounter in 21st Century America – but what could be an example of one person’s freedom and another person’s prohibition? How easy or difficult is it for you to lovingly look past someone else’s freedom or prohibitive conviction? What might help us find a higher ground to relate to each other from?

Paul finishes the section with a reminder that exercising our liberties isn’t our highest goal. Something else overrides our liberty…what is it? How difficult or easy is it for you to not do something you feel the freedom to do, in order to preserve your fellow believer?

This is going to hit home and may hit hard for many of us – but the end result is the best kind of community the earth has ever known. I hope you can join us for this study this Sunday

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1 Corinthians #12: Undistracted Service (1 Corinthians 7:25-30)

This Sunday we’ll be continuing our study in 1 Corinthians, wrapping up our examination of chapter 7. We’ll be reading 1 Cor 7:25-40.

As we’ve stated multiple times, we have to always take care in reading an ancient text like this – ancient Corinth was very different, civilly as well as culturally, from our modern American experience. We’ll do our best to unpack what Paul writes and see how the principles Paul provided can direct us in our modern world.

His primary audience is single people. Paul clearly is stoked on the single life. How does that compare to the way the church has presented family values over the last 100 years? Does Paul sound the least bit disparaging of single people?

We don’t know what “crisis” Paul was referring to, but it is likely the growing hostility and outright persecution of Christians throughout the Roman empire. He wrote this about 10 years before Nero burned Rome and blamed Christians for it. That prejudice would already have been at work before Nero capitalized on it. How is being single an advantage in that sort of scenario?

The overall principle that Paul seems to lay out is that “serving the Lord” is our highest priority, and no matter our relational status, we want to pursue an undistracted service to God’s purposes. How might we do that both as married and as single people?

I think this will be an interesting study to ponder – hope you can join us!

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1 Corinthians #11: Contentment (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

We live in a society that has schooled us from birth to be discontent. That’s what makes a consumerist culture go ’round. You can’t be satisfied with your life if you don’t have the latest phone, and you certainly can’t be complete if you use the wrong air freshener. We are coaxed day and night to want more and not be satisfied. The Bible, however, invites us to follow a different direction.

This Sunday we’ll be reading 1 Cor 7:17-24 in our study of Paul’s letter. Paul never uses the word directly, but this section has everything to do with contentment in our relationship with Christ.

V17 provides the header – what reason does Paul give for finding contentment in our circumstances?

Paul talks about circumcision, but his use of that word is actually shorthand for being Jewish. Why might there be a temptation to pretend to be, or hide the reality of being Jewish? What does Paul indicate is more important than religious affiliation?

We’re going to spend some time examining and seeking to better understand v 20-22, which is a troubling bit of Scripture to be sure. How might knowing we have been purchased by Christ’s sacrifice for us lead us toward contentment?

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we dive in to this intriguing passage of Scripture!

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1 Corinthians #10: Marital Integrity (1 Corinthians 7:1-16)

I heard at least one person had to have the “talk” with their child after last Sunday’s message…so, fair warning: if you’re not prepared to do the same, exercise discretion when it comes to younger children being in the service during the teaching this Sunday (and don’t blame me, it’s Paul who won’t change the subject!).

We’ll be reading 1 Cor 7:1-16 in our study of that book this Sunday. The whole section feels odd to us because it’s written to people in an entirely different culture, time and I would say, eschatological expectations. The Romans understood and approached marriage (as well as divorce) very differently than we do in our present culture – the trick is to discern God’s wisdom in this so that we are better prepared for the choices we have to make in our own lives.

How does it appear that Paul views being married in this text? How does he view singleness? How does it square with our current day views and emphasis’, in and out of the church?

There will be some sensitive issues that Paul covers in this section that we’ll need to examine carefully and definitely through the lens of God’s overarching grace. We’ll do our best to navigate it so that we’re challenged by God without being condemned…because this is, after all, a less than ideal world.

I hope you can join us as we dig into the text this Sunday!

