Book: 1 Corinthians

Jesus did not come to be the ultimate sacrifice that would appease God, but to show us, once and for all, that God does not want sacrifices at all, but lives of love, mercy and compassion.

It is as members of the body that you are given the gifts that are needed for this body to serve in this time and this place.

Jesus calls us to model a pattern of love and generous inclusion, and to avoid the demonic temptations of exclusion and pride.

Jesus leads us into a joyous and healthy way of living that avoids both constricting legalism and destructive libertarianism.

Jesus calls us to model ourselves on him to embrace a new pattern of full humanity rather than just constrain the worst excesses of an old failed humanity.

The “fishing for people” to which we are called is not about being pushy and manipulative marketers, but being open and generous in our sharing of the light that has brought us life and healing.

Although the Church and our nation might be stronger if they were more inclusive, the real call to inclusion is simply part of the call to faithfully reflect Christ.

Becoming Christlike takes discipline and commitment and practice, but the goal of fullness of life in Christ is worth whatever it takes.

In Christ we are set free from all that would oppress us in order that we might be free to live in gracious and life-giving service of God and others.

A sermon on 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 by Michael Hardin… read more

As difficult as it is to imagine, God is shockingly present with us in Jesus.

The Spirit is there for us where ever we gather in the one place for that one purpose.