The church in Corinth had a problem with individual believers bringing lawsuits against one another. Paul gives the admonition to flee this kind of contention amongst the body and instead pursue reconciliation. This passage shows us the great need for peacemakers in the life of the local church!

Over Philippians 1:7-11, we see the deep love and affection of Paul for the local church. How should we as Christians think and even feel about the local church? What are biblical desires and affections for the church? Here in these verses we see how Christ bears fruit through His people to love the church and sacrificially serve for one another's good being guided by the truth of His Word.

Over the course of 1 Corinthians 5:6-13, we see the Apostle Paul continue addressing the situation of church discipline in the body. He warns the church that a little leaven will leaven the whole loaf. They need to take decisive action for the sake of the purity of the church and the good of souls to the glory of the Lord. May the Lord grant us humility to walk purely before Him as we rejoice in His redemptive work that has made us spotless before the Father!

Even though he is in prison and the church is facing various challenges, the themes of joy and thanksgiving are repeated over the letter of Paul to the church in Philippi. The Apostle Paul has joy because he knows the Lord Jesus Christ. We too as believers should have joy and thanksgiving because of Christ and His glorious work that He will bring to completion on the last day!

What can we learn from the conclusion of a letter? Over 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18, we see Paul encouraging the saints to press on in Christ. He directs them to not grow weary in doing, to submit to divine authority, and to live in peace knowing the Lord of peace is with them. In these verses, we are reminded of rich and practical encouragements that direct us toward faithfulness in the Lord.

Over the course of 1 Corinthians 4:6-21, we see the Apostle Paul exposing the pride within the Corinthian church. He desires for them to turn from the pride of the flesh so that they might humbly rejoice in the rich grace that comes through Christ. Faithful stewards are called to be humbly reliant on the grace and power of the Lord. May we be reminded of His perfect sufficiency as we seek His glory in all things!

Over the course of 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, the Apostle Paul calls the church to cast aside idleness and faithfully work seeking the glory of the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms us bringing us to know God and making us new creatures who long to seek God's glory. That reality shapes how we view the labor that God providentially places before us each day. May we be faithful to what He has called us to in light of the perfect work of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Over 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, we get to see the Apostle Paul's heart for the work of the Word to burst forth. He is confident that the church will obey the Word because of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. May we have this same confidence as we strive for the health of the church to the glory of Christ today!

What should motivate believers to pray? How does the redemptive work of Christ apply to our prayer life as Christians? What are applications from Scripture's teaching on prayer to the life of the church? In this sermon, Pastor Allen Nelson of Providence Baptist Church outlines a biblical understanding of prayer from the teaching of Christ in Matthew 7.

What is the commission of Christ to His church? How does the Great Commission impact the relationship between like-minded local churches? What are practical applications that flow from the Great Commission in the life of the church body? In this sermon, Pastor Blake Boylston of Chaffee Crossing Baptist Church walks through Matthew 28:16-20, showing us the call that we have as the church to honor the Lord Jesus Christ!