Podcasts about Corinthian

Paul's paternal warning- A big problem in the Corinthian church was giving in to the temptation to look at each other as the standard for righteousness. This was leading to pride and all sorts of issues. As a loving parent, Paul exhorted them to remember the true standard.

What if the greatest threat to our witness today isn't culture—but division within the church itself? In a time when opinions are loud and loyalties are competing, it's easy to prioritize being right over reflecting Christ. In this episode, Christine Caine walks through 1 Corinthians 1 to remind us that what unites us in Jesus is far greater than anything that divides us. Paul's words to the Corinthian church speak powerfully to our moment—calling us back to humility, unity, and the centrality of the cross. This message challenges us to elevate Jesus above personalities, preferences, and opinions, and to live in a way that truly reflects Him to a watching world. Unity isn't optional—it's essential to our witness. ✨ In this episode, you'll discover: ● Why unity matters more than ever in a divided world ● How the cross confronts pride, power, and human wisdom ● What it looks like to live and lead with Jesus at the center

You might expect Paul's final instructions to the Corinthian church to be full of eloquent, stirring rhetoric, designed to hype them up as they faced survival in a world hostile to Christ. But what we find in reading his final charge to this congregation is strikingly different. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 12 and 13, Pastor J.D. shows us how Paul's focus was on calling the church back to the fundamentals, lived out in the context of community. His words remain essential to us today, as we navigate a world no less hostile to Christ and his message.

Daily Dose of Hope January 29, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 5   Prayer:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians.   A significant problem in the church of Corinth was both sexual immorality and sexual deviancy, which simply underscored their shallow discipleship. Corinth was a port town that was home to the Temple of Aphrodite, a pagan temple with many, many prostitutes. Sexual immorality was rampant and almost a way of life in the city. To say that Corinth was a very sexualized society would be a massive understatement.  It's estimated that one in every thirty people were prostitutes. You really see this when you visit there.  It touches every area of their culture.  So, it isn't surprising that the church was dealing with it.  What the culture deals with seeps into the church and the church is tasked with figuring out how to deal with it based on God's truth. The apostle Paul was trying to develop a holy church, based on commitment to Jesus rather than the pagan gods and ways of being. We see the struggles over these first few chapters.   In chapter five, today's reading, Paul addresses a case of incest in the church, specifically a man sleeping with his father's wife (presumably his stepmother). While this might have been acceptable in Corinthian society, it is absolutely deplorable among God's people. This kind of behavior was forbidden in the Torah and that translated into the church. The people of Jesus were also supposed to seek holiness and sexual morality was part of that. They are the body of Christ.   The issue isn't just the incest – yes, that is really bad – but it's that there are no boundaries whatsoever for sexual behavior.  And they are bringing those values, or lack thereof, into the church.  God's people have to call sin what it is and recognize it as a problem.  So, there was that.  Paul is appalled - why does this not bother them?  Their arrogance is hard to take.   Let's be real. This is just as much as issue in today's church as it was 2000 years ago in Corinth. Why don't we behave like the body of Christ, holy and blameless? We tolerate all kinds of stuff!  Do we demonstrate the same kind of arrogance and complacence? Certainly something to think about.   I do want to at least touch on what Paul says at the very end of the chapter, verses 12-13, What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."  Basically, Christians are not called to judge those outside the church.  If someone is not a Christ-follower, then we can't hold them to the same standards.  They don't know any better really.  But, those inside the church have to be held accountable.  Paul is holding the Corinthians responsible for not dealing with the man having sex with his stepmother.  That kind of sinfulness has no place in Jesus' church.    Now, if someone committed a sin and then was repentant, that would be a different story.  Afterall, Jesus gives us all second chances and third chances and fourth chances.  If someone is serious about forgiveness and wants to change, then the church welcomes them.  If they are arrogant and refusing to change, that's when church accountability has to occur.    We struggle with this.  Accountability in general is something we struggle with in our culture.  What if this same situation were to happen at New Hope?  It would be uncomfortable and awkward but I couldn't, as the pastor, allow this man to sit in the pew with his arm draped around his stepmom for all to see.    What other situations might also require a response?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Join the Louhs as they continue their relationship series on 1 Corinthian 13 through both biblical insight, psychological understanding & patristic guidance. This show on Envy will cover why love refuses to compete.

Daily Dose of Hope January 28, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 4   Prayer:  Almighty Father, Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you, that no matter what this week has held, we can come to you and start over.  We are grateful for your forgiveness.  We are so very grateful for your care and your love.  Help us, Lord, to set aside our distractions, to set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians. Today's reading was I Corinthians 4.  You have to love the apostle Paul's sarcasm! He has really had it with the Corinthian church's arrogance. You see, they think they are mature, healthy, and effective. They think they have arrived. But Paul is making it quite clear: No, you have not! Why? Because they are worldly in their thinking, they are full of themselves, they have no desire to make sacrifices or suffer. They are comfortable, concerned more about status, popularity, and reputation than about serving Jesus. This passage is always convicting for me.  How mature are we?  What would Paul think of us?  Are we willing to make sacrifices for our faith or are we more concerned with comfort?  Paul makes this interesting argument that a servant is not greater than his master. The Corinthians clearly think they are better. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25,"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Part of the Christian experience is giving up one's life, one's wants, one's desires, and even one's comfort, basically the things of this world, in exchange for the things of Jesus. What things of this world might you still be holding onto? If you were to be brutally honest with yourself, can you relate to the Corinthians? Spend some time in prayer about this today. How might God be speaking to you through this chapter? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Those were Paul's words to the Corinthian […]

The foolishness of God- Paul reminded the Corinthian church that the cross of Jesus Christ was not just a superior philosophy. It may seem like foolishness to the world, but the message of the cross is the answer to the greatest need of all humanity. It is the power of God.

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Episode Synopsis:Paul expressed concern that the Corinthian church would not have their offering ready upon his upcoming visit to Corinth.  As we saw last time, this offering had two important purposes.  The first was that there was a genuine need in Jerusalem as a result of an extended famine.  Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia were spared from the famine and had the means to send a significant gift to the struggling church in Jerusalem.  The second reason this mattered was that once the debate over justification had been settled at the Jerusalem Council, Jewish Christians accepted Gentile believers as their brothers and sisters–but there was still tension between the two groups who had a long and mutual history of distrust.  An offering from Gentile Christians during a time of great need in the mother church would go a long way to alleviate these tensions.But as we read in chapter 9–a continuation of the previous section of 2 Corinthians–it became clear that although the Corinthians planned to collect such an offering previously, they never followed through on their promise to contribute.  Paul was in Macedonia when word came from Corinth that the offering was not ready.  Apparently, Paul's critics and opponents in Corinth raised questions about both Paul's integrity and the true purpose of the offering.  Meanwhile, Paul had been telling the Macedonians (literally boasting) that the Corinthians promised to do likewise.  The Macedonians gave beyond their means assuming the Corinthians would do the same.  The Corinthians hadn't yet given at all.  This was shameful and embarrassing to all concerned.In chapter 9, Paul discusses the proper motives behind Christian charity.  He does away with the tithe and reminds his readers that Christians are to give as much as they can–if they can do so freely and joyfully.  He tells the Corinthians that Christians do not “give to get”–no prosperity gospel here.  Rather they are to give what they can when there is a genuine need.  The model for such giving is God's grace as manifest in the cross of Jesus Christ, the proof that God loves us and cares for us.  Christian giving does not appease an angry god (as the pagans taught), it does not ensure that we'll prosper financially or regain health (as the prosperity gospelers claim), and giving is always to be done simply because it is good to give–especially to those in need.  While there is a spiritual blessing for the cheerful giver, the Christian offering is but an act of gratitude in response to the inexpressible gift God has given to us in the person of his son. For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

First things first- There was a litany of issues in the Corinthian church that Paul needed to address. What was the first thing he exhorted them about? Divisions in the church. Paul knew that one of the things God hates is "one who sows discord among brethren."

