We live in an un-nuanced age. Anytime a complicated or controversial topic comes up often people lean forward and listen for certain catch phrases so that they can categorize each other in one of two sides and either agree or disregard. But in I Corinthians 8-10 Paul deals with controversy by taking a humble, complicated, and nuanced view that ends up showing both sides where they are partially right and partially wrong. In this passage we will consider what we can learn from Paul about how to deal with conflict and how the Gospel frees Christians to disagree with each other in a way that is very different from the rest of the world.

What does idolatry have to do with people who are fully aware that idols are nothing but a block of wood? What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper? And why does God call himself a jealous God? These are some of the questions we will seek to answer this week as we look at I Corinthians 10:14-22.

There are very real dangers and temptations as we sojourn through this world. Paul warns us from Israel's wilderness wanderings that there are "No Gimmes" and "No Excuses." Yet, there is hope for sinners - God is faithful! This is the good news that forms our identity in Christ and gives us motivation to eagerly pursue him.  

Even though Paul knew that he was free from all he willingly chose to make himself a slave to everyone in order that he might win more people with the Gospel. Where did Paul get such a passion for the lost? Why did Paul believe that it was necessary to make sacrifices in order to better proclaim the Gospel? And what does all this have to do with us? These are just a few of the questions we will try and answer in this message.

In I Corinthians 9 Paul goes to great lengths to stand up for his “right” to receive financial support from the church. However, where most people stand up for their rights in order to exercise them, Paul stands up for his right only to lay it down again? Why? What could possibly entice Paul to joyfully lay down something he clearly had a right to?

      How do you view Christian freedom? Do you think of it as the right to do what you want or do you see freedom as the opportunity to consider the impact your choices might have on the weak? In I Corinthians 8, Paul shows us which one he chose and why he thought it was so important.

Knowledge puffs up. In this passage Paul argues that it is possible to have good theology and to speak true and accurate things about God without ever really knowing him. So what is the difference between this imaginary knowledge of God and true knowledge? In this passage Paul warns us about the danger of having an imaginary knowledge of God and he gives us a picture of what true knowledge looks like.

Sometimes marriage seems like it will fix our loneliness and longing for intimacy. However, Paul urges the Corinthians that are single to stay fully devoted to the Lord if they can. What if the intimacy we all long for, singles and married, is found in the person and work of Christ? And what if that same intimacy is something we will enjoy for all eternity? Listen and hear how eternity shapes the way we singles can love for the glory of God.

      What if Jesus didn’t really rise again from the dead? Have you ever thought about that question? In I Corinthians 15 Paul gives us a picture of what life would be like if Jesus didn’t rise again. It’s a pretty bleak picture and it's meant to wake us up to just how important the resurrection really is.

      How many of you find that your joy in life seems to rise and fall with your circumstances? How many of you feel like “If only ____” would happen then everything would be better? In I Corinthians 7:17-24 Paul addresses our slavery to our circumstances and calls us to embrace the freedom that Jesus came to offer. If you are wondering how such freedom could be possible then this message is for you.