Imitation is inevitable - so chose wisely who you imitate. Paul demonstrates a vision of discipleship in the church.

Why pray?

The cross of Jesus not only saves us, but shapes us: into beggars, sojourners, and givers.

When we live for other's praise - we are living under the tyranny of scrutiny. That is the life we know. But is there a way to be free from all that? Paul provides a truth that enables him to say: "it matters very little how others scrutinize me."

Paul gets to the root of Corinth's "Pastoral Attachment Disorder": every Christian everywhere already has everything in Christ. There is no need to elevate human leaders because we have everything with Christ.

Paul tells us that we are God's building. What could this rich image possibly mean for us in our day to day lives? More than you probably imagine.

Paul's answer to strife and jealousy is not as simple as saying "stop it!" He re-centers the church around God. What are the marks of a God-centered church?

We all want to be spiritual. But is there such a thing as true spirituality? What happens when we allow the true God to define the terms of our spirituality?

How does a person change? Every culture has an answer to this question, and it is a variation of the same theme: a personal practice = change. Paul walks in and tells us a different formula: change does not come from a practice, it comes from a person.

The message of the cross confronts the way we often think of wisdom and power. In an achievement culture, we often rely on ourselves. But the cross turns the church into a receiving culture - where we rely on Jesus.