Guided Question How can we move beyond merely possessing spiritual gifts and knowledge to experiencing a daily, intimate fellowship with Jesus that transforms our lives? Summary The message highlights the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church, which had been richly blessed with grace, teaching, spiritual gifts, and the hope of Christ's return, yet struggled to live out a truly transformed Christian life. Their sainthood was based on calling, not conduct, revealing that true Christian identity depends on relationship with Christ, not personal merit. The key issue was a lack of intimate, daily fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus, which is essential for godliness and effective Christian living. The message challenges believers today to examine their own fellowship with Christ as the foundation for a vibrant, powerful faith. Outline  Introduction: The Reality of Our Calling We are saints by calling, not by conduct (1 Cor. 1:2) Conduct often falls short, but calling is the foundation The Spiritual Wealth of the Corinthians They had grace (1 Cor. 1:4) They were enriched with knowledge and speech (1 Cor. 1:5) They had every spiritual gift (1 Cor. 1:7) They eagerly awaited Christ's return (1 Cor. 1:7-8) The Tragic Gap: Lack of Changed Lives Despite all blessings, their lives did not reflect transformation They failed to develop a real, intimate fellowship with Jesus The Key to Christian Life: Fellowship with Christ (1 Cor. 1:9) God calls us into communion, communication, partnership with Jesus True godliness flows from daily fellowship and obedience Without this, spiritual gifts and knowledge remain ineffective Application: Self-Examination and Encouragement Are we living in daily fellowship with Jesus? Is our faith more than ritual or knowledge? Fellowship fuels godliness and spiritual power Conclusion An impressive beginning does not guarantee spiritual maturity Intimate fellowship with Christ is the key to fulfilling our calling Key Takeaways Sainthood is a position by calling, not by our behavior or merit. Spiritual gifts, knowledge, and hope are valuable but not sufficient alone. Intimate, daily fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus is essential for real transformation. Without genuine communion with Christ, spiritual life becomes weak and ineffective. True Christian living requires ongoing relationship and obedience to Jesus, not just rituals or knowledge. Regular self-reflection on our fellowship with Christ can help us grow in godliness. Scriptural References 1 Corinthians 1:2 — Saints by calling, not by conduct 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 — Grace, knowledge, gifts, and hope of Christ's return 1 Corinthians 1:9 — Called into fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus Christ John 15:5 — "I am the vine; you are the branches..." 1 John 1:6 — Fellowship with Him and walking in darkness is a lie Recorded 3/15/81

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul begins to confront and correct some MESSY sexual sin in the Corinthian church. As we dive into this vulnerable subject, the place to start is to explain what "sexual immorality" is and why it's so serious in the sight of God.

