Podcasts about Corinthian

What makes a great church? Dr. Neufeld examines the Corinthian church to discover that effective churches aren't built on impressive credentials or programs. Instead, God chooses the "foolish," weak, and lowly to showcase His power. Using Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, he shows that great churches are made of people who boast only in the Lord, carrying the message of the cross that provides wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Dave, Eric and guest Jonathan Carlisle discuss Minute 7 of The Naked Gun: a sinister character is introduced, a silly character is shot. Check out Jonathan's podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-princess-bride-minute/id1193286837 https://www.uhf62nd.com

Send us a textWhat does it mean to glorify God with your body? In a world of distorted freedom and personal truth, this message from 1 Corinthians 6 offers a bold, beautiful vision of sex, identity, and the sacredness of our bodies.-------In 1 Corinthians 6:12–20, Paul confronts the Corinthian church's confusion about sexuality, freedom, and the human body. Surrounded by a culture steeped in immorality, these early believers needed a fresh understanding of what it meant to glorify God with their bodies. This sermon explores Paul's warning against twisting Christian liberty, rationalizing sin, and misusing what God calls sacred. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and purchased at a high price. Believers are called to flee sexual immorality, not just avoid it, and live into their redeemed identity. Because in Christ, our freedom isn't for self-indulgence, but for a sacred purpose.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

The Apostle Paul defends his motivations for his life, ministry, and message to the Corinthian baby believers; many of which, were being swayed away from the "too good to be true" message of the gospel of grace.

Send us a textWelcome:In this episode, we unpack Paul's teaching on what true leadership in the church looks like. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:6 to 4:5, Paul gives us three vivid metaphors to describe church leaders: gardeners, builders, and stewards. Through these images, we are reminded that leadership is not about status, showmanship, or superiority—it is about humble, faithful service to God. The Corinthian church was dividing over personalities and styles of preaching, but Paul resets the focus. It is God who gives growth, Christ who is the foundation, and the Lord who judges and rewards faithfulness.Key Points:Leaders Are Gardeners (3:6-9):They plant and water, but only God gives the growth.Ministry is about patience and service, not celebrity.Leaders Are Builders (3:10-17):Christ is the only foundation.Ministry must be built with lasting, spiritual materials (gold, silver, precious stones).What is built will be tested by fire.Careless or corrupt ministry will result in loss or judgment.Leaders Are Stewards (4:1-5):They are entrusted with God's mysteries.Faithfulness is what matters most, not impressiveness.Final judgment belongs to the Lord, who alone sees and rewards rightly.Reflections:Have you placed too much importance on a leader or preacher, rather than on Christ?Are you building your own ministry or spiritual life with materials that will last?Do you find encouragement in the truth that faithfulness—not success—is what God rewards?Encouragement for Leaders:Be faithful with what God has given you, no matter how small or unseen it may seem.Don't be consumed by comparison, criticism, or the applause of others.Your praise will come from God, in His time.Encouragement for Congregations:Don't idolize or tear down preachers; they are servants, not saviours.Be grateful for those who minister to you.Look beyond the personality to the gospel foundation they lay.Application:Pray for your leaders.Examine your own heart for pride or comparison.Build your life on Christ, and serve with the right motives.Closing Thought:Don't waste time evaluating everyone else's ministry. Instead, be faithful. Serve humbly. Build wisely. And trust that your praise will come from God.Subscribe & Share:If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone else, leaving a review, or subscribing to hear more.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThis podcast talks about how Paul was on pins and needles waiting for the report from Titus about the Corinthian church's response to his convicting letter written earlier. The letter was meant to cause a sorrow leading them to repentance. Turns out his letter did the job. Listen to hear how it led the Corinthian church to change. Support the show

Why do churches split over leaders and styles rather than core biblical truths? Dr. Neufeld examines 1 Corinthians 1:11-17, where Paul addresses four factions in the Corinthian church—those following Paul, Apollos, Peter, or claiming to follow Christ alone. Through Paul's pointed questions about baptism and the cross, Dr. Neufeld reveals that confidence in human skills was dividing Corinth, when their unity should have been centered on the power of the cross, not the style of their leaders.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

On this weeks episode of The FM Show Podcast, TJ is away so Si Maggio and RDF Tactics take the reigns. They are joined by Dave Black who goes by the name CM9798. Dave shares his journey as a sports writer and blogger, focusing on his books about Championship Manager. He discusses the inspiration behind his writing, the challenges of keeping the game fresh after many years, and the evolution of Football Manager games. The conversation also touches on memorable players, the quirks of player attributes, and the impact of community in the gaming world. They explore how player ratings impact gameplay, the significance of traits, and the complexities of player value in the market. The discussion also touches on the role of scouting and player assessment, while reminiscing about the iconic Corinthian football figures and the nostalgia associated with them. If you've enjoyed todays show, please leave a like on the video and consider hitting subscribe to the channel. Also leave a comment about your favourite part of the episode. Support us on Patreon and join the The FM Show squad! Enjoy early access to our public episodes, bonus weekly episodes, exclusive content, and you get access to secret channels on our Discord for just £3 a month! Sign up now: http://www.patreon.com/TheFMShowPod WE HAVE MERCH! https://httpsthefmshowpod.creator-spring.com/ Treat yourself to some merch. We've got tees, sweatshirts, hoodies, and are personal favourite, the legends tee. Follow Our Socials https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJwruCy5lH44iFcyE150oeg http://www.twitter.com/thefmshowpod https://www.tiktok.com/@thefmshowpod http://www.instagram.com/thefmshowpod Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/TKPCUEZDvt Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6t7BLXSECt0y9AWHU1WgRj Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fm-show-a-football-manager-podcast/id1698580502 Amazon: https://a.co/d/9hJSX0U Tony Jameson http://www.tonyjameson.co.uk http://www.twitter.com/tonyjameson http://www.instagram.com/tonyjameson https://www.tiktok.com/@tonyjamesonfm https://www.facebook.com/tonyjamesonfm http://twitch.tv/tonyjamesonfm https://www.youtube.com/@tonyjamesonFM RDF Tactics https://www.rdftactics.com http://www.twitter.com/rdftactics http://www.instagram.com/rdftactics http://twitch.tv/rdftactics http://www.youtube.com/@RDFTactics Si Maggio http://www.twitter.com/simaggioFM http://www.twitch.tv/simaggio https://www.youtube.com/@SiMaggio Football Shirt Social http://www.twitter.com/footyshirtsoc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0FIqZvpICI The Football Manager podcast for all of your Football Manager needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI Corinthians 5 Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church: the acceptance of blatant sexual immorality. A man is involved in a sinful relationship with his stepmother, and the church's prideful attitude toward this sin is deeply concerning. Paul reminds the Corinthians that such behavior is unacceptable and must be confronted. He instructs them to remove the unrepentant individual from their fellowship, not out of malice, but to encourage repentance and protect the church's purity. Paul compares sin to leaven, warning that it spreads and corrupts the entire body. He urges the church to live as unleavened bread, pure and holy in Christ. Furthermore, Paul clarifies that he is not addressing unbelievers but instructs the church to hold fellow Christians accountable, emphasizing the importance of upholding God's standards within the church. Arrogance among God's people can take many forms. In today's reading, it manifests as unaddressed immorality, as if God would not hold the group accountable. Paul emphasizes that the church must confront sin for the good of the sinners and the purity of the congregation. This should be our attitude toward ungodliness among us. We must humbly accept that we will answer to God for inaction. However, our motives must always be to save and protect, whether it be the sinner or the members of our church family. This may require extreme actions, such as breaking off associations with someone or removing them from the local church fellowship. All must be done with the hope of restoration and peace.   Holy God, we hear Your call to morality and holiness in Jesus' name. Help us confront violations of Your will within ourselves and among Your people with humility, love, and courage. Teach us to address sin with the desire for restoration and fellowship, being mindful to protect the integrity of Your little ones among us. Grant us wisdom to discern how to approach those in sin, balancing mercy and resolve as we stand for Your will. Strengthen our commitment to live as unleavened bread, set apart for You, and determined to abandon arrogance and purge sin from our midst.  Thought Questions: -       What might lead a local church to overlook sin among them? How can you help your local fellowship overcome this and address souls? -       How important is it for local churches to keep sin from among their midst? Why is it dangerous to allow ungodliness to be common among us? -       Why are Christians told “not to associate” with brethren caught in sin? Why is this important, and what does it look like in your life?

