Slum Dog Apostles - 1 Corinthians 4

This week we have seen the mother of all processions! Everyone perfectly dressed and in step, pomp & circumstance like no other, crowds lining streets with respect and cheers. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians about another procession. It too had king & soldiers finely dressed, marching in step as well as crowds along the streets. But a key difference is that at the back were an additional group of people, dressed in rags and dragged by chains. The crowds jeer at them as they pass. This was the scene of the victory return of a conquering king, with the conquered captives dragged behind.

Build Your Core: Christ Crucified - 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:5

Last week we started the series hearing how faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is primary, and all else is secondary. That means there may be other things where we disagree - in fact working through 1 Corinthians in this series will likely touch on subjects where we hold different views - but in these we can hold quiet accord because we are together in our faith in Jesus.

No Badge but Jesus - 1 Corinthians 1

Paul starts this letter like his others: celebrating who the recipients are in Jesus, and what Jesus has done for them. In v4 he writes of the grace given in Jesus, v5 the enriching in Jesus, v8 how Jesus will keep them to the end, and v9 how God has called them into fellowship with His Son - Jesus. Paul is only able to write to them as believers because of what God has done through Jesus. Paul's original job in Corinth was to bear witness to Jesus, the rest was God's work through Jesus to those in Corinth - who now believe and are a collection of people to write to. In short it is all about Jesus, and God's work through Jesus.

[UP] How does the life, death & resurrection of Jesus set the tone for everything you do?

 Challenge: Reflect on who you are in Christ