Introduction: In a church dispute? Remember your Relationship… (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) To OTHER BELIEVERS: we RECONCILE. (1 Cor 6:1-5) 1 Corinthians 5:12 – For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? To THE WORLD: we REPRESENT. (1 Cor 6:6-8) To SIN: we RENOUNCE. (1 Cor 6:9-10) Genesis 2:16–17 – And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Titus 2:11–12 – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, To JESUS CHRIST: we are RENEWED. (1 Cor 6:11) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Well, good morning.Wherever you are today, welcome.My name is Justin.I'm one of the elders here at Harvest.And as we get started, I would just like to ask that you would pray for me to faithfully and clearly communicate God's word,and I will pray for you to have hearts to receive it.Amen.Well, today we're going to be talking about dealing with disputes, disagreements, beef, as the kids say.Did the kids still say beef, Pastor Jeff?Okay, confirmed.I too was young once, but as a college student, one thing my roommates and I never had beef over was where to order pizza.Listen, four guys in an apartment, that's a big decision.But we found our place, Piazza's Pizza, home to the largest pizza that I've ever seen, the big Piazza.It was the best price to food ratio in the city.The box was so big, it didn't even fit through the door.You had to tilt it just to get it inside.It would feed all of us for a whole weekend.And actually one of those weekends, a few of my friends from home came up to visit.And so, of course, we wanted to treat them to a big Piazza.But there was a dispute.My roommates and I tried to explain to them how enormous this pizza was.But my friends kept insisting, "Look, we need to order two."And we're like, "Guys, you haven't seen this pizza."And they're like, "Guys, you don't know how hungry we are. We need at least two."Okay?So eventually we gave up and we ordered two big Piazza's.And, you know, after dinner, I couldn't believe it, but we actually finished half of one.And that's when the real dispute started.Because we tried to tell them we just needed one.But the problem is, according to them, we didn't eat our share.Because they insisted we needed two.So then wild claims started flying around both sides about how many slices each side ate.And this morning, I'd actually like to present you with some evidenceso you can draw your own conclusions.Exhibit A, this is the big Piazza.And even that, I tell you, the photo doesn't do it justice.But I added some analysis to this photo because one member of the oppositionhas repeatedly stated that he alone consumed 25 slices.Exhibit B, this is his claim.And I'm telling you, I was there that night.If he ate that much pizza in one sitting,we were going to spend the night in Rochester General Hospital.Okay?Church.It was crazy.Now, we are close to the 20th anniversary of that meal.And the battle is still raging on.As far as I'm aware, this is the longest-running dispute I've ever been a part of.Debating it step-by-step, recounting what happened.And of course, laughter.Because this dispute, though still being disputed,it didn't threaten our friendships.It's a silly dispute, but I share it with you because the way that we handle disputes,that often depends on our relationship to the other side, true or false.When we are in a dispute, our relationship to the personor our relationship to the situation, that determines our response.Best friends can accuse each other of pizza malpractice for decades and be totally fine.But for real disputes, think about it.Which ones are the hardest to resolve?The ones within a family,or with a close friend, or someone you looked up to.It's far more difficult to deal with offense from someone that you know deeplythan from someone that you don't know at all.An argument that escalates, a disagreement grows into something much more,most of us have been there.And that can even happen here, within the church family.How do we deal with those disputes?Well, if you have your Bibles, you can open them to 1 Corinthians chapter 6,where we're going to dig into that.We deal with disputes because we're going after a church unified and purified, amen.And last week, Pastor Jeff taught how to get purified when there's sin in the church,when someone claims Christ yet is living in unrepentant sin,and they refuse help, they want their sin to be accepted.What do you do with that person?The Bible says, "Let him who has done this be removed from among you."You might think, "Harsh, that doesn't sound like a thing a church should do."Well, if you missed it, read 1 Corinthians chapter 5 and listen to the sermon online.You'll find out that's what the church must do.Now, this week, we read Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,discussing disputes within the church.And just like arguments about pizza,we have to remember the relationships involved.So, on your outline today,in a church dispute, remember your relationship.Number one, to other believers, we reconcile.So, 1 Corinthians 6, are you there?Let's read the first verse.It says, "When one of you has a grievance against another,does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?"So, Paul is calling out the Corinthians for dragging their disputes out into the court system.He says, "Church, why are you going before unrighteous corrupt courts for this?"But please understand in this passage,Paul is talking about civil cases, not criminal cases.This is not about someone breaking the law and being charged with a crime, okay?This is about a private dispute between two parties,and they just can't figure it out.So, they end up taking each other to court over something trivial.Now, we see trivial lawsuits today, don't we?Have you ever seen those courtroom shows where they give you the rundown upfront?He's here suing for a $67 cell phone bill.You hired a lawyer and got on a plane to Los Angeles over $67.You're going to take someone to court over that.Same idea.You'll see the trivial part as we pick up in verse 2.It says, "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?Do you not know that we are to judge angels?How much more than matters pertaining to this life?So, if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?I say this to your shame.Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?We'll pause there for a moment.Paul is saying we should be able to resolve these disputes internally.He's saying we are called to judge.If that sounds familiar, we saw it in 1 Corinthians 5,where verse 12 says, "For what have I to do with judging outsiders?Is it not those inside the church who you are to judge?"Not judging motives, because we can't see the heart,but we are required to judge actions.We judge the fruit.Now, what does Paul mean with this "saints" meaning believers?What does he mean with this "judging the world and angels" business?Well, he's referring to the concept of the children of God reigning with Jesus Christ in his victory.True.But we're not even going to get into all that, because Paul is using it for irony.Like, "Oh, you who will judge the world, you who will judge angels,why are you taking all your disputes to small claims court?"That's what they were doing.And actually, it was even worse than that.Because history tells us that in Paul's day, civil courts were completely corrupt.You couldn't even bring a case against someone who had a higher social standing than you.And when a case did make it to the courts, judges and juries would expect a kickbackfor a verdict in your favor,either a payment or something to help them with their standing.So the church in Corinth was not only suing each other,they were using the legal system to abuse or shake down fellow Christians of lower status.It's childish.And parents know you train young children to resolve their disputes themselves,but it takes a lot of training.Use your words.Talk it out.How would you feel if she said that to you?But until they mature, what's most often the outcome?Running to mom or dad to make a ruling.And sure, parents do need to step in sometimes,but more often than not, it's a dispute that could have been resolvedwith a conversation and some humility.But they're kids.They don't have the required patience or wisdom just yet.Paul is saying the church should be mature enough to use wisdom to resolve things internallyinstead of using lawsuits.But even if we avoid the courthouse, we can still struggle with disputes as a church.If a church member offends you intentionally or unintentionally,you don't sue them, but how do you react?Do you let it go?Or if it's just too much to let it go, do you talk to them about it?Or do you just avoid them?Or how many churches have gone through gigantic disputes over decisions like the carpet coloror chairs versus pews or the volume level during worship?Is stuff like that worth disunity with your brothers and sisters?Now, 1 Corinthians 6 doesn't outline practical steps that we should follow instead,but we know them from other places in Scripture.Matthew 18, for example, tells us to go first to the person directly,and if they don't listen, bring some others.And if they still don't listen, bring it before the church.That's the general path things should run,and some situations point us to other Scripture too.But the charge in these verses is to judge wisely.But these Matthew 18 conversations or conversations going to someone for counsel,they cannot be about gossip.That's just as destructive as a lawsuit.These conversations must be done with one goal in mind, reconciliation.As believers, we ask for forgiveness and forgive each other in order to be reconciled.That's who we are. That's what God's family does.By His grace, some of us grew up in God-fearing homes that demonstrated that's how a family works.But many of us either grew up in or we've seen family situations where that's not the case,where there is no repentance, no forgiveness, no reconciliation.Some might think, "Yeah, I've seen bitterness and I've seen grudges in a family,but reconciliation, forgiving one another, I've never seen a family like that."And that's why as a church, we must show the world that in Christ we are different.We have to show them what God's family is like, which is why, number two on your outline,in a church dispute, remember your relationship, number two, to the world we represent.So as believers, what does our relationship to the world have to do with our disputes?Well, rewind to the end of verse five.It says, "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,but brother goes to law against brother?" And that before unbelievers?Before unbelievers. That's similar to what we saw back in verse one, before the unrighteous.We talked about the Corinthians lacking godly wisdom, but there's another problem.Taking all these disputes out into the world, what does that do to our witness?If the city of Corinth always saw the church in scandal or suing each other,what did that communicate to them about the gospel message?We have to remember that part of our relationship to the world is that Jesus called us to represent him to the world.Represent Jesus to the world.Now, listen, I'm not saying we should be concerned about image in the sense that we are marketing church,and reality is another thing.No, our concern is authentically following Jesus.We want people to see what it looks like to be transformed by Christ and living in a Christ-centered community.It's not about projecting some image, it's about our identity.Our witness is being like Jesus and telling people about him.So, infighting, legal battles, manipulation, that's what everybody else does.God's people are called to be different.If we act like the world, we've already lost.Just like it says in verse 7, it says, "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you."Why not rather suffer wrong?Why not rather be defrauded?But you yourselves wrong and defraud, even your own brothers.Now, again, let me emphasize that we are not talking about criminal cases.But Paul is saying it would be better to just lose your money in the dispute than sue your church brother over these petty issues.Or again, maybe you're not actually going to court, but you still might need to suffer wrong.What do I mean?Have you ever been in a dispute where maybe you're 10% wrong and the other person is 90% wrong?Sometimes we still want to justify ourselves and bang the table about how less wrong we were.What about humbling yourself?What about taking the hit and saying, "You know, you're right. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?"Our natural reaction is, "Why should I humble myself when they're wrong too?"Because of who we represent.Jesus is our example of humility, and we are that example to those around us.So to claim Christ and act like Paul describes here is a failure in our job as representatives.And you know, I talked a little bit about pizza earlier, but do you know what else I like?Frozen bananas.Well, I should be specific. Chocolate covered frozen bananas. Delicious.One time I went into an ice cream shop where I had gotten one before, but I didn't see any in the case in the front.So I thought, "Oh, they might have some in the back in the freezer."So I asked the woman working, "Do you have any frozen bananas?"And my friends who were there still quote her answer to me because she said, "Does it look like we have any frozen bananas?"Okay. I said, "Thank you." And I walked out without any dessert.Now, do you think the owner of the ice cream shop felt like she represented the store well that day?No. Just like employees represent their workplace as a body of believers, we represent Christ.If you claim Christ, you are his representative, period.In a world where everyone's flying off the handle at every disagreement, screaming or storming out of every issue,imagine the witness of a church that works through things together in love,using the highest authority of our life, God's word, to untangle the issue.No, it's not always easy. But the world will look and say, "What's going on over there? I want to be a part of that."But we have to step back and review for a moment because I don't want anyone to walk away with the wrong idea.So far, we've talked about resolving disputes in-house, not dragging disagreements to the court, and how we are presenting ourselves to the world.Those concepts could be sinfully twisted into an excuse to cover up sin.Now, we don't need to review all the sickening things that have been covered up by churches all over the world.Sinful men have tried to hide their sin, tried to hide abuse by saying things like, "Let's keep this in-house."No, they are wrong.This passage is not about covering things up or ignoring sin. Abuse in court or otherwise is sin.Covering up sin is sin. A forced reconciliation is a false reconciliation.Ignoring sin for the sake of the church's witness is a false witness.If someone's sinful act is a criminal act, then the correct response is to hand them over to the authorities.And that's God's idea, not mine. See Romans 13.I just want to be crystal clear.Paul, just like in chapter 5, is calling for the opposite of a cover up.He's calling us to recognize and remove flagrant, unrepentant sin.And that distinction is important because we all sin.It's not like, "Oh, I was coveting my friend's car yesterday."And last week, I had a lustful thought.Guess I have to leave Harvest Bible Chapel.No, of course all of us struggle with sin, but we commit that as a family,we're here to walk with each other in becoming purified by our Lord.We need each other's support and encouragement as each one of us turns away from our sin daily to become more like Jesus Christ.In fact, in him, we must renounce any relationship that we have to sin.Point number three on your outline today.In a church dispute, remember your relationship number three to sin.We renounce.Let's pick up in verse nine.It says, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?Do not be deceived.Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves,nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers,will inherit the kingdom of God."Now, reading this after the previous section can seem jarring.Paul is talking about disputes, the courts,and then he drops into this list of sins for which someone will not enter heaven.Now, understand that Paul is talking about a lifestyle of unrepentant, continual sin.Committing one of these sins or any sin in isolationdoes not automatically banish a person from heavenif that person repents of their sin and believes in the work of Jesus for their forgiveness.But why does the connection here to verses one to eight?Well, two things.First, verse one asked if believers dare take their case before the unrighteous.And then here it says, "Do you not know that the unrighteouswill inherit the kingdom of God?"Sorry, the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.Paul is saying, "Church, you should resolve your disputesinstead of bringing them before people who are living in reckless sin for them to decide."You're like, "Don't worry, I keep beef out of the legal system."Okay, well, do you bring your church disputes before unbelieving friends or family?Do you complain about the church or people in the church at work or on social media?That is bringing your case before the unrighteous for them to judge.Now, as for the second connection, recall the underhanded dealings of these civil courts.People in the church were using their influence and status to manipulate other Christians via lawsuitsto take advantage of their own brothers for their gain.That sin belongs in this list, too.See, this isn't a random list of sinfulness.This list is about not being content and reaching out of bounds to get more.And really, that goes all the way back to the first sin, doesn't it?Back in Genesis, God told Adam,"And the Lord God commanded the man saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat,for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.'"But Adam and Eve ultimately were not content with that.And so they reached outside the bounds that God created.That's the same root as every sin in this list.God says that sexual intimacy is between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage.But people say, "I'm not content with that."Be it adultery, homosexuality, or any form of sexual immorality,instead of receiving God's gift as he intended,they reached outside God's design to take something else, or idolatry.God says we should worship Him and only Him.But people say, "I'm not content with that."They worship money, success, celebrity.They reach outside of what they know in their heart to worship anything but God.What about drunkards or revilers, people who abuse alcohol or verbally abuse others?God set a boundary around drunkenness and a boundary on our speech,but they say, "I'm not content with that.I will drink how I want and I'll say what I want."Or thieves, the greedy, swindlers, whatever they have, they say, "I'm not content with that.I want more and I'm willing to reach out and take it, even if it means stealing from my own family."And that's where the Corinthian church was, reaching out of bounds to take from their brothers and sisters.Paul says their sin is the same as these.And if you live a life of unrepentant, habitual sin, a life reaching out of bounds,you will not inherit the kingdom of God.So church, we have to ask ourselves, what should our relationship be to sin?Titus chapter 2 verse 11 says, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age."We must renounce sin.That's our relationship, not embracing it, not excusing it, but rejecting it, turning away, running away.How do we do that?Well, praise the Lord, we are about to read some of the most incredible words in Scripture on that topic.Our last point today, you must remember your relationship, number four, to Jesus Christ.We are renewed.1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 11, it says, "And such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified,you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.And such were some of you."Some translations say, "And this is what some of you used to be."Paul is saying, "You used to do these things, but God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for your sin upon Himself."He bore that sin in His death on the cross and then conquering death rose again in victory.And this verse applies to anyone who will repent and believe in Him as their Savior.Now, you might think that stuff that you used to do is too much to overcome.You're afraid Jesus knows who you were.Well, Jesus knows your whole story and He still invites you into a relationship with Him.He wants to release you from your sin and bring you true contentment.So repent and believe.As it says here, "If you believe, you were washed clean.Sin from your past, present, and future has been washed away in the name of Jesus."You were sanctified, meaning you were set apart as holy and you are being made holy.God is shaping you into what He already calls you.And you were justified, meaning the charges of sin against you have been dropped.You're innocent.That lifestyle of unrepentant sin, that's who you used to be.You are made new.In a dispute, you must remember your relationship with Jesus Christ because that relationship determines all other relationships.But some might think, "If I have that relationship with Christ and if I'm made new, why do I still sin?Why do we still have disputes and disagreements and fights?"I read one scholar put it this way.Imagine, I know this is going to be hard to believe, that you were caught in a snowstorm.It shouldn't be too hard.You're covered in snow, totally freezing, and you feel like you might not make it.But somehow, you crawl and you make it back to your house and you get inside.The room is warm.Maybe fireplace is going.You're saved.But even though you're safe standing in the warmth,it's going to take some time for the ice in your pockets to thaw out.You see the picture.You are secure in Christ, but not all of your sin has melted away yet.That won't be totally complete until we reach heaven.Until then, through our relationship with Christ, we are safe indoors being justifiedand we're thawing out being sanctified at the same time.So as we close, I hope you see how and why the church must deal with disputes in a godly way.We should be able to handle that stuff through Jesus.Next time you're in a dispute, step back and remember, this is my brother or sister in Christ.My goal is to be reconciled with them.Remember that we are representing Christ to the world.The way that we interact should reflect our Lord, showing the world that Jesus works.Remember that we've renounced sin and we lovingly help each other do that.We don't manipulate others.We don't reach out of bounds grabbing for more.That's not who we are.Because who are we?Remember that in Jesus, we are a people renewed.We don't serve sin or our selfish desires anymore.Together, unified and purified, we serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Let's pray together.Lord God, I thank you for your word.God, I thank you for the church.And I pray God that when we face disputes, we would face them with godly wisdom and character, love and patience, God,that we may be reconciled, that we may be a light into the world around us.We pray and ask for your mercy, God, upon us now and we ask for you to guide us in these matters.Let us be a church unified and purified for your glory, Lord God.In Jesus' name, amen.Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 6:1-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How should disputes within the church family be resolved? How does that process differ for disputes with unbelievers?How and why must the church faithfully guard its witness to the world?Paul says those listed in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 will not inherit the kingdom of God. What does he mean by that?If we are made new in Jesus Christ, why do we still struggle with sin? How can we come alongside each other as believers in that struggle?BreakoutPray for one another.