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Churches today, like the Corinthian church, often struggle with the tension between engaging their culture and being transformed by it. In this compelling episode, Dr. John Neufeld takes listeners into Paul's letter to the Corinthians, a church that had gradually adopted the pagan culture around them rather than following Christ's way of life. The timeless message challenges today's church to distinguish itself from contemporary culture while remaining engaged with the world around us.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Send us a textWelcome: Hello and welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. Today, we continue our 40-day journey through 1 Corinthians—a letter for the modern church, if ever there was one.In this episode, we'll witness something astonishing: Paul gives thanks for a church in crisis. Before addressing the many failings of the Corinthian believers, Paul stops to thank God for His grace at work in them—and in doing so, models how we too should begin not with condemnation, but with praise and confidence in God's faithfulness.

What do ancient Corinth and modern Canada have in common? More than you might think. In this opening message of a 4-week series on 1 Corinthians, Dr. John Neufeld explores the parallels between Paul's ministry in pagan Corinth and the challenges facing Canadian Christians today. As Dr. Neufeld unpacks the historical context of this busy Roman city, he shows how the Corinthian church's struggle to maintain Christian identity in a secular world speaks to believers navigating similar pressures in contemporary Canada.The Power of Christ in a Pagan World: Join Dr. John Neufeld for this 20-message series as he focuses on the book of 1 Corinthians. Covering chapters 1-4, The Power of Christ in a Pagan World looks at the many issues that confronted the church in Corinth; Problems that seemed to find their place within the church at every turn! This series helps us unpack the different conflicts and struggles of this early church in a relevant and practical way. Even though the church in Corinth existed a long time ago, they went through trials that might sound familiar to us in the 21st Century!

Send us a textChristians suing one another? It happened in Corinth—and still happens today. But what if the gospel actually gives us a better way? This week's message explores a hard but liberating truth: you are not what you were.------In this message from 1 Corinthians 6:1–11, Pastor Paul Lawler addresses how believers should handle conflict—not with lawsuits or public accusations, but with the wisdom and reconciliation of Christ. Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for taking fellow Christians to secular courts over civil matters. Instead, he calls them to remember who they are and whose they are: saints who will one day reign with Christ and judge angels. The sermon outlines Jesus' biblical model for resolving conflict (Matthew 18), explores the difference between sin and crime, and dives into three Greek words for forgiveness that bring healing and freedom. Pastor Paul ends with a powerful reminder: no matter your past, you are not what you were. You've been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Explore Paul's message to the Corinthian church, urging humility, graciousness, and sacrificial living empowered by God's Spirit. This sermon from First Christian Church in Brazil, IN, delves into 1 Corinthians 4, challenging believers to live intentionally for God's mission.In this fifth installment of the UnFiltered sermon series from First Christian Church in Brazil, IN, we dive into 1 Corinthians 4, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church's struggles with pride, judgment, and complacency. Drawing from the sermon outline, Chris Gregg explores Paul's deep relational equity with the Corinthians, built over a year and a half of ministry in the vibrant, yet morally complex city of Corinth. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the need for God's Spirit to live graciously, intentionally, and sacrificially in a world prone to criticism and division.Key Topics DiscussedPaul's Mission in Corinth: Introduction to Paul's church-planting efforts in Corinth, a wealthy, sex-obsessed city, and God's encouragement to him in Acts 18:9-10 to persevere in sharing the Gospel.Relational Equity: The importance of building trust and proximity in relationships to share hard truths, as Paul did with the Corinthians, rooted in love (1 Corinthians 4:20).God's Empowering Spirit: How the Corinthian church forgot their need for God's power, becoming prideful and judgmental, and Paul's call to humility (1 Corinthians 4:5).Living Graciously: Practical steps to live graciously by embracing brokenness, trusting God's strength, and staying curious to avoid toxic narratives and gossip.Intentional and Sacrificial Living: Paul's sarcastic rebuke of the Corinthians' complacency (1 Corinthians 4:8) and the call to live sacrificially for the Great Commission, as exemplified by Paul's hardships (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).Conviction vs. Shame: Paul's fatherly admonition (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) to follow his example, distinguishing between shame from the enemy and Holy Spirit-led conviction.Additional NotesThis sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual complacency and embrace God's power to live out the Great Commission. Pastor references J.D. Greear's insight on deepening one's relationship with Jesus through helping others and encourages intentional living that sparks curiosity in others. The episode closes with a call to action: evaluate whether following Jesus is costing you anything, as inspired by Romans 12:1.Links and Contact InformationChurch Website: First Christian Church Brazil, INSermon Podcast: First Christian Church Sermons on Apple PodcastsSocial Media:Facebook: @fccbrazilInstagram: @fccbrazilContact: Email office@fccbrazil.org for questions or to connect with our ministry team.Further Reading: Explore more on 1 Corinthians with resources from The Gospel Coalition or BibleProject.

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 4, we are reminded that true Christian leadership is marked by humility, service, and faithfulness—not worldly success or popularity. Paul challenges the pride of the Corinthian church and calls believers to judge leaders by God's standards, not cultural ones. The message highlights the contrast between the apostles' suffering and the Corinthians' desire for triumph, exposing the danger of bringing worldly values into the church. We are called to embrace the wisdom of the cross, understanding that the path to glory often comes through struggle and endurance. This sermon is a powerful call to reject pride and follow Christ in humble, faithful obedience.

In this message from 1 Corinthians, Pastor Dorrell addresses the common feeling that we could serve God better if only our circumstances were different. Drawing from Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church, this sermon challenges the idea that we need a new job, a different marital status, or a change of location to be effective for Christ. Instead, we are called to view our current life as a divine assignment. Discover how your workplace, neighborhood, and family are the unique and consequential mission field God has given you, and learn to embrace the purpose you can fulfill right where you are, today.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join Us Find service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join. Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give.

Part 34: Rekindling a Kingdom Heart – Why Believers Give | 1 Corinthians 16 1-4In this ministry time, we will explore Paul's clear and Spirit-led teaching on giving. Far from manipulative or emotional hype, biblical giving is about partnership, purpose, and worship.Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to plan their giving, just as he instructed the Galatian assemblies. This lesson restores the foundation of Kingdom generosity, free from abuse and rooted in covenant love and community care.• Giving is planned, proportional, and purposeful.• We give because God first gave (2 Cor. 8:9).• It's about building the Kingdom, not empires.• Giving is an act of worship, not a transaction.• Paul models financial integrity and apostolic accountability.• We must rebuild a healthy giving culture, led by the Spirit and full of joy.Healing from spiritual abuse begins when we return to the simplicity and power of early assembly giving, trusting in God's provision, and living sacrificially for His glory.Are you giving from joy or pressure? Is your giving an act of love and worship? Let's partner together to see lives transformed and the Kingdom expanded!

Some in the Corinthian church questioned if there was to be resurrection from the dead. Starting with the example of Y'shua, Paul explains that resurrection is central to Messianic belief. He also discusses the nature of the resurrection body.

Explore the tension between personal rights and biblical principles in today's individualistic society. This message examines how Christians can navigate the complex balance between what we can do and what we should do. From the American foundation of rights to the Apostle Paul's timeless guidance to the Corinthian church, discover how to approach your freedoms through a biblical lens.Learn practical filters for deciding when to exercise your rights: Is it loving? Are you being legalistic? Does it lead people to God? See how Jesus, who had every divine right, chose to limit His rights out of love for humanity—becoming the ultimate example of putting others before self.This teaching provides biblical wisdom for everyday situations including social media use, political expressions, and personal freedoms. Understand the profound difference between asking 'Can I do this?' versus 'Should I do this?' and how this distinction impacts your Christian witness.Perfect for Christians struggling with cultural tensions, those seeking to live more like Christ in a rights-focused world, and anyone wanting to understand how biblical principles apply to modern freedoms. Discover how sometimes the most powerful testimony isn't what we claim as our right, but what we're willing to surrender for a greater purpose.Keywords: Christian rights, biblical freedom, Christian living, Corinthians, Jesus example, personal rights, Christian witness, biblical principles, Christian culture, spiritual growth, Christian responsibility, loving others, Christian service, biblical wisdom, Christian balance.

