1 Corinthians
1 Cor. 1:1‑9
Back to the Basics Introduction: The world’s greatest evangelist of all time was on his second of three great missionary journeys, planting churches around Greece and Turkey, when he first visited the city of Corinth. He had just come from Athens, about 50 miles to the northeast, where he experienced a rather disappointing reception to the Gospel message. The philosophers who debated him on Mars Hill, just below the Acropolis, ridiculed his witness to the resurrection of the dead, though a few believed…
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Contentious Christians Introduction: The old proverb says, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The meaning of that proverb is, of course, that when people find themselves without proper supervision, they often conduct themselves without proper decorum. This is exactly what was happening in the church at Corinth. Paul had founded the Church there while on his second missionary journey, and he had stayed approximately 18 months. But other cities needed churches too, so he left the core of believers at Corinth in the…
1 Cor. 1:18-2:5
The Power Behind the Powerless Note: On September 17, 2000, Dr. Jerram Barrs from Covenant Theological Seminary preached at First Free St. Louis on “The Wisdom of God,” from 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. This was a powerful message, but we do not have available a written copy of it. Pastor Andrus reviews some of that passage in this message. Introduction: When was the last time you were absolutely convinced something was true or right; in fact, you would have bet your life on it? But…
1 Cor. 2:6-13
What Do You Know for Sure? Introduction: Can we know anything for sure? Most religious people would respond, “Sure, we can know God exists.” In fact, a recent poll showed that 74% of Americans strongly agreed that “there is only one true God, who is holy and perfect and who created the world and rules it today.” That’s pretty encouraging, isn’t it? Seventy-four percent! Well, not very encouraging, because the same poll showed that fully 64% strongly agree or agree somewhat with the assertion that “there is no…
1 Cor. 3:5-15
Building the Church Introduction: Did you know that the manner in which you serve in God’s church will determine how you spend eternity? Now some of you are probably saying to yourselves, “Did I hear him right? Is this Pastor Andrus, who has always preached salvation by grace, not works, now telling us that our service in the church will determine how we spend eternity?” Yes, that’s what I’m telling you. But please note, I didn’t say where you spend eternity, but rather how you spend it. The…
1 Cor. 3:16-23
Destroying the Church Introduction: I have always been fascinated by ancient ruins. Especially intriguing are the temples that archeologists have unearthed and preserved for posterity. There is the great Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Aphrodite in Corinth, Petra in Jordan, Karnak and Luxor in Egypt. These great temples conjure up visions of ancient cultures, of gods created in the image of man, and of man’s futile search for meaning in a pagan world. They stand as stark reminders of the truth of Paul’s assertion in 1 Cor. 3:11: “For no man can lay any foundation other…
1 Cor. 4:1-7
Pastoral Evaluation Introduction: When I was in college a generation or two ago, students had the privilege of filling out teacher evaluations at the end of each semester. I really enjoyed that. When I taught in college a few years later I didn’t enjoy it as much. The fact is, it is human nature to want to offer criticism and it is also human nature to resist it when it comes our way. In 1 Cor. 4 the apostle Paul gives us some advice…
1 Cor. 4:8‑13
Has God Promised Health and Wealth to the King’s Kids? Introduction: One of my favorite theologians is Dave Barry, syndicated comic in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Back in 1984 he wrote a column entitled, “Rev. Al: A Blessing in Disguise.” It’s a bit lengthy, but I think you will understand why I include it this morning. “When I tell you about Rev. Al, you’re going to think I’m making him up, but I’m not. There really is a Rev. Al. He runs the…
1 Corinthians 4:14-21
Grow up, already! Note: Jeff Schultz, who preached this sermon, was Associate Pastor at First Free in St. Louis. Introduction: Pride is at the root of the problems in the church at Corinth, as is it is here and in every church. Pride leads to conceit, arrogance, selfishness, divisions, fighting, complacency, and spiritual impotence. Paul’s response to the Corinthians’ pride and complacency is a call to follow the basic principles of spiritual maturity, which he himself teaches and lives out. The “cure”…
1 Cor. 4:14-21
Marks of a Good Discipler Note: This sermon was preached at First Free in Wichita in 1985. Introduction: Last words are important words. I don’t care if it’s the last words a coach says to his team before they take the field in the championship game, or the last words a President says before he leaves office, or the last words a loved one whispers before he dies. No words are considered more important than last words. Is it any surprise, then, that the…
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
How to Handle a Scandal Introduction: I doubt if there has ever been a time since the Middle Ages when scandal has been more public, more common, or more devastating to the Church of Jesus Christ than during the past several decades. High profile individuals, like Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Tilton, David Hocking, Gordon MacDonald, Henry Lyons, Mike Trout, and many others have succumbed, and those are all professing evangelicals. If you add in the scores of Catholic priests, Mormon leaders, and…
1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Restoring Fallen Brothers and Sisters Introduction: Last week I preached a hard-hitting message on sin in the church and the need for the church to discipline its members. I am going to speak with equal vigor today about the need for forgiveness and restoration for those who have fallen once they have repented. I want to begin today with a question: What would you say is the most representative symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ? Would you suggest a cross? If so, you’re no doubt in the majority. But what about a fish,…