Biblical giving and financial stewardship are essential topics for Christian spiritual growth and discipleship. This comprehensive guide explores what the Bible teaches about money, tithing, and generous giving based on First Corinthians 16:1-4 and other key Scripture passages. Learn why God addresses money in the Bible and how financial stewardship impacts your relationship with Christ. Discover the biblical principles of systematic giving, proportionate generosity, and sacrificial worship through your finances. Understanding biblical stewardship helps believers grow in spiritual maturity while supporting church ministry and missions. Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church reveal universal expectations for Christian giving that apply to all believers today. Explore how regular, planned giving differs from sporadic donations and why first fruits giving matters more than leftover generosity. Church accountability and transparency in handling offerings are crucial for maintaining trust and proper stewardship. The spiritual benefits of giving include proving genuine love for Christ, growing in righteousness, and reflecting the Gospel through sacrificial generosity. Biblical giving is not about earning God's love but responding to the love already shown through Christ's sacrifice. Whether you're new to faith or seeking to deepen your understanding of Christian stewardship, these biblical principles provide practical guidance for honoring God with your finances. Learn how proportionate giving based on prosperity differs from legalistic tithing requirements and discover the spiritual transformation that comes through generous, cheerful giving.

Eric continues our 1 Corinthians series, where Paul urges the Corinthian church to guard against rivalry and misplaced allegiances that drain the gospel of its power, calling them instead to unity centered on Jesus and His cross.

In one last effort to call the Corinthian church to humble unity centered on the gospel, Paul exposes how their love of worldly honor is completely at odds with the way of Jesus. He then calls them to imitate his example for the sake of their unity together.

Like many of us in 2026, The Corinthian church lived beneath their potential, but the Apostle Paul's tender but tough letter woke them up and pushed them forward. Rev. Rufus Smith continues our Corinthians series with commentary on todays negative use of cliques and splits.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

What is the New Testament Church? Can we find it in the in-fighting of the Corinthian church or the legalism of the Galatian church? Or is it something else altogether?

