Bethlehem Baptist Church, NZ

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

God engages us even when we are in the depths of our sin, and he calls us to return to him for forgiveness and restoration. As we journey along the path of God’s holy way we will lose heart and stumble; however, God graciously provides strength and endurance for us. Charles Spurgeon, the great English preacher of the nineteenth century, once said, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.” When we encounter trials that are beyond our strength, or weaknesses within that tempt us to quit our race, we should instead be grateful for the continual reminder that our only hope while on this journey is complete and total dependence on the grace and strength of God.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

God engages us even when we are in the depths of our sin, and he calls us to return to him for forgiveness and restoration.

As we journey along the path of God’s holy way we will lose heart and stumble; however, God graciously provides strength and endurance for us.

Charles Spurgeon, the great English preacher of the nineteenth century, once said, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.” When we encounter trials that are beyond our strength, or weaknesses within that tempt us to quit our race, we should instead be grateful for the continual reminder that our only hope while on this journey is complete and total dependence on the grace and strength of God.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

Isn’t it amazing that the creator of the universe would choose to interact with us? We are broken, but He chooses to use us, chooses to transform us – so that we may bring Him glory! With extended music, communion and creative elements, this will be a time to sing, dance, reflect and respond to our incredible Creator – to glorify His name and worship Him unashamedly.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.

The church in Corinth was in trouble. They were divided. They were immature. They were abusing the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and each other. The apostle Paul had founded this church earlier (Acts 18), and when he hears of the young church’s struggles, he writes them a letter. And it’s a bold one. He tackles the issues the church faces, reprimands them for their shortcomings, and encourages them in love. First Corinthians is not a step-by-step guide to solving church problems, however. Instead of telling the church precisely what to do, Paul proposes a new perspective: put God’s glory first. It’s the key to overcoming these struggles.