Crossroads Church

G.K. Beale states, “What people revere they resemble either to their ruin or restoration.” What we love shapes our lives, our priorities, and patterns. So what happens when we are chasing the wrong things? This morning, we will look together to recognize and remove the idols of our lives, replacing them with the One we were made to revere.

We have heard the phrase “imitation is the highest form of flattery,” but when it comes to following Jesus, it is also the best practice. When learning something new, it is always helpful to have someone who can show you how to do it. The same is true of our faith. Following Jesus means a lifetime of seeking to live, love, and act as He did while pointing others to do the same. So where do we begin? Join us this morning as we look at 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

We’ve been given many blessings from God, but we often turn them into the source of our identity and joy rather than from the God who gave them. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-22, Paul gives believers a stark warning to worship the giver, not the gifts, and that our complete devotion is meant for the one true God.

We are continuing in our study of 1 Corinthians, picking up in chapter 9. In a conversation about the things that have a hold on our hearts and how we can live free from them, Paul uses his own life as an example. Laying down his own life for others, Paul helps us to better understand the right use of our rights as we follow in the way of Jesus.

We live in a world where self-sufficiency and freedom to live as we please are sought-after commodities. Our drive for autonomy can become an unforeseen enemy and an idol. As we step back into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in chapter 8, he reminds us that our actions speak loudly and can help or hinder those around us.

We all have had moments in life we wish we could have back. We have said words to someone we wish we hadn’t, we have treated someone unkindly, and at times, we sense there is something more to life than what we are experiencing. So, what do you do with this? We look to the one who has come to save. We recognize that the reality of the resurrection changes everything. All of us have fallen short, missed the mark, and need rescue, and Easter Sunday reminds us that Jesus saves.

Why did Jesus die? Our sins demand death. On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus, in His great love, died the death we deserved (1 Pet. 2:24), sacrificing Himself once and for all so that all who believe in Him may have life in Him.

Stepping into Palm Sunday, we will look at a moment in Jesus’ life where those around Him are disappointed and disoriented.  Events have not met expectations, and hope has been broken by present pain.  A place we all will experience at some point.  But Jesus speaks to the pain with a promise of resurrection and a promise of life.