Chris Corinthian is the 'Fin Lit Guy' and knows his way around scholarships and other high-return ways to earn money for college. He joins the show to give us a masterclass on paying for college without wrecking your retirement. Chris opens with his own financial setbacks, including a layoff and a devastating fire, which helped him realize the importance of financial literacy. In this episode, you will learn: Chris' Debt-free degree triangle How teens as young as 13 can earn free college credits His scholarship system that treats applications like a part-time job Specifics of where and how to apply for scholarships     DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS:   MONARCH MONEY The modern way to manage money! Monarch will change the way you organize your financial life. Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money – together. Get 50% off the first year using this link and entering code: CATCHINGUP50   ALLOY The Alloy Market offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Use this special Link and enter code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer).    For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners    S U P P O R T   T H E   S H O W

Rev. Rufus Smith starts of the Corinthians series with a review of why Corinthians is so deeply relatable to us today. Like many of us in 2026, the Corinthian church lived beneath their potential, but the Apostle Paul's tender but tough letter woke them up and pushed them forward.Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis:Website • HopeChurchMemphis.comInstagram • @Hope4MemphisTikTok • @Hope4MemphisFacebook • @Hope4MemphisPrayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/PrayerGiving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18   In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

December 28, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode we continue a textual study through 2 Corinthians with the central theme that "Christianity is personal." The speaker walks listeners through Paul's personal relationship with the Corinthian church, his pastoral care and corrective discipline in 1 Corinthians, and the personal attacks Paul faces from unnamed false apostles. The discussion reviews chapters 1–2 and then focuses on 2 Corinthians 3:1–18, where Paul defends his apostolic authority and shifts to contrast his ministry with that of the critics. The episode highlights Paul's metaphor of the Corinthians as his living letter of recommendation — "written not with ink but with the Spirit" — and explains how their transformed lives in a sinful city prove the authenticity of his ministry. The speaker unpacks Paul's major contrast between the old covenant (the letter engraved on stone, associated with Moses and a fading glory) and the new covenant (the Spirit, which gives life and brings boldness, liberty, and transformation). Scriptural cross-references and background drawn on in the teaching include Jeremiah 31, Exodus (Moses' shining face and the Ten Commandments), 1 Corinthians, Acts, Galatians, Hebrews, and passages that point forward to Christ (e.g., Isaiah and the Psalms). The sermon explains the idea of the "veil" — how prior allegiances, traditions, or false teachings can harden hearts and obscure the gospel — and emphasizes that the veil is removed only by turning to the Lord and by the work of the Spirit. Key takeaways include: Paul's authority is validated by the transformed Corinthian believers; the old covenant as an end in itself is a "ministry of death," while the gospel of Christ is a ministry of the Spirit that gives life; the unveiled gospel produces hope, boldness, liberty, and ongoing transformation; and practical application calls believers to remove any veils — traditions, additional requirements, or hardened attitudes — that keep them or others from seeing and obeying the gospel in its purity. Listeners can expect clear exposition of 2 Corinthians 3, historical and biblical context, pastoral application for personal and communal faithfulness, and a call to embrace the liberating, life-giving ministry of the Spirit in the new covenant.   Duration 42:26

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

IntroductionIn this exposition of 1 Corinthians 2, Paul's contrast between the natural (fleshly) person and the spiritual person is carefully unpacked in light of the Canons of Dort. The goal is to correct common misunderstandings. We might want to be very moralistic where we impose our will on someone else because we are more Spiritual. We might want to make a distinction in the church. Some are Spiritual Christians, and some are carnal Christians. We all want to be Spiritual Christians. The Spiritual Christian has the mind of Christ. So, how can we be Spiritual with the mind of Christ? Folly's JudgementPaul teaches that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit. Man does not have a problem of neutrality. Man has a deep moral problem. Man is sinful to the core and does not embrace or even see the Lord's wisdom. Natural man will judge the Gospel and Scripture as folly. Scripture, from Genesis 3 onward, teaches that humanity is not merely sick but dead in sin. Fallen man is in rebellion against God. This is by man's choice. It is the fall into sin that condemns humanity. It is not that man needs to make better choices. Thus, the gospel appears “stupid” or “foolish” to the natural person. This is not because a natural person fails to read the words. The natural person can lay out the Gospel clearly. However, the natural person will never know the Christ of Scripture. We need the Lord to regenerate our hearts to respond in faith. Why Not Be Judged? When Paul says the spiritual person “is not judged,” we might think that we are above the law. We might think that we have immunity from the Lord's judgment. This is not the case. The same word translated “judged” also means discerned or evaluated.Paul is reminding us that we are called to discern what is right before the Lord. As we correctly discern, then we are not judged by man. We are submitting ourselves to the Lord's judgment. As the Lord works in us by the Spirit, he convicts us of our sin. The spiritual person can rightly evaluate life in light of Christ, while the natural person lacks the capacity to discern/judge/learn spiritual truth. They can read the Scripture, they can summarize the Gospel, but they will never live in light of it. We are simply saying that the regenerate, spiritual person has a new bent of the will. It is by the Spirit's work that the Spiritual person sees the wisdom and joy of life in Christ. So, the Spiritual person really desires and begins to conform to the Lord's will. How to Gain Christ's Mind? To have the mind of Christ is not to possess some sort of secret knowledge. It is to hear the gospel, and now see that message as the message of life. This is where the Christian begins to ask, “How do I please my savior?” Rather than, “How does everything please me?” Paul is intentionally undermining Corinthian elitism. The Corinthians equated maturity with spiritual gifts. They prided themselves on having the greatest teachers. The Apostle Paul defines maturity by embracing the cross, the resurrection, and the absolute necessity of Christ's saving work. Paul praises the spiritual Christian or the mature Christian who sees that they need to submit to their Lord and redeemer. The mind of Christ is shaped by doing the Father's will. It is doing the Father's will with joy. It is seeking to discern where we need to die to self. It is seeking to live unto the Lord. This is the essence of a true Christian ethic. A good workflow from faith. Good work is done by the Lord's standard or law. A good work is done for the Lord's glory and not man's approval (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 91).Those who glory in Christ's humiliation and redemption are the spiritually mature. The reason: the spiritually mature know they need a savior. The spiritually mature want to live for their savior even if that life looks rather ordinary. The spiritually mature will know they need Christ and will not fully arrive at perfection until glory. The spiritually mature see their continual need for their savior. ConclusionHuman depravity is deeper than just a few bad decisions. Our condemnation before God is more than just failing to respond in faith, and we need to be more informed to make better decisions. We need more than the persuasion or assistance of Grace. We need the Lord's radical intervention to regenerate our hearts. Only the Lord can give us that new heart by his recreative power.Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 2 dismantles every attempt to redefine spirituality apart from the gospel. Humanity's problem is not lack of information but spiritual death. Grace does not merely assist; it regenerates. The spiritual person is not superior, autonomous, or elite. The mature spiritual Christian rests in Christ. The mature spiritual Christians realize the grace that is overwhelmed by the Spirit, giving us a new heart in regeneration. The spiritually mature discern the things of Christ and seek to live for him. Let us be a people who want to live for Christ's glory as he is at work in us.

In the final message of our "Even Though" series, Pastor Mel draws from 2 Corinthians 6 to explore the paradoxical "yet" statements in Paul's ministry—such as being sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, and having nothing yet possessing everything—emphasizing that true Christian hope is the joyful anticipation of good in Christ, even amid hardship, suffering, and misunderstanding. He contrasts the dysfunctional yet beloved Corinthian church's worldly values of wealth, eloquence, and success with Paul's countercultural defense of authentic ministry marked by patient endurance (hypomone), purity, kindness, sincere love, and faithfulness regardless of honor or slander. Mel encourages listeners to find lasting hope not in comfortable circumstances or material blessings, but in God's goodness and sufficiency alone, culminating in a gospel invitation for salvation and an affirmation that genuine joy and purpose are found in surrender to Christ, no matter the trials faced.