The Resurrection of the Dead – Our Ultimate Hope | 1 Corinthians 15:9–34The resurrection is not just a doctrine—it's the heartbeat of our faith and the reason we live with eternal purpose.1 Corinthians 15:9–34, we unpack Paul's bold defense of the resurrection as the cornerstone of the Gospel. Paul calls the Corinthian believers to reject false teaching, embrace the hope of the resurrection, and live with holy urgency.What you'll learn in this teaching:• How the grace of God transforms even the worst of sinners (vv. 9–11)• Why the resurrection is essential to the Gospel (vv. 12–19)• How Messiah is the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest (vv. 20–23)• The end-time hope of death's final defeat (vv. 24–28)• The resurrection as fuel for righteous living (vv. 29–34)We connect Paul's teaching with the Feast of Firstfruits, the Hebraic foundation of resurrection hope, and the call to be the Bride of Messiah, awake, holy, and prepared.Challenge: Are you living today in light of eternity?Featuring powerful connections to:• Acts 9 & Galatians 1: Paul's transformation story• Job 19 & Daniel 12: The Hebrew hope in bodily resurrection• Leviticus 23: Messiah as our Firstfruits• Isaiah 22 & Luke 9:23: Living sacrificially in light of the KingdomLet this teaching strengthen your faith, renew your hope, and call you to walk in holiness as we await the return of the risen King.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more teachings that reveal the full Gospel rooted in the Torah, Prophets, and New Covenant Scriptures.

Sunday the 6th, we make the transition from 1st Corinthians to 2nd Corinthians.  Some time has passed between Paul's two letters as he refers to what seems to be, other communication with them, either a letter between these two, or an in person visit.  If you thought the 1st Corinthian letter had some strong corrective teaching in it, this potential missing letter was much stronger. 

In a letter to a doubting Corinthian church Paul points to eyewitness testimonies, including his own, to prove the resurrection of Christ is historical, central to our faith, and transformative. With Pastor Kaleb Allen.

1 Corinthians: A Church Gone Wild - Chapter 9-10Podcast from Nfluence Church | Granger, IndianaFeaturing: Pastor Lucas Miles

1 Corinthians: A Church Gone Wild - Chapter 9-10Podcast from Nfluence Church | Granger, IndianaFeaturing: Pastor Lucas Miles

