Paul urges us to pursue the Christian life with the intensity of a runner training to win a race. He then turns to the story of Israel’s journey out of Egypt to warn us about the dangers of sin. In the ‘Exodus Map’ we can see a scale model of the Christian spiritual journey. Warning:
Is it better to have church leaders financially supported by the church, or self-supported through secular work? It depends! Paul makes the case for church-supported ministers, then explains why he personally chose the other way. In this lesson we explore the advantages of both alternatives. We also consider what Paul meant when he called us
Church-Supported or Self-Supported Ministers? (1 Corinthians 9:1-23) View Lesson
Church-Supported or Self-Supported Ministers? (1 Corinthians 9:1-23) View Lesson
Eating meat sacrificed to idols? What does that topic offer Christians today? Perhaps more than you realize! Well over a billion people belong to religions where classical idolatry is still rampant. Plus, various forms of idolatry have crept into the Christian church. We also gain important insights as Paul emphasizes the importance of loving others
On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) View Lesson
On Idolatry and Loving Others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13) View Lesson
This book provides stirring imagery, strong warnings and even some little-known prophecies about Jesus. A courageous prophet brings a message of judgment against God's people, with a significant theme being Israel's lack of concern for the poor. We take the opportunity to explore what the Scriptures teach about caring for the poor, an essential aspect
In many churches, the ‘ideal’ Christian lifestyle held up is to be married with a family. However, Paul (and Jesus) had a rather different perspective. In this message we explore Paul’s view on the spiritual advantages of the single way of life. This is an important lesson for those who are single, for church leaders,
On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40) View Lesson
On the Single Way of Life (1 Corinthians 7:25-40) View Lesson
Paul offers practical teaching on the relations of husbands and wives, including refraining from intimacy during times of prayer and fasting. He also tackles a number of questions. Should widows or widowers remarry after the death of their spouse? During times of struggle, is separation from your Christian spouse ever appropriate? What about divorce? And finally, what if a
On Marriage and Separation (1 Corinthians 7:1-24) View Lesson
On Marriage and Separation (1 Corinthians 7:1-24) View Lesson
Here Paul first addresses conflicts among brothers that had escalated to lawsuits in secular courts. Paul explains how and why such conflicts must be resolved solely within the church. Second, he admonishes Christians to "flee from sexual immorality”, providing several reasons why this terrible sin must be uprooted from the body of Christ. Two memorable
On Sexual Immorality and Lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6) View Lesson
On Sexual Immorality and Lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6) View Lesson
In this short book, we are privy to a conversation between Habakkuk, an honest prophet, and the Lord. Habakkuk questions injustices he sees, and the Lord provides a troubling response. Through the Lord's answers come some of the most important themes from all of the Old Testament. New Testament writers use this text to establish that
In what would be considered quite controversial today for many Christians, Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a wicked brother from the fellowship. We consider the various reasons Paul gives for this public discipline. We also tackle an extremely misunderstood topic: what the Scriptures teach about judging others, including when we are called to
Judging and Expelling Wicked People from the Church (1 Corinthians 5) View Lesson
Judging and Expelling Wicked People from the Church (1 Corinthians 5) View Lesson
Paul contrasts the kind of wisdom valued by the world with the wisdom of God. Worldly wisdom includes focusing on prominent human leaders, fostering division in the church. We explore how to gain true Godly wisdom and how Paul relied on the Old Testament to bring God's wisdom to the Gentile church in Corinth. Should
The Two Kinds of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:21) View Lesson
The Two Kinds of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:21) View Lesson