Today’s Toronto and the Corinth of Paul’s time have much in common. Both are bustling business hubs, saturated markets of ideas, and filled with sensational entertainment. Paul’s writing to the church in Corinth has as much relevance to us today as it did back then.
Paul opens his letter and quickly gets to the point, addressing the division that is happening in the Corinthian church. Paul exhorts them to prioritize harmony, to be humble, and to remember their calling (1 Corinthians 1).
What is a church? What is its purpose?
The church is supposed to be a place where people can experience the presence of God, a place of love and righteousness. But such a place is only possible when the church is following Christ.
Paul emphasizes the cross of Christ. Jesus himself instructed that if anyone wants to come after him, they must deny their self, take up their cross and follow him (Luke 9:23-24). Only when we give up our desires and way of doing things, can we experience God’s power in our life.
Summary by Horace