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 - Boasting as a Fool Please remain standing. Our sermon text this morning is 2 Corinthians 11:16-33. Please turn there. It is on page 1152. In this passage, the apostle Paul comes back to the theme of boasting. He introduced it in chapter 10. Remember, our boasting should be in the Lord and his work, not ourselves and our work. That was in contrast to the super apostles, who boasted in themselves. That is why, at the beginning of chapter 11, Paul had the most pointed critique of them yet. They taught a different Gospel and were actually messengers of Satan. That brings us to our text this morning. As you will hear, Paul hates their boasting. But to counter the super apostles, he first sarcastically boasts in his credentials and then surprisingly he boasts in something very different. Listen for those things as I read. Reading of 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Prayer On the world stage, there is no shortage of bragging and arrogance. I'm talking mainly about world leaders. I think there's been an increase over the last couple of decades. We certainly saw it back in the late1990s with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Vladimir Putin in Russia has certainly displayed a confident arrogance in his 25 years of power. And no matter your political opinions, I think everyone here would agree: our current president is quite the self-promoter, and I'm being kind. Now, don't be distracted by that comment. Stay with me. Let me say that none of this is new. If we go back to the first century in the Roman Empire, boasting was at a similar high. In fact, I read in a commentary this week that Ceasar Augustus, one of the great Roman Emperors, raised the bar of self-promotion. Near the end of his life, Augustus wrote a short treatise about himself. Listen to the title - “The Deeds of the Divine Augustus.” It was released in the year of his death, AD 14. In it, Augustus highlighted all of his successes – his military accomplishments, his public works, his diplomacy, and his reforms in the empire. You can find it online. In it, you will read over and over. “I did this, I did that.” I triumphed over such and such nations. I built the senate house and the capital building. Four times, I helped the senatorial treasury with my own money. I restored peace to the sea from pirates. I gave shows of gladiators under my name. I extended the borders of the empire… etc. etc. This kind of self-absorbed boasting permeated the culture of the Roman Empire. And to give a little historical context, it was published about 60 years after Corinth was re-settled as a Roman city; 20 years before Jesus' crucifixion, and about 40 years before Paul wrote 2 Corinthians. So, it is no surprise that the false apostles in Corinth praised themselves. That is what you did if you were to be known and honored. We've seen it over and over, these “super apostles” did not live by the Spirit with a humble and contrite heart. No, rather they lived by the world's standards and beliefs and lifestyle. And part of that was to elevate themselves and their own self-defined credentials. As we just read, the apostle Paul hated it. In verses 16 to 21 he calls it all foolishness. In fact, look at verse 19. He writes to the church, “for you gladly bear with fools.” So, not only was their boasting foolish, but the false apostles themselves were fools. That word fool or foolish, if you remember from our Proverbs study, can be understood either as passively ignorant, you know, not really knowing any better… or being foolish can be understood in a more active way, someone being unwise with a senseless arrogance. That second understanding best fits the context. Paul even sarcastically calls the Corinthians “wise.” You see that in the second half of 19. “For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!” It wasn't wisdom at all, but rather foolishness. So, that was part of the problem in Corinth. The arrogant boasting of the culture had come to the church through the super-apostles. So, what does Paul do? Well, for a brief moment, he enters into their boasting. It is like he is saying, since you are foolishly boasting, let me show you what this foolish boasting is like. He doesn't want to toot his own horn, but he feels like he has to in order answer the super apostles. That why he says in verse 16, “…let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.” He goes on in 17, “What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.” Can you sense it? Paul can't stand boasting. Nonetheless, he is compelled to do it. The false apostles were enslaving the Corinthians with their lies and deceit. To use some of the other words in verse 20. They were “devouring” them and “taking advantage” of them. The false apostles had “air” of superiority. In all of it, they were in essence “striking [the church] in the face.” But really, they had nothing on Paul. Paul's fleshly credentials were greater than theirs. He says in verse 22, “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.” He could have gone on with his worldly credentials. In other places in Scripture he mentions that he is from the tribe of Benjamin. He was among the few. Furthermore, he had been an esteemed Pharisee. But he says in his letter to the Philippians chapter 3 that he “counts it all loss for the sake of Christ.” There is something far greater, and that is his identity in Christ. “Corinthian church, you have bought into this ungodly boasting. It is all foolishness. And even if you go by the super apostles foolish criteria, they still do not measure up.” Any and all boasting in human strength and ability is self-centered and not Christ-centered. It is foolishness because (1) it does not recognize God and his Glory and his gifts, (2) it does not recognize our sin and our unworthiness apart from Christ, and (3) boasting in human strength does not acknowledge that all good gifts come from him alone. Now, we covered some of that a couple of weeks ago. But we learn something very interesting here in the middle of chapter 11. We learn, there is something that we can boast about in our lives. We can boast in our weakness. Jump down to verse 30. “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” Verses 23 to really the middle of chapter 12 are specifically about that. Boasting in weakness. Now, boasting in our weakness does not mean glorifying failure or seeking pity. It is not drawing attention to ourselves as a victim. Nor is it seeking our identity in suffering. The apostle Paul is not doing any of that, here.   So then, what is boasting in weakness? It is giving glory to God who sustains us in our weakness. And it is recognizing that the Lord has gone before us in our suffering. Just as he endured the weakness of the flesh and affliction from the world, so too, in him, God will sustain and use us in our weakness. I just want to make that clear. As we look at this, there are two things that the apostle focuses on. First, here in chapter 11 he focuses on the affliction that he received as a result of his ministry. You know, all the things that he suffered as an apostle. Second, when we get to the beginning of chapter 12, he focuses on the weakness of the flesh. Paul will write about his thorn in the flesh. We'll get to that next week. But today, let's consider this unbelievable list of Paul's suffering and God's protection. Go back up to verse 23. Paul begins, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one” Now, put yourself in the shoes of the Corinthians. What do you think they expected Paul to say, next? Perhaps they expected him to give a Caesar Augustus type list: I, Paul, planted 13 churches; I saw the risen Lord, himself, on the road to Damascus; I raised Eutychus from the dead; I cast out demons in Jesus name; I healed the sick; I confounded the Greek philosophers in Athens. Etc. etc. But he doesn't do that. No, instead, he rattles off a most surprising list. All the things that he suffered (so far!) as an apostle. And it is overwhelming. God sustained him over and over and over to bring the Gospel all throughout the northern Mediterranean. Only a portion of this list is included in the book of Acts. Acts is the history of the early church. ·      Paul was imprisoned multiple times. In Phillipi, which we read about earlier, he was beaten and then imprisoned with his feet in stocks. ·      He mentions, here, multiple beating with rods. In Lystra he was stoned outside the city and left for dead. ·      The most severe thing on this list is the forty lashes minus 1. It was a Jewish punishment for breaking the law. The guilty party would be severely whipped. Each lash would score the skin of the recipient. It would create what was called a stripe. A bloodied line across the back that would eventually scar. 39 lashes was one short of 40. More than 40 would have broken the Jewish law, so 39 was just in case someone didn't miscount. Paul bore on his body the marks of his sacrifice for the Gospel. ·      He mentions being shipwrecked three times. However, the most famous shipwreck had not even happened yet. That one is recorded in Acts 27. That would be a couple of years later. ·      He furthermore endured multiple dangers. He endured danger from the elements… from cold and heat. Sometimes he went without food. But also, he experienced danger from others. Danger not just from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles and from robbers. Notice at the end of verse 26 he includes danger from false brothers. He uses the word “brothers” because there were men in the church who threatened him. They were wolves in sheep's clothing, just like the false apostles in Corinth. This kind of persecution happens all over the world today. We have so many freedoms in our country, that it's hard to imagine the suffering that our brothers and sister in Christ experience throughout the world. Some of you know or have met Pastor Zaki. He pastors the Orthodox Presbyterian Church over on Chamblee Tucker. It's just down the road from here. He is a dear brother and a friend. Zaki is from Eretria. He's been in the US for about 15 years. A couple of years ago, at a conference here in the area, he spoke about persecution. As part of that, Pastor Zaki shared a little about the persecution that he endured. In 2002, the government of Eritrea shut down many of the churches. Some believers were imprisoned, especially pastors, and the church had to go underground. Well, Zaki was arrested. He was not even allowed to tell his family, when it happened. He was brought to the prison. They put him in a metal shipping container. There was just one small vent in it so he could breathe. Literally, nothing else was in it. Zaki described how he, at first, struggled to rejoice. He remembered the words of Jesus, blessed are those who are persecuted for my name sake. And he remembered the words of the apostle Peter that we're to rejoice in suffering. He thought, “had I led my people astray telling them that they should rejoice even if they suffered persecution for their faith.” Those first few hours weighed heavily on him, and he prayed. Then it happened. The Holy Spirit opened his heart, and he began rejoicing in the Lord. Something even more amazing happened that first night. About midnight, he said, he began hearing other believers all throughout the prison singing. They were suffering, but they were rejoicing. And he joined in their joyful praise. Brother Zaki was release but arrested 4 more time over the next 9 years. As I understand it, he was beaten. At one point he almost died, but the Lord preserved him. In 2011, he was able to flee to the United States. He moved to Greenville to study. And then the Lord then brought him here to the Tucker area to pastor. The kind of suffering and affliction that Paul endured is experienced by many today who love and serve Christ. And I want you to notice, it's not just external suffering that Paul endured. Look at verse 28. “Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” Paul loved the Corinthians. Really, he loved every single church that he participated in planting. He prayed for them. He communicated with them. He longed to see them be faithful and true. And it all weighed on his soul. And look what he says in verse 29. He asks, “who is weak, and I am not weak?” In other words, when someone in one of his churches suffered, Paul suffered alongside of them. His heart suffered. The next question in verse 29 is even stronger, “Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” In other words, when a fellow believer in Christ was led into sin by one of these false brothers, Paul was indignant. He had a righteous anger at these false apostles for all the ways in which the church was being led astray. That internal turmoil was part of the suffering that he endured. Ok, now, jump down to verses 32 and 33. Paul mentions one final experience. Many, many years earlier, when he was in Damascus, in order to escape persecution, he had to be lowered in a basket out of a window. By the way, if someone tried to lower me in a basket, I think it wold probably go very poorly. I wouldn't even fit in a basket. But Paul escaped. Now, when you hear this last trial, doesn't it feel like an addendum to his list? But let me ask, do you remember the significance of Damascus? Paul was on the road to Damascus when the Lord blinded him and called him to faith. Damascus was the very city that he first stayed in as a believer in Jesus. Do you see what Paul is saying? His suffering as an apostle began at the very beginning of his ministry. All the suffering that he has endured is not new. It goes back to the very beginning of labors for Christ. Despite what the false apostles were saying, his suffering did not disqualify him as an apostle. No, rather, it testified to his true apostleship. Do you see now why Paul could boast in this affliction and weakness? It showed and demonstrated that God had called him to suffer and God sustained him through it all. This was not the theology of the super apostles. Part of their false prosperity Gospel, which we've considered multiple times in weeks past, was to reject sickness and suffering as part of the Christian life. Like many counterfeit pastors today, they taught that suffering was not part of God's purpose and will for your life. They rejected Paul because he suffered. But God is saying through Paul that suffering is part and parcel of the Christian life. He's been saying that all throughout 2 Corinthians. Remember, in our affliction, we share in the affliction of Christ, so that we may share in his comfort. And also, these light momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. And so, we can boast in our weakness. It's a humble boasting. Yes, that's a little paradoxical, but I think you know what I mean. It's a humble boasting that gives glory to God. Isn't that the upside-down world of the Gospel? Strength comes through weakness. Exaltation comes through humility. Life comes through death. Go back up to verse 23. We've already considered it. Paul asks, “Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one.” Did you notice that it is the only question where Paul raises the bar. He doesn't say, “so am I” like how he answers the other questions. Rather he says, “I am better.” Literally translated, it would say I am a degree beyond. His service to Christ is far better because of his suffering, not despite it. That question and Paul's answer prefaces the entire list of his suffering. To put it another way, Paul suffered in this life, we suffer in this life, just as our Savior suffered in this life. Jesus endured many trials in this life. False accusations; rejection from his people; temptations from Satan; Jesus disciples abandoned him at his hour of need; he was spit on and mocked and whipped…  not with regular whips, like 40 lashes minus one, but wips with metal or bone fragments in it, which tore into his skin. Isaiah wrote in his prophecy that our Savior was oppressed and afflicted, yet did not open his mouth. “he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Other translations say, “with his stripes we are healed.” Paul boasted in his suffering because his Savior suffered and died for him. Jesus suffered and died so that in eternity his people would be freed from suffering and affliction. In other words, Jesus did not suffer and die so that we would not suffer in this life. No. Rather, Jesus suffered and died to forgive and redeem us, and in heaven we will be freed from our suffering forever. And that gives us great hope in our suffering in this life. And we can therefore boast in it. If we must, as Paul says. So, to recap – Paul's boasting in his earthly credentials, was simply to put the super apostles in their place. All boasting in human strength and wisdom is foolishness and it dishonors God. If we must boast about ourselves, we should boast in our weakness. For Paul, his suffering was a testimony of his true ministry as an apostle. And when we boast in our suffering we ought testify to Christ's suffering for our salvation. Truly, in all of history, there was only one man who could rightfully boast in his accomplishments. It was not Caesar Augustus. It was not any world leader today or in the past. No. The only one who could rightfully boast was and is our Lord. As God the son, Jesus is the king of kings; the agent through which God created the heavens and the earth; He is the very word of God; and redeemer of God's people. Yet, on earth, he boasted not of those things. Instead, he humbled himself. He did not respond when mocked, he suffered and died, but was raised. As we sang earlier, “I will not boast in anything; No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection” So, let us boast in him… and when we suffer, let us boast because we suffer in him. Amen

This sermon explores how the gospel shapes the church's response to sin within its community. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 5, it highlights a shocking case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church and their arrogant, ungodly response to it. The sermon emphasizes that sin is not a private matter and affects the entire church body. It outlines a biblical approach to dealing with unrepentant sin, stressing the importance of grief, removal from fellowship for the sake of the individual's spirit, and maintaining the purity and witness of the church. The message distinguishes between disassociating from worldly sinners and holding believers accountable, ultimately aiming for restoration and holiness within the church family.

