When the Remarkable Becomes Routine / 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 / How many of us find ourselves following the motions of Christian routine? How many of us have been apathetic towards towards our church family and ministry? What causes these seasons? In this study, we find Paul rebuking the church in Corinth for their selfish behavior within their worship services and calls them to reconsider the wonder of worship. We learn to examine ourselves and return to our first love.
Are we ready?
As we close out Mission Focus 2023, what are some things we need to consider as individuals and as a ministry? Are we ready for what is ahead of us?
God’s Divine Order of Authority / 1 Cor 11:1-16
1 Corinthians 11:1-16 / We live in a world exceptionally confused by issues of gender. In chapter 11 we discuss what it means to properly reflect God’s unique roles and structures for men and women. In this sermon we ask ourselves, do I know where I fit in God’s order? Do I know how to take culture into consideration as I seek to submit to God’s order?
Take Heed Lest Ye Fall pt 4 / 1 Cor 10:23-33
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 / In chapter 10 we continue looking at what it means to “take heed lest we fall”, specifically when we find ourselves tempted with sin or suffering. In this sermon we ask ourselves, does my behavior impact those around me in a negative way? Do the things that I assume are personal freedoms create hurdles to the gospel?
Take Heed Lest Ye Fall pt 3 / 1 Cor 10:14-22
1 Corinthians 10:14-22 / In chapter 10 we continue looking at what it means to “take heed lest we fall”, specifically when we find ourselves tempted with sin or suffering. In this sermon we ask ourselves, do I have any idolatry hiding in my life? Are there things in my life that I considered “harmless” that make God jealous for my worship?
The Significance of Remembering / 1 Cor 10:14-17
We are in the midst of celebrating 15 years of Midtown Baptist Temple. C&YA (the college and young adults ministry) takes some time here to reflect on all that Christ has done for us as a church but also as a fellowship.
Take Heed Lest Ye Fall pt 2 / 1 Cor 10:12-13
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 / In chapter 10 we continue looking at what it means to “take heed lest we fall”, specifically when we find ourselves tempted with sin or suffering. In this sermon we ask ourselves, does God see or care about my struggles? How do I take heed to God’s promises in order to withstand temptation?
Take Heed Lest Ye Fall pt 1 / 1 Cor 10:1-12
1 Corinthians 10:1-12 / In chapter 10 we take a sober look at the connection between view of God and our sin. Paul uses the Nation of Israel and the exodus from Egypt as a warning to the Corinthians of how sin is always waiting for us. In this sermon we ask the question, has selfish thinking made me vulnerable to sin?
A Disciplined Gospel / 1 Cor 9:24-27
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 / In chapter 9 we are discussing what it means to prefer the weak over ourselves, even in the way we share the gospel. Paul teaches us how to have a disciplined gospel, meaning a character and zeal shaped by our desire to see souls saved. We take time to answer the question, is my personal life optimized for preaching the gospel?
A Relational Gospel / 1 Cor 9:19-23
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 / In chapter 9 we are discussing what it means to prefer the weak over ourselves, even in the way we share the gospel. Paul teaches us how to have a relational gospel, built on personal sacrifice and flexibility. We take time to answer the question, is my personal life optimized for preaching the gospel?
A Blameless Gospel / 1 Cor 9:15-18
1 Corinthians 9:15-18 / In our previous sermon, Paul was discussing principles associated with why the church should support the elders that invest in their lives. Paul builds on those thoughts this week as we consider what whether or not our motives have the potential to taint the potency of the gospel. Have we been doing gospel ministry ‘our way’?
Generosity & Honor / 1 Cor 9:1-14
1 Corinthians 9:1-14 / What does it mean to make provision for the leaders in your life? Do my own personal desires cloud by ability to honor my authorities? Would I prefer to protect my self-interests over the risks of the mission? There is a lot to consider as Paul addresses how the gospel is what sustains him, even when those he seres fail to support with him.
Preferring the Weak / 1 Cor 8:1-13
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 / Paul continues to address tough questions that the Corinthian church had, this one, “is it wrong to eat meat that has been offered to false idols?”. Though this question is steeped in cultural history, it is very relevant to us today. Our question is “do we have the will to resist our desires for the sake of others?”
The Dynamics of Marriage & Singleness pt. 4 / 1 Cor 7:25-40
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 / Corinth was a church filled with confused ideas of marriage and divorce. Paul provides them with principles to find satisfaction in either their singleness or marriage. In this sermon, we ask ourselves “Do I have a proper perspective on my singleness in light of God’s mission? Do I see potential in my marriage for distraction from the mission?”.
The Dynamics of Marriage & Singleness pt. 3 / 1 Cor 7:17-24
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 / Corinth was a church filled with confused ideas of marriage and divorce. Paul provides them with principles to find satisfaction in either their singleness or marriage. In this sermon, we ask ourselves “Am I content with my current circumstances? Am I grateful for who God has called me to be?”.
The Dynamics of Marriage & Singleness pt. 2 / 1 Cor 7:6-16
1 Corinthians 7:6-16 / Corinth was a church filled with confused ideas of marriage and divorce. Paul provides them with principles to help them see their marriages as hopeful. In this sermon, we ask ourselves “how do I deal with spiritual disparity in my marriage or romantic relationship?”.
The Dynamics of Marriage & Singleness pt. 1 / 1 Cor 7:1-5
1 Corinthians 7:1-5 / Corinth was a city filled with wicked views of marriage and sex and the church was confused by what they were hearing and seeing. Paul provides them with principles to protect them from falling prey to their lusts. Do you know how to guard your self from sexual sin?
We Are Not Our Own / 1 Cor 6:12-20
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 / As Christians we have been saved from our sin: past, present, future. The church in Corinth was struggling to go back to their old sins and Paul tells them - “feel free”. But he begins to address the issue of their identity, perspective and motives. What motivates you to follow Christ over the temptation to sin?
Resolving Conflict in the Church / 1 Cor 6:1-11
1 Corinthians 6:1-11 / The church in Corinth has some unresolved conflict among their members and rather than dealing with it, chose to go before Roman law to seek mediation. Paul has a problem with this and we should too. God has given us everything we need to seek and find resolution in moments of disagreement or frustration with those in the family of God.
Discipline in the Church / 1 Cor 5
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 / In the family of God there are sometimes situations that require difficult and decisive decision-making. The church in Corinth had one of these situations; a member was involved in egregious sin that was harmful to them, harmful to the testimony of the church and harmful to the integrity of the assembly. What must be done when someone refuses to do what is right?