The Struggle For Unity

First Covenant Church of Willmar

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The Struggle For Unity

January 15, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • 1 Corinthians 1:1–17

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The Apostle Paul is frequently recognized for his extensive missionary work. He planted many churches and sent several letters encouraging, rebuking, and instructing local congregations. Years later, as the Holy Spirit-led church compiled the Gospel accounts and Epistles we have today, several of Paul’s letters were included -- undoubtedly because the issues Paul was addressing are constant struggles for the Church. In a letter to the Church in Corinth, which we know as First Corinthians, Paul addresses several issues central to their life in Christ Jesus. Of primary importance to Paul is his concern for unity. Dis-unity is not unique to the Church in Corinth. Paul would instruct the Church in Ephesus to maintain the unity they have in Christ Jesus, recognizing that to do so takes effort, commitment, and intentionality. It would seem that seeking unity with others is not our natural default condition, but it is the condition of those who regard themselves as mature in faith.

Over the next five weeks, we will explore the opening chapters of First Corinthians wherein Paul specifically addresses the need for unity within the church. He also offers four methods for achieving unity. The methods are as relevant and counter-cultural for the Christian Church of America as it was for the Church in Corinth.

In preparation for this Sunday’s message, read 1 Corinthians 1:1-17.

Under New Management

April 30, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • 1 Peter 2:11–25

Being a follower of Jesus means our lives are under "new management." We are not our own, but we have been redeemed (purchased) from our own lives of self-destruction and into the eternal inheritance of God as His children. This doesn’t mean we keep living life as we had been with added “peace of mind.” We have a new master -- which is why we call Jesus, LORD. Under our new management, we are expected to see and interact with the world around us differently. Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring Peter’s letter to churches in what is now modern-day Turkey. These cultural foreigners were also spiritual foreigners and exiles; their forever home was not of this world. Their lives were built upon the foundation of God’s grace and mercy found in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the source of the Christian's joy and the inspiration for Christian love. This week we explore the calling and the challenges facing Christians living Godly lives in a pagan society. In preparation for this Sunday, read 1 Peter 2: 11-25

Unity: Practice Stewardship to Live Missionally.

February 12, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • 1 Corinthians 4:1–20

This Sunday we conclude our series on Christian unity. In the opening chapters of his letter to the Church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul addresses the source of division among the Christians and offers up four methods for maintaining unity instead of succumbing to the worldly patterns which ultimately lead to division, accusation, and conflict. Thus far, Paul has suggested that to maintain unity they must: Focus on the Cross of Christ. Accept that true wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. Recognize the fundamental equality of all believers. This Sunday, we will consider Paul’s final method for securing unity, Practice Stewardship to Live Missionally. Paul concludes his calls for unity by pointing out that it is foolish to suggest divisions based upon the very individuals who were sent as stewards of God’s mission to the Corinthians. If the Christians in Corinth really wanted to reflect the character of the Apostles who served among them as evangelists and pastors, then they should try to emulate their humility and their faith. The first Apostles saw themselves as stewards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their mission was fully dependent upon their faithful stewardship of this treasure. They knew that they represented the Master and that at some point the Master was going to return. The early Apostles did nothing in order to elevate themselves, but instead sought only to elevate Jesus. In preparation for this Sunday, read 1 Corinthians, Chapter 4. Don’t be misled by Paul’s use of sarcasm (verses 8-10). ----------- This Sunday will also be our service of farewell to Pastor Dan May. As part of our morning worship service we will hold a service of farewell. Immediately following that service will be a cake reception in the lower level fellowship hall for all congregants to connect with Dan and Jill. Cards of gratitude and appreciation are encouraged.

Unity: Recognize the Fundamental Equality of All Believers

February 5, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • 1 Corinthians 3

The Apostle Paul spent 18 months in the city of Corinth (see Acts 18), preaching the gospel of Jesus and planting churches. You can imagine that in that time Paul faced many obstacles and embraced many opportunities. He left the city confident that they would continue to grow in their faithful obedience to Jesus and increase as more and more people came to believe. However, somehow the church in Corinth became divided and factions arose claiming different apostles and evangelists as their teachers and guides. This division grieved Paul deeply and the opening chapters of his first letter address this concern specifically. Paul presents four methods which Christians must use in order to keep unity and not fall into the worldly patterns of division, quarreling and competition. Method #1 - Focus on the Cross of Christ. Never forget that it is Jesus who saved them. Our only proper response to such an act of mercy is gratitude. Method #2 - Accept that true wisdom comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. God is not distant, the Holy Spirit inhabits the Church as God’s Spirit guiding and leading in all wisdom. This is not only cause for gratitude but also humility. This Sunday we will look at chapter three and consider Method #3 - Recognize the fundamental equality of all believers. Ironically, this equality is realized in servanthood. Competition, comparison and merit based rewards are some of the worldly pursuits which infiltrate the church. This was just as true in Corinth as it is today. Paul found such practices within the church counterproductive to the work of the gospel and clear sign that they had lost sight of their divine purpose. Could Paul’s rebuke still hold truth for the Christian Church today? In preparation for this Sunday, read 1 Corinthians 3.