1 Corinthians
Fool's Wisdom
Thanksgiving For A Troubled Church
February 12, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…To the church of God in Corinth…I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge…He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”—I Corinthians 1:1-9 Today’s society and worldly culture does not surprise the Lord. During the time of Paul the Apostle, the town of Corinth and its people followed wicked practices and immoral customs. Although this city is dark and sinful, it became the backdrop of the radiant Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul is thankful for such great faithfulness and grace from God despite this town of such trouble. God saves us richly through Salvation and sanctification then and now. Pastor John Miller begins our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 titled, Thanksgiving for a Troubled Church.
Cliques In Corinth
February 19, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought…Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name…For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power”—I Corinthians 1:10-17 God’s command for his Church is that each part or member is whole, unison and of one accord. Believers should speak the same language of God’s love and God’s Gospel. Christians can find harmony and agreement as they serve in the same attitude and approach. Serving others and evangelizing is the good work of each church and it is a great blessing to recognize that Christ is not divided and either should his Church. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 titled, Cliques in Corinth.
The Foolishness And Weakness Of God
February 26, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate…God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord”—I Corinthians 1:18-31 Paul the Apostle says that there are only two kind of people—those who are saved and those who are perishing. Everyday when unbelievers will not accept the truth of the Gospel they continue to perish or persist to succumb to the end of this life with no good deliverance to heaven. God’s Kingdom, creation and redemption is for all who would come to the foot of the cross by faith. It is not by human intelligence or the measurement of man, which account for nothing but by Jesus Christ and the power of his blood. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 titled, The Foolishness and Weakness of God.
The Wisdom Of God
March 5, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power…What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words”—I Corinthians 2:1-13 God’s word is divine power and this is what Paul is saying. Put your faith in God and his truth and not in man and human ability. The Holy Spirit seeks, convicts and converts. The Holy Ghost who is one with the Father and the Son knows all things and searches the deep things of God. It is the power of God that saves and the wisdom and natural power of man cannot add any might or authority to God’s word. As each believer reads and hears the Scriptures the Holy Spirit will reveal God’s truth and experience God’s sanctifying power. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 2:1-13 titled, The Wisdom of God.
The Three Divisions Of Mankind
March 12, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ”—I Corinthians 2:14-16 What does the Bible say regarding the natural man, the spiritual man and the carnal man? The unregenerated heart cannot see the divine wisdom, mystery, and wisdom in the cross of Christ. The spiritual man or the saved believer receives by the power of the Holy Spirit the things of God’s Kingdom. The brethren of God’s Church continue in working out their salvation growing and bearing fruit looking forward to the Lord’s eternal promise. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 3:1-4 titled, The Three Divisions of Mankind.
Be Wise About Ministry – Part 1
March 19, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building”—I Corinthians 3:5-9 The work of the minister of a community church is to love God’s people and teach them God’s word bringing believers to a position of maturity in Christ. The family of the church shall love each other working together as servants of the Lord. A mature Christian seeks to show compassion and use his or her gifts to build the church for the glory of God. We do not build the individual person or the church by man’s wisdom but instead we press on towards the goal, which is God’s plan with increase and much good fruit and wise purpose. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 3:5-23 titled, Be Wise About Ministry.
Be Wise About Ministry – Part 2
April 2, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”—I Corinthians 4:1-2 The body of Christ ministers to both the saved and unsaved. As God entrusts his word with believers may we walk trustworthy of our calling with a devout heart and mind. May each Christian understand the importance of his or her place in God’s household. The Bible teaches that we are not to live undervalued or overvalued but knowing that all we have received comes from God and not by our own hand. In this honest meekness, we will walk in true grace and holy humbleness severing faithfully. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 titled, Be Wise About Ministry.
Sin Among The Saints
April 9, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me…Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?”—I Corinthians 4:14-21 The Apostle Paul warns the people and appeals to their hearts in tenderness that they would live in faithfulness and humility. Paul counsels the Church, informs believers to choose godly living and cautions those overconfident in their walk with God. The Lord calls his children to holiness and pure conduct keeping watch of any temptation. For the good of all Christian brothers and sisters, may we pray and do as Paul did as he declared and advised against sin, debauchery and immorality warning others of its danger. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 4:14-13; 5 titled, Sin Among The Saints.
Lawsuits Among The Lord’s People
April 16, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?…”—I Corinthians 6:1-11 The method of resolving disagreements is an area of life that the Lord finds important. One thing we know is that the Bible speaks about not taking our fellow believers to a government court of law to settle conflicts and quarrels. It is better that each Christian reconcile amongst their brothers and sisters and it is wise that the saints here on earth prepare for the way of life in the heavenlies. Responding to each other should include love, peace and the humbleness we have learned from Jesus Christ our Savior. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 titled, Lawsuits Among The Lord’s People.
Sexual Purity
April 23, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything…Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies”—I Corinthians 6:12-20 God created this world and as Christian believers, we may enjoy each facet. However, our bodies are to glorify the Lord and his purpose. Good intention will carefully manage freedom and liberty in Christ. May we not practice anything that will damage and break fellowship with God and forget our devotion and faith. Sin is a serious consequence and immoralities bring suffering and undo pain. It is a slippery slop from a seemingly small act of delight to full degradation, misery and shame hurting all involved. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 titled, Sexual Purity.
Questions About Marriage – Part 1
April 30, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer”—1 Corinthians 7:1-5 The people of the church in Corinth ask Paul the Apostle a series of questions in a letter and now Paul answers the letter. Some of the questions consider food offered to idols and public worship as well as questions regarding what happens to our bodies after death. Now here in this part of Paul’s letter he is answering the questions about marriage. He speaks of married couples in a practical sense, married couples when both are believers and the couples that are uneven in their beliefs. God’s design is best and here Paul is explaining this concept. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 7:1-11 titled, Questions About Marriage.
Questions About Marriage – Part 2
May 7, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”—1 Corinthians 7:12-16 Starting in Chapter 7 of First Corinthians, we learn that the people of the church had questions regarding married believers. Good advice makes a person wise and Godly counsel is best coming straight from the Bible. One item of instruction on marriage and an unbelieving spouse says that the believer under God sanctifies a husband or wife. Other encouragement offers hope saying that there is a possibility that with great faith, prayer and patience the unbelieving spouse may come to the Lord and this is for the good of the family. Although it may seem difficult and even impossible, God’s word teaches Christians that with God all things are possible and he understands and cares for our marriages. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 titled, Questions About Marriage.
Questions About Singleness
May 14, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them…”—1 Corinthians 7:17-20 “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them…”—1 Corinthians 7:17-20 Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 7:17-40 titled, Questions About singleness.
Principles Of Christian Liberty – Part 1
May 28, 2014 • Pastor John Miller
“Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live…But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”—I Corinthians 8 As Christians we know it is always wrong to murder, steal and lie however what about the biblical laws concerning things eaten or consumed. There are so many areas of life that many question to be either good or bad within their walk with the Lord. The Bible teaches the principles of freedom in Christ which ask the question of motivation. What we do should edify and glorify God and at the same time, our choices in life should benefit and help others as we show the love of God. We do know that God loves us and will give us the knowledge and reason to love him and to love each other. Pastor John Miller continues our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with an expository message through 1 Corinthians 8 titled, Principles of Christian Liberty.