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1 Corinthians #9: The Importance of the Body (1 Cor 6:12-20)

This Sunday we’ll be continuing our study in 1 Corinthians, and once again, (actually, this warning will hold true until we get to chapter 8), we will be considering topics that are for mature ears – so plan accordingly with your kids. We’ll be reading 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

Paul continues his corrections of the way the Corinthian Christians are carrying on, and in the section we’ll be reading, he talks about the importance of our physical bodies. He starts out by qualifying (what obviously is) their statement of freedom in Christ. If you were to put this in your own words, how would you say it? What is the main emphasis when it comes to the freedoms we enjoy as Christians? If our spiritual journey isn’t about keeping rules, what could govern our choices?

Paul frames the last part of his argument using temple language and reminds us of our role as the temple of God on earth. What did the temple in Jerusalem represent? How can that be represented in how we live out our flesh and blood lives?

It’s a delicate topic, though one that is very relevant to our present day, and one that deserves our attention and adherence. I hope you can join us this Sunday as we examine this passage together!

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1 Corinthians #8: A Life Prompted By Love (1 Cor 6:1-11)

So, I again want to let you know that we’ll be dealing with some mature content in our teaching this Sunday – for the next few Sundays, actually. That’s just a heads up so you can plan accordingly.

This Sunday we’ll be reading 1 Cor 6:1-11 in our continued study in that book. The first 8 verses of this chapter almost feel like an abrupt change of subject from the last chapter – but we’ll see that it really stays in suit with the idea of selfish behavior at other people’s expense. We’re going to examine Paul’s rebuke about court cases among believers, drilling down to get at why this was such an important issue to him. As you read it, what would be the underlying cause for going to court against a fellow church member? How do you feel about vs 7-8 of his rebuke; and how likely are you to follow his alternative approach to a dispute?

V 9-11 provide a challenge that, I think, is often misunderstood. Paul lists off behaviors that he describes as “not inheriting the Kingdom of God”. What might that mean? How about this: If you were planning on moving to the desert to live, would learning to snow ski be in sync with that expected environment, or not? If we are expecting to spend eternity in God’s Kingdom – what sort of attitudes and behaviors not be present in that state?

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we continue our exploration of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians!

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1 Corinthians #7: The World Is Watching (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)

At the opening of some TV shows or movies, you’ll often see a warning that the subject matter of that particular program isn’t suitable for younger audiences. I need to make that same disclaimer for our study on Sunday. It’s not that we’ll be covering anything graphic by any means, but there’s the possibility of a child raising questions about what is said that you may not want to answer in the moment – so I’m just wanting to warn us all that sexuality will be in view in the passage we’ll be reading this Sunday in our study of 1 Corinthians.

We’ll be reading 1 Cor 5:1-13 as we continue through Paul’s letter. The first four chapters were on divisions – and now the next three will be covering sexual morals, marriage and even singleness. The topics are more broad than just sexuality though – and we need to keep that in mind.

Paul has strong words for a man in a relationship with his stepmom. Paul uses the image of leaven in bread to describe the danger of that situation. What do you think he means by that – how might this situation have an affect on the whole church community?

In the last part of the chapter, Paul qualifies an earlier command by distinguishing between those outside the church and those inside. How would you put v12 into your own words, and how does that match with your own attitude as it touches the culture at large?

I won’t lie – this is going to be a challenging study to undertake – but well worth it in our spiritual journey. I hope you can join us this Sunday.

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1 Corinthians #6: Learning the Family Dynamic (1 Cor 4:1-21)

This Sunday we’ll be covering 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 in our ongoing study of Paul’s letter.

The theme of the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians deals with division in the church, and Paul’s challenge to unify. Chapter 4, in many ways, serves as a recap of all that’s gone before it.

As you read the chapter, how does Paul’s description of leaders in the church (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) compare with our modern view of church leadership? What differences would you describe between Paul’s experiences sharing the gospel and caring for the church and the most famous among Evangelical pastors?

I wonder what Paul would say to the church in the U.S. if he could critique us directly?

We’ll unpack the various terms for “servant” that Paul uses and consider how we can achieve a family dynamic for the community called church this Sunday. Hope you can join us!

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1 Corinthians #5: Grow Up! (1 Corinthians 3)

“You’re acting like a baby!”

If someone were to direct that statement to us, we’d know that it’s not a compliment. I mean, most people like babies – they’re cute and sweet and vulnerable and we instinctively want to protect them. There is, however, a threshold where humans are expected to move beyond the helpless, selfish and demanding behavior of an infant. Humans without mental or physical obstacles are meant to mature.

