the middle kingdom

Today we are in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Few topics are as controversial as Spiritual Gifts. The moment we receive Christ as King we are endowed with gifts that are meant to enable us to edify the church. What are those gifts and how should they function in a church? Resources: Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter, Thomas Schreiner Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12–14, DA Carson DA Carson Audio on 1 Corinthians 12-14, DA Carson “Modern Spiritual Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts: Affirming Extraordinary Works of the Spirit.”, Vern Poythress Supernatural Power for Everyday People, Jared Wilson

Today we turn our attention to 1 Corinthians 8-11 and the important topic of Christian Liberty.  How does the law relate to the Christian today? What are things we should avoid? How can we as Christians abuse our freedom?  In what ways are we to give up our freedoms for the sake of the gospel and our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Resources:

Concerning Christian Liberty, Martin Luther

Pastor, Defend Christian Liberty, Caleb Greggsen

Today we look at 1 Corinthians 7 as we discuss the topics, Marriage and Singleness.  What is a Biblical understanding of marriage and divorce?  How should we think of singleness?  How can both the married and the single honor Christ in life God has assigned them?

Resources:

The Meaning of Marriage, Tim Keller

This week we host a live recording of The Embassy as they discuss their recent series through the Gospel of John. Join us in the conversation as we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of going through a book of the Bible expositorily . 

The Embassy is the Young Adults Ministry at BICF City Church.  You can join them every Thursday at 7:15pm at the 21st Century Hotel (2nd Floor) in Room 800 and 900 for a night of praise and worship, an applicable message, prayer and fellowship.

Additionally they have started a daytime service on Tuesdays 10:00 am at the 21st Century Hotel (2nd Floor) in Room 200.

For more information about The Embassy click here. 

We begin our series on 1 Corinthians.  Today we look at the first four chapters.  How should congregants view leaders in the church? How should leaders view their role? How does a misunderstanding of church leadership lead to dysfunction in the church?

Additional Resources:

Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero with Warren Bird Next: Pastoral Succession That Works, William Vanderbloemen and Warren Bird The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians, D. A.  Carson Spurgeon on Leadership, Larry Michael You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader, Mark Sanborn The Marks of a Spiritual Leader, John Piper

Today we chat with Dr. Zeb Balentine about his book, "The Singing Teacher."  In this episode we discuss the power of song and how congregational worship not only helps shape our understanding of who God is but also prepares us for death.  If you like what you hear be sure to pick up Dr. Balentine's book, "The Singing Teacher: How the Worship Leader Shapes the Theology of the Church."  Also be sure to hear more from Dr. Balentine at his website. 

Today we finish our discussion on Faith and Work as we discuss how to be intentional with our faith.  The phrase, "Preach the gospel, if necessary use word,"  has been falsely attributed to St. Francis.  Here's the problem, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."  In our respective workplaces our gospel action must be accompanied with gospel words for true conversion to take place.  Join us in the conversation today as we discuss how the gospel can be and should be shared with our coworkers, bosses, and clients.  Pray with us that God would send out laborers into the harvest field work places around the world. 

Today we continue our discussion on Faith and Work as we discuss how to balance work and leisure.  In an age when technology not only makes it possible to bring work home, but also brings an expectation to be "on call" every hour of the day how do we learn how to say no to work and yes to rest?  Wendell Berry once said, “Sabbath observance invites us to stop. It invites us to rest. It asks us to notice that while we rest, the world continues without our help. It invites us to delight in the world’s beauty and abundance.” Join us in the conversation as we corporately learn how to humble our opinions of ourselves and our work that we might, in faith, Sabbath well.

Today we continue our discussion on Faith and Work as we discuss how to work with integrity. So many individuals and companies fall to the lure of compromising their integrity.  As Christians we are called to work wholeheartedly, knowing that Christ Himself sees through our actions and into the motivations that brought about those actions.  The way of integrity begins when we seek to please Him above all other earthly masters.  Join us in the conversation and find out more on our website.

Today we continue our discussion on Faith and Work as we discuss the difficult topic of failure.  Everyone fails, but as Christians there is hope in our failure for Christ's grace toward us is greater than our greatest failure.  If you are going through a season of failure we pray this episode brings healing for today and hope for tomorrow.  Join us in the conversation and find out more on our website.