The Town Church / Fort Collins

Pride is a deeply rooted issue in the Corinthian church—one that distorts their understanding of who they are as Christians. In this passage, Paul reminds them (and us) of true identity in Christ.

In the church, we are constantly reminded that our identity is found in Christ alone. What does it look like to live this out practically? 

Other questions we explore: 

• How have we (or people we know) lived in ways that the world may view as foolish? 
• What difference does it make to us that our commendation comes from God? 

Additionally, we learn how to properly pronounce "legume."

Our hearts are quick to look for belonging and significance in things of the world. Paul reminds us in this passage that we receive our commendation from God alone because we belong to Christ. 

This Easter, we celebrated Jesus' victory over death by looking at the story of Thomas. 

Thomas, like so many of us, needed to see proof of God's work to believe. When we sit in our own doubt, where can we look to see proof that God is faithful and will meet us in our doubt? 

This week, we take some time to unpack the big themes that Paul focuses on in 1 Corinthians 3. 

What does the milk vs. solid food analogy really mean? How can we view the idea of the rewards we receive as Christians? 

While we don't come to full understanding of these topics, the images Paul provides give us a glimpse of how God is at work. 

Paul uses a variety of pictures to help communicate truth to his readers. 

All of these pictures point back to the profound truth of the gospel and the unity we are meant to have as those who belong to Christ. 

True wisdom is granted to Christians solely through the power of the Holy Spirit. We do not come to understand the gospel on our own—it is only by the grace of God that He reveals Himself to us.

How should we respond to this profound truth? 

This week, we discuss the foolishness of the cross, how we desire to experience God, and potatoes. 

How does being saved by the foolishness of the cross make a difference in our lives? Do we seek out intellect or emotional/miraculous experiences? How can we we seek those things in light of the cross? 

In the final section of 1 Corinthians 1, Paul makes a bold proclamation: To those who belong to God, the word of the cross is power. 

In a world that views this truth as foolishness, how can we cling to the cross? 

Division in the church can be caused by a number of factors, most of those forming us in some significant way. Today, we explore what some of those may be and how to use discernment when it comes to the things that do influence us. 

What examples come to mind that cause division in the church? How can we use discernment when we evaluate the teachers we read, listen to, or follow? Who are you influenced by? 

Division is born from a variety of circumstances, disrupting the unity we are meant to have as a church.

What causes division in the church? What can we cling to that truly unites us as a Body? 

We are joined by two special guests this week as we unpack a painful yet important topic: pride. 

Where do we see pride express itself in our lives? What false view of God does pride tend to create? Of the five graces mentioned in the sermon, which is the most challenging for you to accept? The most encouraging?

The underlying issue being addressed in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church is pride. While it may not always manifest in the same ways, pride is just as present in our own hearts as it was in theirs. 

The question to keep in mind as we explore this passage is this: What true view of God will correct our prideful view of ourselves? 

The conversation this week revolves around how to remain unified as a church, largely focusing in on a a few key questions: What are reasons to leave a church? How can we maintain unity in the midst of disagreement? 

These questions just scratch the surface of what we will be diving into through our time in 1 Corinthians. 

By of the grace of God, we are called together as saints. This truth helps launch us into a new series through the book of 1 Corinthians. 

This week, we get to wrap up the book of Ruth by hearing from our listener! 

What did God stir up in our hearts through our time in Ruth? 

Ruth ends with a beautiful picture of redemption. This redemption not only extends to those in the book, but it also extends to us through the work of the True Redeemer.