THE TYRANT WHO BECAME A SCHOOLTEACHER Colleague Professor James Romm. Professor James Romm discusses the surprising fate of Dionysius II, the tyrant of Syracuse. After the Corinthian leader Timoleonarrived to liberate the city, Dionysius surrendered and was allowed to retire to Corinth rather than facing execution. There, the former absolute ruler became a music teacher, leading to the proverb "Dionysius is in Corinth," a saying used for centuries to describe the unpredictability of fortune and the fall of the powerful. NUMBER 10 4TH CENTURY BCE SYRACUSE

SHOW 12-29-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR UR THE PRINCESS'S MUSEUM AT THE DAWN OF HISTORY Colleague Moudhy Al-Rashid. Moudhy Al-Rashidintroduces Ennigaldi-Nanna, a princess and high priestess of the moon god in the ancient city of Ur. Excavators discovered a chamber in her palace containing carefully arranged artifacts from eras much older than her own, effectively serving as a museum. A clay cylinder found there acted as a museum label, preserving the history of ancient kings to lend legitimacy to her father, King Nabonidus, and his dynasty. NUMBER 1 THE STORIES TOLD BY MESOPOTAMIAN BRICKS Colleague Moudhy Al-Rashid. Moudhy Al-Rashidexplains how millions of mud bricks reveal the history of ancient Mesopotamia, from the construction of massive temples to the 9-kilometer wall of Uruk. These bricks were often stamped with the names of kings to ensure their deeds were known to the gods. Beyond royal propaganda, bricks preserve intimate moments, such as the accidental paw prints of dogs or footprints of children left while the clay dried in the sun. NUMBER 2 GILGAMESH AND THE BIRTH OF WRITTEN LEGEND Colleague Moudhy Al-Rashid. Al-Rashid discusses Cuneiform, a writing system used for over 3,000 years to record languages like Sumerian and Akkadian. She details the Epic of Gilgamesh, a tale of a tyrannical king who finds wisdom and friendship with the wild man Enkidu. While Gilgamesh was likely a real historical figure, his story evolved into high poetry about mortality and leadership. The segment notes that kingship was believed to have descended from heaven. NUMBER 3 HOMEWORK AND HEARTACHE IN ANCIENT SCHOOLS Colleague Moudhy Al-Rashid. Excavations of a "schoolhouse" in Nippur revealed thousands of practice tablets, showing the messy first attempts of children learning to write. These artifacts include literary accounts of school life, complaints about food, and even teeth marks from frustrated students. The curriculum was rigorous, covering literacy and advanced mathematics like geometry, which was essential for future scribes to calculate field yields and manage the bureaucracy. NUMBER 4 THE ALCOHOLIC TYRANTS OF THE WEST Colleague Professor James Romm. James Romm introduces Syracuse as a dominant power in the 4th century BCE under the rule of Dionysius the Elder, who rose from clerk to autocrat. Dionysius fortified the city's geography to create a secure military base and adopted the Persian custom of polygamy, marrying two women on the same day. This created a rivalrous, "unhappy family" dynamic in a court notorious for heavy drinking and "Syracusan tables" of excess. NUMBER 5 PLATO'S FAILED FIRST MISSION TO SICILY Colleague Professor James Romm. Professor Romm details Plato's background, including his connection to the Thirty Tyrants in Athens and his philosophy of "forms." Plato was invited to Syracuse by Dion, who hoped the philosopher could reform the tyrant Dionysius the Elder. However, this first visit was a disaster; Plato attempted to lecture the ruler on ethics and moral behavior, resulting in the philosopher being dismissed from the court with dishonor. NUMBER 6 THE BANISHMENT OF DION Colleague Professor James Romm. Plato returned to Syracuse to tutor Dionysius the Younger, hoping to create an enlightened monarch, but found a court defined by drunkenness and immaturity. The experiment failed when Dion, Plato's ally, sent a letter to Carthage that the tyrant interpreted as treason. Dionysiusbanished Dion and kept Plato under a form of house arrest to maintain the appearance of an alliance, while the tyrant solidified his power. NUMBER 7 A PHILOSOPHER OBSERVES A COMING WAR Colleague Professor James Romm. At the Olympic Games, Plato met the exiled Dion and learned that the tyrant had confiscated Dion's property and given his wife to another man. Despite the growing tension, Plato visited Syracuse a third time in 361 BCE to attempt reconciliation. Romm argues that Plato's harsh description of the "tyrannical man" in The Republic was directly inspired by his personal observations of living under the roof of the Syracusan tyrant. NUMBER 8 REVOLUTION, ASSASSINATION, AND CHAOS Colleague Professor James Romm. Dion launched an invasion to liberate Syracuse, but the revolution unleashed chaotic populist passions he could not control. After ordering the assassination of a rival, Dion fell into a depression and was eventually assassinated by a faction of his own army. Rommnotes that ancient historians, including Plutarch, largely protected Dion's reputation to safeguard the prestige of Plato's Academy, despite Dion's failure to become a true philosopher king. NUMBER 9 THE TYRANT WHO BECAME A SCHOOLTEACHER Colleague Professor James Romm. Professor James Romm discusses the surprising fate of Dionysius II, the tyrant of Syracuse. After the Corinthian leader Timoleonarrived to liberate the city, Dionysius surrendered and was allowed to retire to Corinth rather than facing execution. There, the former absolute ruler became a music teacher, leading to the proverb "Dionysius is in Corinth," a saying used for centuries to describe the unpredictability of fortune and the fall of the powerful. NUMBER 10 PHILOSOPHER KINGS AND THE RIVER OF HEEDLESSNESS Colleague Professor James Romm. James Romm explores Plato's Republic, arguing that philosophers make the best kings because they perceive the true "forms" of justice rather than earthly shadows. The discussion turns to the "Myth of Er," a story of the afterlife where souls travel for a thousand years before choosing their next life. Plato warns that drinking too deeply from the River of Heedlessnesserases memory, whereas philosophers strive to recall the forms. NUMBER 11 PLATO'S LETTERS AND THE WHITEWASHING OF DION Colleague Professor James Romm. The conversation examines Plato's thirteen letters, specifically the five Romm believes are genuine regarding the Syracuse affair. Platoviewed himself as a wise lawgiver capable of reforming a tyrant, though he was naive about practical politics. In the seventh letter, Plato attempts to rehabilitate the reputation of his associate Dion, spinning the narrative to portray Dion as a virtuous victim of evil rather than admitting his political failures. NUMBER 12 THE RETURN OF THE NOBLE MONARCH Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley argues that the world has reached "peak republicanism," where republics have become inefficient political battlegrounds. He defines nobility not as a class structure, but as a quality of honorable leadership that embodies the state's values. Copley suggests modern monarchies, like that of King Charles III, are reinvigorating this role by acting as apolitical symbols of unity and diplomacy, unlike elected leaders who only represent their voters. NUMBER 13 THE DANGERS OF TRANSACTIONAL NATIONALISM Colleague Gregory Copley. Copley warns that suppression in republics often leads to uncontrollable demands for liberty, citing the collapse of the Shah's Iran and the USSR. He distinguishes between "tribal nationalism," based on shared history, and "state nationalism," which is often transactional. Copley argues that transactional systems eventually fail because the state runs out of resources to trade for support, leading to corruption and the potential fracturing of society. NUMBER 14 CONSTITUTIONS, BELIEF, AND THE EMPIRE Colleague Gregory Copley. Copley describes the US Constitution as the "de facto crown" holding the American empire together, though it faces challenges from populist movements. He argues that a "faith-based electorate" or a "belief in beliefs" is essential for social unity, noting that when people stop believing in God, they will believe in anything. Monarchy utilizes mysticism and continuity to maintain this unity, a quality difficult for republics to replicate. NUMBER 15 THE REASSERTION OF ANCIENT EMPIRES Colleague Gregory Copley. Copley contends that China is reasserting its identity as an empire, with the Communist Party seeking legitimacy by connecting with imperial history despite previous rejections of the past. Similarly, he views Vladimir Putin as a nationalist attempting to restore the memory and grandeur of the Russian Empire. The segment concludes by suggesting the US might "lease" the symbolic nobility of King Charles III during state visits to borrow necessary leadership prestige. NUMBER 16