Weak but Not Inadequate | Learning Leadership with the Apostle Paul, pt. 3 Paul's leadership and ministry is weak to all appearances, and the Corinthian church isn't impressed. They prefer their leaders with more charisma and credentials and power than Paul has.  In 2 Corinthians, Paul explains that his ministry takes the shape it does for a very good reason and even though its unimpressive by the standards of the world, it's full of God's power and it doesn't indicate any inferiority or inadequacy.    Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener's Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Guiding Question How do you stand strong and live well when you're spiritually on your own? Summary In this message, Robert Lewis draws a parallel between the emotional farewell of parents dropping their child off at college and the apostle Paul's final words to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 16. These “parting words” from Paul are short but charged imperatives meant to prepare the young, struggling Corinthian believers to live faithfully when left to stand on their own. Lewis opens by summarizing the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church: educated and gifted, yet immature, morally confused, and spiritually wobbly. Then he unpacks Paul's five closing exhortations in verses 13–14—urging believers to be spiritually alert, to stand firm in their faith, to be courageous, to draw strength from Christ, and to do everything in love. Each imperative comes with vivid illustrations and real-world applications. The message concludes with a personal challenge: When you're spiritually alone—at work, at home, or in a crisis—what's actually true of you? And if it's not working, are you ready to become something more? Outline: Introduction: A Parent's Parting Words – Connecting college send-offs to Paul's final exhortations. Snapshot of the Corinthian Church – Gifted but immature, well-taught but not spiritually grounded. Paul's Parting Words (1 Corinthians 16:13–14): Be spiritually alert – Stay awake to the spiritual realities and threats around you. Stand firm in the faith – Hold fast to historic Christian truth amid cultural drift. Be courageous – Take bold leaps of faith and live for eternal rewards. Be strong (in the Lord) – Draw inner strength from the living presence of Christ. Do everything in love – Let love temper your convictions and your courage. Application Challenge – What is true of you when you're spiritually alone? Key Takeaways Living the Christian life means learning to stand alone with strength, courage, and clarity. Faith requires spiritual alertness in a world filled with subtle and overt threats to your soul. You must decide if you truly believe “the faith” (historic Christian teaching)—because you can't stand firm in what you're not sure of. The Christian journey involves leaping into faith experiences that feel risky but reveal God's power. Inner strength comes not from self, but from Christ alive in you. Love must guide all your spiritual practices; without it, truth becomes harsh and courage becomes pride. Scriptural References 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – Paul's five imperatives: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, let all you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 – The Corinthians were spiritual infants. Hebrews 5:14 – Mature believers have trained their senses to discern good and evil. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – “Stand firm...and hold to the teachings.” Ephesians 3:16 – Strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner man. Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” John 14:23 – Jesus promises to make His home with those who love and obey Him.   Recorded 8/8/04  

Send us a textWhat if being a spiritual parent mattered more than being a persuasive guide? Discover why Paul says the kingdom is about power—not talk—and how your life might be the example someone else needs.--------In this message from 1 Corinthians 4:14–21, Pastor Josh Landon explores Paul's role as a spiritual father to the Corinthian church. He contrasts guides with godly parents, critiques hollow eloquence, and highlights that real kingdom power is found in transformed lives—not talk. The call is clear: imitate Christ, invest in others, and reconnect to the power of the Holy Spirit.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Are we willing to lay aside our own rights and freedoms out of love for other people? Paul challenges the Corinthian church to not let their own knowledge interfere with their ability to love their brothers and sisters well. 

In this powerful sermon delivered on June 22, 2025, at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, Pastor Chris Gregg dives into the transformative message of 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Addressing a world filled with division—whether over global events like the recent bombing of Iran or local rivalries like Cubs vs. Cardinals fans—Pastor Chris emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the only one big enough to unite us. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, he highlights the simplicity and power of the gospel, urging believers to focus on the message of the cross rather than worldly wisdom.Key Topics DiscussedUnity Through Jesus: Pastor Chris discusses how countless issues, big and small, can divide us, but Jesus is the unifying force for believers (00:01:04 - 00:01:52).The Message of the Cross: Paul's approach to sharing the gospel was not through persuasive speech but through the power of God, a model for all Christians (00:04:22 - 00:05:34).God's Hidden Wisdom: The sermon explores the “mysterion” (mystery) of God's plan, revealed through the Holy Spirit to those who believe (00:07:00 - 00:09:06).Spiritual vs. Natural Understanding: Pastor Chris explains why some reject the gospel, not due to comprehension but because they deem it worthless without the Spirit's revelation (00:15:33 - 00:19:02).Living as Ambassadors: All believers are called to share their faith, valuing the cross through their lives to spark curiosity in others (00:19:30 - 00:22:04).Prayer and Intimacy with God: The sermon closes with a call to pray fervently for those far from God and to seek God's specific guidance through prayer and His Word (00:21:00 - 00:25:30).Useful Timestamps00:01:04: Introduction to division in the world and the church.00:04:22: Reading of 1 Corinthians 2:1-16.00:07:00: Explanation of the “mystery” (mysterion) of God's wisdom.00:15:33: Contrast between worldly and godly wisdom.00:19:30: Call to value the message of the cross in daily life.00:24:18: Closing prayer for believers and those far from God.Additional NotesThis sermon is part of a series on the book of First Corinthians, addressing the challenges faced by the early church in Corinth—a community Pastor Chris describes as “really messed up” yet relevant to modern congregations. The message is both an encouragement for believers to deepen their relationship with God and a heartfelt invitation for those exploring faith to encounter Jesus. For those interested in further study, Pastor Chris references Isaiah 64:4 and the parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44.Connect with First Christian ChurchWebsite: fccbrazil.orgSocial Media: Follow us on all platforms @fccbrazil (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)Contact: Reach out via email at info@fccbrazil.org or call (812) 446-1111 for more information or to connect with our community.Recommended ResourcesBible Gateway for exploring scripture references.YouVersion Bible App for daily Bible reading plans, including First Corinthians.Join us next week for the continuation of our First Corinthians series, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear the unifying message of Jesus Christ!

Send us a textThis podcast shows Paul's defense not only of himself and his teaching but the actual gospel message. There were some in the Corinthian church who had been swayed by legalists from the Jerusalem church most likely and they were fighting Paul on his message and his apostleship. Listen to hear so you can recognize false teaching in your life also. Support the show

Does your daily life reflect the fact that God lives in you? In this powerful episode of The Disciples Journal, we unpack what it really means when Scripture says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This isn't just a metaphor—it's an invitation to intimacy, reverence, and transformation. Darin breaks down the original meaning behind Paul's words to the Corinthian church, and how we too are called to prepare a life that honors God's presence. If you've ever wondered how to make more room for God in your habits, home, and heart—this one's for you. —

For many small businesses, cash flow anxiety can cause them to be very reluctant to make financial commitments. At times, they may even be tempted to break their promises.   The Apostle Paul was concerned that the Corinthian church was about to break their promise. In 2 Corinthians 8, the Corinthians had made a pledge to ... The post Honor Your Pledge appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

Jesus called His church the light of the world.  And He called us to pierce this present darkness, not to avoid it. The Apostle Paul spent eighteen months getting the Corinthian church up and running. That means he didn't just turn the light on, he left the light on. Today, Ron shares three key lessons from Paul's time in Corinth, as he continues his teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.” 

