Orderly Worship

Rev. Lane Stephenson

"Orderly Worship"

"What then?" Paul asks, as he concludes a lengthy section on public worship by giving very practical instructions that will bring order into the disorder that existed in the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 we see three key truths that are to shape and regulate our corporate worship of God. We will also note the two themes of edification and of self-control that run throughout Paul's words to a church whose worship did not edify those who worshiped or honor the God who was worshiped.

"I Want to Know What Love Is"

Rev. Dr. Stacey Cox

"I Want to Know What Love Is"

There are times in 1 Corinthians when the reader is tempted to engage in a good ol' fashioned head-scratching. Head coverings, meat sacrificed to idols, folks getting drunk at church - just to name a few issues. Sunday's passage is different. It's often read at weddings and even non-religious weddings. Paul's concern over unity in the church led him to focus on Christian love. What is it? Join us this week!

One Body, Many Parts

Rev. Lane Stephenson

"One Body, Many Parts”

Worship services in the church at Corinth were disorderly and divisive! As part of his effort to bring order out of disorder, Paul uses the simple illustration of the human body to demonstrate that Christ's body - the church - is also one body with many members. His words address two common problems faced in regard to understanding our place in Christ's church: That of underestimating our role and that of overestimating our role. Our sermon series continues this week with 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

"Watch Your Walk"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

"Watch Your Walk"

When's the last time you evaluated your walk with God? Out of habit and necessity we evaluate our investments, spending habits, and work performance. We often, in fact, spend all of our evaluative energy on such things, and so we lack the discipline of "watching our walk" (as Puritan theologian Richard Baxter put it). Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10 that it's crucial for us to develop the habit of examining our life with Christ. Join us this Sunday as we learn to develop this habit together.

"Love Builds Up"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

"Love Builds Up"

Gym rats all have one thing in common: They aim to improve their bodies. Strength, flexibility, and cardio are built for peak performance. Building up, not tearing down, is the goal. The Corinthians were an immature lot who struggled to remember they were one body. The rights and liberties they enjoyed in Christ were given to build one another up in love. This Sunday we'll discover how the rights we are gifted with come with a right use. Join us!

"Knowing God"

Rev. Dr. Stacey Cox

"Knowing God"

How do we get to know something or someone? The more complex an object, the more challenging it is to get to know it. For example, you might say you 'know' a book, or you 'know' your pet. And there is a level of intimacy in knowing both, but knowing my cat is a more complex knowing, and typically what I mean is I know my cat's temperament and tendencies. I've seen her 'in action.' Still, the cat can catch me by surprise - that's what they often do. Yet, unlike cats, people can keep secrets. It's hard to know what's going on inside. I can get 'to know' a cat in few days; it may take years to get to know a person and still never really know them. How about God? Do you know Him? How do you come to know Him? Join us Sunday for "Knowing God"!

"How Churches Fall Apart"

Rev. Dr. Stacey Cox

"How Churches Fall Apart"

The church at Corinth was on the skids. They held a record that no other New Testament church cared to claim: number of problems. At least fifteen problems were ripping the church at the seams. A church so blessed had fallen so far. Word had gotten to the church's founding pastor, the Apostle Paul himself. How did this happen? Sadly, it takes place too often, and Paul wastes little time in dealing head-on with the core issues in his letter to this beloved church. Join us Sunday for "How Churches Fall Apart"!