In this powerful verse-by-verse teaching through 1 Corinthians chapters 6–7, we dive deep into the biblical foundations of marriage, purity, sexuality, and God's design for covenant relationships. Paul addresses the Corinthian church in a time of intense immorality and confusion—much like our culture today—and brings clarity on what it means to honor God with our bodies, our commitments, and our marriages.In this teaching we cover:Why sexual purity matters and how it affects your spiritual lifeThe body as the temple of the Holy SpiritGod's blueprint for marriage and singlenessWhat the Bible says about divorce, remarriage, and covenant faithfulnessPractical wisdom for husbands, wives, and those preparing for marriageHow to live set apart in a culture of compromiseTo sow into this stream Monthly/ONE time/ https://bit.ly/2NRIBcM PAYPAL https://shorturl.at/eJY57www.Isaiahsaldivar.com www.Instagram.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.Facebook.com/Isaiahsaldivar www.youtube.com/IsaiahsaldivarOrder My New Book, “How To Cast Out Demons,” Here! https://a.co/d/87NYEfcTo sow www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partner

As we begin the Christmas season and conclude 2025, we remember the way of the manger- where Christ in his glory, willingly enters into the humble form of a baby. The way of the manger reminds us that despite the successes and abilities given us by the LORD, the way of weakness is the way of strength. Paul reminds us of these truths as he boasted of his weakness, inviting both the Corinthian church and our church today to reflect upon the true nature of strength- that when we are weak, we are strong, and when we are strong in our own minds, we are actually weak. This Sunday we will explore these truths in light of Paul's words, the incarnation, and the work of Christ in us today as we consider practicing the way of the manger this coming year.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 December 28, 2025 SS.Paul was confident about the Corinthian's recommendation-letter-status because Jesus Christ gave him that confidence. And he had good reason: he gave them the genuine gospel message, the church was started, and he could see God was doing a work there. So he continued in faith with confidence that the work of the gospel was having an impact. The source of his ministry sufficiency was God, who gave him authority to preach the gospel and enabled him to be effective in that ministry. This is all the more remarkable to Paul because of the nature of his message, a message that is connected to the new covenant.

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18  In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth.   Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Carved into the weathered stones of an ancient Corinthian forum, a forgotten story tells of the hope of Christmas. When we speak the name Emmanuel—God with us, it is more than comfort for weary hearts; it is the holy nearness of a transforming God who daily desires to enter our deplorable brokenness to make all things new. In this message, we will uncover a New Testament story rarely told as we continue part two of “Experiencing Emmanuel.”

Luke and Laura, Corinthian leather, and fart smelling on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Synopsis:When Paul left Ephesus to visit Corinth in what is known as the “painful visit,” he became the object of a personal attack from an unnamed party.  This was bad enough, but what made the matter worse was the fact that the Corinthians had done little if anything to support the apostle.  This forced Paul to send the so-called “severe letter,” the text of which is lost to us.  We may not have the letter, but we know the effects it had upon the congregation because they are explained to us in chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians.  In the severe letter, Paul called upon the Corinthians to discipline the party who attacked him and caused so much disruption in the Corinthian church.  It is also implied that he addressed the fact that some of the Corinthians were still engaging in practices which were not consistent with their profession of faith in Christ–sexual immorality and pagan idolatry.Paul was forced to wait for word from Corinth to learn of the letter's impact.  Apparently he was on pins and needles until Titus brought word of the letter's impact.  Titus's report gave Paul joy and comfort, especially when he learned that the letter brought about the desired result–“godly sorrow,” which he contrasts with “worldly sorrow.”  The latter is the disappointment of failing to attain worldly things, while the former produced a  sense of grief within the congregation that they had not done the right thing and needed to make things right.  As difficult as this was for all concerned, the “severe letter” led to the repentance of the Corinthians, which was the best possible result.  Once Paul learned of the outcome, there was a great sense of relief that the Corinthians stepped up and did what was required.  Therefore, when Titus brought news of this to Paul, both he and Paul were greatly comforted by this circumstance.  Paul is now able to boast both in Titus's work in Corinth, as well as in his own efforts in dealing with this issue.  He can boast that the Corinthians were doing the right thing as difficult as that was.  Paul had to confront the Corinthians–which required a painful visit and a severe letter.  But things have changed.  Now he can boast about them.For show notes and other recommended materials located at the Riddleblog as mentioned during the Blessed Hope Podcast, click here: https://www.kimriddlebarger.com/

In about 50 A.D., twenty years after Jesus Death Resurrection and Ascension Paul of Tarsus, one sent with authority by Jesus the Lord, to preach the Good News to the nations arrived in the City of Corinth, a prominent city of the Roman empire located on the trade route connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. He immediately began announcing the Good News: "The Crucified Jesus is the True Lord of the world."  Those believing the message were shepherded into house churches.  Then Paul preached, taught and pastored in Corinth for 18 months before moving on to other cities of the empire. See Acts 18 In 53 A.D. Paul, now in Ephesus, receives letters from the Church at Corinth and from the household of a woman named Chloe, a leader in the church.  These letters revealed alarming divisions, cliques, sexual immorality, lawsuits against fellow members, abuse of the Lord's supper, unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus, and much more within the Corinthian church.  Making things worse, Paul was being mocked as a phony apostle by members of the church in Corinth. Paul writes the 1st letter to Corinth from Ephesus in 53 A.D. to address the beliefs and behaviors of this charismatic, but grossly immature and divided church. Those today who seek to build "new creation" churches within the American empire will be blessed by this great letter.  We will make a special point of discerning in 1 Corinthians the character of wisdom and foolishness, freedom and license, as well as spiritual and childish. Come join us in this series of Podcasts on "Freedom and the Corinthians" as we "eat Corinthians" together, growing in maturity in Christ together.

Send us a text. If you would like a response, please send us an email to bcoc@suddenlinkmail.com.Jim Laws

Sunday morning service preaching from the pulpit of Woodland Baptist Church – Winston Salem, NC * Please feel free to visit our website at woodlandbaptistnow.com

Through this message, the Apostle Paul continues to answer some of the accusations the false apostles were continuing to bring against him, and he does this by meeting his baby Corinthian believers where they are, in their understanding, by choosing to boast about himself in a way similar to how the false apostles were boasting about themselves. But the Apostle Paul's boasting was really very different from theirs. Theirs was all superficial self-aggrandizement. They were very impressed with themselves, calling themselves, super-apostles; but the Apostle Paul was not impressed with himself. Instead, he was impressed with Jesus and the power of the gospel of grace.

