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We are continuing in our study of 1 Corinthians, picking up in chapter 9. In a conversation about the things that have a hold on our hearts and how we can live free from them, Paul uses his own life as an example. Laying down his own life for others, Paul helps us to better understand the right use of our rights as we follow in the way of Jesus.

We live in a world where self-sufficiency and freedom to live as we please are sought-after commodities. Our drive for autonomy can become an unforeseen enemy and an idol. As we step back into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in chapter 8, he reminds us that our actions speak loudly and can help or hinder those around us.

We all have had moments in life we wish we could have back. We have said words to someone we wish we hadn’t, we have treated someone unkindly, and at times, we sense there is something more to life than what we are experiencing. So, what do you do with this? We look to the one who has come to save. We recognize that the reality of the resurrection changes everything. All of us have fallen short, missed the mark, and need rescue, and Easter Sunday reminds us that Jesus saves.

Why did Jesus die? Our sins demand death. On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus, in His great love, died the death we deserved (1 Pet. 2:24), sacrificing Himself once and for all so that all who believe in Him may have life in Him.

Stepping into Palm Sunday, we will look at a moment in Jesus’ life where those around Him are disappointed and disoriented.  Events have not met expectations, and hope has been broken by present pain.  A place we all will experience at some point.  But Jesus speaks to the pain with a promise of resurrection and a promise of life.

We are often told not to judge a book by its cover, and yet we do it all the time. We judge people based off external actions and impressions, and at times allow this to motivate our own actions as well. But here Paul reminds us, we have been bought with a price, we have been set free, and there is nothing we can do, no image we can create, no action that can earn us what we have already been given.

What are the Biblical grounds for divorce? How are we to heal from divorce? What does the Bible say about divorce? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives instructions on how we are to walk through such moments as we follow in the way of Jesus.

Where is your refuge? Is it in your successes, accomplishments, or your ability to overcome an obstacle? Psalm 16 reminds us that our refuge is only found in the Lord, and in Him we can delight.

Those who are single can often feel as though the church has much to say about families, but not much to offer those who are not married or raising kids. As the number of people who are single is on the rise in our country, Paul has much to say to those who are single and the gift that it can be. Whether you are single or not, Paul has something here for all of us to pay attention to.

Sex in the context of marriage is a good thing. But like most good things, we can distort them and turn them into a bad thing. We can make sex about our own satisfaction and selfishness, a means to an end. Paul has much to say about how we are to approach sex within marriage.

"Sex and what we do with our bodies is no big deal, right?" At least that is what we are often told. The problem with this is that it isn't true. Sex, and what we do with our bodies, is a big deal. Our bodies and our choices are designed and created to bring glory to God. So, why does this matter, and what can it look like in our lives?

We are jumping into 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Have you ever had this thought: “Well, at least I am not as bad as that person!” If you have, you are not alone. As Paul continues his letter to the Corinthians, he lists characteristics we are to avoid. The problem with this list is that we are all on there somewhere; the good news is, we don’t have to stay there.

In a day and age where everyone is quick to disagree and divide, how are we to live as followers of Jesus? Disagreements are inevitable within the church, but how we handle them speaks volumes about what we believe and who we believe in. We'll look at 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 this morning to gain wisdom on how to navigate these challenges.

Today, we are looking at 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 and how it is easy to look at the world around us and feel discouraged. We see people taking advantage of others, harming themselves, and chasing after things that can never fully satisfy. So what happens when this isn’t just in the world around us, but this way of life enters the church? How are we to respond, and how are we to live in the world but not of the world?