What does it take for a church to remain unified?

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What does it take for a church to remain unified?

1 Corinthians, Part 3

October 29, 2023 • Tyler Crosson • 1 Corinthians 9, 1 Corinthians 10, 1 Corinthians 8

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Knowledge vs. Love: Which One Builds Up the Church?

In this message, Tyler unpacks a heated debate in the early church - should believers eat meat sacrificed to idols or not? He explores how Paul rebuked both sides, not for being wrong, but for puffing themselves up with knowledge rather than building up the church in love.

This message challenges us to consider how we use our own knowledge of faith. Do we value being right over people? Or do we live like Jesus, who served us in love when we were at our worst?

Get ready to look inward and examine if your knowledge builds up or tears down. You'll be inspired to walk in greater love and unity with fellow believers.

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you experienced or have you ever placed "unwritten rules" on other people following Jesus? How did that turn out?

• As you evaluate your interactions with others, does your knowledge puff you up or help you build others up?

More from 1 Corinthians - A letter to them a word for us

Hope for them, and hope for us

November 12, 2023 • Tyler Crosson • 1 Corinthians 15

In this final message on 1 Corinthians, Tyler focuses on chapter 15, which Paul used as the glue holding his letter together. Paul's point: Jesus' resurrection anchors everything in our faith. Many eyewitnesses saw Jesus die and come back to life. This pivotal event changes everything - it proves Jesus defeated sin and death! The resurrection invites us to find new life in Christ today. Do we embrace this gift? Or do we struggle to know what to do with this history-altering truth? Tyler reminds us that because Jesus lives, we can face any challenge with hope. His resurrection doesn't erase pain, but gives us purpose, peace, and power to endure. Though written long ago, Paul's words still speak today. We serve a risen Savior who walks with us through every valley. Our faith can be anchored in the hope of Christ's empty tomb. Questions for Reflection: • Do you have any doubts or skepticism about Jesus' resurrection? What evidence speaks loudest to you - for or against? How could fully believing this change your perspective? • What areas feel "dead" or hopeless in your life right now? How can you invite Jesus into those spaces to bring new life and transformation? • If you truly believed Jesus rose and lives today, how would that change how you live starting tomorrow? What new courage or purpose might it give you?

The Secret to Thriving Churches: YOU

November 5, 2023 • Tyler Crosson • 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 1 Corinthians 12:29–31, 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, 1 Corinthians 13:11–13

In this timely message, Pastor Tyler unpacks 1 Corinthians 12 to address how churches can thrive today. He explains that God has gifted each believer - despite their differences - to serve others in love. Unity in diversity displays Christ's power. The key is moving from passivity to actively investing our gifts. Pastor Tyler challenges spectators to take next steps of service. He stresses that when each person uses their abilities to help others encounter Jesus, the church fully thrives. This ancient letter still speaks truth - we must mature from self-focus to putting love into action. Our world desperately needs the hope embodied in a church unified by faith, hope and love. Questions for Reflection: • What do you feel like is your giftedness to offer the church? How do you use that gift? • What is a next step you can take to put love into action?

What it means to honor God with your body

October 22, 2023 • Travis James, Brad Curtis • 1 Corinthians 6:13–20

Does God care about what we do with our bodies? In this conversation, Pastors Travis and Brad explore what Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians about honoring God with our bodies. God created us for a purpose - to reflect His image through how we live. Our choices matter, including those regarding sexuality and relationships. The conversation reminds us that Jesus provides redemption, healing, and an invitation into God's truth and goodness. No matter our past, we can live in light of our identity in Christ. As believers, our unity is found in Christ alone. We are called to holy lives that point others to Him. The big idea is that we honor God most when we steward our bodies according to His wise and loving design. Parental discretion is advised. Questions for Reflection: In light of Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians on honoring God with our bodies and maintaining unity in Christ, consider: • How can I reflect Christ's love to someone in a practical way this week? • What's one way I can honor God with my body and live a holy life?