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode Neal announces a new quarter-long study of 2 Corinthians and explains why the class begins with Paul's second letter to the Corinthians rather than First Corinthians. He places the letter in historical context (Acts 18–20), ties it to the later prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and recommends earlier teaching on First Corinthians by Hiram and Brittany as helpful background. The episode gives an extended cultural and historical overview of Corinth — its Greek origins, destruction and re-founding under Rome, strategic isthmus location with two ports, the prominence of the slave trade, widespread pagan immorality (including how “to Corinthianize” became synonymous with sexual vice), and the city's importance as the provincial capital of Achaia. These details set the stage for why the Corinthian church faced the problems Paul addresses. Key topics covered include a review of the problems raised in 1 Corinthians (division, idolatry, sexual immorality, marriage questions, worship abuses such as corruption of the Lord's Supper, confusion over spiritual gifts, questions about the resurrection, and factional allegiance to leaders), and how the church largely responded to Paul's first letter. The speaker explains that 2 Corinthians arises from a new crisis: a group of Jewish opponents who undermine Paul's apostleship and claim apostolic authority themselves. The episode highlights the central themes and purposes of 2 Corinthians: Paul's defense of his apostleship and leadership, the danger of false or unordained leaders, and the pastoral necessity of protecting church order. It emphasizes Paul's personal investment in the Corinthian congregation — the suffering he endured, his pastoral care, and his insistence that God-ordained leadership matters because “sheep need a shepherd.” A major motif introduced is comfort: the speaker surveys 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 and summarizes the letter's repeated emphasis on comfort in the midst of affliction. He identifies the sources of that comfort as God (the “Father of mercies”), Christ, other believers who have suffered, and the prayers of the community, and underscores Paul's theme of abundant, effective consolation despite severe trials. Guests and contributors mentioned include teachers Hiram and Brittany (previous lectures on First Corinthians) and Chris (his Wednesday class on the prison epistles); the speaker also references Luke's account in Acts and several Pauline passages as he reads and opens 2 Corinthians 1:1–11. Listeners can expect a mix of historical background, theological orientation to the letter, pastoral application about church leadership and suffering, and a reading of the opening verses to begin the study.   Duration 44:47

This is it. The grand finale of our KINGDOM IMPACT series—and we're finishing strong. In this powerful conclusion, Sow the Seeds, Pastor Travis Hearn delivers a message that digs deep beneath the surface of blessing and favor to expose the gritty, often unseen journey of spiritual growth. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Luke 6:38, and John 12:24, this message is a vivid, faith-stirring reminder: you can't reap what you haven't sown. We've shouted over fruit, but today we honor the seed. We've talked stewardship, generosity, sacrifice—and now, God is calling us to Sow Big. Because before there are roots... before there are shoots... before there's fruit... there must be seed. And that seed isn't just financial—it's personal. It's your heart, your life, your yes to God. You'll hear how the Corinthian and Macedonian churches inspired each other toward radical generosity, and how the soil of your life doesn't respond to promises—it responds to planting. Pastor Travis challenges us to stop asking, “Where is my harvest?” and start asking, “Where are my seeds?” This message is raw, real, and deeply revealing. It's a spiritual call to move from comfort to commitment, from intention to impact, from withholding to wholehearted worship. Let's make a Kingdom Impact.

Paul understood that the various issues and problems present in the Corinthian church ultimately shared the same root. After addressing several situations case by case, he focuses his attention in these chapters on the essence of the church, the source of its vitality, and the kingdom expanding potential of the body of Christ. Understanding our connection to one another in and through Jesus Christ, is key to a functional and fruitful church. Our next chapter will proceed expounding and endorsing ‘love' as the cardinal virtue of the Christian life. With this framework and this foundation, the church of Jesus Christ will survive & thrive unto His return.

The War With Pride, 5 of 5 from November 30, 2025 “In a world buying up every selfish whim we are spent by Jesus for others' benefit.” 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon on 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 examines how Paul's dedication to the Corinthian church challenges modern views of love. Pastor Michael contrasts self-serving love with biblical love, which grieves over sin and guides others to repentance. Paul's refusal of financial support from Corinth is shown as sacrificial devotion to their spiritual health. Believers are urged to consider if they are "spent by Jesus" for others, instead of pursuing selfish desires, and to confront stumbling blocks in their lives, stressing that love sometimes requires addressing sin.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Adulting in Grace #RTTBROS #Nightlight"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." — 1 Corinthians 3:1You know, I saw something the other day that made me laugh and then made me think. They're selling these "I Adulted" calendars now, complete with stickers you can stick on different days to celebrate your grown-up achievements. Things like "I paid a bill on time" or "I cooked a meal" or my personal favorite, "I matched my socks." Now, for most of us who've been around the block a time or two, that seems pretty funny. We've been doing those things for so long we don't even think about them anymore. But here's what got me thinking: how many of us are doing the spiritual equivalent of celebrating that we matched our socks?Paul had to write to the Corinthian church and basically say, "Look, you've been Christians long enough that you should be teaching others by now, but I still have to feed you with a bottle like babies." That had to sting. But if we're honest, how often do we find ourselves in the same spot?The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat" (Hebrews 5:12). Here's what I've learned, and I'm too soon old and too late smart on this: spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident. You don't accidentally become mature in Christ. It takes intentionality. It takes time in the Word. It takes prayer. It takes wrestling with hard truths and letting God change you from the inside out.Our world is desperate for grown-up Christians right now. Not perfect Christians, but mature ones. People who can stand firm when the winds blow. People who can speak truth with grace. But we can't do any of that if we're still celebrating that we showed up to church this week like we deserve a sticker for it.So let me ask you: where are you today? Are you still on milk, or have you graduated to the meat of God's Word? Because friend, God has so much more for you than where you're sitting right now. When we devote ourselves to His Word and to prayer, not out of duty but out of hunger, that's when real growth happens.Let's pray: Father, forgive us for being content with spiritual infancy when You've called us to maturity. Give us a hunger for Your Word and a desire to grow in our faith. Help us move beyond the basics and into the deep things You want to teach us. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianMaturity #DailyDevotion #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianLiving #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe. It helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

A 15-minute podcast of Bible teaching, Monday - Friday, by the President and Editor of the Sword of the Lord Publishers, Dr. Shelton Smith.

Well, elections took place about three weeks ago. Those of us who voted trust that the candidates we supported will follow through on their campaign promises. Some of them do, but a lot of them don't. Most politicians say what they think we want to hear, and when they're elected, they come down with a sudden case of amnesia! It's a matter of living out your convictions. The same can be said of our walk with Jesus Christ. Do you live by the convictions of a life given over to God? Or are they just hollow words? 

Lloyd will continue his series through Acts today with a stop in chapter eighteen.  If you have someone in your life who lives by their convictions, you know what a unique trait that really is. You may be such a person yourself. Too many people today say one thing and live their lives another way. In Acts chapter eighteen, Paul finds himself in Corinth, and addresses the issue of Christians living by their convictions.

In this Bible Story, Paul establishes the Corinthian church. The wicked port city of Corinth is a dark and twisted place, yet the light of Jesus is spreading forth in power. This story is inspired by Acts 18. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 18:8 from the King James Version.Episode 234: As Paul descended into the bustling, cultural city of Corinth he saw the temple to Aphrodite and the broken state of the people, he also met a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla. They shared the same occupation and quickly became friends. Every day, Paul would go into the synagogues and marketplaces where he would preach about Jesus. The Jews mocked him, but the Greeks and citizens of Corinth welcomed him gladly.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's face it: It's hard to talk about money. But what if we reoriented our perspective on it? In fact, what if we reoriented our entire lives in response to the grace that God has shown us? In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor J.D. explains the Apostle Paul's reasons for wanting the Corinthian church to be generous, as well as some obstacles that often sabotage good intentions. We have such a kind, generous God, and in the end, the only right response is for our own generosity to overflow to those around us.