Among the difficulties in the Corinthian church, there seemed to have been confusion or contention about gender roles. In addressing this, Paul starts with the order of creation and proceeds to then current customs. The upshot is that Scripture forbids dress or behavior that would confuse the two genders.

Keywords: 2 Corinthians,Book of 2 Corinthians,Revival, Character Of God,Free Sermons, Video Sermons, Jesus Christ, What Is The Gospel, Sermon Index, What Is The Truth, kjv bible, Audio Bible, Bible, God, God's Love, Scriptures, Holy Bible, Prophets, Apostles, KJV, Jesus,Christ, audiobook, book, holy life, love, bible verses, king james bible audio, audio bible KJV, king james bible online audio, bible audio, online bible kjv, audio bible kjv, daily bible verse, bible verse of the day, KJV audio, Remastered, Best Version, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, The Chosen, Salvation, Saved, Christian, Suffering Servant, Arm of the Lord, Plants Roots, Despised Rejected, Sorrows, Peace War, Crucifixtion, The Cross, Violence, Judgement, Master Servant, Life Death, Old Testament, Exposed, Music, Education, Great Tribulation, Endtimes, Top Bible Verses, Bible Topic Prayer, Evangelicalism, bible study, Word of God, scripture, scriptures, Matthew Henry's biblical commentary, bible commentary, Matthew Henry commentary, God's Word, Matthew Henry, studying the Bible, understanding the Bible, God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Spiritual, Hope, Jesus Answers Prayer, Answers to Prayer, Prayer, Pray, God Answers Prayer⚠️ Support our ministry: https://ko-fi.com/jesusanswersprayers❓️ How does this chapter apply to you?

Guiding Question: What should Christians do when they have a dispute with another believer—and how does our response reflect our spiritual maturity? Summary: Robert Lewis addresses the growing tendency, both culturally and within the church, to resolve disputes through lawsuits rather than biblical reconciliation. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6, he critiques the Corinthian church's behavior—suing fellow believers before secular courts—and parallels it with modern America's litigious spirit. The issue isn't legal rights, he explains, but spiritual priorities and witness. Paul's rebuke in 1 Corinthians centers on the fact that believers, destined to judge the world and even angels in the coming Kingdom, are settling minor disputes before unbelievers. Robert emphasizes that real-world spirituality demands a higher, kingdom-minded response. He presents three options for handling legitimate disputes among believers: Court litigation with shame – A believer sues another, damaging relationships and the church's witness. Church arbitration with wisdom – Mature, trained believers help mediate and resolve conflict honorably within the church. Personal resignation with loss – Willingly taking the loss to uphold the unity of the body and honor Christ. Robert carefully distinguishes between legitimate disputes and criminal or unrepentant sin. He clarifies that issues like fraud or abuse may require legal action and should not be shielded by misapplying this passage. He closes by urging listeners to commit: before ever thinking of court, reach out to the church and seek help from trained peacemakers. Not only is this biblical—it's a path to preserving relationships, protecting the church's integrity, and experiencing the abundance Christ offers. Key Takeaways: Suing fellow believers over legitimate disputes brings shame and dishonors Christ. The church should be the first place we seek resolution through wise arbitration. Sometimes, spiritual maturity calls us to willingly take a loss for the sake of unity. Criminal actions or unrepentant sin are not covered by this passage and may require legal recourse. Practicing real-world spirituality means honoring Christ even in conflict. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 6:1–10 (lawsuits among believers) Daniel 7:27 (saints ruling with Christ) Matthew 19:28 (disciples judging the tribes) Revelation 20:4 (saints reign with Christ) Matthew 5:40 (give your cloak also) Galatians 6:7–8 (sowing and reaping) Sermon 3/21/2004

Send us a textThe Prodigal Church #8What if being faithful meant becoming the “scum of the earth”? In this hard-hitting message, Paul flips the Corinthian view of ministry upside down—and it still challenges today's church.--------In a culture obsessed with platform and polish, Rev. Paul delivers a blistering correction to the Corinthian church's warped view of leadership. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4:1–13, this sermon reveals that the true measure of a minister isn't charisma, applause, or even perceived effectiveness—it's faithfulness.Paul uses two powerful metaphors:A Steward — A servant who owns nothing and is judged only by the Master's standards, not public opinion.A Spectacle — A condemned prisoner paraded before the world, revealing that true apostleship often means public shame and deep suffering.He calls out premature judgment, prideful comparison, and flesh-driven favoritism. The world may call faithful ministers “fools,” but God calls them sons and daughters.The gospel turns ministry upside down—and if we're building on anything but Christ, we're not building well.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