That same expectation is present in our spiritual lives as well. In the passage we’ll be reading in our study of 1 Corinthians, we’ll examine the idea of spiritual maturity this Sunday. We’ll be reading 1 Cor chapter 3.

Paul returns to his original example of division in Corinth, highlighting the factions they have split into over different church leaders. Division is his chief identification of spiritual immaturity and worldliness. Do you find that interesting? When we consider what a worldly church, or a compromised church might have as characteristics, what things normally come to mind? Where does division fit in your thinking? Does this challenge you to reconsider the priority of unity in the church?

Paul stacks several metaphors together in order to explain his concern about unity in the church – a garden, a building and the temple. What does “garden” imagery bring to mind when it comes to the Bible? What is Paul’s point about those who tend the garden? How does the the modern American church fare when it comes to making celebrities out of church leaders? In what ways can we keep from falling into that pitfall, based on Paul’s words?

What is the foundation of the “church building” (metaphor, remember). How important is a foundation to any structure that is built? What does that tell us about where the focus of the church should be?

The temple imagery sort of wraps his thesis up. What was the temple a representation of in Israel (hint, we talked about it extensively in our teaching on Genesis)? How does it tie in with the “garden” imagery? It’s very important to remember that whenever Paul says “you” in this passage, we should be reading it as “ya’ll” – it’s corporate language; a group of people, not an individual. According to v17, why is it important to maintain the unified integrity of the “temple-church community”?

What do you suppose Paul is getting at when he says “everything belongs to you” in v22? Since the unity of the church is the theme, I tend to read it as a reminder that we don’t need to strive and fight our way to the top of any social structure….when we belong to the Church (at large), we’ve arrived at the best place we can be in God’s scheme of things. Does that mean the church is without problems? Not as long as WE’RE part of it – but it’s where God intends us to be in order to bring out what’s best in us. That alone provides us a life-long purpose and goal, both individually and corporately.

I think this will be an enlightening and still challenging study. Hope you can join us!

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1 Corinthians #4: God's Plan Revealed (1 Cor 2:1-16)

My grandson lost one of his water shoes at our house the other day. We looked everywhere for it – outside, inside, in drawers, under couches…no place left unturned. It appeared to have a yearning to be free because it never showed up. Until a few weeks later, when we weren’t looking for it, it was resting in plain view in our toy room. Had it been there all along? It seems impossible, and yet there it was on the floor for everyone to see. I’ve had numerous experiences like that in life, predominately with our refrigerator. I ask Robbie if we’re out of mustard, and she replies “No, it’s in the fridge”, to which I reply “I’m looking in the fridge and there isn’t any.”; which prompts her to join me at the door of the icebox where she magically reaches in and retrieves the mustard which was right in front of me. She’s a wizard.

Sometimes things are hidden to us even when they’re in plain view. In our study in 1 Corinthians this week, we’ll be considering how the Gospel, God’s great plan for humanity and this world, was something hidden in plain sight until it was revealed by Jesus. We’ll be reading 1 Cor 2:1-16.

Verse two of this chapter is one of my favorite verses. Think back on what we’ve learned about Roman culture, the honor / shame aspect of it. How might a crucified Messiah sound to people in that context? Paul doesn’t seem to mind how out of sync his message is to the prevailing cultural norms. Why do you think Jesus as the crucified One was an important message in Paul’s view? What message does Christ’s crucifixion give us about God’s intent for humanity (hint, look at John 3:16-17). How might Paul’s singular focus on the cross impact our message in the world we live in?

Paul goes on to describe the Gospel as a mystery – which in the Greek means something revealed that was formerly hidden. What aspects of the Gospel were likely surprising to those Paul is writing to? Paul references the “rulers of this world” being in the dark about God’s purposes. Why do you think Paul said that?

As you read his concluding thoughts on this subject (v10-16), how does it appear that the mystery of God’s plan gets revealed to human minds? It’s interesting how readily we will make assumptions about what’s going on in other people’s minds – and here Paul points out that we do that with God as well. However, we can know God’s mind because He has given us His Spirit, who reveals God’s intent to us. What do you think is the primary way in which the Holy Spirit has revealed the mind of God to us?

It’s a rather dense section of Scripture we’ll be tackling, but I know you’re up for it – and I hope you can join us this Sunday as we dig into God’s Word together!

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