2 Corinthians 10 1-7 The Weapons of Warfare Please turn to 2 Corinthians 10. You can find that on page 1150 in the pew Bible. This is the last section of the apostle Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. It runs through the final 4 chapters. Before we read, I want to remind you of two things in 2 Corinthians. First, Paul has been emphasizing his authority as an apostle. That emphasis began all the way back in chapter 1 verse 1. In the very opening words of the letter, he identified himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. His defense continued throughout chapters 1-9 in different ways. For example, in chapter 3, he identified himself as a minister of the new covenant through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In chapter 5, he stressed that the apostles were ambassadors of Christ. And in several places, he has emphasized that the apostle's ministry is patterned after Christ's ministry. Just like Jesus suffered and died so to the apostles have and would continue to suffer and would die for the Gospel. So that's the first thing – Paul was a chosen ambassador of Christ as an apostle. Number 2, the whole reason that Paul emphasized his true apostleship is because there were false apostles in Corinth. They taught a false Gospel – Paul said that they were tampering with God's word. They used cunning practices, he said, and were blinded by the god of this world. That's pretty strong. These false apostles had been attacking Paul's credentials. That is why Paul defends his apostleship. And that is also why he corrects several misguided beliefs (like suffering and God's Covenant promises and grace in giving). So again, #1 Paul is a true apostle of Jesus Christ and #2 false teachers were trying to blind the church. Those two things are important because in these last 4 chapters, the apostle Paul doubles down on them. You'll hear that in our text this morning. Let's turn our attention to 2 Corinthians 10:1-7 Reading of 2 Corinthians 10:1-7 Prayer On the wall of my office is a picture of the USS Maryland. It was a battleship. The picture was taken in 1945 as it was on its way to the battle of Okinawa. The reason that I have it on my wall is one of the Navy sailors in the picture is my grandfather. The battle of Okinawa was the most intense and decisive battles in the pacific theater of World War 2. 180,000 US troops fought in that battle. One of those soldiers was a man named Desmond Doss. Just to be sure, Doss was not my grandfather. He was a different soldier who likewise enlisted to serve his country. The interesting thing about Private Doss is that he refused to carry a weapon. He wanted to serve but he held strong convictions and would not carry a gun. Because of that, his fellow soldiers harassed him. They called him a coward and considered him a liability. One soldier threw his boots at Doss while Doss was praying. Another threatened him, “I'll make sure you don't come back alive.” Nonetheless, Doss continued to serve and became his unit's medic. Well, Doss was part of the 77th infantry division deployed to Okinawa. His regiment attacked the enemy forces at a 400-foot cliff on the southern part of the island. That cliff is known as Hacksaw Ridge. Maybe you've heard of it. It was a very brutal battle. Many many soldiers were killed. The US forces had no other choice but to retreat. However, Doss stayed behind. Under the darkness of night, Doss rescued 75 wounded men. He dragged each soldier to the cliff's edge, he had a makeshift harness, lowered each down with a rope and a pulley system. And every time, he prayed that God would help him save one more. Doss rescued some of the same men who had earlier mocked him. In several ways, Private Doss is a picture of the apostle Paul here. On the outside, Paul looked weak. His detractors critiqued him for his small stature and for not being an eloquent speaker and for his humble demeanor. Yet, despite their perception of his weakness, the apostle, in reality was a formidable warrior. And like Doss, Paul risked his life to save others. In Paul's case, the battle was spiritual, and he was rescuing their souls. Really, this whole chapter, chapter 10, is about perceptions and reality. Some of the Corinthians had a faulty perception that Paul was weak and he was therefore “walking according to the flesh”  (verse 2). But the reality was quite the opposite. So, this morning, we'll be re-orienting our perceptions to reality. That is what the apostle Paul is seeking to do. 2 points this morning related to that. 1. Reorienting our disposition to the meekness of Christ. Our disposition is our attitude or our posture in relation to others. Reorienting our disposition to the meekness of Christ. That is in verses 1-2. 2. Reorienting our warfare to the power of Christ. That is in verses 3-6. Reorienting our warfare to the power of Christ. 1. Reorienting our disposition So, first… reorienting our disposition. Now, let me ask, what was the critique of Paul in these verses? Well, they were saying that Paul was bold when he was writing to them, but he was wimpy in their presence. They believed Paul didn't have the guts to challenge them face to face. Even though his letters were bold, he was weak. He was therefore walking in the weakness of his flesh. In the Greco-Roman culture of the time, strength was found in external displays of power like physical presence and bold rhetoric. In other words, if you could grab the attention of a crowd through eloquent speech and puffed up confidence you would be elevated in society. A gentle and humble spirit was not a trait of a strong leader. So, in the eyes of Paul's detractors, he was unworthy. He could not be a true apostle because he did not fit their perception of what an apostle should be like. Now, look at verse 1. Paul goes right to the heart of their problem. He opens with a direct appeal to Christ. He says, “I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” The false apostles had critiqued him as weak because of his meekness and gentleness. And in response, he directs them to Christ. He was saying, “If you are going to critique me and my apostleship because of my humble disposition, you are actually critiquing Christ.” To be sure, yes Jesus was very forceful at times. Like his criticism of the pharisees' hypocrisy. But overall his disposition was gentle and humble. Jesus ministered with compassion and meekness to those who came to him. Those who were suffering or those who were convicted of their sin. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Paul was appealing to Jesus' gentleness and meekness as the pattern which he, as an apostle, was modelling. It's hard to argue with that. To be sure, someone can be bold and humble at the same time. Speaking the truth in love is having a godly confidence but also having a humble spirit when conveying God's truth. Paul was a sinner, just like you and me. He recognized the mercy of God in his life, just as we should. He was bold but humble because of the undeserved grace of God. That is very different than the self-centered confidence of the false apostles. All they focused on was external. That is why Paul didn't measure up to them. These so-called apostles cared about someone's cultural credentials like physical stature and social status and financial means. Paul's suffering and meekness went against their norms. In their minds, that disqualified Paul as an apostle. But Paul flips their understanding on its head. They needed to reorient their perception of Paul using Christ's disposition. Just as Jesus was gentle and meek, so should those be who serve and lead. Ok, reorienting our disposition to the meekness of Christ. That #1. 2. Reorienting our warfare And now, number 2 – reorienting our warfare to the power of Christ. You see, part of the problem was that the false teachers were fighting the wrong battle with the wrong weapons. They thought that to win the battle of culture they needed to use the culture's weapons. Remember, they considered themselves Christians. We'll see in chapter 11 that they even called themselves “super apostles.” They had those Greco-Roman traits that Paul did not have. They were superior to him in stature, eloquence, and social standing. They were the ones, they believed, who could truly fight the battle. But not only were they fighting the wrong battle with the wrong weapons, they were not even on the right side of the war. Look at verse 3. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.” Paul is saying, “yes, we are flesh and blood. We are embodied souls that live on this earth. But that does not mean that the battlefield is in the flesh. In fact, it is not.” And then he goes on to describe the spiritual battle. By the way, there's something here that is not obvious to us. Verses 4 to 6 use the language of military siege against a fortified city. Here's how it goes: ·      First, an army would attack the stronghold. The stronghold was the fortified wall around the city. They used special weapons like battering rams and catapults and ladders. ·      Second, at the same time they would take down the elevated defenses - the lofty defenses, you know like towers with archers, or other defenses that were protecting the city. ·      Then, third, after a city was conquered, the invading army would take the inhabitants captive. They would enslave them or parade them as symbols of conquest. ·      And last, they would punish any disobedience – those who would not willingly submit or who would continue to rebel against their conquest. It the same progression.  First destroying strongholds and every argument. Second, destroying lofty opinions. Those ideas that perpetuate the false beliefs. Third, taking captive every thought and turning them to Christ, and finally, if necessary, punishing disobedience. Those that persist to teach or live in a way contrary to Christ. Do you see that? And Paul is very clear that it is not a battle of flesh and blood. Look at verse 4. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” We are engaged in a cosmic war. We are fighting over what is true and right and good. The world is full of perspectives on those things, let me call them worldviews… It is full of worldviews that seek to make sense of the reality outside of us and inside of us. That is why verse 5 talks about arguments and opinions and knowledge. That is why Paul is saying that our weapons are not of the flesh. Our weapons are not those external things like flashy performances or political might or social power. What then are our weapons? Well, we read about them earlier from Ephesians 6. Our weapons are truth and righteousness, our weapons are faith in Christ and salvation in him, and we're given the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God. These are the spiritual weapons that God has given us to fight the cosmic war. Here's what Paul was saying to them. “You have mocked me as weak. But as a true apostle, I am waging the cosmic spiritual war with the divine power of God almighty.” That's the phrase there: “divine power” What is that divine power? What is the divine power that will tear down the strongholds and lofty opinions and take every thought captive and punish disobedience? It is the power of Christ. It is the power of the cross. The divine power that destroys the strongholds and arguments is the salvation that God has accomplished for us in Christ - in his death and resurrection. I am not saying that to try and shoe-horn the Gospel into this passage. Rather, I am saying that because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been the unifying theme of every single chapter of 2 Corinthians. To highlight some of it… ·      The Gospel is the victory spoken of in chapter 2 as we spread the fragrance of Christ. ·      It is the transforming power of the new Covenant spoken of in chapter 3. ·      It is the surpassing power mentioned in chapter 4, which we carry in our jars of clay bodies. ·      In chapter 5, it is the means through which we are reconciled to God… remember, we are given the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ·      And one more, in chapters 8 and 9, God's grace in Christ is the foundation of God's work to support his churches. Jesus who was rich, became poor so that in our spiritual poverty, we may become rich. The divine power of God in the cross of Christ. Through it and the resurrection God has defeated sin and death and the devil. Those are the strongholds. The weapons of the flesh cannot defeat those enemies. Now, it is very common to hear that believing in Christianity takes a “leap of faith.” Have you heard that? Some believe that Christianity is not reasonable or rational. However, the Scriptures never say that having faith means that you have to check your mind at the door. Look one more time at verse 5. “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” We, in part, believe Christianity because it does answer central matters of life. It answers the questions of our existence and our purpose. Christianity presents a clear understanding of a moral order that transcends all humanity. It's very difficult to dispute that. In fact, the corruption of the human heart and evil in the world are central aspects to a Christian worldview. That is why these verses speak of waging war. In other words, evil and sin and death do not disprove Christianity, rather their undisputed existence testifies to Christianity and the need for salvation. I could go on and include the historicity of Christianity or the logical consistency of Christianity, but for the sake of time, let me just say that Christianity is not a passive religion devoid of answers. Rather, the Scriptures beautifully convey a transcendent God, who is both loving and just. And at the very heart of that love and justice is the wonder of the person and work of Jesus. To put it simply, the faith that Christianity calls for is not a blind faith. Rather it is a faith that sees the world around us and knows our own corrupt hearts… and submits to the God who is sovereign and who saves. Faith is a reasonable response to something real. Christianity takes every thought captive (every misleading thought captive) to the obedience of Christ. Let me take a brief tangent. We love that phrase. You know, taking every thought captive to Christ. I love it. I desire to take every thought captive in my life. However, in context, it is speaking of taking the errant thoughts of the false teachers captive. That is what God is doing through Paul in this letter. He's correcting the false beliefs and voices in Corinth with the truth of the Gospel. To be sure, that doesn't mean we can't apply that phrase to our lives. We all have thoughts and beliefs that need to be taken captive to Christ. How do we do that? Well, first of all, it says, take every thought captive to obey Christ. So, it is more than just beliefs. It includes taking any thoughts that dishonor Christ and submitting them to him. We should ask, do my thoughts align with God's Word? Are they false or do they truly reflect the truth? Are my thoughts covetous or prideful or idolatrous? Are my thoughts God honoring and worshipful? Are my thoughts idle? Or am I seeking to transform them and grow in my knowledge of God and his Word? And let me say, it is spiritual warfare.  When you take every thought captive to Christ, you are preparing for and fighting… the spiritual battles against sin and death and the devil. So, beloved in Christ, yes, take every thought captive to obey Christ. And finally in verse 6, Paul continues. “being ready to punish any disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” That last phrase can be somewhat difficult to understand. What does it mean when it says  “when your obedience is complete?” The answer is in the situation. Remember, the Corinthian church had turned a corner. Through the work of God's Spirit through Paul and others, many in Corinth had returned to a faithful understand of God's truth. In other words, the church had begun the process of being restored to faithful obedience. What verse 6 is simply referencing is that they were nearing the end of that restoration. And when that obedience was complete, to use the words here, any remaining unfaithfulness would need to be dealt with. In essence it's talking about spiritual discipline. The spiritual battle includes the church's responsibility to maintain purity and faithfulness to Christ. Conclusion. So, to recap, these verses reorient us to God's reality. 1, they reorient our disposition to see the meekness and humility of Christ. Paul modelled that humility as a true apostle. 2. They reorient our understanding of the war that is being fought. It is a spiritual war which requires weapons of faith. And the ultimate weapon that destroys the stronghold is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of Christianity centers on this great truth, through which we take every thought captive. I included verse 7 because it ties the first 6 verses together. Paul says to the Corinthians, “look at what is before your eyes.” In other words, can you now see what is true and what comes from Christ and what is false and comes from the flesh? If truly you are in Christ… know this, so also are we. It's an appeal to reembrace Christ in his fulness and to fight with Paul, not against him in the spiritual battle of truth. The morning after Desmon Doss rescued his fellow soldiers, everything changed. They had a new respect for Doss. Before his unit resumed their attack on Hacksaw Ridge, they asked Doss to pray, and they waited for him to finish. And that day they overcame the enemy. Doss received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. In fact, he was the first ever to receive the medal without carrying a weapon of the flesh (to use the language here). May we fight not with the weapons of the flesh, but with the spiritual weapons of Christ, in his meekness and power.

Are you curious about spiritual gifts? Do you desire to see the power of the Holy Spirit manifest more profoundly in your life and church community? In this episode, Pastor Mirek delves into the crucial biblical teachings on spiritual gifts and gives us insights about how we need to desire the Spiritual Gifts: Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit."He'll explore the Apostle Paul's urgent message to the Corinthian church, a community rife with challenges yet called to operate in divine power. Learn about the nature and purpose of gifts such as prophecy, healing, wisdom, and tongues, and why 1 Corinthians 14:1 encourages us to "pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

1 Corinthians: A Church Gone Wild - Chapter 6 ContinuedPodcast from Nfluence Church | Granger, IndianaFeaturing: Pastor Lucas Miles

1 Corinthians: A Church Gone Wild - Chapter 6 ContinuedPodcast from Nfluence Church | Granger, IndianaFeaturing: Pastor Lucas Miles

In a culture wrestling with identity and honor, Paul challenges the Corinthian church to reflect God's glory through their worship and relationships. This message explores how outward expressions—like head coverings—were tied to inward postures of humility, reverence, and love. At …

In this enlightening dialogue, Kendall Vanderslice elucidates the profound connection between baking and spirituality as articulated in her book, "Bake & Pray." The discourse centers on the concept of communion, suggesting that the act of baking can serve as a meaningful spiritual practice that fosters unity within the church. Vanderslice posits that the elements of Eucharist—specifically bread—can transcend divisions and cultivate a deeper sense of community among congregants. As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the theological significance of bread in various cultural contexts, emphasizing the narrative power of food within the Christian tradition. The episode culminates with co-host TJ Blackwell and host Joshua Noel sharing their personal experiences with recipes from Vanderslice's book, urging listeners to remain engaged until the end for this delectable discussion.The podcast features an enlightening conversation between Joshua Noel and Kendall Vanderslice, delving into the profound themes presented in her book, "Bake & Pray." The discussion primarily focuses on the intersection of baking, spirituality, and communal worship, particularly in the context of the Eucharist. Vanderslice elucidates how the act of baking bread can serve as a spiritual practice, fostering a deeper connection to faith and community. The conversation also touches upon the significance of communion in the church, exploring how the elements of the Eucharist can unite congregants rather than divide them, as historically noted in the Corinthian context. This discussion is enriched by Vanderslice's insights into the liturgical calendar and the various recipes she integrates into her teachings, demonstrating that baking can indeed be a sacred act that reflects one's faith journey. The episode further emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and historical contexts in relation to bread and communion. Vanderslice articulates the notion that the flavors, textures, and traditions surrounding bread can be a means of storytelling, linking various Christian practices across the globe. As the conversation progresses, listeners are invited to contemplate the significance of shared meals, both in everyday life and church settings, and how these gatherings can serve as a foundation for unity and understanding within the faith community. The episode culminates in a delightful segment where co-host TJ Blackwell joins Joshua to discuss their personal experiences with recipes from the book, offering practical insights and encouragement for listeners to engage in baking as a spiritual practice.Listeners are encouraged to embrace baking as not merely a culinary endeavor but as a holistic approach to spirituality and community life, fostering connections that transcend denominational divides. The dialogue ultimately serves as an invitation to explore how acts of creation, such as baking, can enrich one's faith experience and contribute to a more unified church body.> A profound exploration of the interrelation between baking and spirituality unfolds as Joshua Noel engages Kendall Vanderslice in a thought-provoking dialogue regarding her book, "Bake & Pray." The episode delves into how the act of baking can transcend mere sustenance, becoming a form of worship and a vehicle for communal connection. Vanderslice articulates the spiritual dimensions of baking, drawing parallels between the preparation of bread and the sacred elements of the Eucharist. The conversation sheds light on the transformative power of shared meals and how the rituals surrounding bread can cultivate unity within the church, echoing the teachings of St. Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians.Throughout the discourse, Vanderslice emphasizes the theological implications of communion, urging listeners to reflect on how the church can embrace a more inclusive and meaningful practice of the sacrament....

The reality of ministry is that it is filled with joys and sorrows, highs and lows, glory and dishonor. Paul highlights suffering for the gospel, which seems pointless to those who don't know the treasure of Christ, but worthwhile to those who know the joy of our Savior. Joy and affliction seem like an impossible pairing, but Paul reminds the Corinthian church that God comforts the downcast, and that grief can lead to needed change in a person's heart or to reconciliation with one another, both which bring lasting joy. This kind of grief, which Paul highlights as “godly grief” leads to repentance. But there is another kind of grief, which Paul identifies as “worldly grief,” which leads only to death. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In a culture obsessed with independence, grit, and getting it all done, the idea that surrender leads to strength feels... wrong. And yet, Scripture says it's the secret weapon. When life unravels and your strength runs dry, it’s not the end of your story—it’s the beginning of God’s power showing up. Key Takeaways Surrender Isn’t Quitting—It’s Trading UpPaul didn’t just survive his suffering—he thrived because he stopped striving. He let God fill the gap. Real strength begins when our grip loosens. Weakness is a Holy InvitationIt’s not just okay to be weak—it’s spiritually strategic. That place of limitation? That’s the landing pad for divine power. Control is a Mirage, Trust is a FortressMegan’s story hits home: when nothing on the outside changed, everything on the inside did. Why? Because she shifted from self-reliance to God-dependence. You Don’t Need More Strength. You Need More Surrender.The peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7) doesn’t come from more willpower—it comes from more willingness to let Christ carry you. Join the Conversation Ever experienced the moment where you hit your limit—and God met you there with supernatural strength? Tell us about it with #LifeaudioNetwork. Your story might just be the hope someone else needs today.

In this powerful message, we explore how our personal preferences can sometimes interfere with our ability to love others as Christ commanded. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, this sermon examines how the early Corinthian church struggled with division and how we face similar challenges today. Learn how to fix your eyes on Jesus rather than human glory, and discover the peace that comes from understanding our identity in Christ.amenpodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com